Well, any of the above would make a wonderful trip, but it depends on you.

Is this your first trip to Europe? Sometimes it's nice to start out in an English-speaking country, although so many people speak English now that it's not essential. I went to the UK on my very first trip to Europe, and it's still one of my favorite trips.

Are you a city person? If so, no. 2 might work, although it's perhaps a TAD overwhelming. I think 3 major cities would be overdoing it.

You could perhaps combine the first two - for example, spend 4-5 days in London, then head south, perhaps to Canterbury for a few days and take the ferry over to Calais, then the train to Paris, with a few days trips thrown in, like to Versailles, etc.

And of course, Italy is wonderful, too - beautiful, with great food and a friendly population.

I would suggest getting some guidebooks of all the places you've mentioned and start leafing through them. Eventually, something is going to leave its mark on you, and you will know what trip will be right for you.

I was in Europe on a whirl wind tour of 13 countries in 28 days back in 2001. But I am married now and he has never been. I have been to all but the Amalfi Coast, but I so much love history that it is so hard to choose. Do you think 2 weeks is too much time to spend in GB?

What kind of places do you stay at? I have been looking at apartment rentals or something of the like. And how do you get around do you rent a car? Then lastly, may I ask wht you do for 3 weeks...hiking, touring, eating, drinking...all of the above?

I like your first and third choice best; I like to pick one area rather than jump from city to city. When are you planning to go. If you are going in the summer, I would definitely pick #1.

I agree with Steve - I spent 2 weeks in England (1 in London and 1 week driving around) and could EASILY have spent another 2. There are loads of things to do and see in the UK. London itself is filled with wonderful museums, historical sites and breathtaking cathedrals.

There is also shopping, having a English tea, and theatre (London is right behind NY when it comes to first-run shows).

And once you get into the countryside, the sky is the limit. You can go hiking, walking, sightseeing. England is filled with historic castles, National Trust parks and gardens and mansions, and more sights than you could see in a lifetime.

I rented a car when I went and didn't have any problems at all driving on the left-hand side. As far as accommodations, I mostly stayed at little B&B's, and used the "Book a Bed Ahead" system. It allows you to call ahead to the next town's tourist info center while you're on the road and book a room for the night. It's nice because you can stay flexible, yet still be guaranteed a place for the night.

I am planning for October of 2011 that way I can have all money put together without any worries. I bet it will be a bit rainy at that time? Or will it be nice fall colors as well?

Mistie,
2-3 weeks is an ideal amount of time to visit the UK (or the other areas you are interested in, I'm certain). We have been to the UK more than 40 times. Usually for about 2 weeks in the summer and 1 week in Nov/Dec. There is PLENTY to do!!! You also don't need a car- we always use the trains and local buses/subways. There are a few areas (like the Cotswolds and parts of the Highlands) where this isn't the best, but most of the UK is easy to see by public transport. I'd suggest something like this:
London- 1 week with 2 or 3 day trips to any of these: Dover, Canterburry, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cardiff Wales, Bath, Brighton

Train to York- 1 night

Train to Edinburgh- 1 or 2 nights

Train to Aviemore- 2 -4 nights with trips to distilleries at least one day, hiking on Mt. Caringorm and other outdoorsy activites

Train to Inverness- 4-6 nights with day trips to Isle of Skye and Eliean Donnan castle and some of the Glens, a Cruise up Loch Ness to see Urquart Castle, Possible day trip to Orkney,

Train to Sterling- 1 or 2 nights

Train to either Birminham or other "central" England location- 1 night

Train to London, fly home (or skip Sterling and central England and go to Galsgow and fly home from there)

If this doesn't appeal, the idea of seeing a bit of "the big three" would work, too.

Personally I would choose number 2 or 3.

2 because I love those cities, the museums, the history, the sites,,

3 for similar reasons, plus best chance for decent weather.

I think it very likely you will encounter wet and cooler weather in Scotland if not southern England at that time( more so in later October then earlier) ,, but who knows you may be lucky. The "countryside" type touring I would prefer when chances for fairer days were greater.
City visits in poor weather are not such a big deal though to me since I would just do museums and galleries on bad weather days and doing the walking around outside on the fairer days.

Thank you everyone for the ideas!!! And Thank you so much Toni for the itineary that is almost what I needed the most. It is quite and undertaking to plan such a trip without any real experience. I mean a weekend to Disneyland here and there doesnt really count in the way of experience.
Cheers

So where do most of you stay when you go to GB?

We like to treat ourselves a bit here and there, but try to be reasonable- here's where we stay
London- The Victoria Thistle (now called Grosovenor) in Victoria Station

York- The Royal York (at the train station)
Edinburgh- The Royal British (across the street from the station)
Aviemore- The Caringorm - looks like a miniture castle outside and a Scottish hunting lodge inside
Inverness- The Royal Highland- attached to the train station.

I stayed at Base2stay Kensington in London and loved it. Within easy walking distance to Earls Court or Gloustcester ( sp?) tube stations, the Victoria and Albert Museum ( my favorite) the Natural History Museum, and several grocers( Sainsburys and Tescos).
Each room has a tiny but perfect kitchenette ( micro wave, mini fridge, coffe maker and sink) and sparkling clean and new washrooms.

I did London, Paris and Rome last year for my first trip. We liked it because it was such a difference from each city, but 3 big cities was exhausting! By the time we made it to Rome, we were already experiencing burn out. Visiting foreign countries for two weeks is much different than visiting family for two weeks!

I think I am probably leaning towards GB, I think that we will just rent a car and drive it all over. I have a feeling that the countryside will be so fantastic.