Next trip - help decide where to go
 

Several friends and I have been to the following European cities over the past few years:
London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Athens, Vienna, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels/Bruges

We are now starting to look at our next trip, March 2010, and would like some input on where we should go. Here's some of what we like/don't like:
We're not into sunbathing/beaches
We're middle-aged women, nightlife not a priority (married/committed)
All of us love photography.
Love museums, churches, architecture, ruins, etc.

We're considering Munich, Prague, Croatia, Turkey and what suggestions we get here.

Our trip is usually 7-8 nights. We'll be flying from the US.

Thanks in advance.

We're not going to Ireland or Scotland this time as that trip is scheduled for a couple of years from now when another friend is able to go.

I don't think we can go to Australia, China or Africa due to time constraints, though they are i on our list to do one of these days.

So, what could you suggest that would fill about a week, with a day trip or even an over night trip thrown in?

If not Turkey, I think Spain or Portugal may be a good choice.

All the places you have been are cities. How about getting out into the countryside? England has beautiful countryside, espcially in the spring. Tuscany and Provence are famous for the beauty of their landscape. All these places have picturesque small towns with churches, also castles and ruins.

We're planning a trip to Croatia and Sicily this fall. Both these areas look extremely scenic and full of photo ops -- not to speak of World Heritage sites. Kinds kicking myself for not going to Sicily in the spring when the wildflowers bloom.

You don't say how large your group is. Would you consider driving? Otherwise we could help you with a trip tailored to public transportation.

Based on your criteria, I think Istanbul would be a great choice.

For photography / architecture, you will love Prague. (And that's a good time-- how I wish we could have gone in March instead of horrible July!) And Krakow?

Hello, again.
The size of our group varies, 3-7 women, with the probability that this trip will have only 3 or 4.

We really would like to do some traveling out of the cities, even if we spend part of the time in a city. DH and I have driven around in Normandy and Brittany and did fine, and friends and I drove from Barcelona to Perpignan, France, and did "OK," but it was dicey at times, even with a GPS and 3 sets of eyes. We're good with trains and metros, have hired guides/drivers for some sites, so we are rather open to transportation. We've really considered Prague for the last few years, and one of our group who may be going this year is married to a Turk, spends time each year with family there, so not sure if she'd be all that excited about going to Istanbul, but it would be nice if she would be, she could give us all the tips and info that would make the trip easier and better.
None of us has done the driving or visiting the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Provence, etc., so that is a possibility. One of the women going just returned from a Rome/Venice/cruise to Greece and Croatia trip, but I'm sure she only spent a few hours in Debrovnik and we could choose that. What is there about Croatia that would be the highlights?
MadFifi, we NEVER travel in the summer, this group is always in March due to the schedules of a few of the group, and DH and I usually travel in October. Cold is OK, Vienna was only in the 20's F and snowing and we had a wonderful time (two of us live in Indiana and are used to snow and cold, the others live in Southern California, definitely not used to it, but they managed to find some warm clothing and did fine.)
So, we shall see! Thanks and further comments are very welcome.

I have been to alot of the places you mention and I suggest Budapest for next. We spent several days there pre-river cruise and really liked it. Prague was more touristy but maybe it just "hit us wrong". Another idea - Nice and southern France - lots to do there besides the beach stuff! Happy travels!

Suec1, sorry, I forgot to mention we spent one day in Budapest, not nearly enough, and found it beautiful. That would be a possibility if we combined it with day trips. Thanks. Munich is sort of in our sights, too. I would also like Zurich. So many places, so little time (and money!)

I read a great trip report on Iceland, something like Mum's been round Iceland with a Cucumber. One of the funniest trip reports ever. Sounds a bit bleak, though,
Half the fun is planning, so even this part is good. Once I start the process it seems like the trip actually starts.