We want to go to Europe for 10 days in Mid August. We've frequently been to Paris and London and want to avoid there, as well as Italy and Austria as we'll be going there later in the year. Where's a good place(s) to visit -- we love old churches, museums, fine restaurants and as gay guys, appreciate night life (or at least friendly pubs or bars). We were thinking Switzerland or Scotland (is it possible to do both in one trip)? Thanks for any advise.
When I think mid-August, I think hot weather and crowds so I go North. Maybe a Baltic Cruise. They only run in the summer so you can't go shoulder season.
You can catch a seven day cruise out of Copenhagen that stops in Talinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. Each of those stops is good for a day tour. A seven day cruise gives you a little time on the front end to do some site seeing before the cruise (I'd put the extra time in front in case a flight is delayed).
I checked vacationstogo.com and the price is $1100 for inside cabin or $1600 for a balcony.
Shel= While I usually highly encourage Scotland, this year may not be the best (esp in Aug.) It it Homecoming 2009 and August is Edinburgh Festival. Crowds will be tremendous and it will be difficult to impossible to find rooms at this late date. I agree with the previous post that the continent may be your best bet. I'd recommend either Amsterdam or Oslo for great city night-life, churches, museums (if its art you are after- Amsterdam, history- Oslo) and wonderful food (esp Oslo).
Hi Shel,
You've gotten some great suggestions already! Ireland would be another option to consider for friendly pubs and good food. I'd fly into Shannon and go to Kinsale, Kenmare, Dingle, and possibly Galway. There are lots of places to visit as you travel between these destinations.
Shel, do you two like to hike? If so....
What about Berlin, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Madrid, or Barcelona?