... museums, cafes, walks, exploring architecture, classical music, turning down a new street, learning about a different culture...

To me that means Vienna, with sidetrips to Bratislava, to Passau, to Salzburg even, and to Haydn country (Eisenstadt - www.haydn-zentrum.at - then click on English).

Go soon to http://www.viennaconcerts.com/ and book your tickets.

Check out the www.hundertwasserhaus.at - as quirky an architect as Gaudi in Barcelona - one of a kind.

You'll play these excursions by ear, depending on the daily weather.

This is about the Xmas markets etc.:

www.wien-vienna.at/weihnachtsmarkt.htm

Note that Bratislava sometimes has much cheaper flights - it is only a good hour by train (plus airport shuttle) and can be a valid option.

Thank you once again! Your information is so helpful.

I think I've got to start to investigate each of the options a bit more - flights/trains/hotels, etc. to see what is available and what the rates are...

Could it possibly be possible to combine Strasbough and Italy? I love the idea of the markets - if they aren't too commercial and too too - but don't want to spend our entire time there.

I've got to read more about Vienna and Italy - I've got my work cut out for me... got to read more...

Thanks once again... you are a tremendous help!