Can't decide. Berlin/Prague/Krakow or Cinque Terre/Florence?
 

My husband and I are looking forward to a trip to Europe in October. We're using United miles, but there seems to be decent availability. Problem is we can't decide where to go.

Berlin/Prague/Krakow - very historical trip, cool cities

Cinque Terre/Florence - awesome places as well

Such problems!!

Any opinions one way or the other? Of the cities listed, I've been to Prague and Florence (loved Florence), but my DH hasn't been to any of them.

I've been to all these places except Berlin. How long is your trip?

I loved Krakow, but it is a little bit more complicated to get to/from.

If your trip is longer than 2 weeks I would choose Berlin, Prague, Krakow. If 2 weeks or less then CT and Florence.

Both choices are good but I would favor Berlin, Prague, and Krakow if you have enough time.

I agree--little comparison on time---the latter can be done in half the time.

Sorry, meant to put the time initially then forgot.

We've got 10 days on the ground...

Hmm, I move at a moderately fast touring pace, and I don't think I'd want to visit Berlin, Prague and Krakow in 10 days. In your shoes I suppose I'd choose Florence and CT.

Berlin, Prague, Dresden would be easier - closer together. Open jaw into Berlin/out of Prague or vice-versa.

With 10 days, I think Florence and the Cinque Terre would make more sense. Trying to see even 2 of Berlin, Prague, and Krakow in 10 days would be WAY too rushed for me.

Another vote for Florence and CT, sounds like a wonderful trip. About 10 years ago, we spent 2 weeks in Venice, FLorence + CT, so I guess that was about 10 days for FLorence + CT. WOuld go back in a second.
I think the other option would be too rushed in the amount of time you have. And October in Italy must be one of the best times to go.

Thanks everyone. So, if we decided upon CT and Florence, would you try to squeeze in Lake Como? I want to do it all - looks so beautiful!!

With 10 days, yes.

If you want to add Lake Como, you may want to fly in to (or out of) Milan and the other way Florence (or, if you have to Rome with train between there and Florence). But you would want 3 nights in each location. I would start in Florence, then CT, then Lake Como.

Or you could do a week in Tuscany, close enough to do a Florence day-trip or two and 3 nights in CT. Our last Italy trip was a week in Rome, two weeks in Umbria, 2 nights in CT, 1 night in Cremora, and 4 nights in Bellagio. We loved it all, but to be honest, Lake Como was kind of anticlimactic after Cinque Terre (the weather was exceptionally perfect). We were there in September 2011.

Berlin/Prague/Krakow definitely - fascinating with tons to see and do.

I must admit I am not one of those people who "get" the CT - found fairly boring and not worth the time. Despite the raves of St Steeve - or perhaps because of them - I really cannot stand the man - and we just do NOT travel the way he does - we're looking for different things. (I find it especially offensive when he touts some local cheese shop as if it were the only one in the world and he wasn't having his trip paid for in part by the owners of the places he features. I don't need to be the new best friend of a french cheese seller. In fact, if I want cheese we have 3 great places to get it - well over 100 varieties - within a 10 minute stroll of home.)

One of the major benefits of Prague is the incredible music scene - all over the city - every type you can think of and most of it is top quality. (We much prefer concerts, ballet, opera etc versus an evening spent bashing beer mugs - I very rarely drink the stuff - in an ancient cellar.)