the turnip

Isn't half the fun of traveling the planning? Trying to decide between the Netherlansds/Belgium or Northern Italy. We spent two wonderful weeks in Italy this past May. Saw the Amalfi coast, Rome, Orvieto, Sienna and Venice. We didn't get to see nearly enough of what we wanted to, or eat enough gelato or drink enough wine. We're considering a two week trip of just Northen Italy. We enjoy the museums and "must see's" but then love to get out of the bid cities and see the small towns, countryside and do some walking or light hiking. <BR> <BR>What would be your favorite itinerary for a two week trip?

Patrick

Of your two destinations, I personally prefer Northern Italy, but here's a thought. If you haven't been to much of anywhere else in Europe, I suggest you skip Italy this next year and do Belgium and Netherlands, then return to Italy the following year. It will give you a chance to appreciate Italy even more, while exposing yourself to a whole different group of cultures. Sometimes if you return to a magical place to soon after the first trip, it almost diminishes your memories and pleasures of the first trip. Amsterdam has its great art museums, Brugge (a perfect base for a couple of days or more -- we like it as a base and go to Antwerp or Brussels for day trips) is a gem of architecture, and the countryside of Holland is perfect for hiking or even biking and visiting lots of really interesting small villages. Perhaps the greatest day I ever spent in Europe was the day we rode bicycles out of Brugge going north along the canal with mist rising off it, visiting little farm villages, old ruins, and having a wonderful lunch at a little roadhouse near the Dutch border. I kept looking for the cameras, convinced we were in a travelogue.

lydia

I agree with Patrick about returning to the same country too soon. Bruges really is a stunning city in many ways. Having said that, if you are set on returning to Italy, here are some very enjoyable destinations which would combine well for a fortnight's holiday. <BR>1) Venice and the Veneto - you can't have spent much time in the city during your trip this year, and the towns on the mainland are also worth seeing for their history and architectural heritage eg. Padua, Vicenza <BR>2) The Dolomites - within easy driving from Venice, this area with stunning scenery and numerous mountain resorts is great for hiking of all levels. Cortina is very attractive, with a wide range of hotels and lots to do. <BR>3) Lakes Maggiore, Como etc. - a beautiful area, with each lake having a different character, and lots to do and see <BR>4)Recently we visited the far western corner of Piemonte, around Alba, and found this to be a stunningly beautiful and unspoilt region, with few tourists. This area would combine easily with the Lakes in terms of distance.

roger & amy

Hi Turnip, <BR> <BR> We spent our honeymoon traveling Switzerland, Italy and Germany last December. In May we traveled to Southern Germany and Austria. We decided to go back to Italy for our anniversary. We found Florence to be the most beautiful city in terms of architecture and history. We are going back and have decided to spend the rest of our time in Northern Italy. I don't think you are making any mistakes on going back to Italy though I do agree going to a different part of Europe is a good idea. However, should you decide to go to Italy, you must go the Florence! Stay at the Hotel Lungarno if finances allow it, this you will not regret. You should spend a minimum of two days there, then head off to Verona and into the Dolomites. <BR> <BR>Have Fun, <BR> <BR>Roger and Amy

Ellen

If you enjoy a slower pace, two weeks in Northern Italy would be just great. <BR> <BR>Certainly lake Como is great and I'd opt to stay in Bellagio. You can take the ferry to wonderful little towns like Varenna. Lake Maggiore is not as beautiful but the Borromean Islands make just a wonderful way to spend a day or two. I stayed in Stresa as a base. You can also easily visit Bergamo as well as Locarno. Other ideas would be Santa Margherita Liguria, Portofino and hiking the Cinque Terre. <BR>Ellen