My husband and I will be taking a trip at the end of this September. We are not agreeing on the destination to pick, although hopefully one day we will have been to both. I want to go to the Rhine region, and see Brussels and Bruges he wants to go to Rome and Cinque Terre. We have 9 full days and nights; we will arrive and depart in Rome for Italy, and in Frankfurt for Germany. We have been to Tuscany, Venice, Pisa and Florence, and to Munich and Bavaria, we love nature, walks, food, wine, some museums, and medium pace vacation. I would love to hear any pros or cons for either destination, or any advice, or suggestions. Thanks!
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Can't speak to the Rhine/Bruges notion from experience, but the Italian idea, of combining big-city Rome with Cinque Terre is an interesting one, I think. The native born residents of any of the Cinque Terre towns that we've met would just assume eat a McDonald's cheeseburger for dinner every night for a year than visit Rome OR Milan! Arriving and departing from Rome--and staying in Cinque Terre for part of the trip--involves some considerable backtracking. If it was me, I'd fly into Rome, spend 5 nights there (maybe day trip to Orvieto or even via high-speed train to Naples), and then head north to Cinque Terre for 3 or 4 nights, really slowing down. Then I'd fly from nearby Genoa home--probably a cheap regional-type flight to the airport in Rome you can use from Genoa, rather than backtrack via train. I think the Italian trip sounds grand...but then I've never seen the Rhine or Bruges. (:
Posted by
Seattle, WA
689 posts
Gosh--those destinations are so different. And you've been to the countries they are in (except for the Belgian cities) so you already have a good idea of what they are like. I think weather wise, it's a great time for both. How about making the decision based on where you can get the best deal on a flight? Otherwise I'm not sure how anyone can break the impasse for you. Maybe one person gives and you go to the other destination next year.
My own two cents is that I was not impressed with the Rhine region at all. I just didn't think it was that scenic. I remember in Rick's book he says the Mosel is what a lot of people want the Rhine to be, but we didn't go there. Bruges however I love (I also love the CT).
Is you husband interested in Paris or Amsterdam at all? It's very easy to get to/from those cities and the Belgian cities. If he is maybe you could have a compromise trip ie Paris or Amersterdam-Bruges-Brussels?
Posted by
Lynden, WA, USA
57 posts
Hi Martine,
I was lucky enough to visit all three places you mention on my last trip. All three were spectacular, but the CT was my favorite. Just personal preference I guess.
If you haven't done Rome, do it it first for a few days or till you get wiped out; it's a tough town. Then head off to the CT for at least three nights or more. It's less than a half day drive from Rome, not sure how long on the train.
There's not much to see in the CT, in terms of museums and such. It's just such a peaceful and pleasant place to be, to hang out and relax. There are great hiking trails linking the five villages, so get some excercise and then nap and then eat and then relax in the evening strolling through town or sitting in the town square and watch the place wind down.
I stayed in Manarola and in Vernazza, both were awesome. They'll be harvesting the grapes in September I think.
Cheers,
Maggie
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7570 posts
I guess I have been lucky enough to have been to each of those destinations, and will return to the Mosel/Rhine area in September.
Seeing that you have done Italy pretty well, maybe opt for the Rhine/Belgium route. (Of course I love Rome) I think I would do a quick breeze down the Rhine, then hit the Mosel more slowly, in September there will be many Weinfests in the small towns along the Mosel. Then hit Koln, on to Brussels, then Bruge, maybe if you have time stop in Ghent.