My husband and I are planning a spring trip (April 2000) to Europe, but can't decide where. I narrowed down to three choices: 1) Lisbon, 2) Barcelona, or 3) Tuscany,Italy. <BR> <BR>Which city would you choose given that: <BR> <BR>a)we have 10 to 14 days in total. <BR>b)we will stay two nights in Amsterdam, in addition to the city of the choice (KLM frequent flyer miles--we previously spent a half day and want to explore more). <BR>c)we visited Spain a year ago and just loved it. We missed Barcelona last time, so... <BR>d) I visited many cities in Italy more than 15 years ago and love to go back. But with the Year 2000 celebration, I'd rather avoid the crowd and high prices. <BR>e) Never been to Lisbon and very curious. <BR> <BR>What would you do? And, in addition to Lisbon or Barcelona, what other cities or villages can you go in a relatively short period? Thanks for your input. <BR>

Hitomi, <BR> <BR>I tend to think of where can you get to with a minimum of time and expense. I think you can go to Barcelona and Italy both. Make Barcelona your outbound destination with a stopover in Amsterdam, and (anywhere you want to finish in) Italy your open jaw return gateway city. <BR> <BR>Since you asked about day trips out of Barcelona, consider heading north (I think slightly NNW) to a little town called Seu d'Urgell in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Whenever you're ready to leave Barcelona, fly from Barcelona to Rome on Virgin Express - - www.virgin-express.com - - dirt cheap. <BR> <BR>If Rome is not your cup of tea, (and yes, it will be crowded and high-priced in April), you can be out of there in just a few hours either by car or train. Consider Assisi on your way north (although it too will have Jubilee overload in April). <BR> <BR>From Umbria north, you have SO many options, not only in places to see and stay, but also there are numerous airports which can connect back to KLM/NW to get you home. The key will be to get on the horn immediately to get the necessary seats with your FF miles (I assume you're spending - - or are you collecting?) <BR> <BR>It's a great trio of destinations, Amsterdam, Barcelona and wherever you choose in Italy. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip! <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR> <BR>P.S. No offense to Lisbon - - I'll recommend you go there in connection with southwestern France NEXT year! How about letting me put together a group tour for you to do that? (wink)) <BR> <BR>

Since you loved Spain (as I do), I would definately include Barcelona. I loved Barcelona. Was in Europe last year for 6 months, and it was my second favorite place! never been to Italy, so can't comment on that. I didn't like Lisboa, but you could always hop a train over there. (you can check out train schedules on these 2 websites: www.cp.pt and www.renfe.com (Port. and Spain's train's)

<BR>I'd suggest Spain and Portugal since you're concerned (and rightly so) about high prices and crowds in Italy next year. We loved Lisbon, and I would have liked more time there. Have not been to Barcelona tho. Spend some time on the Estoril Coast. These are two very inexpensive countries too. <BR>

My vote goes to Portugal. Lisbon is wonderful and the smaller towns and countryside are great experiences. Good food, friendly people, low prices, what more could you ask for? Enjoy!