Definitely Burgundy: interesting histsoric medieval towns, Gothic (and other) churches, ancient abbeys, the Morvan for nature/hiking, fine food...and all those fabulous vineyards. The area is less crowded than the Loire Valley, Normandy, or Provence.

Tuscany vacation it sounds like to me.

For something completely different, try island of Corsica, beautiful beaches, and great mountains in the centre. Wonderful place for a cycling trip.

How about northern Italy's Veneto? In addition to great cities like Venice, Verona, Padua and Vicenza (Palladio's turf) for history and architecture, there are plenty of vineyards in this region (Verona has nice wine bars, by the way) and good food, and you can drive into the Dolomites for gorgeous mountain hiking (along with a ton of other people in August, however).

Wine, food, history, architecture, natural beauty, hiking - why does that sound to me like Romania? :)
I would especially recommend you the Romanian Maramures county. It's got wild mountains, strange but very friendly people and traditions, lots of wine and tuica (a romanian brandy), and lots of other travel attractions. I just woke up and I guess I'm too lazy right now to give you more details :)
Have a look at http://www.spirit.ro/index.php?optio...35&Itemid=
and http://www.spirit.ro/index.php?optio...21&Itemid=
for more details on Maramures and Romania. If I can be of any more help to you, let me get my coffee and I'll answer your further questions.

One place to consider is the Tatry National Forest in Slovakia. I was there in May. Rugged beauty, small towns and relatively inexpensive to stay and eat.

TURKEY & CAPPADOCIA

David, your interests parallel mine. I will be your new friend. And I second Loire Valley to meet all needs - the white wines - ambrosia! The history, the architecture. Well, it can't be beat - hey, even Leonardo is buried there.

kbob,
Cochem is on the Mosel not the Ahr, but both are great. The Moseltal is beautiful and very relaxing. The castle Burg Eltz just W of Koblenz is among the best in Europa.
Alsace/Lorraine and the Voges Mts are wonderful and close to the Moseltal and Rheintal.
You can scoot to Champagne and the Loire in a short day as well.
Rental cars in Germany are usually better quality and cheaper than those in FR, but check AutoEurope.
The Route de Vins in Alsace should interest you both: the Hot l'Oriel and Rest le Sarment d'Or in Riquewihr are VG!
M