nrdowning

Hello Travelers,

I need some suggestions on places to visit in July and August. My boyfriend doesn't want to move between two many hotels as he does that for his job. I can only pick two cities and I want to see all of Europe, call me selfish. I am looking for the best itinerary where we can see the most and he can relax as well. I have been looking in Spain and Italy. We will be traveling from London, we are from the states, but are here for a few months for his job. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I know the timing is not ideal for heat and the number of travelers but it is when it fits into his schedule.

Thanks! Nicole

mamcalice

If you want to visit only two cities, consider traveling to one country or to nearby cities. What about Venice and Rome or Amsterdam and Paris. I wouldn't go to Spain and Italy - too much need to move around.

nytraveler

There is no way you can see a whole country from one hotel. Even to see a whole area you will be doing a lot of trekking by either train or car.

You really need to focus on what you want (in terms of weather and sights) - if it were me I would head someplace with more moderate weather (Germany, Austria or similar).

And then decide on a reasonable area (say no more than 1.5 hours from where you will be staying) or your vacation will be exhausting and frustrating.

I can't imagine spending all of Aug in temps of high 90s and humidity - with a bunch of places not having AC.

tailsock

you can only pick two cities and want to see all of Europe? hmmmm that's a tall order but It can be done: http://www.minieurope.com/

in all seriousness you need to tell us more. what your interests are, your travel styles, do you prefer fast paced travel or lounging in charming squares over coffee? wine? beer? gastronomy? small town or large city? etc.

StCirq

You're really late in the game in terms of making reservations. And Spain and Italy are hot as H*ll in late summer. You can't possibly see "all of Europe" in two weeks anyway, and if the boyfriend is limiting you to two places, well, that kind of nixes that.

Get a villa in or near Gaeta or Sperlonga in Italy for a week and one somewhere near or in Andalucia for a week and chill. Rent a car in each place and wander around and try to stay cool.

joannyc

How about Normandy in France and either Bruges or Ghent as a base in Belgium. Weather shouldn't be horrific in either. Or maybe northern Spain.

Southern Spain is going to be hot!

dutyfree

Quite a few stores and restaurants are closed throughout Europe in August particularly Spain and Italy because they all go on their holiday.(" When it is too hot to drink wine-its too hot!" which is my mantra for traveling.)
Words cannot describe how horrible it is to be in Italy and Spain when you are dying from the heat but want to be out sightseeing.
Personally, I would be looking at somewhere in Northern Europe such as Belgium,Netherlands or Germany to enjoy your vacation.

KL467

I recommend going somewhere in northern Europe because it should be cooler. Being in southern Europe during the summer can be absolutely miserable.

nrdowning

Thank you for all the replies. We are now looking at cruise of the Mediterranean. We know we are late in the game to decide, our situation hasn't allowed us much time to plan and his work scheduled has given us small windows of opportunity. We want it to be relaxing while seeing new sights. We love wine, beer, warm weather during the day (but air for night) and good food.

sueciv

Paris does NOT shut down in August. Sure, lots of Parisiens are off on holiday, but the City remains alive, not a ghost town. Some small family run businesses will have closed, but there are a lot more besides! Have you two been?