Sue, this is an area that came to mind in the beginning of the planning possibilities avalanche. Especially intriguing because my mom is fascinated with Pompeii.

As a complete departure from my original ideas, Grasshopper's mention of Switzerland is really intriguing me. I'm just going to have to drag out the pile of guidebooks and magazines tonight and seriously narrow the options.

Heather, I'm starting to feel the itch for another Fodorites' trip. Any chance that you and she would be receptive to a plan that has late September or October as a target?

Spain... and the southwest of France, perhaps?

Best wishes,

Rex

Heather

You mised out Scotland as an option:(

Was this mere oversight on the part of such a perceptive traveller as you?:)

Sheila, Scotland is way up on my list ... but, how could I slight such an amazing country by spending only 10 nights exploring the many wonders? ;-)

Truly, I would love to visit but am thinking more of someplace where I don't need to drive (and, as a result, read the maps, look for signs, etc.). Mom isn't the best at helping the driver when the scenery is that beautiful.

Don't know if you have made your plans yet but thought I'd throw in my two cents. My husband and I traveled in Portugal 2 years ago and were disappointed (although there were bright spots along the way) There is a tremendous amount of contruction going on (EU money has poured into Portugal for infrastucture improvements. Every town or city center was covered with scaffolds! We didn't go south to the Algarve - maybe it is quieter there.

Also re one poster's comment on driving in Portugal. We have driven throughout Europe and found Portugal to be among the most dangerous for driving. FAr worse than Italy. We had our only accident here.

This may be a plebian suggestion but my daughter (age 28) and I had a wonderful week together in Paris. I would vote to combine Paris with Loire valley or Provence. Mother /daughter trips make for great memories! Have fun wherever you go.

Peg, thank you for the input ... good to know about Portugal as I was thinking of it for the Fall.

Just an update in case anyone was wondering ... I literally did a 180-degree turn in plans and am going to the South Island of New Zealand. Qantas had a great fare sale and I just got a real itch to go. So, no beach time, but gorgeous scenery ... I'm very excited.
Not to worry that your great suggestions went for naught, I am still hoping to go to Europe in the late Fall and will keep all of the ideas in mind for future plans (I hope).

Heather, (this will seem off-topic but bear with me) my mother and I are both really into classical music. We took a family vacation a few years ago, with our husbands, to Austria. Walking down the promenade in Vienna, listening to the singers on the street, Mom and I burst into tears together. It was a turning point in our relationship; a great opportunity for us to bond that we wouldn't have had elsewhere. So, what love do you and your mother share that you could indulge in together? Take this as a special opportunity to really get to know each other and share experiences that are meaningful to you both. You won't remember your trip so much as "we saw this and did that," rather "that's when I really got to know my mother."

No offense to anyone intended but I would leave Mykonos out of the trip. The city of Napleon is a wonderful little city.