Desperately needing to escape...

Hi Pamela,

Congratulations on your decision to escape TED and job pressures!

If I had 10 days I probably spend it in an apartment in Paris BUT that's not on your list! Rome would be my second choice. It has all of the things that you've listed--history, art, great photo opportunities, and an easy city for walking--plus the bonus of great food and wine. You can easily take some day trips from Rome as well--Orvieto, for one. November should be a pleasant time to visit--not too cold and less crowded.

Enjoy!

Hi Pamela, History and art, Italy or Spain. Rome is perhaps the essence of both history and art, it certainly doesn't get too much more historical than Rome.

It is the big city but that might be good for November weather, offering plenty to do indoors in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Lots of indoor stuff to do in Florence, too, the Uffizi and much much more...so you could make it Rome and Florence with time for a day trip from Florence to Siena and another day trip (a long one) from Rome to Pompeii. I'm trying to stay on the theme of art and history since you specified that.

And you mentioned Spain, art and Madrid and The Prado go together, of course.

November: the best site I've found for getting an idea of likely weather conditions at specific locations at specific time frames is

http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp

I mention weather because November can be an iffy month for doing a lot of walking in Italy, you mentioned walking. The weather site will give you some facts to use in making decisions.

If I were to escape I would find a little apartment to rent in Tuscany or Umbria. One with parking. Then I would rent a car and tour the area at my my own pace. I loved Umbria because the country side is fairly wild compared to Tuscany. I like seeing forests and farms. In November many of the small towns are getting ready for the Christmas season. I was in Siennia one Veterans day and they put up the city Christmas lights while we were there. I loved walking through the lit up streets at nights. OH Oh! and November is truffle season. Yummy. So I say get out of the city, rent a car and relax into your surroundings.

Ahhh heck, meet me in New Glarus for beer - it will have the same effect. ;)

Considering it is November - I vote the South of Spain. You can start in Barcelona for all the art/museum and history. Then head south for some nice weather, culture and scenery.

I would probably escape to Paris too...but if you want something quiet perhaps maybe think of the country somewhere in France, Tuscany or maybe the coast in spain...
Everyone needs to get away....

It's not Europe, but it's much cheaper, and I'm frequently hearing good things about Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I too would go to Paris, it's a great place for a single woman to hang out. But I also agree with Michelle above -- renting an apartment in Tuscany and just hanging out or driving (or training) around would be wonderful also. It depends if you want a lively city experience or a more laid back one.

Janis is absolutely right about Buenos Aires--it's a lot like Paris and a lot less expensive! I'd still vote for Paris or Rome on a solo trip though! Can hardly wait to hear what you've decided!

London...always London......the weather is mild in November yet the crowds are small. Lots of art, history, it's a great walking city, with easy day trips out of town, great theater and different types of food. For ten days, I'd rent an apartment and enjoy.

The weather would be better in Spain and offer a lot of what you are looking for as well. So would Italy.

It depends on how much running around and traveling you want to do. Do you want a home base or are you willing to stay in numerous hotels?

I'm happy to report that my business trip that was keeping me from going anywhere at the end of this month just cancelled. I've booked through London to go walking with English, German, and Dutch friends in Scotland. I'm so glad I can meet up with them as it's been two years since I was last there. This will be my tenth trip to Scotland, so I'll have to celebrate. The only thing I have left to decide is whether or not I'll spend my time in familiar haunts, or head to some newer pastures. I've never visited the extreme southwest of Scotland and may do that in my final weekend. Cheers to all. I hope everyone finds a bit of an escape from TED. ; ) Pam

I would go south in November. Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey. The weather is great there in November and too hot IMO to go in summer. Since you haven't been to Spain, I would go there.

Pam- Congrats on getting to go to Scotland! I agree that you should celebrate. I'd go to a GOOD pub and order either a Belvinnie (12 yr. double wood) or a Dahlwhinnie single malt. Then decide on the walking area. ENJOY!

Hi Pam, I am responding because I was in the same situation a few months ago and after much research decided on Sicily in September. The Rick Steves tour is from 9/20 to 9/28. Then I am flying to Rome on my own to meet up with some friends. Sicily is only 8 days and I am going solo as well. The last time I looked there are still spots available and there is a $300.00 discount for that tour! The weather will be in the 80's. Well that's my sales pitch. Hope you do decide on a destination and get there soon!

Samaria gorge in Crete and Naxos Island in the Mikri Viglia beach area. Oasis Studios is the local expert on getting away from it all in Naxos. My two cents worth. Did this and more this past June and look forward to going back. Not sure about November so double check as this is a late May - early June idea.

Well I have to say I agree about the Samaria Gorge. It's been many, many years since I was there, but what a great day I had. I'll always remember the bus ride from Rethymno to Chora Sfakion! Hair pin turns, sheer drops, and a man on the bus in traditional Cretan dress complete with bobbles. I was looking for Haley Mills and Peter McEnery to pop on at the next bus stop. (Moonspinners.) Pam