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Seeking Advice 2 Week Christmas Europe Trip

Posted by (Detroit) on

Hi!

We are looking for advice for a trip to Europe 12/17-12/31. We live in Michigan, and are looking for weather that is slightly more pleasant than home (not in need of Florida weather, mid 40s or higher during the day is fine, 50s even better).

Our last winter trip was to Portugal, Lisbon and the South. I have also considered Greece, and Turkey. For 2 weeks, we’d like to see multiple cities. An open jaw itinerary with logical flight or train between is ideal. Not opposed to rental car.

We have recently visited Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, Belfast, Berlin, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. Not opposed to returning, but wouldn’t want to spend the bulk of the trip in any of those cities.

Our main concerns are the weather, and that enough things are open (we understand most cities are shut down Christmas Day).

Some of our best trips have been thanks to advice from strangers on this forum, and I know some of you have great advice to share.

Thanks!
Jen

Posted by
11608 posts

More may open during Christmas in Turkey, a Muslim country, than in other parts of Europe. Each country seems to have a different amount of closures due to Christmas holidays.

Posted by
457 posts

I would say Munich and the surrounding areas, then Salzburg and Vienna (with their Christmas Markets for the first week of your trip) but these might be a little chillier that you want ... Prague and Budapest also come to mind but they are also colder than you want ... I think I would go with some combination of Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and maybe a few other smaller cities for a day if time allows ... I've been to all and there is so much to do you won't have an issue filling up your time ... warmer weather, good train service between cities, incredible food, the list goes on ... Midnight Mass at St Peters is on my bucket list ... quick peek at flights from Detroit (DTW) to Rome (FCO) and Milan (MXP), didn't see any great deals for that timeframe but with more digging and checking different cities, you might find a good airfare.

Posted by
8322 posts

Have you considered going to Israel, it is a wonderful country to visit, full of history?

In Europe, Rome, Florence and Venice would be a great choice.

Posted by
20468 posts

1/ Israel sounds like a great idea.
2/ Just for accuracy, Vienna, Prague, Salzburg, Budapest and Munich all have about the same temperatures of 40F for a high and 33F for a low; give or take 1 or 2 degrees F on the high and the low temperatures.
Someone recently tried to compare these to Seattle and you can't as they have a fraction of the rain that Seattle gets and at best are a tad cooler than seattle.
3/ The markets in Budapest at least will be open the entire time you are there and I suspect the same is true in the others as well, but check.
4/ It's Christmas, you cant go wrong in Central and Eastern Europe.
5/ And there are things to do Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing day; just takes a bit of research.
6/ You will enjoy what ever you decide.

Posted by
22 posts

Suki, That is a great suggestion. I am looking into reasonable flights.

DQ, thanks for the advice. I’ve wanted to save Prague and Budapest for a spring trip, but both could be beautiful that time of year too.

Geovagriffith, yes, we’ve considered it too.

Mister E, you are right on all points, especially 6. Travel is great and with the right mindset you can enjoy wherever you are.

Our most recent trip to Italy we spend the entire week in Rome and had a great time. Going back would be a very good option and allow us to see more of the country.

Thank everyone for weighing in. I always appreciate the kindness of strangers on the internet as I explore the next travel adventure.

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