Italy

Ashley--since you like outdoors stuff, consider making a day trip (or half a day trip) to Ostia Antica, the old Roman seaport. I think most of us on this board are in agreement you should go to Rome. I spent nearly a week there 2 Decembers ago and it was fantastic.

I would dedicate 4-5 days to Rome and add a day trip to Ostia Antica, a trip to Orvieto, and perhaps a trip to Tivoli/Hadrien's Villa.

You will get better suggestions if you tell us your interests. "Best" is extremely subjective (so are 'most interesting & romantic').

That said, I agree with Steve. Rome would be my choice & should be quite nice in February.

Steve's right. If you go up into the alps to be cold, whatever spot you pick will be pretty much indistinguishable from Austria, Switzerland, France, etc. Rome can keep you occupied for a week; not too many other places can. Of course if you go for an area as opposed to a spot, you can stay pretty busy, but "area" is kind of a vague term (Sicily?).

Okay, well sorry I didn't put interests in. We like outdoors stuff, moreso in the warmer weather, but still can be fun. We like history. Like museums. etc Any restaurant ideas?

Ed,
Well I put "town/area". So area in terms like, The alps, wine country, etc. Just wanted some ideas of places to go. Yes, I put 1 week timeframe, so if you provide an "area" then things to do around that region (area) then don't have to move hotels, etc. Things to do within a short train ride. That's all i was asking for.

I second the suggestion of Rome. You'll never run out of things to do, even in February. And there are good day trips from there as well. And you won't need to rent a car.