I have never been to Europe before. My wife and I are taking my mother in law on a 12 day Med cruise and then they will be returning a week before me. I would be happy for any and all advice/opinions on where to travel to and how to get there for this time period. I think about Swit/Germany/Austria but don't want to try to do to much.
Thanks
Posted by
Ballston Lake, NY, USA
157 posts
What interests you? Muesum? History? Art? Natural landscapes? Do you want to drive or take a train?
Have looked up things that seem to interest you? We need more info to help you.
Posted by
OP
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
4 posts
We will have spent 3 days in the south of Italy and 5 days in Rome before our cruise sightseeing etc. Italian Cruise stops are in Naples, Sicily, Venice, Livorno. I would be interested in Natural landscapes, museums, adventure (scuba diving) etc.
I am willing to rent a car or take the train, whatever makes the most sense.
Posted by
Ballston Lake, NY, USA
157 posts
Your stop in Livorno on the cruise ship will get you close to Pisa and or Florence. Depending on what you do there for cruise excursions and assuming you do not go to Florence on an excursion I could suggest you work your way up Italy to Florence for a few days. You can see that area as well as Tuscany. On your way up you could see Orvietto, Siena and Lucca. You could then move a bit northwest and see Cinque Terra and then up to Lake Como. After that you would be ready to return to Rome and head home.
If you want to leave Italy and see another country you have a long haul from Rome via car or train. I personally favor the Austrian/German route. You can take a train or fly to Innsbruck or Munich and see some great sights in and around those cities. From Munich you can see Neuschwanstein Castle, Romantic Road and many other sights. From Vienna you can see a great city, Schonbrunn Palace even Salzburg. I have taken the train from Vienna to Salzburg to Munich to Venice - the ride is beautiful.
For very specific ideas around those cities use the search box to look for trip ideas in and around those cities.
Posted by
Bend, OR, United States
1167 posts
If it is not too late you might consider changing your departure from Rome to some other city such as Munich, Zurich, Vienna. That would really open up your options.
Posted by
OP
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
4 posts
Thanks for the input. I think I will book a flight from Rome to Munich and rent a car for a week. What would you suggest for places to see and things to do in a week when you have a car? The Romantic road sounds interesting but what else is possible without being to rushed?