need some help with a december itinerary. <BR>i am in london and my sister will be coming from the states for a short visit. she's been to london before, so we'd like to take a short (overnight) trip to another city. <BR> <BR>here's what we're thinking of so far: <BR>amsterdam <BR>brussels <BR>nice <BR>paris <BR>venice <BR> <BR>can anyone advise which would be best choice for this time of year and for just a two day trip? thanks for any info!

I would choose Paris just for the convenience.

brussels would be a short distance, and easily done in a day, but might not be as exciting as the other cities.

I wouldn't try for Nice or Venice -- too far for two days. <BR> <BR>I'd stick with Paris, too -- you can Chunnel it over and be there in the blink of an eye.

i know, i know even a year in paris can be not enough, but two days is practically teasing yourself with an eclaire you can't taste - with two days, if money's no option i'd fly to venice, or ... for the convenience and less $$$, definitely amsterdam )

lili, you make a good point-flights to venice and amsterdam can actually be cheaper than eurostar to paris-which is actually not so cheap. i've heard mixed things about venice-many say you can do it in one day, which i found encouraging-just wasn't sure if perhaps there is a nearby 'country' type setting that could be visited as well-for example, when i went to belgium, we easily did bruges in an afternoon and it was a good chance to see two very different areas. <BR> <BR>anymore advice about these cities would be appreciated. all of these cities are quite close from london, from 1-2.5 hours by flight or train.

amy, I may get whacked with a wet noodle, but I would choose Venice. I think that it is easier to experience Venice in a short period of time, even though it is also a great place to stay and enjoy for a longer period of time. I think that in Paris you feel more compelled to see all the sights, wheras in Venice you just walk and walk while you soak up an incredibly unique atmosphere. I vote Venice. <BR> <BR>linda

Just to add to the confusion , I think that Amsterdam would be a nice overnight trip (or Delft). It's easily accessible, not too big, some nice museums, restaurants, and everybody speaks English.

Until quite recently there wouldn't have been much in it between Paris and Amsterdam. However, with the increased check in times etc its a no-brainer. The journey between London and Paris on the Eurostar takes less time than the Heathrow check in. <BR> <BR>Paris therefore gets my vote (or any other destination reachable by Eurostar/TGV eg Lille, Brusslels etc)

hi amy, <BR>i've been to brugges via brussels for a day too, and there's just no comparison to venice - you'd absolutely have to spend the night (fyi, venice is the only city i've ever heard of that has an anti-tourist campaign against the daytippers, cause they really want people to spend the night), and there's so many galleries, museums ... actually, the city itself is a museum and a once in a lifetime must see - unlike anyplace on earth. if you go, definitely stay in the city. if it ends up being too far or costly w/the flights, go to amsterdam which is perfect for two days, as well.

great suggestions from all. <BR>i didn't even think about the security delays-that's a good point. it's such a bummer since there are flight to paris right now for $30 and eurostar is about $100!!! but i know it's more convenient. good info about venice too. last question: what about weather? obviously i am not expecting spring time temps during the first week of december, but do any of these areas have a harder or typically wetter winter than others? don't mind the cold, but wasn't sure if any of these places have it a little better. lilli-one last question for you-if we choose venice we would def. spend the night there, just wasn't sure if there was a place similar to brugges (i.e. country-ish) to spend the second afternoon-perhaps not. also, re: paris, i have heard that tours is quite close and give a nice country view, i know paris should be the whole trip, but this may be the only trip to france my sister takes, and she may want to get a 'taste' of both the city and the country. anyone know more about tours? <BR>thanks again for all the input.