Looking for a 10th Wedding Anniversary Trip: Ireland, Scotland, Amalfi Coast or Switzerland

Beautiful countryside, friendly folks, good food and modest hiking? SW Ireland would definitely fit the bill. But then, so would Scotland. Ten or eleven days would give you time to spend a week in a nice cottage somewhere and still have a couple of days on your way in or out to explore another place.

The scenery is perhaps a bit more dramatic in the north and west of Scotland than in much of Ireland(although the coast in SW Ireland is not unlike some parts of Scotland, and the northwest is quite rugged in places). To make a terribly broad generalization, I would say Ireland was lovely, green, and occasionally spectacular; Scotland was lovely, occasionally barren, and often spectacular.

If you go in April, I might lean towards Ireland for the chance of milder weather. Both of our trips to Scotland have been at the end of May and beginning of June, and we have had fantastic luck with the weather, so if you end up waiting until Memorial Day that would be less of a worry.

This is probably not helpful, but I would be happy either way!

Barbara, thanks for the terrific analysis. We realize there is no bad choice here. We're just trying to learn whether one of these areas has any special appeal over the others.

I like the Amalfi idea for an occasion like your 10th anniversary. Why not spend the first 3 days or so in Rome..and then drive to Amalfi? Spend 4 days in Positano..a couple in Ravello (see a concert there) and go to Pompei for a day or so.

How important is good weather to you ?

ourjetboat, having been to Rome in 2006 and catching Naples and Pompeii then, I was thinking we'd concentrate on the Amalfi Coast when we go there. Not that we wouldn't love to go back to Rome, but there's just so many places we haven't been.

CE, good weather IS important.

Well, I'm afraid the good food requirement eliminates Ireland and Scotland -- assuming you'll be out of the big cities. You can occasionally find good food in the Irish and Scottish countryside, but you've got to search for it.

April in particular and, to a lesser degree, May, is between ski season and summer season in Switzerland. Not all the sights will be available. And the weather is iffy.

That leaves the Amalfi Coast. To fill out your time, there's lots to see in the vicinity: Pompeii and Herculaneum, Capri, Paestum (well-preserved Greek temples), Naples, Mt. Vesuvius. All of these are a daytrip from the Amalfi Coast. And there are some hiking opportunities in this area.

The good weather requirement also eliminates Ireland and Scotland, then - you might be lucky but you might not. And even on the Amalfi Coast you'd better make it May rather than April.

It sounds like the middle to end of May around Memorial Day is our best bet. If the temps are in the 60s by then, that should be fine. Is that still too early to enjoy Switzerland? I'm thinking Ireland should be OK then, especially if the flowers are popping. We do enjoy gardens. Not sure about Scotland though. And the food is not really that big of a deal. Pub food is fine.

I would recommend the Amalfi Coast. With the towns in that area you will have plenty to do for ten days. You could visit Amalfi, Ravello, Positano, Sorrento, Capri, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum and even hike on Vesuvius.

It will probably be warmer there, too, than any of your other options. I was in that area in early March 2005, and the weather was beautiful. It was cool, crisp and sunny. Also the earlier in the season you are there, the fewer tourists. I have also been in Italy in April, and the weather was very similar.

We had great food in both Ireland and Scotland. I thought eating out was hideously expensive in Scotland, especially this summer, but I don't think we had any complaints about food. Of course, we were self-catering, so we did not eat out every single night. But we were mostly out in the countryside. Please don't let that affect your decision!

If weather is a determining factor you might want to rethink, though, because you could get anything at all in April and May.

I can't really speak to Switzerland; I have not been there for years, but the last time I was, in mid-May, it was gray and cool (60s).

We've been to Scotland twice and had great weather (mostly sunny, breezy, warm) at the end of May and beginning of June. Ireland was mid-May and we also had mostly sunny weather. Even the grey days were not so unpleasant that we couldn't be out exploring most of the time. I think it's just luck...the weather is also very changeable in Ireland and Scotland...

If good walking is important, I don't see how you could go wrong in Scotland; there are trails and walks of varying difficulty everywhere you turn, and things will be blooming in May.

But if you want more of a guarantee of sunshine, maybe you should head further south.

Having been to all those places but Ireland I highly recommend Scotland. I'm biased as it is one of my very favourite countries on earth but it is so atmospheric and romantic. I cannot say enough good about it - stunning scenery, intriguing history, lovely people, good food can be found (seriously - and I'm a chef so am really picky), and cool weather. Love cool weather. Just packed with charm - everywhere you look. Add lone pipers and castles - guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings.

Whenever I go there (we've been there often) I feel as though I've arrived. It really touches me and it is nearly impossible for me to get back on that plane and head back to Canada.

As mentioned things will be blooming everywhere - there is no end to fantastic walks.

Switzerland, however, is gorgeous as well. So is the Amalfi Coast but if I had a choice to leave tomorrow to any I would still say Scotland!

For me, the good food requirement would eliminate Switzerland, not Scotland.

While I prefer the cuisine of the Amalfi to the cuisine of Scotland, I enjoyed my meals, cooked by a local hotel, when I stayed in a coastguard cottage on the Isle of Skye in the beautiful town of Duntulm, with a straight out view over the Hebrides.

All the food was immediate and fresh, albeit simply prepared.

The whiskey was fantastic, as were the local ales and beers, and Scottish butter-based pastries are better than anything the Italians have yet to devise in that department.

I stayed here:


http://www.duntulmcastle.co.uk/

My only concern would be the timing. The first of June might be too early for a vacation in the Highlands. I don't know.

By the way, Duntulm is fantastically situated for modest hiking, and the views of the ruined castles, and the coal fires on rainy days in a coastguard cottage is VERY romantic.

Again,

http://www.duntulmcastle.co.uk/

For our vacations, good weather is a MUST. To spend all that time, money and effort only to sit by a hotel room window with the clouds, drizzle and rain obscuring the view - oh my, what a disappointment!

We've been all over the UK (not Ireland) and, for the most, we've been blessed with good weather. We've always gone in July-August however when (I think) it's sunnier than during the spring months.

When we go to the Alps, I try to stay loose so, if a few bad days are predicted, we can quickly move on. That's worked out okay.

I don't see the Italian Lakes on your list. Or Venice. Or Provence...

Thanks for all the thoughtful replies!! Fodorites are the best.

Choices, choices, choices...

TuckH, we've been to Venice but not the Italian Lakes or Provence........... Maybe I should throw them in the mix, too, especially if the weather is likely to be better there in mid May because, I agree, no sense going all that distance to catch the rainy season somewhere.

travel2live2 and zeppole, you've got me seriously thinking Scotland if the timing is right.... If not next year, then soon thereafter, I hope (come on dollar!!).

Barbara, thanks again for your comments and observations.

My vote goes to Northern Wales. Hikers flock to Betsw-y-Coed. It is very beautiful in Snowdonia National Park. There are the castles to visit, Portmerion, a woolen mill, slate mine to tour etc.

Sorry - that is Betws-y-Coed.

hi, dcd,

May is probably the very best time to visit Cornwall.

the gardens are at their best, the weather is [usually] good, the days are long, and thee aren't many toruists around.

perfect.

however, if you must have guarrenteed good weather, how about sicily? you could see a lot in quite a leisurely fashion.

regards, ann

Re Italian Lakes & rain - we were at Lake Garda last week (mid July) & had at least one thunderstorm, sometimes lasting several hours, nearly every day. I gathered that this is common up there among the mountains. In 18 holidays in Italy, that was thw worst weather I've experienced.

Again, if good weather is important, I would not recommend Scotand or Ireland. (Why do you think I go to Italy for my holidays ? )

We went to the Amalfi Coast this past September and although we loved it I don't think you would want to stay 10-11 days there.

Switzerland would be great for half the time and then maybe drive or take the train into Italy's Lake Como area which is also beautiful. Lots of hiking in both areas. Food and wine also great.

You also mentioned Provence. That area is spectacular and you could certainly spend 10-11 days there. Of course, wonderful food and wine everywhere.

So many choices but you have plenty of time to decide. I've visited France and Italy in April (some rain) and near the end of May and it seemed to be a good time to visit both countries. The poppies in Provence were in full bloom the end of May.

Definitely the Amalfi Coast, more precisely Positano, it is a place you will never forget. But why not spend 3 days in Rome, have dinner in Trastevere, the old town, walk on by the Piazza di Spagna, eat marvellous "pasta" and then go to Positano. I'm sure you´ll love it!!!!!!

Late May is better for all your possible destinations.

Sharonis, I think the OP is more of a slow traveler than you. Only 5 days in Switzerland when you could have 10 or 11?

dcd, I think Provence is a good choice for you, especially if you include the Cote d'Azur. Lots to see, great food, good weather.

In defense of flowers in Scotland, we were in northwest Scotland late May last year. There were fields of bluebells and rampaging purple rhodies. Both Inverewe Gardens and the little town of Plockton had lovely flower gardens as well as palm trees. But the weather was changeable.

Having just returned from three wonderful weeks in Scotland, and having been to SW Ireland 2 years ago, I can help you with those (I have trip reports for everything!)

How Barbara broke it down was perfect - Ireland is greener, gentler, with occasional 'wows'. Scotland has more 'wows', but is less gentle.

Skye is home to one of the best meals I've ever had, at Three Chimneys. And the area that Duntulm is near (the Quiraing) is incredibly surreal and beautiful. It's where much of the movie Stardust was filmed (the parts with no trees, pretty much).

Weather: I've had fantastic weather in April in Ireland, and wet rainy weather in July in Scotland, so you really never know, it's up to the luck of the draw. According to several of my hosts, I had just missed 7 weeks of warm, sunny weather in the highlands of Scotland.

My husband and I have been to all the places mentioned. Anytime in May, even late May, is going to be chilly (even cold)and most probably rainy in Scotland and Ireland . . .perhaps also Switzerland. Anytime in May I would definitely aim south . . .southern Italy, Spain, or Portugal.
Northern Europe has much to offer, but for romance the Latin coutries can't be beat.
Brenda

I've been most places you've mentioned, often multiple times, but generally not in May (the job thing, darn it!)

Since others have covered Ireland and Scotland pretty well, I'll focus on Switzerland. Last year we went in later June and early July for two weeks, mostly in the Bernese Oberland for hiking, based in Wengen and Murren. The weather could still be on the cool side, but the wild flowers were in bloom and trails pretty clear. Still, there were some overcast and cloudy days -- not optimal if you want to see mountain views.

If you're thinking of hiking and outdoor activities, Scotland, Switzerland, etc. may still be in the cool-and-rainy season in early May, but the weather can be quite variable. To that point, I know that a few places in the Swiss Alps might not open between the ski season and early summer hiking season. While you'd still find places to stay and eat, this means that some places might feel a little more deserted in April and May....but rely on the advice of others who have been there at that time of year.

I think the general calibre of food throughout Europe has gotten better over the years, including countries not known for cuisine. Admittedly, it's easier to find in some places than others, and much depends on your food preferences and tastes. (I just got back from Japan, the hardest place to find food I really liked in all my travels. This is mostly based on my idiosyncracies, e.g. I love many types of seafood, but get tired of sushi very easily, as well as cheap soba noodle parlors.) Anyway: I've had very good food in Scotland and Switzerland, but you don't have as much local and seasonal abundance as in warmer climates. Italy has a longer reputation for good food, and the climate for it.

I'd also vote to consider southern France, whether Provence, Alps-Maritimes, Dordogne, etc.

Many thanks to all who have checked in. Very, very helpful. These places are all on "the list" and all seem wonderful. We try to avoid summer travel to beat the higher costs and the increased tourist traffic.

Hmmmm........... Well, I'm thinking now that the UK and Switzerland will be rather iffy in May although I guess the weather could be lousy no matter where we go. But I am in favor of trying to increase the odds of having good weather so maybe we should plan to travel in June when our anniversary actually falls.

Or maybe we should go in a completely different direction and head to the Galapagos in May, which is also on the list.

You guys are great.

GreenDragon, I bookmarked your Ireland trip report last year when I started researching that country. It was terrific!