Marighita

Next year I will retire at the end of September, so we are thinking to go in vacation in October, for 15 - 18 days, in Europe.
I would like to receive some suggestions, for a nice vacation, when we can have a mix of nice landscapes, architecture, museums, good restaurants - some with live music and to be in the places where the weather is good enough in October.

We are not beach persons.
We visited many countries in Europe, like Spain, Italy, France, England, Belgium, Holland, Hungary and loved all of them.

We are thinking about Portugal, or some Greek islands and Istanbul, or Monaco and Genoa, but not sure that these destinations will fill 15 - 18 days, even in a slow ritm.

I hope that you, Fodorites, can give me some good suggestions. thank you.

bilboburgler

Keep south so Morocco, Puglia, Sicily, Seville, Cordoba, Nimes, Barcelona all look good. Each area has say 4 days of architecture, painting opportunity just waiting for you but don't spend all your time travelling.

Watch out for concerts in each town (for example I think Lisbon has a massive rock concert this year)

kenderina

Lisbon and Madrid...Rock in Rio is called

stevelyon

We loved Lagos in Portugal but Im not sure for a full two weeks. The Greek Islands may be a little small for two weeks; we loved Crete and Rhodes (in that order)but only there for a week.
Santorini is a favourite here, but October weather may be on the cool side as might Genoa (where we are sort of destined in October - going to Cinque Terre). Have you considered Cyprus? This is a fabulous large island which will keep its temperatures and has some wonderful ancient sites. I would consider the St Georges Bay part of Cyprus (West Coast). Southern Spain will also meet your needs for warmth in October - around Malaga or how about Nirje? Use both as a base to travel further afield and visit Granada or Cordoba.
Good luck

danon

What cities or towns have you already been to in Spain, Italy and France?
Do you wish to revisit any of the places in those countries?
Some people like Croatia in the fall but 18 days there is rather long.( the weather can be rainy)
perhaps Greece and Turkey?

cheryllj

I think Greece could easily fill 15-18 days, and many more.

Combine a stop in Athens (lots of history there), with 3-4 islands, and I don't think you will be bored. Crete alone could take a week or more, and you could add 2-3 other islands. You could even visit Istanbul or other parts of Turkey if you wanted.

Slot

Hi
Have you ever been to scandinavia ?
Stockholm is beautiful.
Oslo is welcoming and the fjords is lovely. Stay at The Holmenkolmen Hotel.
Copenhagen and tivoli is a must and stay at www.skrobelevgods.dk

Have a nice vacation.

Slot

Maria_H

How can someone say "The Greek Islands may be a little small for two weeks" - it would be easy to fill that time and much more, touring the mainland, Peloponnese or even Crete alone, which is a large and beautuful island.

There are many ruins, beautiful scenery, mountains, pretty villages, etc to be seen. The weather is usually good in October, there may be the chance of a shower but it will generally be warm. I would spend a few days in Athens, tour the Peloponnese for a week and then take in an island or two - maybe Santorini and Crete. This way heading further south as the month progresses.

Marighita

Thank you very much to all. I am speaking for october next year (2009).
Yes, I have been in Scandinavia, and I think that October is too late to go there. I know that costa del Sol is a good destination for October, but we have been there 9 years ago (in October).

Based on all your recommendations, I make my home work now for these two options:
a. Portugal - with Lisbon, Sintra, Escoril,Cascais, Evora and mabye 2 days in Algavre
b. Sicily and Malta
Any pro and contra for these destinations?

mamc

Having visited both Sicily and Portugal, I would select Sicily and Malta or just Sicily. Sicily is absolutely fabulous! We loved the people, the food, the scenery, the museums, the architecture and the culture. It is so fascinating and influenced by so many of the cultures of the Mediterranean. It is amazing to visit a Greek temple, beautifully preserved, eat a North African meal and see a cathedral with Arab-influenced architecture all in one day. And it is quintessentially Italian, despite all of the outside influence.

We were there for only 9 days but I would love to have the luxury of 18 days to explore.

We were there the end of September and early October and the weather was perfect.

Marighita

Mamc, I started to read about Sicily now, the truth is that also I am more for Sicily than Portugal. This, because I was once in a business trip in Portugal, and visited it during weekends . My DH did not visit Portugal, so I included in the list.
However, none of us were in Sicily and I found only very good impressions about a trip there.Probably we shall travel there with 4 - 5 days in Malta also.

Is a good ideea to select 3 places to stay in to make day trips from there?

bobthenavigator

This may help !
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34620334

Marighita

Thank you so much, Bob!Your report is so detailed and give so many info! It is better than a guide! For sure I can get the answer to many of my questions.