Where can we go for a few days? It seems like anywhere (Italy, France, etc.) would best be traveled with 2 or more weeks of vacation. Hubby has lot's of time, but I can only be away for a few days at the most. Any suggestions?

Oh, we're looking at June or July for travel...

Where have you been before and what sorts of things to you and your husban like. London, Paris, Rome, Venice, etc each make good 6-day trips.

What AisleSeat said (or asked), plus - don't plan on much moving about. Fly into one of the capitals; do what you can in and around that city; fly home. I don't see anything wrong with a day trip to Greenwich or Versailles - or even Normandy - but my point is that you don't have enough time to waste much of it traveling.

(The one exception I might make is to fly into Paris, do 3 days, then take the evening Eurostar to London. See as much as you can manage in 3 days, and fly home from there.)

Any of the European capitals deserve far, far more than even 6 days, but you could get your feet wet for 3 days in two of them if they weren't too far apart.

AisleSeat, we both love beautiful scenery and history. More specifically, we like museums, historical tours, great local restaurants and B&B establishments or boutique hotels. Hopefuly that's not too broad...I have been to Ireland, Russia and other than the Caribbean that's about it for international travel.

Robespierre, thanks for the tip. I'll be sure to keep the Paris-London connection in mind as an option...

AA from Dallas to Gatwick, BA a couple hours later to Krakow (Poland.) Lovely city, lots to see and do for a short holiday, but you won't feel like you've missed tons if you can only stay for 5 or 6 days. Convenient flights and connections are a plus.

If you're really, really into museums and, in particular, Renaissance art and architecture, Florence (1.5 hours by train from Rome) will give you museums galore, great local restaurants and boutique hotels. For B&B establishments (called agriturismo), venture outside of Florence for two days to visit the hill towns near Siena and avoid museum overload.

"we both love beautiful scenery and history. More specifically, we like museums, historical tours, great local restaurants and B&B establishments or boutique hotels"

Sounds like London and/or Paris to me. London/Paris is a great combo than who knows.... you might find another 6 days later on.

FYI, from one of my trips. I too live in Dallas and a trip I took a few years ago from here was similar timewise to what you're asking about.

I flew Dallas to Milan (via Chicago on AA) on Day 1-2. I had the afternoon free (day 2) to overcome jet lag but instead visited the Galleria, Duomo and other central areas of Milan. After spending that night in Milan, the next morning (day 3) I visited the Last Supper (make reservations in advance). That day from Milan, I took a noon train to Lake Como and spent time relaxing there (remainder of day 3 & all of day 4). I left Como very early the next morning (day 5) and flew Milan back to Dallas.

It was a whirlwind but I got a flavor of history (Last Supper), scenery (Como) and Italian charm. If you can extend it by a day, I'd suggest staying in Como longer and driving the area (which I've also done on a longer trip there).

Good luck!

I wouldn't hesitate to make a 6-day trip to Europe, especially if flying from DFW -- which is where the hubby and I fly from. I think the key will be going to places that give you a non-stop flight to your destination: less stress, less time wasted. I know AA flies direct to London and Paris, and Lufthansa has one direct flight to Frankfurt every day. You might consider an open jaw type of schedule with a direct flight into Paris or London and depart from the other on the way out. There may be more non-stop flights to other European cities from DFW - not sure, but it would be worth looking into. Also, in case you chose to go to Paris, flight 48 leaves DFW at 5:30 p.m., which always allows me and the hubby to put in 1/2 days at work and then come home and take a shuttle to the airport - this could help with your work schedule. For the record, my hubby and I have been to Paris for as few as three full days (arrival day + two full days) at Thanksgiving and had an absolute blast! Have a great trip no matter where you go!

BTW, don't forget to come to the Fodors DFW get-together on Saturday, March 19 at noon at the Main Street Baking Co. in Grapevine if you're in town. The info can be found with a search of the US forum or this one.

DFW-FRA on AA - Mittelrhein, Moseltal and Alsace.
M

Hi CDG,

For a first time visit to Europe, with only 6 days, Paris.

You can then die without worrying if you've missed anything.

Portugal, Quebec, southern Indiana. Any <i><b>one</b></i> of these would meet your criteria.

The question you need to ask is what is it about Europe that makes you think you want to go there? The culture of Italian-speaking people? (can't get that in Portugal, or Quebec or southern Indiana). The culture of French-speaking people? (can't get that in two out of three).

When you know the answer to that question, you will know where you might best chose to go.

Best wishes,

Rex Bickers
Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Rex, Can you organize a tour of Vevay, Milan, French Lick, Versailles and Baden in southern Indiana. They can fly into Cincinnati and you could lead the tour, culminating with dinner in Floyds Knobs to add some authenticity. I have taken this itinerary and feel that 6 days is more than adequate.

I agree with Ira. If I had 6 days and had never been to Paris, that's where I would go. My first trip to Paris was 5 days and that was enough for me to fall in love and plan many more (longer) trips back!

My second choice would be Florence with some day trips to the surrounding towns.

Anywhere where you can fly direct would fit my bill. Paris ..even after numerous trips..always calls me back. Even if we do nothing special ,we are in Paris. 6 days could give you a good taste of London and whet your appetite for more

Thanks everyone! I'm encouraged!

Rex: I guess the draw to Europe is a combination of wonderful stories from Paris lovers, paintings of the ET, movies like &quot;Under the Tuscan Sun,&quot; culture, views of the Caldera, the Mediterranean, etc. and a desire to see more of God's creation before I leave this place we call earth

My top three are Greece, Italy and France...One of which I'll see this summer.

Thanks again!

Greece, Italy or France? Go to Italy. No question. Try Northern Italy and the lakes area. You will want to go back.

&lt;&lt;Rex, Can you organize a tour ...&gt;&gt;

Consider it done, bob... The fee will be $2000, and I appoint you sales manager. You get a $500 commission for every customer you enroll.