Itinerary Help 12 nights, Paris and ?

You say "more of Belgium" -- what did you see/do on your previous Belgium trip, you mentioned Brugge, anyplace else in Belgium on that trip?

We spent half a day in Brussels and a few nights in Brugge. Hubby is a huge Belgian beer fan plus we’d love to see Ghent but not sure what else would warrant another visit. There’s just so much to see!

We recently day-tripped on the train from Brugge to Ghent, 30 minutes or so down the track--well worth it, the Ghent Altarpiece is there plus more of your husband's favorite beer. We found more than enough there to make the day trip well worth the effort and time, you could sleep there for a couple of nights, since you've already slept in Brugge.

If you have an interest in 20th century European history, the Flanders Fields battefields are an interesting day trip by tour, we used perhaps the best known day tour company from Brugge to the battlefields, which is Quasimodo.

I agree with you about taking a flight (EasyJet.com) over to Budapest for a few days and take a train up to Vienna. You could also stop in Bratislava and take a bus the last 39 miles into Vienna. Then fly Vueling, Transavia France or Level airlines back to Paris.

The truth is that once you land in Paris, you can go anywhere in Europe, it is not that far. When you close your eyes, where do YOU want to be?

I am going to Strasbourg this summer, so obviously I think it is a good choice. Around it are the small villages of Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr etc..

Switzerland is a huge favorite of mine, especially the Bernese Oberland area (Wengen and Mürren); there are no mountains more spectacular in this world with absolutely charming little villages. If you go to Switzerland no need for Chamonix.

Vienna is the city of musicians. If you are into Old World and classical music like I am, then Vienna is your city.

Have you been to Italy yet ? It is a favorite destination for a reason and my favorite country in Europe. You can fly into any Italian city easily. There is also the overnight Paris-Venice train.

Arya,

That's the problem.. I can picture myself EVERYWHERE!

We have been to Italy several times as it's our favorite place :) We have only been to Paris once and it was 7 years ago. My family is from the Alsace region, so spending some time in that region appeals. Hubby's family is from Stuttgart, so that also appeals (as do all the little towns in that part of Germany). Switzerland and the mountains appeal.. and I'd love to do some light hiking (nothing crazy, but just wander some pretty trails). It's just so hard to narrow it down, especially with the limited time we have (for us 12 nights feels like a short trip, but we both still work so we're limited by our vacation time). I think I'm leaning more towards France/Germany or France/Switzerland.. but unsure which way hubby is leaning.

Thanks for all the help so far!

For all those destinations in France, the train would be better. (Rent a car locally as needed.)