2-3 Weeks in Western Europe with my friend, where should we travel to?
Jun 3rd, 2012, 05:39 PM
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2-3 Weeks in Western Europe with my friend, where should we travel to?
I'm studying abroad in Germany this fall 9/4 to 1/7 and my friend is coming to visit me over winter break for about 2-3 weeks. Any ideas on where we should travel to? We are thinking about going to Spain, Italy, and France. Is that enough time? And where do you suggest we go for new years eve? Also, we both really want to go to Greece but with their current situation is that possible and is that enough time?
Jun 3rd, 2012, 05:51 PM
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Exactly when is your winter break? That can make a significant difference in where you decide to go.
In two to three weeks you can;t see 3 countries - but you can see parts of them. If you are already livingin Germany I would assume that you could spend weekends in differrent areas fairly nearby. I would save longer distance trips - to Paris and perhaps other cities in France - and one or two places in Spain if you like.
But in 2 weeks I would stay in no more than 4 places (cities - not countries) with perhaps as many as 6 places (but that's pushing it).
If you provide more info on your interests - and exactly when your break is - people can make better recos.
In two to three weeks you can;t see 3 countries - but you can see parts of them. If you are already livingin Germany I would assume that you could spend weekends in differrent areas fairly nearby. I would save longer distance trips - to Paris and perhaps other cities in France - and one or two places in Spain if you like.
But in 2 weeks I would stay in no more than 4 places (cities - not countries) with perhaps as many as 6 places (but that's pushing it).
If you provide more info on your interests - and exactly when your break is - people can make better recos.
Jun 3rd, 2012, 05:57 PM
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The break is around December 21st to January 7th. We were thinking of Barcelona and Paris. In Italy, maybe Rome, Venice, and Florence. I've also heard about Cinque Terre and wanted to go there, but that is just an idea.
Jun 3rd, 2012, 07:14 PM
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Karen, Cinque Terre will be pretty much closed up in December. And cold and bare. I would stick to the cities for winter travel. For three weeks, maybe four places if you really want to get to know them. And the days will be very short and cold, which will limit the amount of walking and sightseeing you can do in a day.
Jun 4th, 2012, 06:14 PM
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The average high in Cinque Terre in December 12 12 Celsius, the low 4.
Florence is a couple of degrees colder, Rome is in between. I don't see how that disqualifies it based on weather.
Some people like a little "weather", an overcast sky, and fewer tourists for the mood.
Of course Greece is possible. They would be VERY happy to see you.
But really, I could name 40 places I think are worthy of a visit. You aren't really going to get much useful feedback asking dozens of us strangers where you should go in Europe. The best weather will be in the southern portions of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. Do you want to be relatively warm?
Florence is a couple of degrees colder, Rome is in between. I don't see how that disqualifies it based on weather.
Some people like a little "weather", an overcast sky, and fewer tourists for the mood.
Of course Greece is possible. They would be VERY happy to see you.
But really, I could name 40 places I think are worthy of a visit. You aren't really going to get much useful feedback asking dozens of us strangers where you should go in Europe. The best weather will be in the southern portions of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. Do you want to be relatively warm?
Jun 4th, 2012, 10:10 PM
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Go to Morrocco. Lots of sunshine there, even if its colder.
Otherwise, Spain is a huge country with Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona making a great 2-3 week circuit.
I went to Sicily in Feb and while I don't mind the rain, everything we wanted to see/do was closed due to the rain, so it was a problem. As a result I'd avoid more rural destinations in the winter months.
Otherwise, Spain is a huge country with Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona making a great 2-3 week circuit.
I went to Sicily in Feb and while I don't mind the rain, everything we wanted to see/do was closed due to the rain, so it was a problem. As a result I'd avoid more rural destinations in the winter months.
Jun 5th, 2012, 01:52 AM
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Frankly in late Dec - early Jan it would be fruitless to chase warm weather anywhere in Europe except possibly the Canary Islands, which, although technically Europe, are actually off the coast of Africa. Places like Cinque Terre and the Greek Islands may not exactly be cold, but not warm enough for activities that attract visitors there in the summer either.
Much better to stick to city sightseeing, where there is plenty to do indoors as well as out. You have a great opportunity to see the cultural and architectural gems of Europe.
Much better to stick to city sightseeing, where there is plenty to do indoors as well as out. You have a great opportunity to see the cultural and architectural gems of Europe.
Jun 5th, 2012, 02:57 AM
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If you are Paris or France before/around Christmas, there are two things you absolutely must do :
1) drink vin chaud
2) go to a Christmas market (where people will be drinking vin chaud)...there is usually a very large/nice one at la défense, right in front of la Grande Arche
3) try a marron glacé (candied chestnut). It's an interesting flavor and texture you've probably never experienced, and a quintessential part of the French winter holidays.
Belgium is awesome. Nice people, pretty cities (Anvers/Antwerp/Antwerpen, and Brugge is extremely cute) and amazing beer.
If you go to Spain, and have a chance to visit Toledo, I would recommend it. There's a phenomenal hike around the small, interesting little town, I like it better than Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona is good if you visit Parc Guëll and the Gaudí monuments. Madrid has some nice gardens and museums. Only been in summer though...
1) drink vin chaud
2) go to a Christmas market (where people will be drinking vin chaud)...there is usually a very large/nice one at la défense, right in front of la Grande Arche
3) try a marron glacé (candied chestnut). It's an interesting flavor and texture you've probably never experienced, and a quintessential part of the French winter holidays.
Belgium is awesome. Nice people, pretty cities (Anvers/Antwerp/Antwerpen, and Brugge is extremely cute) and amazing beer.
If you go to Spain, and have a chance to visit Toledo, I would recommend it. There's a phenomenal hike around the small, interesting little town, I like it better than Madrid and Barcelona. Barcelona is good if you visit Parc Guëll and the Gaudí monuments. Madrid has some nice gardens and museums. Only been in summer though...
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