2nd but really first trip to Europe

[floridaorange]

So as the title suggests, I've been to Spain, but it was only overnight and then I hopped on a Ship and came back over the course of 2 weeks, so of course that doesn't count. Tenerife is beautiful though.

Anyway, anyone have any suggestions of any kind for a 10 day vacation style trip to Europe from FL a couple who has never been? It's kind of overwhelming because I've heard so many different suggestions.

My friend just got back from Italy and Switzerland (she had family in Switz), I am going to ask for her ideas, but I wanted to hear MS's thoughts as well.

Your Aunt has a vacation home in Paris she isn't using and we can stay at? That sounds great

[josalo]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

i in AMS right know, u will not regret

[Jenks]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

I just got back from a couple of weeks in Spain. Into Mardid, out of Barcelona. Incredible. I've done some traveling throughout Europe over the years, and so far Spain is my favorite. If you're heading there I can give you some recs.

[unrecogniseduser]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

if you come to Vienna give us a shout. It's a nice place with plenty to do

[Troklo]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

^^^^ What he said

[audrey_w]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/salisbury-ranked-seventh-in-worlds-best-tourist-cities-9807298.html

[audrey_w]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Salisbury is better than Vienna

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

first off - thanks everyone for your responses, i appreciate it.

I just got back from a couple of weeks in Spain. Into Mardid, out of Barcelona. Incredible. I've done some traveling throughout Europe over the years, and so far Spain is my favorite. If you're heading there I can give you some recs.

^that's interesting about Spain Jenks, my good friend/best man said pretty much the same thing. He raved about Barcelona.

[Santa]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Cities I loved the most are Budapest and Barcelona.
If you happen to be in Belgium, I suppose Brugge should be in your list.
Praha is on my to-do list, as well as Tallin, but I prefer to wait for better weather for that
When do you plan your arrival?

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

Perhaps between Dec - March.. most likely Jan, Feb or March. thanks Santa

I have heard great things about Hungary as well... my cousin lived there for a year I think. She loved it.

[KiwiTollway]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

European dream vacation for me would be to visit Italy: Venice, Rome, but specially Southern Italy (Naples), and (have actually thought a lot about this) the city of Forio on the Island of Ischia appeals because a fav fam member of mine's ancestors are from there. If I ever get over there, would not be able to pass up Paris though, that would be a must see. Switzerland sounds amazing also & helps to have a friend with tips/experience. Exciting to even think of such a trip.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g580210-d316494-Reviews-Mezzatorre_Resort_and_Spa-Forio_Isola_d_Ischia_Province_of_Naples_Campania.h tml

Forio-Image1.jpg

Forio-Image2.jpg

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

if you come to Vienna give us a shout. It's a nice place with plenty to do

thanks my man, I will

[floridaorange]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

So Barcelona and Budapest or London and Paris? I'd like to go to Barcelona, Italy and Budapest, but wife is thinking London and Paris.

Regardless, we need to know where we should go exactly and what we should do, lol. Or should we just go there and figure it out? I am down for whatever, and enjoy exploring, my wife on the other hand is my opposite and wants things all planned out in advance.

[Jenks]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

So Barcelona and Budapest or London and Paris? I'd like to go to Barcelona, Italy and Budapest, but wife is thinking London and Paris.

Regardless, we need to know where we should go exactly and what we should do, lol. Or should we just go there and figure it out? I am down for whatever, and enjoy exploring, my wife on the other hand is my opposite and wants things all planned out in advance.

When I was younger I was all about cramming the most I could see into the days I had available. Now that i've travelled more, I think the opposite- i'd rather spend more time in less places. I've done 6 countries in a three weeks before, and while it was a great experience, I didn't get the feeling that I really ever got to know any one place really well. Sure I've been there, seen things, but you don't have time to immerse yourself in the culture doing that. My wife and I just spend two weeks in only two cities in Spain last month and from now on that's totally the way to go for us.

So when you say Bercelona, Italy, and Budapest..gosh man, there is so much to see in each, I wonder if you'd really come away with the experience you're looking for if you're only going for 10 days. Italy is a trip in itself as it's so diverse from boot to north. Paris? A week. If you've got a lot of time, go for it, but 10 days is going to fly by and you're going to end up spending a lot of it packing your shit up and moving from place to place with a big travel itinerary.

As far as planning it our winging it- do a little of both. Have a plan, but don't be so stuck to it that you can't wander off the beaten path and explore because it's going to be those moments that surprise you and will probably end up being the most memorable.

[DIDI]

Re: 2nd but really first trip to Europe

^^^ good advice