We are in the planning stages for our next two European vacations (this coming fall & the spring of 2007).
After much deliberation we have narrowed the choices down to Ireland & Tuscany. There will only be two of us & we would rent a car where appropriate.

If you had to choose one location for the fall & the other for spring which would it be? All thoughts/opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
William

Ouch, like asking which of my two daughters should wear green and which should wear gold. They look lovely in both.

For me, Ireland in the spring and Tuscany in the fall. Love the harvest time in Tuscany, the golden colors of the fields, the ripe grapes in the vinyards, the olive trees full of fruit. Ireland is so brilliantly green - how can you not love it in the spring?

Have fun with two wonderful trips!

Thanks SE,

That is actually the way I was leaning.

William

My last trip to Ireland was in April, and it was absolutely delightful. The greens are vibrant, the gorse is golden everywhere, and the temperatures just right for me (about 60-60F during the day, around 45-50F at night).

I've not been to Tuscany yet... it's on my list

Just a bit on Tuscany...the native bike guide I traveled with last year said that if it's a really hot, scorching summer like they had the last year or two, that most of Tuscany will be dry and brown in the fall, which is why he prefers the spring tours. I had been planning to return this fall and he suggested against it for that reason. Ireland is green all the time!

Spring has longer days. So go in spring to whichever place you'll be doing more sightseeing and longer drives.