Planning a 25th Anniversary trip to Europe, most likely once in a lifetime. Departing from San Diego mid October 2017, minimum 14 - 21 days. We were thinking of starting in Oslo Norway or Goteberg Sweden and ending up in Italy or Spain. What recommendations do you have? I know this is very open ended but we aren't even sure what to ask.
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
Letting us know what your interests are would be helpful. Do you like art, history, architecture, food, cities, countryside...
Why Scandinavia? is there a connection there
Off the top of my head if this is a first maybe once trip you might consider the top cities. There is a reason they are the top cities.
Rome, Paris, London
If you are looking at mid October now is definitely the time to be planning
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Hi Christi,
Thank you fro the response. Our interests for pretty general, my husband does go for more of the Historical spots and I enjoy the "experience" I take it all in, sights, sounds, people etc. Oslo & Gothenberg for family (distant relatives) so no need to stay a long period of time. My husband likes to "rack" up countries. If we are near a border, he will detour just so we can say we were in that country. Not heavy adventurers, in early 50's moderate health and over weight.
Does that help?
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
Are you planning on traveling by rail? I get the sense you are not the type to stay in one place too long? or would you prefer 4 or 5 nights?
First thing would be to read Rick's "Europe Through the Back Door" - lots of great info there.
If you can swing 21 days do it
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Personally I would avoid expensive Scandinavia in Oct/Nov as cold weather and shorter days close in. On the other hand it is the perfect time for Spain and Italy. Nice and simple with good logistics, and easy on the budget.
Arrive Rome (4 nights)
Train to Florence (3 nights)
Train to Venice (3 nights)
Fly (via MAD/BCN) to Sevilla (3 nights)
Train to Madrid (3 nights)
Train to Barcelona (4 nights)
Depart Barcelona
Posted by
7881 posts
Agree with the previous poster, avoid Scandanavia, especially in October. Go back in the Summer.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Generally, I'd only recommend Scandinavia in the high summer months (July/August). Italy is great in October, Spain should be good too. I prefer Spain (it's more affordable, cleaner and the people appreciate visitors). I enjoy Italy too, but I could see how some Americans would absolutely hate it.
I traveled once from San Diego to London on a British Airways that had just a short stop (fuel?) in Pheonix. I'm not sure if that flight is still available but it may be a good option to then connect to other parts of Europe.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11431 posts
Hey responders
note OP 2nd post-- family in Scandinavia , so while your advice is sound, you need to work it around a "family commitment" OP seems to have