Poll: Where would you go next, out of these choices?

I really liked Madrid a great deal. However, a gentleman I met on my trip to the airport said I should try to see Barcelona.

So of the choice you have there, I'm going to say Spain.

Rome.

All good (haven't been to the Cote d'Azur and not Spain since I was a child).

You could see Rome and Tuscany on the same trip, maybe adding in some Umbria too if you have the time. The Dordogne also took my breath away. I'd do one of those two trips. Have done 'em--want to go again.

Guess I'd have to pick the Dordogne since that's where we're headed in October. Have been reading about the Dordogne for ages - so we decided that was our pick!

Is Dordogne too similar to Loire Valley and/or Provence? We don't want to overdo it...

We have been to all of the areas except the Dordogne so that would be on my list. Of the others, we loved the Basque region of Spain and France. The French villages in the foothills of the Pyrennees were so charming, and St-Jean de Luz a lovely small coastal city.We drove through the Pyrenees to the Languedoc region and then down to Costa Brava. We would return to both Languedoc and Costa Brava.

If you love history, and in particular prehistory, you will love the Dordogne. The cro magnon cave drawings are a must see. The Lascoux fascimile is wonderful. This replilcation was done by skilled artists using the primitive coloring technique--to see is to believe. There are other prehistoric sights and caves--Peche Merle near Cahors is wonderful, and it is the original cave. There are also many medieval castles and forts through out the area. I have not been there in ten years, so I can'tsay for sure that things are what they were then, but my husband and I had a great not crowded, not tourist vacation in that area in the Dordogne. I hope it is still pleasant to visit.

The Dordogne, hands down.

Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.

It is NOTHING like Provence or thte Loire Valley. It's another country altogether.

To narrow down your list, consider the following
- How much time do you have (some place deserve more times than others)
- What time of year will you be visiting (some places, obviously, will be hotter than others)
- Do you speak any foreign languages? Which? Does it bother or worry you to be in areas where less English is spoken?
- What is your preferred method of transportation, and what do you think you'll use on this trip? Train, bus, car?
- Where did you visit most recently (i.e., if you went to Italy last time, go to France this time)
- Of the places you've visited, which did you enjoy the most, and why? Do you appreciate any particular historical period or architecture more than others?

Re your specific question on the Dordogne, Provence and the Loire Valley, I don't think they're alike AT ALL (others may differ).

Loire Valley - Pretty but not spectacular, good food, chateaux that are generally from later time periods, big showplaces, not fortresses. Probably more upscale places to stay here, though you can find them everywhere, really.

Provence - A definite southern ambiance, very good food, especially if you like a more Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Relics of Roman times that you won't see the other two places. Beautiful, in a sun-drenched, dryer southern way.

Dordogne - My favorite place of the 3 (Loire Valley is my least favorite). Lots of castles, older, more defensive fortresses. Absolutely gorgeous scenary. Prehistoric painted caves that are just about unique. Fantastic good, especially if you like foie gras.

Ok, I'm a bit biased, but all of these places are great. As are all of the others you list (though I'm not so thrilled about the Cote d'Azur).

If you want to visit a less-touristy place that has fewer American visitors, consider the Basque region or the Languedoc.

Enjoy!

Rome

Rome!

No contest, First choice is the Dordogne region, as pointed out, is nothing like Loire Valley.

Second choice , Cote D'Azur, but I would research and choose some smaller lesser known cities/towns to visit,, Google the town of Cassis, now, doesn't that look stunning!! I would not go in winter though, I like sun and sand a bit, so June through Oct..

You didn't mention when you are going, but I would not go to Rome again in either July or August, which, I have done twice before( I had no choice of timing) . Hot, crowded, dirty and food is yucky( look the pizza is so so, and pasta is just pasta, not my favorite) . Sites are AMAZING though , history everywhere, so I would choose Rome next only if not in summer months.
So Rome is a conditional third choice.

My last choice ( as in , where I would not be interested in at all ) would be Spain,, and I have no reason for that, never been, and just have no interest. It may be very nice.

I also would not go to any of those places unless I first had a least a week in my favortie city in the world, Paris,, no one is ever finished with Paris, and you can go there anytime of the year and its wonderful!

Basque region of Spain & France

It is so beautiful. It is so delicious. It is where I would live if I didn't live in Italy, which gets twice as much sun.

Amazing food. Gorgeous scenery.

I find the Cote d'Azur a fashionista bore, the Langue d'oc left me indifferent, especially foodwise, Rome is tough to get around and expensive. Tuscany is a big place. I seem to like the parts most people don't go to and have yet to work up the nerve (or the interest) to go to many of the parts most people do. I think there is much better food elsewhere (like Emila-Romagna) with plenty of fantastic sights.

I think I might enjoy Dordogne ( after dinner in San Sebastian).

By the way, the Basque region of France is nowhere near as interesting as the Basque region of Spain, although it has pretty areas.

If you're looking for historic monuments, I don't think the Basque country fits the bill. I don't know. I didn't look. I live in Italy. I trip over a fantastic architecture every time I run an errand, so it wasn't high on my list in Pais Vasco.

#1-Rome
#2-Rome
#3-Rome

Well out of your list I'd say Spain.

But of course you need to keep within what's deemed "acceptable" and "understandable" round the dinner table at home. It you weren't then you'd be thinking Croatia, Slovenia, and "Eastern Europe".

I'm actually quite happy that you're sticking to the tried and tested, and hope you have a great time.

Hi A,

1. Dordogne (France)

2. Tuscany

3. Rome

I don't think that you would be disappointed by any of your choices.

Basque region of Spain & France: Not a spectacular region, some very beautiful beaches (Donostia, Biarritz, Cote d'Argent); otherwise not many attractions. It is a good region for a beach vacation.

Tuscany: Many renaissance towns and cities, archeological sites (Etruscan ), full of museums and art, mediterranean lifestyle (fattorias, olive oil, wine). A number one destination for a history&culture trip.

Rome: Also tons of history&art. A typical destination for a city trip.

Dordogne (France): Pretty landscape (a river valley), medieval towns, truffles&foie gras. A destination for savoir vivre.

Cote d’Azur (France): Spectacular scenery (especially the Cote de l'Esterel), picturesque mountain villages, an incredible array of modern art, some Roman ruins, some spectacular beaches. A destination which combines everything: landscape, beach, city, art, culture.

Languedoc area of western France: Wide sandy beaches (nothing special), in the hinterland some historic towns. Primarily a destination for a beach vacation.

Spain: A huge country with many different regions. Andalucia has spectacular history and architecture (but avoid the summer). Barcelona/Costa Brava has scenery, beaches, art, culture, history (comparable to Cote d'Azur). Madrid has history, art, culture.

Combinations are possible and recommendable, e.g. Rome and Tuscany or Tuscany and Cote d'Azur, or Barcelona/Costa Brava/Languedoc.

My personal favourite would be the Cote d'Azur - although heavily underrated by many Fodorites (have never understood why).

I'd have to know how long you'd have, when you're going and what you're looking to get out of the trip (sightseeing, relaxation, museums, etc.)

Given where you've already been though, I'd recommend Spain for a real contrast (I did Madrid, Barcelona, Seville in 9 days on a quickie trip and really thought it was quite different from where I'd been) but my heart lies in Tuscany and Rome, both of which I think are quite different from your Italy experience to date (just Venice).

I second just about everything Bozama said so well about Rome.

Based on what I'm reading here, I vote for Dordogne. I've never been, but it sounds wonderful.

gruezi

Wow, great responses, thanks! To answer some of your questions:

bozama - We've spent a week in Paris just this past April, but believe me, we've already considered going back! Our quest for variety, however, is allowing us to look elsewhere for now. But trust me, we will be going back for sure. Loved it.

amyb (and others) - We usually travel around March-May to avoid the summer crowds and heat. It's also my "off" season at work. We will be spending at least a week wherever we go, hopefully to take advantage of a rental apartment/house as a base. We may even add a few days if budget allows, depending on the trip and how much there is to see.

We like to experience a range of things on vacation, but we aren't the type to sit on a beach or sleep in...honestly I love looking at the beach, but probably wouldn't step foot on it. We like to spend a couple of hours at a scenic cafe and enjoy the atmosphere, but we are usually on the go in some way sightseeing. We also would most likely rent a car in some of the more driver-friendly areas, and would try to see many different towns in someplace like Dordogne, Tuscany, etc.

I have a strong pull towards all things French, since I speak the language pretty well. It does make it much easier to get your bearings when you understand and speak the language! For that reason, the Dordogne is a bit more attractive at the moment. Our last three trips have been to France, so my language skills keep building. I'm tempted to continue that trend, just to take advantage of the continuity before I jump to another language.

And lastly, to afterall - Just FYI, we're not traveling just to places so we're "acceptable"...no one really cares where we go but us. Our circle of family and friends is not into travel at all, so it's all lost on them anyway. They have never even heard of half the places we've already been. Our plan is to slowly, as budget allows, see all of the places you mentioned and others on our 2nd tier list (which includes Croatia). The places on our current list above are just more interesting to us NOW because of course, we've heard more about them. There are only so many months in the year, and so much money in our pockets. I'm not even 26...give me some time before you get testy!

Thanks so much everyone!!
Anna

anna...

Now that I know when you're thinking, I have to say Tuscany. I spent a week cycling there in early May and it was absolutely beautiful, perfect spring weather, poppies in bloom, not terribly crowded at all. I found it quite different from the Loire Valley, much more astonishing. I have not been to Provence though so I can't compare. You could always start in Florence, drive through Tuscany and end up in Rome, or just pick a spot or two in Tuscany and day trip from there. You have so much to pick from!

Tuscany and Dordogne in a toss-up, with Rome a close third. Since Tuscany and Rome are doable together (given enough time), I think that tips the scale in Italy's favor (this time, anyway).

But do visit the Dordogne Valley sometime. We had a great time there, and I think you would too. Also, I didn't notice the Berner Oberland on your "to do" list. Worth looking into.

I LOVE France, but everyone should see Rome. You can rent apartments in Rome for less than a week, and then add a few days in beautiful southern Tuscany or Umbria.

I live in Italy and I think strengthening your French language skills is a terrific priority, so the Dordogne sounds right to me.

Next trip, slide toward Catalonia.

Depends on when you're going. I would not do either Spain or Rome in midsummer - bu tboth are great in the spring.

If you've never been Rome is the obvious winner.

Rome - the Eternal City, add in an esy trip to the Amalfi coast for stunning photo ops.

If you desire a "countryside" vacation of driving and stopping in small towns, and taking pictures everywhere, either the Dordogne or Tuscany would fit the bill.

It looks like you've been to several large cities and would be familiar with all that involves. Rome is large and definitely an experience not to be missed. But, remember, it is a big bustling city.

If you chose the country experience, Tuscany could also be easily combined with a trip to the Cinque Terre or with Rome. (Not to throw another kink into your planning, but you did ask.)

In your shoes, having lots of experience with countryside vacations in France, I'd try for one in Italy, just to round out your travel "resume". As pointed out earlier, you really can't go wrong with any of your options.

--Annie

The Dordogne region is nothing at all like the flat Loire Valley or Provence.

The big question, however, is what do you want to see and do.

Time of year, length of trip, preference for activities, etc. would all factor into the equation.

Having been to all of these places (and the ones you've been to), my choice for a return visit would be the Basque region of Spain & France.

Two countries - twice the fun. Sun, country, and sea. Loads of good food and wine. Perfect for a relaxing vacation (beach/spa) - but not necessarily one packed full of attractions if that's what you're looking for.

Of the places you mention, my last choice would be Rome, but I've been there many, many times already. If you loved Athens, you'll likely love Rome. If you preferred Provence or Val d'Loire, then Basque regions, Tuscany, Dordogne, or Languedoc would be more appropriate. I love the Cote d'Azur - but only for a long weekend or 3-day weekday jaunt.

I second Digbydog. The Dordogne would be my second choice.

another vote for Rome
or maybe Rome plus Tuscany if you have enough time. I would define enough time in Rome as at least five full days.

I am SO biased towards Spain, and it hasn't been mentioned much here. If you choose Spain, I would suggest a split between Barcelona and Sevilla as bases - maybe fly into Barcelona and spend two/three days, then take the train or fly to Sevilla.

Sevilla is one of my favorite cities, and you'll get the amazing food, wine, historical monuments, and great scenery. Plus you can do an overnighter to Granada to see the Alhambra and check out Ronda and surrounding White Towns for a couple days.

BUT, being in the same age category as you, I think a strong contender is the Rome/Tuscany combination. If you haven't seen Rome yet, you gotta! Yeah, Rome's dirty and gritty, but there's so much to see. Then you can head out into the countryside and get a good mix. If you have a week-plus, you can even spend several days in Rome and several in Florence with day trips out into Tuscany.

I have to confess that of the places you've listed, I've only visited Rome and Tuscany. Both are awesome.

Rome might be a nice compliment to your past trip to Athens. You'll be able to see the Roman interpretation of the ancient Greek architecture that you saw in Athens.

If you're interested in architecture, there is so much to see in Rome: the Forum, St. Peter's, the Pantheon, Colosseum, etc. It is an architectural dream-come-true!

Thanks again everyone, I've taken a couple off my list (for now)...well okay only two (Cote d'azur and Languedoc) I guess I need to do some more research!

Rome with Tuscany side.

"...and gorgeous scenery for photography."

Croatia and Slovenia.

We loved the Dordogne region. It's not like anthing else we have seen in France.

I have been to Italy about 12 times, and still have not gotten enough time to really see Rome. There aren't a lot of pretty views except of the skyline -- although i think you could take some lovely photos of the Palatine hill. And of course the Roman and Renaissance antiquities are stunning.

Tuscany and Rome is the only logical answer IMHO.

If you are going closer to the March time frame, I would choose the Cote d'Azur over Dordogne. I have been to the Dordogne the past 4 years and weather can be pretty raining (which I don't mind but friends visiting us kind of did) in early spring. Conversely, you may find the Riviera a bit hot already in May, so I definitely take weather into account if it would bother you in either of these cases.

You can not make a mistake in choosing any of the suggested places. My Wife & I have traveled through out much of Europe & if I was going for the amount of time you have I think I would go to the north west part of Tuscuny near Lucca and pick out a nice hill town & make it my home base & venture forth. We stayed with our Daughters family in a hill town called Barga near Lucca & it was wonderful. She lives in Germany & got the rental for a week through VRBO.com (Vacation Renters By Owners) they have places that people rent around the world. I also would go to the eastern part of France in the Wine regione and stay in a town called Colmar.The man that made the Statue of Liberty for the U.S. is from there and there is some great art & a mixture of French & German food.The town is close to the German border and south of Strasbourg. I know that isn't one of your areas but it still is great place to visit with a short time.

Absolutely Rome. I had been everywhere except Rome over a 35 year period and finally went last year and so loved it. I wish I hadn't waited so
long.

I've been to all the places you have mentioned. And still vote for Rome. And it's easy to pop up to Tuscany from there.

Have you thought of Turkey?? I thought Istanbul was the most incredible city. I loved Cappadocia-we stayed in a cave hotel and took a hot air baloon ride. Ephesis was awsome.
My favorite country is Greece-I love the history but I can sit & have a drink under an umbressl and just look ant the blue water.
We are going to Portugal in September and i am so looking forward to our trip there.so manyplaces to choose from-enjoy

Hi

Out of the places that you mention I would probably go to Tuscany again I went there last year with my wife and we really enjoyed it. Here is my trip report with pictures http://gardkarlsen.com/tuscany_italy_travelogue.htm . But I would also like to visit France (I have only been to Paris) and the Basque region of Spain . Happy planning.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I am with nytravelerer who gave you, IMHO, the ONLY common sense answer so far-- IT ALL DEPENDS ON WHEN ARE YOU TRAVELING.

Rome is a HORRENDOUS choice in the summer, when it is close to unbearable. If you go in March-April or October it is a great choice.

Basque Region in December? Nutty. Cote D'Azur in February; only if you like to sky up in the mountains. Cote D'Azur in early May is paradise; don't even get close to it in mid to late May when the Cannes Film Festival and Grand Prix are ON. If you took Cote d'Azur out of your list, you have made a very bad mistake. I have been to just about every country in Europe, some many times, and the COTE D'AZUR is by far, the most scenic, gorgeous area I have been to. Again, TIME OF THE YEAR IS CRITICAL.

The right answer is that you really can not go wrong with ANY of the places you listed; they have ALL very, very similar qualities. The best part is that they aren't going anywhere.

So, Anna, your question is half-posted. Most of the answers above are exercises in futility and could steer you completely wrong if the time of the year isn't right....

I believe you already answered the time of year question so since you're not stuck with summer, Rome & Tuscany would be my first choice. This is NOTHING like Venice (not that I have anything against Venice) but it's important to remember that Italy has only been a country since about 1865; prior to that, it was a bunch of "city-states" so they're quite unique. Also, for the Tuscany part, I strongly suggest you stay in an agritourismo.

A great destination for historical monuments, architecture, and gorgeous scenery, as well as, museums is Amsterdam. A must on my list for anyone going abroad.
~abby

Just an observation. Although you have been to Athens and Santorini, you haven't really seen Greece. Islands such as Karpathos, Chios and Amorgos are the real Greek islands. Olympos, a mountain village on Karpathos still has working windmills.

Given the time of year when you're going to travel and your past choices, I vote for Rome.

I love the Dordogne, got a huge charge of doing art non-stop on the Cote d'Azur, and I certainly myself have the Basque region of Spain/France on my list, but Rome is a city you must experience.

It was a good, "let's settle in and soak this all up" kind of city simply because there was SO MUCH to see and do. Our only day trip was to pop down to Pompeii.

The Andalucia region of Spain is absolutely amazing! Skip Madrid and the coast and concentrate on Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, and Granada.

annamikemc - from one of your earlier posts you were looking at 2 apartments - which one did you decide to rent? We're heading to the Villa Nova in Oct.

#1.Barcelona
#2.Seville
#3.Madrid

I have been to them all and you can't go wrong with any of them but if you want to go someplace that is truly amazing try Turkey....Istanbul, Ephesus and Cappadocia!

Basque country - great food, beautiful scenery, lovely people!

Rome.

It is one of the top places in the world. In fact, I am surprised you havn't been yet considering all the places you've already seen.

Spend at least two weeks there if possible.

Skip Madrid and the coast and concentrate on Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, and Granada.

Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, and Granada are great, but I also love Madrid and, on the coast, Nerja and the much maligned Marbella.

Although I am a huge fan of the Cote d'Azur and keep returning there for your trip I'd suggest Rome. I think it should be the mandatory first stop on anyone's initial trip to Europe. Seeing Rome puts almost everything else into context. Plus it has an exciting energy in addition to the history.
If you can I think spend time in Rome and the rest of your time in Tuscany.

I'm off to Barcelona and the Languedoc area of France in 3 weeks. We are landing in Barcelona (2 nights), then 2 nights in Narbonne and doing a day trip to Carcassonne (30 minute train ride)- considered the best preserved medieval city in all of Europe, then 2 nights in Perpignan and doing a day trip to Collioure (extremely picturesque fishing village and artist colony - Picasso and Matisse both spent time there), and then back to Barcelona for 1 night before flying back. However, I love Tuscany (we based ourselves in Florence and did day trips to Perugia, Siena, Lucca, Bologna, Assissi). Rome is incredible - I've been there 7 times and still haven't seen everything. You have a great list -- I can see why you're having difficulty making a choice!

Tuscany would be my first choice. Great wine (inexpensive), great food, great scenery and so much history. Other than Florence, this is a trip to the countryside and more rustic than some other places, but clearly our favorite place to visit. Stay in a villa in the country rather than a hotel. Rent a car to see the many towns and villages and don't miss the following areas:
- Sienna
- Bolgheri wine region on the coast
- Lucca
- Vinci
- Montalcino
- Cinque Terre (not Tuscany, but close
- Monteriggioni
- Volterra
- and of course Florence

Also for a great wine tour contact Tuscan Wine Tours by Rebecca Christophersen at tuscan-wine-tours.com. And for a cooking class in your villa contact www.tuscanycooking.net.

Finally for a unique experience take a tour of the Vilca crystal factory in Colle Val d’Elsa (www.vilca.it) where you walk among the glassblowers.

Have a great trip!

Hi!

After 27 years in Rome, and having visited all the pretty places on your list, I can only say that Rome should be your choice. All the others are nice, interesting, but Rome changes your life, how you look at the world, yourself, your sense of beauty, and time. You'll find plenty of food, wine, monuments and architecture, and photo ops, and if you want more countryside, take a side trip to Tuscany. This will depend on the amount of time you have. If you're going in July or August, plan on taking it easy, slow down in the afternoon so you can enjoy the evening. No question about it, Rome hands down.

Having spent time in Rome, Venice,Florence, Paris, Greece, Turkey ... all are wonderful!

I just returned from my first trip to Spain, and I am smitten. Only scratched the surface (a short two weeks), but I fell in love with the countryside of Castilla y Leon. We stayed in the La Alberca area of the Sierra Francia mountains, as well as in Salamanca and Segovia, also Madrid just for a few days ... if you love castles, history and great food, well, I can't say enough.

I found the people of Spain to be warm and welcoming - actually much more so than in many other countries I have visited.

Next year I hope to return - this time to explore Andalucia.

Rome!!!

Forget the Basque country....start in Madrid and head south. The influence of the Moors is breathtaking ....especially if you like photography...check out the Paradores when you are looking for lodging. The most famous one is in Granada and usually needs a year in advance to book it but you are a few feet away from the Alhambra.
Rome is a close second....Good luck!!!!!!!!

Rome, and if you have enough time, combine a visit to Tuscany.

Anna, do you like walking? We have recently come home from a self -guided trip of Tuscany for 3 weeks. We had 3 nights in each village and our luggage was transported to the next hotel by the rep of the company we booked with. If you only want 1 or 2 nights in each village, you can do so but we found 3 nights was perfect as it gave us time to explore the villages which are all walled villages and each very different. We started in Montepulciano, Pienza, San Quirico, Montalcino, Buonconvento and ending up in Siena.
This was in early June and the field flowers were coming out and the scenery magnificent. Before this we had 4 nights in a hotel in Belaggio on Lake Como and that was magnificent.

la toskana! definitely!

Not on your list...
but
Istanbul
awesome place
beautiful
great food
great restaurants & street food
among the nicest people of any place I've been
wonderful juxtapositon of old world and modern European
Get to go to Asia & Europe
amazing history, mosques, and art
not on the EU yet - turkish Lira
great stores and excellent leather
gorgeous jewelry
baklava
hip music
really fun place
do consider

If you pick the Dordogne I have one suggestion that nowone seems to have mentioned, hire a canoe and take a trip down the Dordogne River. You can take a trip from 1 hour onwards. You can take your camera in a waterproof container. You will take some of the most wonderful pictures or video ever and it is so relaxing. A definite must if you are in the region

Rome. Amazing!
with a side trip to Tuscany.

Rome the only place I have been where I would say you have "got to" see Rome before you die.

Rome then on to Tuscany adding Cinque Terra!
Rosie

I second risab-Istanbul is a magical city. We were there 2 years ago and for a large city it is very walkable.Safe and NOT on the Euro.

I'm coming on to this thread late, long after the last post. Hopefully, there's stil time to add my two cents. Since you are interested in continuing to improve your French, I would recommend going to France. Knowing the language really makes a difference in your enjoyment of a country.
My husband and I studied Italian from the summer of 2006 until the summer of 2007. Our trip to Italy in September, 2006 was enhanced by the little knowledge of the language we had, but by September, 2007, we were able to sit outside a winery and speak Italian with the owner. Much to be recommended.

Please let us know where you decide to go.
Grandot

Start in Barcelona and hire a car, drive around Basque and back down to Madrid. Loved Madrid on my trip ealier this year and headed to Barcelona for the first time next Feb. Can't beat Spain for the value, extremes in what you will see and experince. Great food and great people, ton of history and totally underestimated in my opinion.