2 weeks to get from Paris to Rome

Well, if you're not into churches or museums why would you want to visit Rome? It's all about history and artwork. My thought would be to visit the Cinque Terre. You can hike between towns if you wish, spend the day overlooking the beach, go boating ... pretty much all the things you've listed that you enjoy (without the hunting). I would avoid the major cities. Donna

Thanks Donna, I like the history of the ancients and would like to walk amongst it, however it is also about accommodating my husband. So to be fair we have to do an even split so I am looking for options.

Hi, I have been doing a lot of research for a future visit to Europe, and have come across lots of outdoor activities in Italy. The region of Umbria (central Italy) has lots of little hill towns and tons of hiking trails. They also have some national parks. (Just a thought) Good luck.

Cheers Tania. I've been looking at a train into Ventimiglia and then perhaps wandering down the coast. Looks just the ticket

Visit the chateau's outside Paris and walk the grounds, gardens and especially woods. Visit Giverny and bike or walk there from the station. You might consider the Swiss Alps instead of crossing France. Lots of hiking there. Cinque Terra is a great suggestion. Lots of urban walking in Italy. Venice is a walker's city, even if it does have art. If you go to Florance, visit Fisole and walk down. There are country estates worth visiting outside of Florance. Sienna and the hill towns have both art and walking, just urban walking. Lucca's city walls can be biked or walked. Consider Bike tours everywhere you go. I wouldn't give up Rome. The Forum and the Palestine are a walking experience. You could also walk or bike the Apian Way, visit Ostia and really walk, or hike in Aqueduct Park.

First, rent a car and drive. That affords you maximum flexibilty to see things. Driving through France is easy and you can see anything you want, Rhone Valley, Provence, Dordogne, Cote d'Azur and then down the Riviera through Monaco and into Italy. Wine? Visit Asti and Alba, Then hike 5 Terre. Garfangnana and the Parco Naturale Alpi Apuane for some hikes (inland from 5 Terre and north of Lucca), Lucca and Pisa for sight seeing. Maremma, Elba, and even Giglio Island (Costa Concordia might still be there). Then Ostia, then into Rome.

Wouldn't you like to see Switzerland and the Alps?

Yes I am visiting Switzerland, just 2 weeks later. I have plans between Rome and Lucerne. :D