Pivot to a different country for a trip planned for late February?

Some combination including some of Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, Budva, Sarajevo, you know, all of the good places with museums and I know of cooking here and I am certain there are classes in all the rest. I also saw an advertisment the other day for a good old fashion pig slaughter here in town. I think they kill it for you but you participate in the butchering and sausage making. What could be more fun! Yea, not form me, but if you are interested I will look up the date, I think its in February. In Budva I know a place, a home, where you are invited in and this absolutely wonderful woman takes you into her kitchen and teaches, you cook and then you and her family eat. A wonderful day (no, I didnt cook, i watched and ate). I am going back this year. Budva is probalby the only stop without many museums (any??).

Where are you flying into/out of? You can check Sky Scanner for an onward direct flight. It would also help to know where you've already been. I know you're a frequent poster, but I don't know your history.

If you haven’t already been, I’d suggest Istanbul or Amsterdam — plus the areas surrounding both. Easy to fill three weeks.

G3rryCee, I’m taking three flights to reach Malaga RT, so I would rebook a RT to a different location.

I’ve covered most of Italy that’s reachable by train, staying in 49 cities. Yet, I’m going back for more time there this year. France, Spain, Austria are also favorites. I’ve stayed in most western Europe countries except Ireland, Norway, Finland & Greece.

Mr. E, this small town Iowa raised girl has been to her share of pig roasts - LOL! Surprisingly, I’ll pass on that opportunity, but it’s definitely a local “backdoor experience” for others to consider.

I’m looking forward to Prague & Budapest in May.

Jean, have you explored the south of France along the Mediterranean? Start in Menton and head west towards Perpignan. Lots of possibilities in between.

We have plenty of rain falling here along the coast in France, too. It’s been going on for about six weeks. Even a few parts of Morocco have some flooding. Climate deregulation.

I would hold to the original plan and work around the weather even if those Seville oranges are gorged with water weighing down the trees.

Or, your other options are to go somewhere colder, further east, or, I wholeheartedly recommend Egypt for part of the trip such as two weeks and then fly back to Spain for a week.

I agree with Elizabeth.
While we’ve had plenty of rain here in Málaga, the city itself is fine, though the dry river bed is no longer dry! The week ahead looks to be beautiful and long range forecast is promising. I checked on my Alsa app and there are buses scheduled today for Nerja, Granada and Seville (I only checked those three). So that is positive. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Jean, eating is great, the killing part ..... well ..... I once signed up for a animal husbandry class because of a girl (young and silly) the first day of class they hung the pig by its back legs and cut its throat. Half the class transferred out that afternoon. The obvious intent of the event. Despite growing up on a ranch and killing dinner from time to time, that was a bit much and a bit extreme.

Jeanm, excellent idea! I stayed in Nice in 2019 for five nights and enjoyed that area so much with plans to return some day. Menton is extra special; I found it during research over that winter of planning and couldn’t wait to walk the steep, colorful lanes. “Travels through the French Riviera, an Artists Guide to the Storied Coastline from Menton to Saint-Tropez” is a book I found before that trip that built up even more anticipation. The cover itself is beautiful, and it’s currently displayed on my living room bookcase.

Elizabeth, I was wondering how you & your area were doing as I read the news. Good to hear from you!

Susan, I appreciate your response, being there. My itinerary is an arrival night at Malaga (3 flights to reach Malaga), Cordoba, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Sevilla and finish in Malaga.

The South of France was my first thought, as well.

Answering Jean but also an FYI for everyone suggesting the Côte d'Azur: we've been having about one sunny day a week instead of our usual 6-7 here along the Mediterranean since before Christmas. Even severely drought stricken areas near Perpignan are no longer in drought conditions. We never know if weekly hikes and petanque will take place until the morning of.

The rain is coming in from the Atlantic and is affecting most of the south of France. The Atlantic coast of Spain or France wouldn't different, either. In fact, the rain often comes from the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream, so the western side of France and Spain are the first hit.

Jean, thanks for mentioning the French Riviera book. I've just ordered it from my library.

A book I used and enjoyed was "Artists and Their Museums on the Riviera" by Barbara F. Freed with Alan Halpern.