"We love ancient ruins, temples, history, good food, people watching and photography."

Have you been to Turkey? It meets all of your requirements. We only had time for a two week trip there but hope to return. I just watched a fascinating video on Crete, and it is now also on our list. We preferred Turkey to Greece, but you could do them both. We did a different itinerary than most in Greece--Peloponnesian Peninsula and Pelion--and enjoyed our two week trip there.

And, have you been to Romania? It certainly isn't worth a month but is a fascinating place. It is one of those go- before-it-is-too-late countries, and perhaps it is already too late. We visited about 15 years ago.

You may have read my trip report on India and know that we often prefer the path less taken.

Jules - we have already spent 3 weeks in turkey and two trips for a total of 6 weeks in Greece. Both were fabulous. We loved the Pelopenese peninsula which was one of the highlights of our Greece trips and we would go back to either country, but are looking for a new destination. Thanks though for the suggestions.

Bob - we've spent some time in Berlin - interesting city, as well as some time in parts of Poland. Unfortunately all plans are on hold until the situation is resolved with our ill relative.

Thank you all for your Input. Sounds like the consensus is that bali is amazing and that along with java is high on my list, as is Italy. Perhaps once our situation is resolved, I can convince my dh to take two vacations.

Four weeks is ideal for touring North and South Islands of New Zealand by campervan.

Further to my posting above.

We had a few days in Sydney prior to flying to Auckland, and a few days in Melbourne on our way home.

New Zealand, especially if you are in complete control of a totally flexible itinerary by road is a fantastic way to travel.

The ferry trip from North to South Island, through the Cook Straits between Wellington and Picton is awesome. As is flying in a 6 seater cessna from Queenstown to Milford Sound over the Southern Alps.

Both islands are very different, and we could easily have had another month bumbling along.