Europe Itinerary Planning

If you are starting your trip in Dec. before Xmas I would consider starting in Paris as you could visit the Xmas market, which is really beautiful and fun. Not sure how you would work the rest of the logistics, but just a thought. I spent a New Years in the Cotswolds and drove up the eastern coast to Edinburg that trip and the weather was quite temperate. I also went to Normandy two years in a row in Late Nov. and one time the weather was beautiful and very warm, and the other time a little rainy and windy...but regardless, it was a great time to visit because there were so few tourists. I cannot imagine trying to immerse yourself in the history, when it is packed with tourists. I was so glad we chose this time of year to visit. It was such a moving experience. We stayed in Bayeux and had a car. Also went to St, Malo and did spend the night on MSM... I would highly recommend this. It was a very unique experience and there was almost no one there...a highlight of the trip. I love offseason travel as it really gives me a chance to enjoy a location and get a much better feeling of a place than when it is hot and packed with tourists. I also very much enjoy Venice off season. There is a book called Watermark that has some wonderful descriptions of Venice in the winter. Not sure about the Italian Lakes at that time... I did go there during early May and the weather was beautiful.

Edit... sounds like I dislike tourists (of which I am one) I don't.... just prefer a little peace and quiet:))

Would you be training through Switzerland just for the scenic ride, more than the destination? Geneva is not a favorite of Rick's, but if you need one night in Switzerland to break up the trip, consider Lausanne or Luzern. Varenna is pretty quiet (many restaurants closed, etc.) as early as October. I would consider flying from Paris to Venice, instead.

Hello Andy. In December and January, all of the places on your list have cold air and rain. I would not go to Ireland and Scotland in December or January. Southern Spain would be more pleasant, in December and January.