Planning to pick up a BMW in Munich in late November. Any suggestions on a good one week itinerary? We might go skiing but what else do you recommend so that we don't freeze our butts off? We can drop off the car practically anywhere in Europe. Please help. Thanks.

Hey Stephen, <BR> <BR>While you're in Munich, you should definitely go to the Hofbrauhaus. It's a blast. Interlaken is a great place to go if you are interested in hiking and mountain biking. If you can get down to Italy, try to get to Florence. It's beautiful. I studied there for a semester and it was the best place I saw in Italy. <BR> <BR>-Mikey

Stephen -- it's cold in late November in Munich. Probably in the high 30s/low 40s. I recommend you go south to Italy or Greece, where it will be closer to 60. Does your BMW deal pick up insurance for Italy or Greece? Also, do you really want to pick up a shiny new car in snow weather and risk getting the bottom all rusty?

Europe is too cold in late November. It's pretty dreary in Germany then. I say you pick up your BMW and then fly to Hawaii with it. No rust problems and great weather (guaranteed). Otherwise, get out your winter jacket and your snow tires.

Mikey -- thanks for the response. Is Florence cold in late November? I've heard great things about it, but am worried (based on the other two postings) that it will be too cold to enjoy . . . please advise.

I was in Vienna and Krakow in early December, 2000, and it was in the 50's! Being in Germany or German-speaking areas, you must go to the Christmas markets. You might take Berlin-Dresden or Salzburg-Vienna or Prague route from Munich.

Stay in Germany. We leave for Germany on Nov 28 to enjoy the Christmas fairs that are held all over the area. Go from Munich to Garmisch or Berchtesgaden and enjoy the mountains and the scenery. The weather can be either rainy and cold or bright sunny fall weather. We have done this Nov trip 6 other times and have about 50/50 on the weather. But you also get rain in the summer. <BR> <BR>I would leave Munich and drive to Berchtesgaden. Visit that town and Salzburg very close. Salt Mines are great in bad weather. Then head to Garmisch and visit there plus Oberammergau, Linderhof, Neuschwanstein and the Christmas markets. Then head back to Munich, dump the car and head home. Great trip. Save Florence for Sept or Oct.