My sister-in-law and her fiance, who are in their mid 30s and late 20s respectively, asked for my help in providing ideas for their honeymoon -- just the basics about where to go in Europe. I would appreciate it if you would please review their criteria shown below and make some suggestions. Be as specific or as general as you would like.

Time: about one week beginning July 8

Weather: ideally not hot or cold. They live in Baltimore and can deal with similar heat that time of year, but would prefer less heat and humidity

Things to do: Sports activities (tennis, running, etc)

Things to see: Old towns and villages

Lodging: a resort that is conveniently located so they can take day trips to interesting places while remaining in the resort during the entire trip

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Villa del Este or other in Italian Lakes region.

For July, I would suggest sticking to the Mediterranean, where the happy couple is more likely to avoid humidity. France is much bigger on tennis than Italy is, although some expensive resorts to offer it. I'd look for an area in Cote d'Azur/Provence that offers both the seaside and a chance to tour the small villages. However, do realize that July is jam-packed in that region. If they want something less touristed, they should look perhaps in the Bretagne area of France.

England, too, is big on tennis and there are no doubt resorts in scenic areas with quaint villages.

What is their budget and what kind of food do they like?

How about the resort hotels on Lido in Venice where they can hop on the hotel boats to Venice , Murano & other islands?

Sorry that I forgot to mention that the honeymooners' budget is not yet determined.

They would also like to avoid jam-packed crowds, but they are realistic about traveling in Europe in July. Is northern Europe less crowded?

Thanks for the ideas so far. Keep 'em coming!

I forgot to respond to the question about taste in food. They seem to like all kinds.

Just thought of a cooler, more secluded yet less expensive option (if that's a factor at all).

BUERGENSTOCK is a resort on a hilltop right above Lake Lucerne. It costs around $200 per night to stay at the 5 star resort. It has breathtaking views in every direction and has a dramatic elevator down to the lake boat access to get to Lucerne and all other towns along the lake shore (Weggis to access Rigi/Kulm, Vitznau, Mt Pilatus, etc).

It's always cooler because it is high up on the hilltop. Its location affords the best views of the lake. They often have secret NATO meetings, high security meetings amongst the European heads of states, international race car festivals inside this gated resort town with 3 resort hotels. Some royal families maintain homes in the area because the area is very scenic & secluded (not overtouristy at all).

The top 5 star Park Hotel has been closed for renovation since early this year but hopefully reopen next summer. Nevertheless, there are still other less expensive resort hotels available. If they have a car they can drive down to either side of the resort to visit the small villages like Stans, Stanstad, Buochs,Ennetburgen, Beckenried etc. Within an hour's drive they can get to Brunigpass and descend to another lake(Brienz) and reach Interlaken and other Berner Oberland towns (Lauterbrunnene, Wengen,Muerren).

http://www.buergenstock-hotels.ch/

If tennis is a priority and the budget is not huge, they might consider Lago di Garda, which is easy to get to via Milan.

For example, Hotel Le Balze:

http://www.rivieradeilimoni.it/en/al...?ort=tremosine

There really isn;t any place in europe that is cold in July. If they want to avoid heaat and humidity that lets out Spain and ost of Italy (except lakes/mountains in the north). France can be iffy. right on the Riviera coast can be beautiful - but is usually expensive.

I would look at switzerland or Germany (perhaps near Lake Konstanz) - but sorry I don;t know of any specific resorts.

Scandinavia is beautiful that time of year - but again I don;t know of resorts - many locals have small cottagey summer places - don;t know how much luxury you'll find.

Tennis is just an example of physical activity. It was offered mostly because so many resorts (at least in the U.S.) provide tennis facilities. The honeymooners regularly participate in half marathons, triathlons, baseball games and football games. So, any opportunity to be active is right up their alley.

Then Lago di Garda might really suit them. It offers a lot of activity from bike riding to windsurfing to running and tennis and swimming.

Traffic at Lake Garda is a true nightmare in the summer holiday (July & August). The problem with Lake Garda is that there are too many cheap hotels and serious lack of parking. I've been stuck in endless traffic and sworn that I'd never go back in the summer. It's OK if you drive early around 8 AM.

One thing I forgot to mention is that I recommended Buergenstock because they have tennis courts, first class swimming pool & spa, and of course running & mountain biking with incredible views.

Here's a picture of the tennis court & resort:

www.jpmoser.com/burgenstockpark-a.html

and another webiste to check out:

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/...eral-9327.html

How about Portugal's Algarve? Lots of diversity there, lots of different sports (if you want), beautiful old towns and you also have the wonderful beaches.

Oh, just saw you mentioned ideally not too hot! Portugal is hot in July, but I'm not sure how that compares with where they are from???? You obviously don't get the humidity in the med.

I guess I was thinking the honeymooners would use the ferries to go sightseeing part of the time.

My concern about honeymooning in Switzerland would be the food and wine, but that's not everybody's priority.

These are all great ideas for the first day of responses. I'm very grateful for them and hope for more!

So far, the choices you've come up with:

Italian Lakes Region
Venice, Italy
Southeastern, France
Northwestern, France
England
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
Germany

I'm going to eventually pass along all of the messages in this thread to the honeymooners. In the mean time, keep the ideas coming!

And thanks!

LAKE LUGANO LUXURY SWISS RESORT(Relais & Chateaux member)

VILLA PRINCIPE & LEOPOLDO perched atop the fabled "Golden Hill" which dominates the city of Lugano, is named after Prince Frederic Leopold of Prussia, a member of the German Hohenzollern Royal Dynasty, which ascended the throne of Prussia with Frederic William in 1701 and then became first rulers of the new German empire on its creation on 1871.

Before becoming a hotel in 1986, the beautiful princely mansion bore witness to a hundred crowded years of history, welcoming as residents or guests many of the notables of the European aristocracy of the times. Prince Frederic Leopold, son of the general who had built the villa as his summer residence, lived in it until his death in 1931, preferring its higher location, greenery and sweeping views, to the lakeside Villa Favorita.

Every night entertainment with known single pianists or duet pianists & singers on the panoramic terrace of the Bar and during the winter and mid season in the very cosy Bar.

Any establishment named "Hotel of the Year" by GaultMillau must also have a "sparkling" cusine.
The "diamond" of the Villa Principe Leopoldo is Dario Ranza, who has been managing the kitchens for 12 years now.
His philosophy is striking: you can rarely avoid classic French cuisine in a 5* hotel, but for him, a demanding guest wants to be treated like a King by getting what he really likes and so het tries to fulfill those wishes.
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Area Attractions and Activities:
The "Queen of the Ceresio" rest around a magnificient bay, guarded by Monte Brè on the East bank and Monte San Salvatore on the West bank. Facing South, Lugano is much appreciated lakeside resort, highly valued during the in-between seasons (Spring and Autumn).

Easily accessible by road or rail, and by air. Lugano-Agno airport is only 10 minutes from down town, whereas the intercontinental airport of Milano-Malpensa is only 45 minutes drive.

The Villa Principe Leopoldo & Residence is ideally located on the "Golden Hill", an elegant residential area which dominates the town and Lake Lugano.
Lake and mountain excursions, riding, golfing, cultural events, museums are all readily available for you to experience.
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Sports Facilities: TENNIS COURTS,
Fitness room, Indoor/outdoor pool.

Most Popular Rooms:
VILLA PRINCIPE LEOPOLDO SUITES - Two elegantly appointed Grand Suites of 1350 sq. feet each include living and dining area, a large bath room with separated shower which can be turned also in a steambath and a terrace with lakeview.

RESIDENCE PRINCIPE LEOPOLDO - The Residence 41 very spacious rooms with over 450 sq. feet each, have all been renovated and include a comfortable living area, bath and vanity space, terrace or patio.