Special places for anniversary during the Christmas-New Years period
Jul 22nd, 2006, 04:15 AM
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Special places for anniversary during the Christmas-New Years period
Our wedding anniversary is Dec. 29th, and so we are trying to plan a nice special trip for Anniversary-New Years each year while we're based in Europe. Last year we did Paris, which was beautiful and very cold. Trying to decide on a location for this year. We will be staying in Europe for Christmas this year, so we could conceivably turn it into an entire Christmas-Anniversary-New Year trip instead of just a 3-4 day weekend like we usually do.
Places I've considered include
-Croatia (Dubrovnik +/- whatever else we had time for)
-Vienna
Croatia seems appealing because it's further south and perhaps the days aren't *quite* as short as they are in France and Belgium and the UK?
Vienna, I've been told is just lovely in the Winter, all lit up for christmas, very magical. But I kind of have the impression that there's not a lot to *do* in Vienna other than listen to classical music....and it seems a bit expensive.
Considering Prague but I think we may be doing that in October or November with my parents. Rome could be another possibility,
Anyone have any experience with fabulous places to go at the end of December? Places that aren't *insanely* crowded, but things are actually open and there's stuff to do?
Fabulous fireworks would be nice, too.....
Places I've considered include
-Croatia (Dubrovnik +/- whatever else we had time for)
-Vienna
Croatia seems appealing because it's further south and perhaps the days aren't *quite* as short as they are in France and Belgium and the UK?
Vienna, I've been told is just lovely in the Winter, all lit up for christmas, very magical. But I kind of have the impression that there's not a lot to *do* in Vienna other than listen to classical music....and it seems a bit expensive.
Considering Prague but I think we may be doing that in October or November with my parents. Rome could be another possibility,
Anyone have any experience with fabulous places to go at the end of December? Places that aren't *insanely* crowded, but things are actually open and there's stuff to do?
Fabulous fireworks would be nice, too.....
Jul 22nd, 2006, 04:30 AM
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LSUvetgirl
I don't really have any suggestions. But, a few thoughts about where you want to visit in December should really studied.
As you travel more towards the center of Europe, it's getting colder. Vienna will probably have much colder than what you remembered of Paris. Vienna will probably full of snow too, so bring proper clothing.
One time I travelled from Sweden towards Vienna one winter day. I had wearing a good wool sportcoat. I froze and I had to buy a topcoat-wool-to spend the rest of the trip in Vienna.
Sweden in Christmas is wonderful but it's cold. There's lots of lights and it's magic. But, it probably has snow on the ground.
Amsterdam is warmer at that time of the year and I love this city but it is very, very humid during the winter.
I spent Christmas in Naples once. There wasn't any magic available. Never again. Rome might be better but Italy gets cold in the Christmas period.
Spain is pretty mild during the winter and this could be a possibility. I've seen in Madrid once but most of the time it's decent weather. Maybe spending a time in the Baleares would be fun. Or how about Malta. I've never been there but it's certainly a visit.
With the current fighting it's not worth travelling but Tel Aviv is a wonderful city to visit. If you get a chance, give it a view.
Just think WARM.
Blackduff
I don't really have any suggestions. But, a few thoughts about where you want to visit in December should really studied.
As you travel more towards the center of Europe, it's getting colder. Vienna will probably have much colder than what you remembered of Paris. Vienna will probably full of snow too, so bring proper clothing.
One time I travelled from Sweden towards Vienna one winter day. I had wearing a good wool sportcoat. I froze and I had to buy a topcoat-wool-to spend the rest of the trip in Vienna.
Sweden in Christmas is wonderful but it's cold. There's lots of lights and it's magic. But, it probably has snow on the ground.
Amsterdam is warmer at that time of the year and I love this city but it is very, very humid during the winter.
I spent Christmas in Naples once. There wasn't any magic available. Never again. Rome might be better but Italy gets cold in the Christmas period.
Spain is pretty mild during the winter and this could be a possibility. I've seen in Madrid once but most of the time it's decent weather. Maybe spending a time in the Baleares would be fun. Or how about Malta. I've never been there but it's certainly a visit.
With the current fighting it's not worth travelling but Tel Aviv is a wonderful city to visit. If you get a chance, give it a view.
Just think WARM.
Blackduff
Jul 22nd, 2006, 03:43 PM
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There's quite a lot to do in Vienna besides listen to classical music, although that would be high on my list. If you like museums, they are plentiful--and warm. So also for palaces. Outside is the fabulous Christmas Market, by the town hall. The subway system is excellent; so you can get around easily. Finally, you can spend hours just sitting in a coffee house, enjoying the Old Vienna atmosphere.
Aug 5th, 2006, 01:48 AM
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Ok, so I think I've decided that Anniversary/New Years in Rome sounds good, the mood/atmosphere seems a good match for our personalities.
I saw mention of "No magic at Christmas in Naples" above....my impression is that there isn't much magic in Naples at any time of the year, is this incorrect?
We are actually thinking of flying into Rome on the 22nd or 23rd, taking the train to Naples, spending a few days in Naples/Sorrento/Amalfi coast (these few days would include Christmas) then train back to Rome on the 26th or 27th and stay until New Years Day or the 2nd.
Rates on the Amalfi coast for the places that are open are very high for Christmas, so I'm guessing that we wouldn't be the only ones there.
Does anyone see any glaring holes in this plan? I will cross post this question under its own topic.
thanks
Carrie
I saw mention of "No magic at Christmas in Naples" above....my impression is that there isn't much magic in Naples at any time of the year, is this incorrect?
We are actually thinking of flying into Rome on the 22nd or 23rd, taking the train to Naples, spending a few days in Naples/Sorrento/Amalfi coast (these few days would include Christmas) then train back to Rome on the 26th or 27th and stay until New Years Day or the 2nd.
Rates on the Amalfi coast for the places that are open are very high for Christmas, so I'm guessing that we wouldn't be the only ones there.
Does anyone see any glaring holes in this plan? I will cross post this question under its own topic.
thanks
Carrie
