Since we became empty nesters, we have taken roughly one trip a year - twice to Ireland, twice to Italy, once to France, and twice to England/Wales. Now it's time to start planning for next year, and originally we were thinking about Spain/Portugal, but now I'm thinking that perhaps we're ready for something a little more "exotic," if you know what I mean. I've been mulling over either Croatia / Slovenia or Turkey, but I'd love to hear suggestions from RS fans. Where to next?
Posted by
TN, USA
2115 posts
Without a doubt, Turkey, especially Istanbul and Ephesus. Combine with the Greek Isles for a wonderful trip, assuming things will have calmed down in Athens by time by travel. If a Greek Isles/Istanbul cruise makes sense to you, consider a small-ship cruise. We had a very nice experience with Silversea, but Regent (with whom we have not yet cruised) offers similar itineraries. Regardless, though, Istanbul merits several days by itself. If you have the time, maybe start in Istanbul for several days, then catch a cruise to Ephesus and then on through the Greek Isles (or reverse). While not "exotic," if you haven't done an Alaskan cruise, one simply must experience that. Then there is always the Canadian Rockies, enjoying Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Haven't done Galapagos yet, but family/friends rave about it; and it's definitely a "bucket list" destination. New Zealand? China? (We haven't done those yet.) And, then Antartica, if you really want a different experience (again, friends/family loved). Egypt, when things calm down, maybe a few years out is a place to put on the list. So many places to see.
Posted by
Land of La
8716 posts
I'd vote for Turkey. Did the RS 7 day Istanbul tour in May and was smitten. Reading of the country's recent earthquake devastation saddens me. People are warm and welcoming, food delicious and the multi cultured history very intriguing. Enjoyed the "wow" moment of David in Florence, but the Hagia Sophia literally took my breath away! Turkey was an eye opener!!! Go for it!
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
I loved Portugal. I totally know what you mean about wanting to go somewhere more "exotic" but Portugal is lovely and cheap and easy and close.
Posted by
Tacoma, WA, USA
10 posts
Oddly enough, we're in the same boat. Trying to decide between Spain/Portugal/Morocco (the wife's choice) or Croatia/Slovenia (mine). We're going to a Croatia/Slovenia presentation by Rick Steves group on Nov 19. Hopefully that will sway her.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
How about Prague/Vienna/Budapest/Krakow or some combination thereof? All are great destinations. (BTW I agree that Istanbul is awesome.)
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
We go to Europe every summer and have taken 9 RS tours in the last 10 years. We have a list of all of his tours (not including the one week ones) and pick our next years trip from that list varying our ion so that we experience different types of locations each year. Maybe one year our tour may focus more on cities, and then the next would be small towns and countrysides. Last year Turkey, this year G/A/S, next year 14 day village Italy. Your could make up a list of his tours like we did to help in your planning efforts so that you realize just where you have been and where you may still want to go. Just be sure to GO!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2129 posts
I think you should eventually do BOTH Croatia/Slovenia and Turkey. Both are wonderfully scenic. Turkey is perhaps a bit more exotic. We love Greece too; the islands are mostly unaffected by the current political problems. If you do a land tour of Turkey (vs. a cruise) you could hop a ferry to visit a Greek island for a day or two. My personal favorite is tiny, incredibly beautiful Kastellorizo, about 5 kilometers from Kas, Turkey, accessible via a daily ferry.