My husband and I are looking for a quick getaway (5 days including travel time) next October for our anniversary. We'd love to stay longer but leaving our little ones behind. Only European destination we've been to is Greece (Athens, Naxos, Santorini) and feel like it'd be hard to top.

Looking for one destination/city that we can easily immerse ourselves in the culture and walk or easy transportation getting around to see sights/dinner etc. Local food & drink (wine) is a big part of our enjoyment. We enjoy sightseeing and doing some but not all the touristy things ... we enjoy just soaking up the everyday culture just as much. We'd like some sort of casual evening nightlife (doesn't need to be clubs or anything crazy, a wine bar or local waterhole is great).

Paris is out. Our first choice but, it's the Rugby World Cup so I am sure it'll be crazy busy & extra expensive.

Thought about Venice (worried about very little nightlife choices? so I've read). Trying to think outside the box of the usual destinations .... Anyone offer any help? we'd appeciate it. I literally need to book next few days or I lose our tickets ...

October is a great time of the year to travel... How about Lisbon, Barcelona, or Prague?

Rome!

Rome over Venice? hmmmm... I'm interested. What's nightlife like?

Barcelona was on our short list, but friends had bad experience with pickpockets twice in 1 trip!

Went to Barcelona this summer and loved it - there are pickpockets everywhere if your not careful so don't let that make your decision.
Very vibrant city with lots of nightlife, good restuarants and very clean (probably the cleanest city in Europe I have ever been to). Food is good.
Never can go wrong with just about anywhere in Italy - food is wonderful and great wine and scenery.

I think we've settled on Italy... we always though twe'd save it for when we had a larger chunk of time but why not get a taste now? I think we will still think of Spain or Lisbon next trips.

Ditto Barcelona. Just wear a moneybelt and you'll be fine.

I'd like to spend a few days in the Florence area... you can do some vineyard tours around there.

If you've decided on Italy, and have never been to Rome, that's what I'd recommend. While it isn't my favourite city in Europe (you already nixed Paris), it definitely has a "buzz", plus lots of things to see, excellent wine bars, has relatively good transportation.

Hi B,

If you will be going in early Oct, you might want to consider the Amalfi Coast.

What do you mean by "Nightlife"?

Barcelona! Great nightlife, beuatiful city, lots to do, beach nearby! Fun hotels!

baemel,
I love Barcelona but I'd have to pick Rome over Barcelona for relatively inexperienced European travelers. To be completely honest (regarding your concern about pickpockets), I feel safer in Rome than in Barcelona. It may have something to do with the massive police presence! (I swear there was a cop in every piazza.) You'll definitely have plenty to keep you busy for three full days. The weather should be lovely in October. I am a member of the Albergo del Senato fan club so I will put a plug in for them as well. (Best located hotel in Rome, as far as I'm concerned. Try to get a room on the 6th floor.) You can walk EVERYWHERE in the historic center and there are dozens of excellent restaurants within a 10-minute walk.

Florence

Another vote for Rome.

Carolena

I recommend Venice although I gotta tell ya... Sitting at Piazza San Marco, an old Italian man came to me and asked where I was from. When I told him, he went on to grill me in broken english as to why would I bother visiting Venice when I grew up in a beautiful country of friendly, warm people.

Have really thought about that a lot.

Still, go to Venice and thou shall not be disappointed. Or so I think. Just wear Comfy Shoes, will ya.