My husband and I are finally getting to go to Europe together (20 year anniversary, 2 kids off at camps) and are having a tough time deciding where to go. We have both been to various parts of Europe separately abut are looking for beautiful scenery, relaxing drives and strolls through villages, possibly a little hiking. We have approx 7-9 days. Thought about 3 days in Barcelona and then on to Provence. Tuscany would also be an option. Others? Suggestions???? We will be going in early July. Many thanks!

You won't go wrong in either area. I'd rate the charm of the villages a bit higher in Tuscany and the natural beauty of the surroundings a bit higher in Provence, but that's just personal preference. The Luberon area in Provence could give you the opportunity to stay in a small perched town (e.g. Venasque) and venture throughout the northern part of Provence exploring wine growing regions, Roman ruins, and (in early July) lavendar fields. Similarly in Tuscany you could rent an apartment in a town like Casole d'Elsa (personal favorite) and soak up its ambience, spend some time visiting other towns in the area (Pienza, San Gimignano, Siena, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Volterra are all close by and each could consume the better part of a day...maybe more in Siena), and hike in the Maremma. The drives will be pleasant in both areas.

Thank you for your reply. If we do Provence, the big question is do we do a full week there or do 3 days in Barcelona and then 5 days Provence. Any thoughts?

I find the Tuscan landscape more striking than that of Provence. Both are great choices and both could use up more than 5 days.

Maybe look into transportation options and let that be the decider. If you don't go to Barcelona, where would you fly into? If you do go to Barcelona, Vueling flies to Nice. And Meridiana goes from Barcelona to Florence.

Hi Mimar -thank you for your thoughts. IF we don't go to Barcelona, I would like to fly into Marseille if possible. I have been to parts of Italy before but Rome, Florence and Sienna. In France, I've been to the Chateaux region and Paris. Hard but good choice to make!

We spent almost two weeks in Provence a few years ago. Flew into Marseille then to Aix, and on into the Luberon staying in Joucas and then near St REmy before flying home from Marseille. This was one of my favorite trips. I have been to Tuscany but it was a very long time ago. In any event I think you cannot make a poor choice between the two. If your trip is this July you need to decide and get busy planning and making reservations. Happy travels!!!!!!!!!

Well, Spanair, a Spanish budget airline of which I've never heard, flies from Barcelona to Marseilles.

Since you've been to Florence and Siena, you've seen a little of Tuscany. Whereas nothing of Provence. Looks like it's the winner.

It would be nice for you to see a little of the Riviera, which is why I suggested Nice. Ideally you could spend a day or two there before driving inland. But you don't really have enough time, with Barcelona in the mix.

Spanair is a Star Alliance member along with United. We were on a leg with them as part of a United freqent flyer ticket and it was a regular ariline, served meals, etc.No problems.

I just posted something on your other thread.

We've spent a considerable amount of time in Tuscany - our closest friends had an apt in San Quirico (close to Pienza), so we "mooched" off of them quite a bit. I think the Val d'Orcia (area between San Quirico & Montepulciano) is the prettiest countryside we've visited - in March, April, May, Sept, & Oct. I'll give the "nod" to Provence in June (late) & July because of the lavender blooming (plus sunflowers).

I'm a little confused about how many days you have - but if it is anything less than 1 week - just stay in Provence. You mentioned "relaxing" - I can't think of a better place to relax than Provence in late June or early July (maybe Tuscany is close).

Stu Dudley

We did Provence and then onto Barcelona 2 years ago. We stayed 3 nights in Lourmarin and explored hilltop towns and then an additional 2 nights in St. Remy. We then drove to Montpelier dropped our car off and then trained into Barcelona. I love Barcelona. It would be a nice combination of town and country depending if you have enough time for both. And the food in both places is great!