december in europe - which itin?
 

I am taking my husband to europe for the first time in Dec., (1st 1/2) for about 7-10 days. I have been numerous times, but I want to plan a great trip for him. I don't want his impression based upon one region or genre. I don't enjoy HUGE crowds all the time, but I don't know how much of the rural experience he might appreciate. I have only seen Christmas markets in Barcelona before. Well, give me some opinions.


Itin 1- Munich, Nuremburg, Vienna, Budapest & Slovakia ( xmas markets, nice drives, etc)
A little worried about the cold though.

Itin 2 - Brugges,Munich, Innsbruck, Switz, & Northern Italy for a few days (Bolzano & then toward Parma, Ravenna & other small towns.

Itin 3 - Madrid, avila, Leon, Potes, then towards Ribadesella and Santiago. Fly out to Munich for a couple of days.

What is weather in Dec in all these areas and Xmas atomosphere? Trains or Car?

Love to hear ideas?!

How about Paris for 5 days and a car trip to Strasbourg with day trips from there up and down the Alsace. By car of course. There are fabulous christmas markets all over Paris and a great one in Strasbourg, Colmar etc.

When you've traveled closer to home (US?) how do you do it? Do you visit several cities/towns over the course of a week, or do you go to one or two places for a week.

I ask because your proposed itineraries involve a LOT of moving/travel for 7-10 days. That can be very tiring, and it's not much fun to have to repack and sleep in a new hotel every night or two. But if it's what you're used to, and what your husband is used to, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

In any event, unless this is a surprise trip, talk to your husband about what areas of Europe he has always wanted to visit. My husband loves England and Paris and wants to see Italy, but Germany doesn't call to him much. We may go some day, but not for now. If you want him to get a good impression of Europe, definitely choose the areas that are of most interest to him, and remember that you don't have to see them all on one trip. ;)

I think combining London and Paris would be a good bet. I'd say Paris and Venice OR Paris and Rome as an alternative, but the distance is greater.

That way, you get two countries, differing cuisines and cultures. Cities are great before Xmas, lots of pretty lights and shop windows.

Getting from one city to another, even if you fly, will eat up at least half of one day, probably 2/3 of a day by the time you travel, pack and unpack, check out and check in, etc.

well, funny you should ask. I like to see everything, while the other half is not as "ambitous" shall we say.

I don't think he wants to see Paris though yet. Saving that for a barge trip.

He may not think he wants to see it but once he gets there things may change.

For the best Xmas atmosphere, I think your first itinerary is the best. The weather will probably be bone-chilling cold, but with the hot wine at the markets, who cares. Nuremberg might be too crowded for some. Consider Regensburg or Passau instead.