Beyond Provence and Tuscany . . . ideas for another location?
 

Ok, ok, silly question.

I absolutely adore France, and we've been to Italy a number of times, and we're looking for someplace new to visit.

Due to Chinese tax regulations for expats, we actually have to take a one-month trip out of China before Feb of next year.

While I love the idea of renting a place in Provence or Tuscany, with my new goal of joining the Travelers Century Club, I'm thinking we should go someplace else. (Ok, the club is not the real reason - I just know there is much more of Europe that we haven't seen).

Other ideas for great bases from which to explore surrounding areas?

If you had a month and wanted to go someplace OTHER than France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, or Great Britain (places we've been), where would you go?

I know the standard comment will be "it depends on what you're interested in" . . . we're interested in everything. We love to travel and I'm sure we would enjoy anywhere. I'd love to hear other Fodorites' favorite places since I'm sort of stuck in a France/Italy frame of mind!

Well, Andrea, these answers seem almost too obvious... but anyhow...

1. Spain/Portugal - - at least a dozen possible regional concentrations here.

2. Czech Republic/Poland. Probably the same.

Best wishes,

Rex

Hello Andrea, I wish I had your problem.
A month to explore sounds like fun. If I lived there I would do New Zealand. I have not been there, but the long flight and my bad back is the reason.
However, if you mean Europe then my choice would be Portugal and Andalusia. I would choose Oct. I would drive for 2 weeks thru Portugal and over to Seville and Granada, and then find a rental on the coast near Estepona and day trip from there. Good prices, good weather, and a different Euro experience.

Hi
I suggest Scandinavia during the Summer.

Go to the island of Karpathos in Greece and then tell me what it's like, how you got around, and whether you were in big trouble if you couldn't speak Greece. I understand that certain parts of the island have particularly rich traditional folkways and celebrations. It also looks quite rugged and scenic.