burworf

So my wife and I will have 18 days on the ground in Europe. We will arrive and depart from Southampton. We have never been anywhere in Europe and are looking for interesting itineraries, cost is not a major factor here. Where would you go ? What do we have to see ? and how would you get around ?

It will be the end of October and beginning of November?

I know this is pretty vague but we are totally open to anything.

StCirq

Yes, it's vague. Way too vague. No one can make any suggestions until you do some basic research and narrow this down, Get some guidebooks and maps an and google cities/towns all over Europe to get you started.

Whathello

Vague as a wave.

MmePerdu

That time of year I'd likely head south - Spain, Portugal, Malta, S. Italy, Morocco. I'm sure Southampton or nearby airports are served by the convenient low-fare airlines that fly all over Europe ("low-fare", not necessarily because they're cheap but because they fly into smaller airports and can be very convenient that way).

RonZ

For flights, go to skyscanner.con and search SOU to everywhere.

janisj

>>I know this is pretty vague but we are totally open to anything.<<

so vague that ask 100 Fodorites and you'll get about 97 different suggestions, which won't help you one little bit. It will just be a mountain of info. Where have <i>you</i> thought about traveling? What country(s) interest <i>you</i>?

Give us a little help w/ at least a general idea and then we can help you focus . . .

mandalay

I would go to southern Spain: Costa Del Sol,

Italy: southern Italy amalfi coast down to Tropea in Calabria then to Sicily

But, any country in Europe is beautiful, so surf the net, read some travel guides and get some great ideas. This is all part of the fun too!

Sassafrass

For a start, why are you arriving and departing from Southampton?
Usually, it is better to buy multi-destination or multi-city tickets (not two one-way) into one place and out of another. It saves the time and cost of backtracking. People also usually get tickets that go to some place they know they want to see.

What places or sights in Europe have either of you dreamed of seeing? There must be some places you studied about in school or saw in a movie or read about in a book or some famous landmark or cathedral you have learned about that you would like to see.

Did you study a language in school? Art? Architecture? History? Gardening? Cars? Music? Opera?

Do you generally enjoy countryside, mountains, lakes or cities more?

Are you big foodies?

Do you like to be on the go or a bit more relaxed? Walk a lot or sit in a cafe?

Europe is huge with thousands of choices. The more you share about your interests and travel style, the better advice you will get.

Do agree to head South at that time of year. For a first trip, if it is possible to go in September, I would change times. However, that is because I like sitting outside late into the evening without the possibility of being chilly. Go whenever you can.

janisj

>>For a start, why are you arriving and departing from Southampton?<<

Most likely because they are on a <u>cruise</u>

MmePerdu

When I read "arrive and depart from Southampton" and "cost is not a major factor", my first thought was crossings on the QM2. In any case, since the starting point seems fixed, unlike some who ask with no information whatever, this question seems more reasonable than many...where can we go from Southhampton in the late fall. Seems as though it might have evoked more possibilities than it has.

PalenQ

We have never been anywhere in Europe and are looking for interesting itineraries, cost is not a major factor here. Where would you go ? What do we have to see ? and how would you get around ?>

Well most folks on their first trip to Europe that covers some distance take the fantastic train system - forgoet about Amtrak - Europe has modern frequent trains that go everywhere - often at speeds approaching 200 mph! There are also overnight trains to cover large distances at night.

For answers to your above question and possible rail itineraries and planning a European rail trip check www.ricksteves.com; www.seat61.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - check the latter's free online European Planning & Rail Guide for lots of suggested rail itineraries all over Europe.

nytraveler

Sorry - but you really need to give us some guidelines:

Which countries speak to you? If none do - go get some guidebooks and read them. And look at some tour brochures (not to go on a tour but to see what pix you feel you must see in person).

Which do you prefer - cities? countryside? mountains? beaches?

What do you like to do: museums? fine dining? wine tasting? shopping? hiking? historic sights? architecture? archery? clog dancing? herding goats?

Come on - give us a clue. Otherwise I could give you 50 different answers.

PalenQ

burworf - you there? Folks itching to help with some guidance - what countries you want to see the most - things you want to do - things like nytraveler asks?????????