I'm BACK!

Oh yes. Keep in mind, the trip is July '09

How about a swing through Germany then? Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and whatever in-between places that interest you. You said you like biking and Germany has some of the best biking routes around. You can go all along the rivers and just through the whole countryside. Consider a whole vacation of biking and sightseeing?

Oh, and you certainly wont need protein powder in Germany! :-)

RD : internet websites for information on Cannobio in ITALY : www.planetware.com/italy/cannobio-i-pi-lmcn.htm. And http://realtravel.com/cannobio-italy-photos-d57183-7.html

Hi RD, I know that you like to maximize your travel time. This is an ambitious itinerary but we're just in the planning possibilities stage at this point--Here's one option: Fly into Milan (since you're familiar with the airport) and train directly to Varenna on Lake Como--stay 2 nights. From Varenna train to Verona and stay 1 night. Train to Venice and stay 2 nights. For the remainder of the trip fly from Venice to either Madrid, Barcelona, or Berlin and plan the rest of your itinerary based on travel from one of those cities. Fly home from either Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin or even Lisbon--depending on how you plan the last leg of your trip. Remember that July airfares could be expensive! Good luck with your planning!

The Dolomites are beautiful in N. Italy. Not easily reached w/o a car.

Go to the Alps. The Dolomites are ourtstanding and then make your way into Bavaria through Austria. Great hiking and stunning alpine views.

Hi all. Thanks for all the tips. I mentinoed Spain Germany in my e-mail too. If you had 17 days between the two, how would you split them? What about Portugal? Worth it?

I mentioned Germany, but with no response, did not think you were too interested. Come back once in a while and give us feedback if we are headed in the right direction.

You mentioned you'd like to see more of France, other than Paris which we love but you've already been to, we loved the Burgundy region which is southeast of Paris. We stayed in the town of Beaune and loved it. Rick describes it in his book. We also particularly love Normandy. Have Fun wherever you go!

I was in Venice in October and fell in love with the city.

But July? I'm thinking unpleasant odors and mosquitoes - anyone want to weigh in?

July is not a good month for being at Venice. Intense Heat, unpleasant odors from the canals, big crowds of people, tables not available in restaurants because of the crowds of people, high prices at hotels, Boats not available because many people are there. I was at Venice in a March, when Venice did not have any of those problems. I did not like being in Venice.

It's not that hot in Europe in July. I'm from Florida and I wore a light jacket. 80 is not hot... 100 now your talking =)

We were in Venice in April. Beautiful. Forget the bad press. No stench. No waiting. I was awestruck, to say the least. Would go back in a heartbeat. Enjoy your trip.