I am looking for some help from those of you who are more well traveled than I am (which would probably be all of you). I will have the opportunity to spend 7 weeks in Europe in the summer of 2003, and I am looking for a wonderful itinerary. I enjoy history, beautiful scenery, different cultures, food and wine. I am an active 30 year old.<BR><BR>I have been to Rome, Florence, London, Paris, some parts of Switzerland and Germany. <BR><BR>I appreciate any advice that you may have to offer.<BR><BR>Thank you,<BR>Joel

Gasp! A zillion travelers on this board would LOVE to be in your shoes. If you'll take me with you, I'll plan a great itinerary! Oops, got a little carried away there. <BR><BR>Think back to the places you've been. What did you like best? How could you add to that experience by maybe revisiting a favorite place or two and by extending your travel experiences even further? Maybe Eastern Europe? Scandinavia? When you start to narrow down a bit, come back to the board for some specific advice.<BR><BR>Lucky you!

Thanks for the reply Betsy. I know that my question was a bit vague, but I really am having a hard time narrowing it down. So many places, so little time. I am grateful to be in a position to make such a decision though!<BR><BR>My thoughts so far include Spain, Venice, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Budapest, and Munich. I would also like to spend some time away from the cities. I forgot to mention that I have also been to Tuscany, and it was my favorite part of a trip to Italy.<BR><BR>Any suggestions would be appreciated.<BR><BR>Thank you.

How fun - I echo Betsy.<BR><BR>Here are some other considerations: how do you feel about speaking many different languages? When I travel to other countries, I like to hone my meager language skills by practicing and listening to lots of tapes. I've found that the more different languages I have on one trip, the more confused I get!<BR><BR>I took a 4-week trip, about 12 years ago, and loved it (of course). However, I did get tired of moving around - in retrospect, too many different locations - and eating so many meals at restaurants. So, consider making part of your trip a longer stay in one area, either a city where you can see a lot while you're there, or a more leisurely spot where you can rest from your vacation.<BR><BR>Also consider your transportation options. Some places, you pretty much need a car (Tuscasny, Provence, and my new favorite, the Dordogne area of France); others, the train would work just fine. If you have the means to train it some and rent a car for some of the time, then plan your itinerary around that.<BR><BR>As Betsy said, think about what you like to do, and what you enjoyed the most about previous trips. Your possible cities so far will lead you to many locations. Spread a big map of Europe on the floor, and see how your cities of interest match up (or don't), and what gorgeous countryside is in between or near your cities. In 7 weeks, you could visit Spain, Venice, Austria and Hungary, but what about all the destinations in between? Have fun planning.

Hi Joel~<BR>I am in the process of planning a similar trip, so I will be interested in the responses that you receive. I also loved Tuscany when I was in Italy. We rented an apartment in an agriturismo for a week. I am now wondering if there is anything similar in the countryside of Spain. That might be a nice way to break up a city to city trip. I was also going to look into that possibility in Austria.<BR><BR>There is definitely so much to see, and I know it can be hard to choose.<BR><BR>Good Luck!<BR><BR>

Anyone else???

Have you considered picking your first destination, buying loads of travel books to take with you, and taking things as they come? <BR><BR>Granted, the time we did this it was only for 10 days, but we had a wonderful time - we would decide each afternoon if we wanted to spend another day in the city or take the train someplace new in the morning. It was a lot of fun, and I think it would be a great way to spend 7 weeks!

We did a wonderful 8 week itinerary in 1999 that started in Spain and ended in Munich. It would help to know the time of year and whether you plan to drive. We did drive the entire route and used the Peugeot lease plan. Highlights included Andalusia, Provence, the Austrian lakes, Prague, Veneto, and the Romantic road. Holler if you want more details.

Croatia - Zagreb and then down to Dubrovnik.<BR><BR>how about Sweden - boat trip from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland - then over to Tallinn, Estonia (the second Prague) - Helsinki is Ok but I wouldn't spend too much time there. <BR><BR>Ireland - Dublin - down to waterford - across to Dingle / Kerry and then up to Mayo - over to Derry and the Giants Causeway.<BR><BR>have fun.

Thanks for the replies. <BR>Bob - I will be travelling in July and August of 2003. I would LOVE to hear more details about your itinerary. It sounds very close to what I had in mind so far. I have not decided what mode(s)of transportation I will be using, but I am definitely considering a car because I like the freedom that it offers. <BR><BR>Andrea- thanks for the reply. I did consider "winging it", but I realized that I am too much of a control freak. Maybe sometime if I go for a shorter period of time.<BR><BR>wow - Croatia also intrigues me. It is on my travel wish list. I wonder if I could fit it in somewhere. I have also thought about Ireland and Sweden, but will probably save those for another trip.<BR><BR>Please keep the ideas coming...

Bob, are you out there?<BR><BR>Anyone else?