Surprise for my boyfriend

Does the boyfriend have a passport? I ask because you say he has never been out of the USA.

Yes, passport is on the way.

Boyfriend mentioned England and museums: London is an obvious area of interest for you to ponder further.

Outdoors? Hiking? Sea? Museums? Big city? July?
That must be Scotland. Start in Glasgow, rent a car, travel along the west coast, maybe one or two islands, cross the Highlands, have one or two days in Edinburgh before you fly back home.

Do you want a spectacular experience, a few high-end unique overnights or experiences, or are you looking for more of a budget-based trip? Or a combination of the two (which is our method)? Knowing that would drive the type answers you might receive.

Iceland, Sweden, Norway or Finland - mostly for the good summer weather, very long days, and great scenery and outdoor opportunities.

Also, if you haven't been to the Balkans, why not the Balkans? Sounds like a win-win for both of you to discover something new. There is nice hiking there too (e.g. mountains in Bulgaria, Romania, Montenegro, etc)

Best art museums are in Rome and Florence, but National Gallery in London is also good, as well as British Museum.

Kerry, where do you live in Denver?

Come to our meeting on Saturday. My emphasis is on Germany and surrounding countries (Czechia, Austria, Switzerland), but there will be others there that might be able to help you.

British Isles so he won't have to deal with a foreign language as well as other differences. Scotland or Ireland would be good, but London is unique and tops for art and history. But build in a smaller place too for contrast. Maybe the south coast, or south Wales? Salisbury, New Forest, Dorset? Cornwall is too far, I think, for this short a trip, takes most of a day to get there and another back. With your timeframe I'd say London plus one other small city or region for, say, two nights. Trains can get you most places but real countryside means driving on the left -- maybe you're up to it, but maybe he's not.

Lucky you, to have made so many trips so early in life (it's relative, you know). Lucky him, to have such an experienced and thoughtful guide.

England would provide a great balance of the attributes that you want. Also, 7-10 days is not a lot and England is easy to get to. London and the southeast or south central would be great, even the Jurassic Coast. Canterbury, Rye in the southeast are good with stop at Dover for its castle and the cliffs (and ocean). I think Rick recommends Beachy Head for white cliffs as well. Having never traveled internationally, England is also a gentle introduction. That said, I would not rule out Italy based upon diet, not every meal in Italy is high carb, very easy to order a cheese and prosciutto plate.

" I would not rule out Italy based upon diet, not every meal in Italy is high carb, very easy to order a cheese and prosciutto plate."

I was going to say the same thing. In Italy they have first courses (often pasta) and second courses (usually meat or fish). There's nothing to stop someone from NOT ordering a first course, and having vegetables or an antipasto instead, with their second course.

Following the idea of Scotland mentioned above, awareness of veganism, special diets, etc. in the UK is very high, which will make things easier for both of you.

Diet aside, is there a particular reason he has not traveled to date? Is it lack of money or time, or something else (such as fear of not speaking foreign languages, fear of flying, lack of interest, etc)? The answer to this would help me determine what would make a good first European trip.

Certainly don't rule out Italy on a keto diet. Pasta is typically served as a course early on, secondary dishes concentrate on meat, fish and vegetables, it's very easy to eat out in italy without going anywhere near heavy carbs. That being said, veganism would be a bit more difficult.

I also recommend England for a first timer not least because of the familiar language. The food scene would be more amenable, vegetarians and vegans are well catered for in the UK and unlike countries such as France and Italy the food is much more varied.

Southern England would be a good choice for mixing up the culture of London with the countryside and coast. There is some great hiking with fantastic sea views along the South Downs Way www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way. I wouldn't suggest you do the entire length but there are a number of walks to do, one with particularly impressive sea views is the one to Birling Gap which will provide you with a view of the Seven Sisters (a much better alternative than the clliffs of Dover) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/birling-gap-and-the-seven-sisters/trails/between-the-south-downs-and-the-sea-walk.

Easy access by train and public transport from London (I would consider picking out some walks and using public transport to finish at Winchester, a very worthwhile city to visit, and with an easy direct train to central London).

Sorry, I'm just not a fan of surprise trips. Unless knowing and helping to plan the trip would make him somehow quite anxious, I hope you'll include him in some of the planning.

Thanks all for the many helpful suggestions. For clarification, he asked me to just surprise him with the location because he's not fussy and just wants to see someplace European. He's not a planner and will be content to just hang out and see what transpires each day. We are easygoing people and more interested in meeting other people than with full itineraries, but of course would like cultural and natural activity options as I noted above. All that said, I think Scotland sounds great. I think it's a great point about language and that an English speaking place might ease any anxiety about traveling. I will look into that and I like the idea of either a little bit of time in Iceland or London ahead of time. I was in London and Ireland this summer so I also thought Dublin might be nice but the Brexit stuff makes me think it might be best to just stay in the UK. We have a budget of about $5000 not including plane tickets. Thanks again everyone for the thoughtful responses!

I think speaking English is a good start, you can work toward more exotic areas later.

I'd suggest Ireland because the locals are amazingly friendly, there are plenty of outdoor walks and views along the coast, and the food is surprisingly good.

The best part of Ireland is smaller towns, so I'd limit to no more than three nights in Dublin.

Brad, as are the Scots!

Kerry: Being of Irish descent, I didn't really think I would ever say that but having recently returned from nearly two weeks in Scotland....well, I couldn't tout it's treasures loudly enough! And the country and people offer everything that will fulfill your wishes!

" more interested in meeting other people. . . "

Scotland would be perfect. We found the Scots to be the friendliest Europeans we have encountered in our wide travels. ( Right up there with Kiwis and Aussies). Not just B and B hosts and shopkeepers who have a financial interest, but total strangers we encountered on hiking trails, or at the next table in a restaurant. ( We had several lively conversations, in each case initiated by the Scots).

The landscape is spectacular, and the food is very high quality, with an emphasis on fresh and local. Vegan diets are easy throughout the U.K.; often menus will indicate suitable choices with a symbol ( same for gluten-free).

With ten days, you could fly into London ( direct flights from Denver on British Airways and maybe others). Spend 3 nights, with two full days to explore the museums and historical sights, as well as just enjoying the fine city walks ( we love the pedestrian path along the Thames). Then take the train up to Edinburgh ( buy the tickets 11-12 weeks ahead of travel to get the excellent Advance fares). You will have a week to spend in Scotland, starting with Edinburgh.

One suggestion for your countryside/nature/hiking time would be a 3-night stay at this country house at Glen Coe:

https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/holidays-and-tours/guided-walking-glen-coe/

They offer all-inclusive stays with guided walking (great for meeting people), room with ensuite bath, and high-quality meals. I know they have vegetarian options and should be able to cater for vegan as well, but you might want to confirm that). We have done a couple of short holidays with this group at other locations, and have more planned. (It is a cooperative but non-members are welcome).