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Five days with nothing to do!

Posted by (San Francisco, CA, USA) on

Hi all!
My husband and I, along with my parents will be traveling for three weeks starting June 20. We arrive in Paris, head down to Nice, over to Naples and the Almafi, and the up to Rome. My parents are going on to Assisi and Venice to visit family. My husband and I are left with five unplanned days with no idea what to do before my folks meet up with us in Amsterdam (our final destination). I have travel extensively throughout Europe, and want to go somewhere new (especially since most of the places on this trip I've already seen). My husband lived in Italy for a bit, so he doesn't want to stay longer than we already have. I'm looking for some suggestions on where we could spend a five days before jetting to Amsterdam. We had thrown around Oslo/Stockholm/Copenhagen but I've heard mixed things about Stockholm and Oslo. I head the Norway in a Nutshell is amazing, but I think I'd like to savor my time in Fjords and do an overnight in Bergen.

So, the goal: spend 5 days somewhere new, but where we can get a direct flight to Amsterdam

Places I've been: London (and most of England), Edinburgh (and most of Scotland), Paris, Nice, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, Venice, Frankfurt, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Loves: history, food, wine, beer, tours, churches, museums...you know the usual ;)

Thanks so much!

Posted by
4637 posts

It looks like you haven't been to Budapest. Everything what you love is there. It is a pretty city with beautiful views across the river. It also has (at least for me) exotic little bit like Orient feeling (it was occupied by Turks for about hundred fifty years). If you decide for it, read Rick Steves book: Budapest.

Posted by
4100 posts

It's doesn't appear that you've been to the Swiss alps. This could give you some mountain vistas and waterfalls that you are passing up by not going to fiords in Norway this trip. OTOH I like Ilja's suggestion. Budapest is a wonderful city full of grandeur and stunning architecture. Also it's easier on the budget than Switzerland.

Posted by
2980 posts

Another vote for Budapest, but might also suggest Krakow if you've not already been there.
Believe that KLM offers direct flights to Amsterdam from Krakow.

Posted by
1930 posts

First of all, you may want to post this to General Europe instead of Trip Reports and you'll likely get more responses.

I was also thinking of the Swiss Alps! It won't be as easy to get to as other places, but it will be very different than what you have experienced with your past travels. You could spend all five nights there, high up in the alps, relax, hike and enjoy the mountain air and scenery. It is my happy place! Look into staying in Murren or for a very tiny village Gimmelwald.

There is a great U Tube video a couple of guys made and posted of their hikes in the area: The Swiss Alps Part 1: Arrival by Train, Gimmelwald, and the First Hike

It will give you a first hand glance at what you will see. It is so amazing!! But, I realize it doesn't fit your "loves". If you go, I predict it will be added to your "loves"!

Posted by
8 posts

Thanks @ Monte - I totally overlooked the "General Europe" section! Loving all the feedback!

Posted by
9221 posts

You have a nearby island you haven't include it what you've seen. 5 days would permit you a good look at Ireland. Believe Aer Lingus has direct flights to Amsterdam.

Posted by
3696 posts

Vote for Budapest, Krakow... both wonderful locations for 5 days.
If you had a little longer I would say Romania, but not sure you could see enough of the countryside.
With 5 days I would do a city and possible day trip from that city.... I think you would love Budapest. It is one of my favorite big cities. So beautiful. You could also take a boat trip one of the days.
Istanbul would also be a good 5 day trip...

Posted by
11294 posts

To me, Oslo was OK but not earth-shaking (except for its prices), but Stockholm was great (I haven't been to Copenhagen since 1991, so I can't really comment). And there are ways to save money in Stockholm too - it isn't "cheap," but need not break the bank.

If you want a less expensive and endlessly fascinating city, try Berlin. Like London or New York, you will never run out of things to do there.

I also like the Berner Oberland and Budapest ideas.

Posted by
6 posts

3 places jumped out to me...all have been suggested...1) Berlin, 2) Budapest, or 3) Swiss Alps. Berlin in my personal favorite and has everything listed in your "loves" category. Budapest is great, prices are cheap, and is slightly less-westernized if that is your thing. Swiss Alps are amazing..but kind of expensive, and I imagine you would spend a little more time on logistics (traveling, getting to your actual stop, etc) if that is something of a concern.

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