My next trip.. seeking advice

I'd be torn between Salzburg Austria and Inverness Scotland. Both are beautiful and have marvelous country around them to explore. Salzburg might have a slight (very slight) advantage in the people watching category, but Inverness has an advantage in getting to know locals. Maybe its partially due to the language, but the Scots are so friendly and easy to get to know.

Tirana, Albania.

In the springtime, I would go to the Netherlands. Driving past field after field after field of tulips and hyacinths is a memory I will always have. The aroma filled the bus, even though no windows were open. Simply gorgeous! Amsterdam is cool and there are a lot of other cities nearby to visit too, along with being near Belgium with perhaps a trip to Brugge.

For a big, bold, world class city to visit, I would pick Berlin. It is simply a fantastic place, so much to see and do and its fun too.

I would go to Venice.

My 1st thought was Florence as with the time you have you could stay in the city proper or venture out to Siena, Pisa, Lucca as easy day trips by train.

Venice would also be an excellent choice

Another place I loved that you might consider is Prague and you could do a day trip to Cesky Krumlov

and though you didn't mention this, each place has wonderful shopping even for the most inexpensive souvenirs...

Today I am wearing

A bracelet from Murano, my barette from Paris and when I went out for errands today my hot pink scarf from Prague..each item under 10 euros!

Because you are flying from San Diego (i'm from California too) you will want to stay off the backroads or farther east than italy as transportation will eat into your limited time there..

Berlin for great museums, fun shopping, inexpensive food and a transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city!

Jaclyn,

Have you thought of Prague? My wife and I will be there in early March. We'll let you know what we think, but I've heard its amazing!

Well my vote would go to Florence since you haven't been there. Fits all your criteria. Venice would be next. Actually you could do three nights Florence, two nights Venice and train inbetween. There's enough art, food and people watching to sate anyone. April/May would be delightful. The art is well, sensory overload comes to mind. The food, it's sin on a plate.

I would strongly agree with Sharon and go to Berlin.Everything is very central including a great Hostel and the transportation is excellent with buses,metro and S bahn. Museum Insel with several great museums is free on Thursday evenings from 6 - 10pm so you can spend the day sightseeing and then finish with the museums in the evening.

Jaclyn,

Given the very short time frame of your trip, your choice will probably be influenced to some extent by your best choice (and cost) for flights. That will probably mean starting the trip in either London, Paris or Rome or other major airport.

Again due to the time frame, I'd suggest dropping Greece this time. Athens is good for about 2 days and travel to any of the islands is going to take time. Five days is just not enough time for that!

As some of the others suggested, Provence or Tuscany would be good choices. You'd have to allow travel time to reach Provence, unless you can find good flights into one of the airports in that area. Tuscany is very easy (and quick) to reach from Rome, and you could always fly home from Milan.

Another location you might consider for such a short visit would be Ireland, perhaps starting in Dublin and flying home from Shannon (depending on flights). Ireland has an interesting history and lots of character and of course "having a pint" is nice too. At the least, visiting Dublin & Dingle would be my choice.

In the U.K. you could have a look at either Bath or York, both wonderful places to visit, and of course Scotland or Wales. Lots of possibilities there!

If you decide on France, you might consider venturing into Normandy or Brittany (Bayeux, Honfleur, Giverny, Mt. St. Michel).

In Germany you might consider Bavaria and Munich. In addition to LOTS of things to see and do in Munich, you could day trip to Neuschwanstein and Fussen (an incredibly beautiful area!) and of course nice to "have a cool one" at the Hofbrauhaus!

In Austria you might have a look at Salzburg, Vienna or Hallstatt.

In Switzerland you could easily spend five days exploring the Berner Oberland.

There are endless possibilites for a short trip like that! You might want to check some of Rick's TV shows or Guidebooks to determine which area really appeals to you and your friend.

Good luck and happy travels

I agree with some of the above posters - Prague. It's an amazing city. There are all kind of museums, a beautiful castle complex, excellent transportation (both in the city and to and from the airport). I spent a week there in 2007 and had a great time. Prague is fairly well touristed, so it would be great for people watching. I would imagine the weather would be nice. There are a few nice day trips including some castles, Cesky Kumlov, Kutna Hora, and Terazin. Have fun!

I'd suggest Amsterdam and Bruges.

Amsterdam's airport is fairly major, and since the two cities are close together, you wouldn't be spending precious time with transport.

Those were my personal favorites when I went in 2006, and returned again to Amsterdam while studying in London.

The food is wonderful in a wide variety of cities/countries and the same goes for people watching. So it comes down to museums and art. Florence and the surrounding area meets all your stated criteria.
Happy travels.

I can never get enough of Paris and Florence (and... and...and!)but Florence has so much of what you're looking for.

Only 4-5 days in April/May; Holland/Belgium for me. Totally different experience than your previous trip and almost everyone speaks English. As another poster said; Holland and the flowers in the spring (check the open times for Keukenhoff Gardens though) are pretty amazing. Very small countries, can cover a lot of ground (if you want) and with a home base of Amsterdam/Haarlem you can see a lot of Holland and a bit of Belgium in that short time period. You could spend 4/5 days doing nothing but museums and art galleries in Amsterdam alone with ample time for good eats and watching some very beautiful/stylish people walk or bike by your cafe table.

Is there any way you can stay longer than 4 or 5 days?
You got some great advice here, and I've been to most of the places they suggest. I make my living in the performing arts, so I really love the arts when in Europe. I love Berlin! If you are into music, the Berlin Philharmonic is world class. I went to a free concert in November 2007! I love everything about Berlin. I stayed at a budget hotel, The Hotel Opera. The view from my room was lovely! Just loved it there.
I loved Salzburg too where Mozart was born, and even the Sound Of Music tour was fun!! Salzburg is pretty small and is easy to get around in. Such a charming place. Florance has a great deal of charm too, and if you like museums, Florance has hundreds! Prague is a great suggestion too. Breathtaking! I stayed at the Crystal palace, downtown for 54 Euros! But that was in November when everything is cheaper. But the weather was terrible in Prague in November. It should be beautiful in April. I have to admit, I haven't been to Paris yet, but hope to go next year.
April in Paris should be very beautiful! Gee, that's a name of a very bad Doris Day movie!"April in Paris." Lol! I know nothing about Greece myself.
Where ever you choose to go, you can't go wrong with either of the suggestions people here have told you!
You will have so much fun!!