Europe in 8 days

Spring break is going to be crowded wherever you go as lots of people will be traveling at this time. Rome will be very crowded at the end of March due to Easter but other cities shouldn't be too bad.

Thanks for your responses! Our interests are going to museums, good food and drink, and beautiful scenery. I think Italy would be great for that the end of March but I didn't think about how busy Rome would be due to Easter. Would France be a good option? Any input is truly appreciated!

I love Italy and you should have good weather that time of year in most of the country. However, my favorite city in Europe hands down is Paris and it is a great place for a romantic getaway and for someone to do a first trip. Walking through Paris is always a fabulous experience and, as long as you stay away from the obvious tourist trap places, you can eat very well for a good price.

I love the idea of Paris. We could do some days trips out of the city as well. I was there as a backpacker years ago so we didn't eat in restaurants--basically bread, cheese and chocolate from grocery stores. Any ideas about restaurants or places to stay? Nothing fancy--just clean and safe. Thanks!

For restuarants, I don't know what your budget is, but if you want to splurge a little, find the bistros run by the famous chefs. They are cheaper, although still about 30-40 euros per person minimum, than the spendy equivalents, but the food is just as good. For example, Guy Savoy runs Les Bookinstes, which is along the Seine (http://www.cntraveller.co.uk/Special_Features/Paris_Bistros/Les_Bookinistes/).

As for hotels, we happen to always stay in the 16th, which we like because its only a 5-10 minute walk to the Eiffel Tower but is quiet/a real neighborhood. Since we usually use a friend's place, however, I can't help you with specifics.

I think Salzburg is the prettiest smaller city in all of Europe. There is lots to do in the city and surrounding areas, it is easy to get around in by foot and very relaxing. For just a week, I would do Salzburg.

Chere, I don't think that Saltzberg would be the best place for a 1st trip, and it will prob be pretty cold then. It would be fun for no more than a couple of nites on 1st trip. I think that southern Italy has a good chance of being warmer, and more enjoyable. After a couple of days in Venice, you could hop down to the Almalfi with stops at Pompeii. Then a hop over to Sicily for a few days. We have been swimming in the water in Sicily in April, and Sicily in the springtime would be awesome. You could use the cheap EU airlines and jump all over.
But,Paris would be fun no matter what the weather.

I agree- Italy or Paris. I have lived in Paris and have visited often. I once visited when it rained for 10 days and, although Paris is much better when its not raining, the trip was glorious even in the rain. And, its a very romantic destination.
A couple of places in Italy could also be a great introduction to Europe.

I would say go as far south as you can. We did England last year in March and will NEVER do that again. It was SO cold. I would suggest Italy.

We did Venice in March 2006. The weather was really perfect in my opinion...sunny highs in the upper 50s to low 60s. I've been to Venice when it was humid and a miserable 104 Farenheit. Give me Spring Break weather over hot Summer Venetian humidity any day of the week!