Okay, I know this is really out there but here goes. We have never traveled to Europe and would like to go this summer with our two kids, 17 and 19. We would have about 10 days (plus travel days), which I know is not enough. Number one problem, which country should we pick? I've been reading on Spain, Italy and Portugal. Have looked a little at Greece and my son thinks Iceland, just because it's not a normal travel spot. Would rather see the quaint everyday towns and not spend a lot of time in the larger ones. My husband and son love adventure, rafting, hiking, etc. where as my daughter and I are more the sightseeing, shopping, so a place that has both would be great. We would be traveling the middle of June. So, if you had just one country to visit, which would it be?? Thanks.

Italy.

For first time European travelers:
U.K. and
Scotland specifically because Edinburgh has shopping and sightseeing and the highlands have excellent hiking. Lots of castles and some amazing gardens

And in England and Wales, English is spoken. Not so much in Scotland and Ireland.

I would go with your son's pick: Iceland.

There will be small towns, out door adventures, and shopping.

Have you been to Iceland?

Switzerland (yes I know you didn't even mention it but it offers all of what you are seeking)

For a first European trip, in no order except Italy #1:

1. Italy (you can do anything there and it has history, food, shopping, scenery, adventure, architecture, culture, etc.).
2. Croatia
3. Czech Republic
4. As suggested above, the UK, particularly Scotland and Wales.

Iceland is lovely, too. We found other countries to offer more in the way of different things to do (comparatively) and is less "quaint" than the UK villages. However, Iceland would be marvellous for scenery and adventure sports.

Europe is so fantastic that I do not think you could go wrong, no matter what you choose.

Germany & Austria - Bavaria and Southern Austria. Maybe fly into Munich and out of Salzburg.

Thanks batraveler. Croatia, that I haven't even looked at.

Croatia was our most recent trip (September/October) and so enjoyable that I cannot even put it into words. It has unsurpassable beauty, history, architecture, a very good amphitheatre, great food, lovely and inexpensive rooms in which to stay, coastline, mountains, wine - just everything you could imagine. We found it easy to get off the beaten path as well.

If someone were to ask me which country I would fly to tomorrow (out of the ones I have been to) I would pick Croatia, even before Italy (I almost feel sacreligious for saying so). I only suggested Italy as a first-time all-encompassing trip.