karibeth

My husband and I have determined that the ONLY time we can take a vacation this year is the last week in August (24-30). Not a long trip, and not a good time to be in Europe in my experience. However, we did a big outdoorsy US and South American trips last year and want to do something European and at least partially urban this year. Any suggestions?

Underhill

Yes: decide right away where you want to go and make hotel reservations ASAP. August is prime high season in the major European destinations.

suze

Switzerland, with a combination of Geneva and the smaller towns along Lac Leman as Montreux and Vevey

Paris &/or Amsterdam

amaclise

St Petersburg

London and the Lake District

Brussels and Bruges

Copenhagen

janisj

Scotland - though not IN Edinburgh since every room has been booked for ages . . .

But, honestly, if we are to give you any sort od useful advice we need to know more about you and what sorts of thimgs you like. Also where have you been before in Europe?

karibeth

I love the suggestions. I travel to Brussels, London, Paris and Geneva often for work so those are rather exhausted. Incidentally, I could't agree more about Montreux/Vevey and etc. I was actually thinking about trying to branch out to other areas of Switzerland so suggestions there are very welcome. Copenhagen is definitely a consideration.

I have been all over Europe except Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Portugal but my husband has not so that is not necessarily a constraint.

In terms of what we are after:

1. Ambience - we are big 'urban hikers' our main enjoyment tends to come just from soaking up various neighborhoods

2. Food and drink

3. Art

4. History

We are NOT shoppers and we would love a little bit of access to nature.

I am an experienced traveler, so I would not mind something a little off the beaten path.

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.