Hi, my parents would like to go to Europe for the first time. They want to see at least two countries and the definitely want to go to Italy. My mom REALLY wants to visit Rome. So they cant decide between Greece, Switzerland, or France. What do you all suggest? They want to see as much as they can. Thanks.

Try to pick two countries that are relatively close, if you really want to go to two.

Is that a week on the ground, with no travel time involved?

For that short of a time, You can see Rome and one other city, either Florence or Venice, assuming a short overview trip. Rome can take 7 days by itself, easily.

My choice is Venice.

Welcome to Fodors KitKat85.

"<i>What do you all suggest?</i>"

I suggest you re-post over on the Europe Forum. See the 'Change Forum' pull down menu? Clock that and post your questions on Europe.

Very few Fodorites read this board and you'll get much more response over on Europe.

I would not do 2 countries unless I had at least 2 weeks. I highly recommend you encourage them to extend the trip. Then I might do 4 days Rome, 4 days Florence, then train to Paris (take a day or do an overnight train) and finish there. Great cities, 2 countries. But you REALLY need 2 weeks.

2 countries in 1 week will be tight, but doable. Make sure there is easy transport between the two places. If Rome is your mom's dream, then perhaps 3-4 days in Rome and then 3-4 days in Paris - fly into Rome, then fly Rome to Paris, and then fly home from Paris.

Venice/Rome would be great and could be done by train.

But if it has to be 2 different countries then Rome and anywhere would work as long as you fly between them.
Rome/Paris
Rome/Geneva
Rome/Amsterdam

Thank you everyone!

They don't want to FLY between cities, which complicates matters a bit.

I didn't see the no-fly criteria. That does complicate matters a bit - have to choose 2 places with good train connections then. If one city is definitely Rome, then I agree about nixing the 2-country plan and choose another location in Italy to cut down on travel time. Rome & Venice would be a nice plan.

november_moon, It's in the other thread by this person, same question.