What to do with 3 to 6 weeks in Europe in high summer?
May 21st, 2012, 01:51 PM
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What to do with 3 to 6 weeks in Europe in high summer?
Hey folks:
I haven't posted in a while. I have a trip planned for mid-June to early July(mostly in Italy, with an 11-day hiking trip in Dolomites as the highlight), but it looks like I may have the opportunity to extend my stay substantially. The question is, what to do with that time.
Some information to make it easier to advise me:
1) I have spent time in Europe before (though not in peak tourist season), so I have an idea of costs.
2) I am looking to go to places I haven't been before. So far, I have spent time in Italy, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Bruges, London(not that would go anywhere near London this summer even if I hadn't)
3) To the extent that I can, I hope to minimize the volume of crowds I have to deal with. Don't misunderstand me, I am well aware that this is peak tourist season and I will have to live with some ugly crowd situations.
4) I will not have access to a car, which hasn't been much of an issue in my previous trips, but it does limit my ability to go to some more rural locales.
5) My primary interests are in Art (pre-Modern), architecture, history and natural beauty. I will probably want to do some hiking, particularly since I will be carrying all the gear I need for it anyway. The other thing to mention is that some time for quiet contemplation is definitely needed for this trip.
6) The start of the trip (i.e. the end of my original trip) is Milan. My VERY preliminary thinking is to head North through Switzerland into Germany heading for Denmark and Sweden, then onto Norway and then across to Scotland (is there a boat?). But this, as I said, not remotely set in stone, maybe Southern France into Spain and Portugal would be better, or something completely different.
7) The other thing to mention I guess is that it is May 21st and I have made no reservations yet, which is definitely going to be an issue is some places I suspect.
8) Lastly, and I know people say this in these kind of threads all the time, but if I take the extended trip, this will definitely be my last time in Europe. Trust me.
Anyway, there are probably other things I should mention, but that should be enough to get the conversation started.
I haven't posted in a while. I have a trip planned for mid-June to early July(mostly in Italy, with an 11-day hiking trip in Dolomites as the highlight), but it looks like I may have the opportunity to extend my stay substantially. The question is, what to do with that time.
Some information to make it easier to advise me:
1) I have spent time in Europe before (though not in peak tourist season), so I have an idea of costs.
2) I am looking to go to places I haven't been before. So far, I have spent time in Italy, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, Bruges, London(not that would go anywhere near London this summer even if I hadn't)
3) To the extent that I can, I hope to minimize the volume of crowds I have to deal with. Don't misunderstand me, I am well aware that this is peak tourist season and I will have to live with some ugly crowd situations.
4) I will not have access to a car, which hasn't been much of an issue in my previous trips, but it does limit my ability to go to some more rural locales.
5) My primary interests are in Art (pre-Modern), architecture, history and natural beauty. I will probably want to do some hiking, particularly since I will be carrying all the gear I need for it anyway. The other thing to mention is that some time for quiet contemplation is definitely needed for this trip.
6) The start of the trip (i.e. the end of my original trip) is Milan. My VERY preliminary thinking is to head North through Switzerland into Germany heading for Denmark and Sweden, then onto Norway and then across to Scotland (is there a boat?). But this, as I said, not remotely set in stone, maybe Southern France into Spain and Portugal would be better, or something completely different.
7) The other thing to mention I guess is that it is May 21st and I have made no reservations yet, which is definitely going to be an issue is some places I suspect.
8) Lastly, and I know people say this in these kind of threads all the time, but if I take the extended trip, this will definitely be my last time in Europe. Trust me.
Anyway, there are probably other things I should mention, but that should be enough to get the conversation started.
May 21st, 2012, 04:05 PM
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What about a ferry over to Croatia, say from Venice, then up into Austria (Salzburg), Prague, and further north if you have time? I've not been to Croatia but it's high on my list and you'll be in the "neighborhood". I have been to the Scandinavian countries at that time of year though and it is a beautiful time to visit, so I like your thinking that way.
I don't have enough experience to offer concrete suggestions, just stirring the pot. Anyone else?
I don't have enough experience to offer concrete suggestions, just stirring the pot. Anyone else?
May 21st, 2012, 04:20 PM
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Just guessing, but I gather this to be assort of spiritual journey, and , perhaps illogically, I associate the high latitudes -- marvelously free of herds -- with that. So how about the Faroe Islands? Or maybe north to Spitsbergen? Sea journeys to remote. elemental landscapes . . .
Or, if you decide to stay south, perhaps walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. After all, you'll have the gear.
Or, if you decide to stay south, perhaps walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. After all, you'll have the gear.
May 21st, 2012, 04:42 PM
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you could spend some time in amsterdam - truly beautiful and from there you could get the dfds ferry to Newcastle. then head up to scotland by train,(2hours) if you enjoy walking - then there is no better place to be.
May 21st, 2012, 04:58 PM
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Persoanlly I think that Switz and Scandinavia is perfect for midsummer since the wether should be pleasant rather than hellishly hot. HOWEVER, these are by far the most expesnive places in europe. And i fyo are comparing them to an inexpensive place - such as Germany several years ago - you may well find that prices are twice as high.
Until recently I had a client in Basle, and many of people I worked with lived in Germany rather than Swtiz since they got almost twice as much for their money - in terms of housing, food etc. And many of those who lived in Switz would go shopping in Germany once or twice a week since the savings were so huge.
So be sure to look into the prices - not just for hotels - but for drinks, meals, sights and even local transit - before making the trip. I did several days in Stockholm in late August and found it incredibly beautiful - plus a surprising amount to see and do. But that was about 6 yers ago - and prices weren't nearly so bad then.
Until recently I had a client in Basle, and many of people I worked with lived in Germany rather than Swtiz since they got almost twice as much for their money - in terms of housing, food etc. And many of those who lived in Switz would go shopping in Germany once or twice a week since the savings were so huge.
So be sure to look into the prices - not just for hotels - but for drinks, meals, sights and even local transit - before making the trip. I did several days in Stockholm in late August and found it incredibly beautiful - plus a surprising amount to see and do. But that was about 6 yers ago - and prices weren't nearly so bad then.
May 21st, 2012, 05:15 PM
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The only ferry that I know of between Scandinavia and the UK is DFDS from Esbjerg in Denmark to Harwich.
There are flights between Norway Oslo/Stavanger/Bergen and Scotland Aberdeen/Edinburgh/Newcastle on Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe and Ryanair.
There are flights between Norway Oslo/Stavanger/Bergen and Scotland Aberdeen/Edinburgh/Newcastle on Scandinavian Airlines, Widerøe and Ryanair.
May 21st, 2012, 09:26 PM
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Thanks for the ideas folks.
nytraveler - I knew Switzerland would be bad cost-wise, I didn't know Sweden was going to be in the same neighbourhood. Well, the limiting factor for this trip will be cost. I have a fixed budget, so if the places I end up picking are to the more expensive side, then the length of the trip extension will be closer to 3 weeks rather than 6. Anyway, I will have to sit down and work out the details for the first three weeks and see how much money I should have left before planning how much longer to stay.
Fra_Diavolo - You are right, this trip is very much about moving from phase of my life into another. Your suggestions are intriguing and not places I had specifically thought of. I will look into them more closely. Thanks!
Sidny - heading to Croatia first out of Milan before turning North is a good idea.
Wilma3225 - I had been in Amsterdam last year, unfortunately it was at the end of a month-plus long trip during which I scheduled insufficient down-time, and so I was very tired and unable to cope with crowds and heat (it was the Easter long weekend, and my hotel had no air-conditioning (hey it was Easter, I never occurred to me that I would need it). Possibly a return, not that seen a large portion of the must see sights already night not be a bad idea.
hoxa61 - too bad about no boat, but a flight may work out fine. Thanks for the info.
Speaking of being tired, I will probably need to find a spot, preferably out of way and relatively inexpensive, to crash for a 3 or 4 days or so in the middle of the trip to recharge my batteries.
nytraveler - I knew Switzerland would be bad cost-wise, I didn't know Sweden was going to be in the same neighbourhood. Well, the limiting factor for this trip will be cost. I have a fixed budget, so if the places I end up picking are to the more expensive side, then the length of the trip extension will be closer to 3 weeks rather than 6. Anyway, I will have to sit down and work out the details for the first three weeks and see how much money I should have left before planning how much longer to stay.
Fra_Diavolo - You are right, this trip is very much about moving from phase of my life into another. Your suggestions are intriguing and not places I had specifically thought of. I will look into them more closely. Thanks!
Sidny - heading to Croatia first out of Milan before turning North is a good idea.
Wilma3225 - I had been in Amsterdam last year, unfortunately it was at the end of a month-plus long trip during which I scheduled insufficient down-time, and so I was very tired and unable to cope with crowds and heat (it was the Easter long weekend, and my hotel had no air-conditioning (hey it was Easter, I never occurred to me that I would need it). Possibly a return, not that seen a large portion of the must see sights already night not be a bad idea.
hoxa61 - too bad about no boat, but a flight may work out fine. Thanks for the info.
Speaking of being tired, I will probably need to find a spot, preferably out of way and relatively inexpensive, to crash for a 3 or 4 days or so in the middle of the trip to recharge my batteries.
May 21st, 2012, 11:36 PM
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If cost is an issue you should consider the Austrian Alps, Germany, Czech Republic e.g.
While heading north you may want to stop in the National Park Saxon Switzerland (doesn't compare to Switzerland at all, despite the name) which is perfect for summer (and to recharge your batteries) - not crowded, if it is hot you can hike in the glens/canyons or do boat trips there, if the weather is rainy you have culture/architecture right in front of your nose. It's between Prague and Dresden (closer to the latter).
www.saechsische-schweiz.de (English available)
Btw, hotels in cities have special offers in July/August as the business travelers stay away and most Europeans prefer beach (or mountain) vacations in summer.
While heading north you may want to stop in the National Park Saxon Switzerland (doesn't compare to Switzerland at all, despite the name) which is perfect for summer (and to recharge your batteries) - not crowded, if it is hot you can hike in the glens/canyons or do boat trips there, if the weather is rainy you have culture/architecture right in front of your nose. It's between Prague and Dresden (closer to the latter).
www.saechsische-schweiz.de (English available)
Btw, hotels in cities have special offers in July/August as the business travelers stay away and most Europeans prefer beach (or mountain) vacations in summer.
May 22nd, 2012, 02:35 AM
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Have you been to the Amalfi Coast? I know if I felt like it would be my last trip to Europe that would be one place I'd want to go. My mother traveled all over the world but never got there and is still saying it's her main regret (she's too old to travel now). It's not 'uncrowded' but it's not terribly expensive either (or it certainly doesn't have to be). And after that you would be in southern Italy so you could work your way over to take a ferry to Croatia and then work your way north. I agree that places like Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, etc. will be less expensive than Scandinavia and Switzerland and just as wonderful.
May 22nd, 2012, 03:50 AM
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If you feel tired now a trip through Switzerland - Germany - Denmark - Sweden - Norway - Scotland in three weeks will probably make you exhausted ;-)
As your primary interests are in Art (pre-Modern), architecture, history and natural beauty Poland is an excelent option! Considerably cheaper than Scandinavia and you will find just about everything matching your interests. Great nature, historical cities, seaside resorts.
The Euro 2012 football champion ship will take place in Ukraine and Poland but the last match scheduled in Poland (Warsaw) is on June 28 with the final match and closing ceremonies in Kiev, Ukraine on July 1.
You will find cheap flights on low cost carriers to most major cities in Poland from most major cities in Europe. Ryanair has direct flight from Milan to Wroclaw, Krakow, Lodz, Poznan, Warsaw, Brno (Czech Republic). Wizz air has direct flight from Milan to Katowice, Warsaw and Gdansk.
Info about Poland:
http://en.poland.gov.pl/
http://poland.pl/poland/0,0.html
Poland is just great and highly recommended!
If you want to escape the crowds and the heat, Sweden and Finland are good picks with lots of hiking possibilities and other outdoor activities like canoeing etc. It doesn't necessarily have to be extremely expensive but of course, Scandinavia can't match the lower prices in the Eastern European countries. You will save time and money though by flying from Milan rather than travel by train through Switzerland and Germany. There are flights on Ryanair and easyJet from Milan to Scandinavia.
As your primary interests are in Art (pre-Modern), architecture, history and natural beauty Poland is an excelent option! Considerably cheaper than Scandinavia and you will find just about everything matching your interests. Great nature, historical cities, seaside resorts.
The Euro 2012 football champion ship will take place in Ukraine and Poland but the last match scheduled in Poland (Warsaw) is on June 28 with the final match and closing ceremonies in Kiev, Ukraine on July 1.
You will find cheap flights on low cost carriers to most major cities in Poland from most major cities in Europe. Ryanair has direct flight from Milan to Wroclaw, Krakow, Lodz, Poznan, Warsaw, Brno (Czech Republic). Wizz air has direct flight from Milan to Katowice, Warsaw and Gdansk.
Info about Poland:
http://en.poland.gov.pl/
http://poland.pl/poland/0,0.html
Poland is just great and highly recommended!
If you want to escape the crowds and the heat, Sweden and Finland are good picks with lots of hiking possibilities and other outdoor activities like canoeing etc. It doesn't necessarily have to be extremely expensive but of course, Scandinavia can't match the lower prices in the Eastern European countries. You will save time and money though by flying from Milan rather than travel by train through Switzerland and Germany. There are flights on Ryanair and easyJet from Milan to Scandinavia.
May 22nd, 2012, 05:29 PM
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Ok, a small update. The trip extension is definitely a go.
My vague plan at this point is head from Milan to Croatia, through Prague/Budapest into Poland and from there to Scandinavia, with the possibility of heading to Scotland afterwards if the budget looks good enough.
However, I am still open to any suggestions anyone has. But not for too long, I will need to start planning in a serious way by the weekend.
Ingo: That park does look promising as a resting spot. We will see how it fits with the rest of the trip location wise.
isabel: I spent a little time on the Amalfi Coast a couple of years ago. It is beautiful there, but it will also be kind of the wrong way, if, as I am now thinking, intending to head North.
hoxa61: I have a coworker who was born and raised in Poland pushing the same idea. It is on the way North anyway.
My vague plan at this point is head from Milan to Croatia, through Prague/Budapest into Poland and from there to Scandinavia, with the possibility of heading to Scotland afterwards if the budget looks good enough.
However, I am still open to any suggestions anyone has. But not for too long, I will need to start planning in a serious way by the weekend.
Ingo: That park does look promising as a resting spot. We will see how it fits with the rest of the trip location wise.
isabel: I spent a little time on the Amalfi Coast a couple of years ago. It is beautiful there, but it will also be kind of the wrong way, if, as I am now thinking, intending to head North.
hoxa61: I have a coworker who was born and raised in Poland pushing the same idea. It is on the way North anyway.
