7-10 day European Vacation, last two weeks of December
Nov 30th, 2011, 09:34 PM
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7-10 day European Vacation, last two weeks of December
I'm looking for travel ideas. I want to spend 7-10 days in Europe during the last 2 weeks of December, 2 countries max. I know it'll be Christmas but if you know of the best places to avoid the hoopla, that's what I'm looking for. Not looking for anything rustic or overly luxurious.
Things I want: cultural sights, a few museums, open space (park, beach, zoo, or forest, etc.), train ride (if possible), restaurants with local & fresh ingredients
Things I want to avoid: high traffic shopping areas, religious displays, tourist traps, b&bs
I don't mind rain or dreary weather (its europe in december after all) as long we can enjoy activities during daylight hours. Warm weather is welcome too.
There will be children but there need not be a lot child specific activities everyday, so amusement parks aren't required.
cost is no object
Where do you recommend? Thanks
Things I want: cultural sights, a few museums, open space (park, beach, zoo, or forest, etc.), train ride (if possible), restaurants with local & fresh ingredients
Things I want to avoid: high traffic shopping areas, religious displays, tourist traps, b&bs
I don't mind rain or dreary weather (its europe in december after all) as long we can enjoy activities during daylight hours. Warm weather is welcome too.
There will be children but there need not be a lot child specific activities everyday, so amusement parks aren't required.
cost is no object
Where do you recommend? Thanks
Dec 1st, 2011, 02:06 AM
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Well you can find what you are looking for in any country in Europe and avoid what you want to in any place as well.
Can you give us more to go on? Have you been to any countries in Europe before? Do you speak any languages?
I like the Paris and London combo because its easy to get between the two on the eurostar. But you could find what you are looking for anywhere...
If you want to avoid xmas in general dont head for countries where they have huge xmas market cultures like Germany.
Hope this helps!
Can you give us more to go on? Have you been to any countries in Europe before? Do you speak any languages?
I like the Paris and London combo because its easy to get between the two on the eurostar. But you could find what you are looking for anywhere...
If you want to avoid xmas in general dont head for countries where they have huge xmas market cultures like Germany.
Hope this helps!
Dec 1st, 2011, 02:19 AM
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sunfrance.com www.lecalendal.com for me
and/or
Sorrento www.hoteldelfino.com
Warmer places good local vibe off season prices.
seat61.com best training info.
and/or
Sorrento www.hoteldelfino.com
Warmer places good local vibe off season prices.
seat61.com best training info.
Dec 1st, 2011, 02:38 AM
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IF you don't mind dreary cold weather, consider Antwerp for great food plus good public transport connections to nearby towns for more sightseeing.
If you'd like a chance at sunshine, Genova would tick all your boxes (although I wouldn't bother with the acquarium). But you must like seafood.
If you're okay with downright cold, Torino has a huge variety of indoor things to do, several of them kid-friendly (fantastic movie museum, Egyptian museum, clattery old train rides) and marvelous food, plus you could get on an inter-city train and within 2 hours be in Aosta and the alps, which is quite stunning, or go the opposite way and be in Genova at the Mediterranean.
Of the three I've mentioned, you'd see the most holiday decorations in Torino, but nothing like you'd find in London or Munich or Copenhagen.
If you'd like a chance at sunshine, Genova would tick all your boxes (although I wouldn't bother with the acquarium). But you must like seafood.
If you're okay with downright cold, Torino has a huge variety of indoor things to do, several of them kid-friendly (fantastic movie museum, Egyptian museum, clattery old train rides) and marvelous food, plus you could get on an inter-city train and within 2 hours be in Aosta and the alps, which is quite stunning, or go the opposite way and be in Genova at the Mediterranean.
Of the three I've mentioned, you'd see the most holiday decorations in Torino, but nothing like you'd find in London or Munich or Copenhagen.
Dec 2nd, 2011, 12:15 AM
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Hi jamikins. I’ve been to a lot of European countries, but don’t mind exploring parts of the countries I haven’t seen before. I speak 2 languages, English and a non-European language. I’ve been to Paris and London and don’t want to go back to them on this trip. Do you know which countries don’t have a xmas market culture? Thanks
Hi qwovadis. Arles, France is a great suggestion, it’s exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks
Hi zeppole. Does Antwerp have a lot of open space beyond the tall buildings? I think I’ll save Belgium/Netherlands for another trip. I’d rather visit Aosta and the Alps, instead of Torino and Genoa. Aosta seems similar to Arles, France which is now on my list. Thanks
What about the Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro area? What are they like during the last two weeks of December? Thanks
Hi qwovadis. Arles, France is a great suggestion, it’s exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks
Hi zeppole. Does Antwerp have a lot of open space beyond the tall buildings? I think I’ll save Belgium/Netherlands for another trip. I’d rather visit Aosta and the Alps, instead of Torino and Genoa. Aosta seems similar to Arles, France which is now on my list. Thanks
What about the Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Montenegro area? What are they like during the last two weeks of December? Thanks
Dec 2nd, 2011, 01:31 AM
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I dont know them all but the ones that spring to mind are Germany, Belgium, France...
You can of course avoid these if you wanted to, but that would be easier in large cities like Paris. Smaller cities and towns they tend to 'take-over' the main squares. Most places will have xmas decorations out in their main shopping areas. We have spend xmas/NYE in Brugges, Strasbourg and it would be very difficult to avoid the xmas festivities in these places. I live in London and have been to Paris over the holidays and while things are going on and are decorated, there are lots of places to go to avoid the main xmas festivities.
Many of these close after xmas, so for the final week you may be able to avoid more.
Also, countries that have strong religious ties to Christmas may have more closures or things going on. Just something to think about.
Hope this helps!
You can of course avoid these if you wanted to, but that would be easier in large cities like Paris. Smaller cities and towns they tend to 'take-over' the main squares. Most places will have xmas decorations out in their main shopping areas. We have spend xmas/NYE in Brugges, Strasbourg and it would be very difficult to avoid the xmas festivities in these places. I live in London and have been to Paris over the holidays and while things are going on and are decorated, there are lots of places to go to avoid the main xmas festivities.
Many of these close after xmas, so for the final week you may be able to avoid more.
Also, countries that have strong religious ties to Christmas may have more closures or things going on. Just something to think about.
Hope this helps!
