I planning 3-4 weeks in Europe this July/August, my first time off this continent. I can't make up my mind between these 3 options. I'd love to hear input from other people.
A) Italy for the entire trip.
B) Spain for about a week, Italy for the rest
C) The "Best of Europe" itinerary outlined in Europe Through the Back Door.
Thoughts?
I think that option B would be my choice. If this is your first trip to Europe, then the "Best of Europe" might be overwhelming. As for option A, I have spent an entire 3 week vacation in Italy and had a wonderful time, but spending a week in Spain and the rest in Italy will give you more of a feel that you have visited "Europe" rather than one country. One thing I must warn you of, well-meaning friends and relatives will ask "Why didn't you go to ______? I hear it's wonderful." I'm amazed when I'm told the "must see" sights of a country by someone who has never been to that country. So plan your itenary, see what you want to see, and don't get intimidated by others "must see" list!
Flossie, it would help to know what your interests are, your age group, and especially, what you hope and want to get out of this trip. As you know, July and August are really hot in Southern Europe and air conditioning is not as prevalent there as it is in the U.S. That's something you may want to factor in. Three weeks to a month is enough to get a good taste of your chosen destinations. Just picture yourself back at home afterwards and imagine the memories you'd like to have. That said, I have trouble deciding my next itinerary, too, there are just too many wonderful places to see. With four weeks, I would probably opt for The Best of Europe if I hadn't been there before.
Thank you both. I appreciate your input.
To answer the questions, I'm 32. I like a little bit of everything: architecture, walking backstreets, trying new foods, history, nature, meeting people, and seeing different ways of doing things. I've spent time in rural Mexico and enjoyed the hard work of trying to communicate in a language I'm still learning. I speak some Spanish and some German, and plan to study up on other languages depending on the countries I visit. I don't much care for shopping, resorts, partying, or overdoing the art museums. I can take heat, or at least on rainy, windy days in Portland, I dream of it.
Flossie, you're just like the Germans and British I know - they all want to head South and get warm and dry! Since you already speak some Spanish, why don't you go ahead with your plan "B". Pick an area in Spain that interests you and go for it. If it were me, I'd probably head for Madrid, Seville or Barcelona, after checking each of them out thoroughly. Then I'd start my sojourn in Italy either North or South and work my way in the opposite direction. Actually, I'd start way North, in the lakes and mountain areas with their charming small towns and cities. If it were during August, I might want to spend a few days in a farm stay situation with an apple orchard before going South. At any rate: You're young, you will return to Europe and visit the places you missed during your first trip. I hope you have a wonderful time!
Don't forget that you can fly into one airport and home from another. That way you won't back track.
We are going to Italy for 3 weeks and Germany (Bavaria) for 1 week in September. I have to say that 3 weeks in Italy is not enough time for us to do everything we want to do. We are focusing on Rome and going North since we will travel to Germany from there. If you go to Spain first you could fly to Italy or if you are going from Barcelona you could take the train and check out the South of France on your way to Italy. Then you would get a taste of 3 countries.
Just a thought...
Flossie, you're young enough and experienced enough to be able to handle the "Best of Europe" itinerary. You have enough time to visit a lot of places.
If it were me, I would go with A. I like to focus on one country or area at a time and minimize travel time from place to place (saves time and money). However, there are no bad choices here.
How about another option you didn't mention - two weeks in Italy and two weeks in France? (I would do that itinerary in a heartbeat!).
I like option B, which gives you enough time to settle in and explore, but also gives you the depth of visiting two countries (two of my favorites!) instead of focusing solely on one. What part of Spain are you thinking?
Flossie, I vote for a trip similar to Rick's "Best of Europe" for a first trip to get a sampling of several countries. Then you can plan for your next trip to concentrate on the regions that you want to explore in more depth.
DO THE "BEST OF EUROPE" ITINERARY ... IT'S A WINNER
ALL THE WAY !!
Another vote for Best of Europe for the reason Darcy mentioned.
In 3-4 weeks you can cover a lot of ground. Since it is your first trip I would try to get an overview instead of spending all your time in Spain and Italy(my favorite countries). You can always go back and visit areas you like best for more time in the future. Try to mix it up between large cities and small towns.
