I get to plan our honeymoon (2 weeks, starting August 1st 2000) as a surprise! I want to go to Europe, but don't want to do a lot of running around. Also, are a lot of restaurants, etc. closed during Aug? <BR> <BR>I want it to be romantic, elegant, and beautiful! <BR> <BR>Any suggestions? Thanks!!!! <BR> <BR>

That's a pretty broad question, Terry. I'm guessing it's a first trip to Europe. If you search through the archives of this forum you'll find a handful of recommendations pop up over and over; of those, the list which might fit the 'don't want to do a lot of running around' restriction, with plenty of built in guidance resources for first time visitors, would include at least the following: <BR>London/Cotswolds (some running required) <BR>Scotland <BR>Ireland <BR>Paris/day trips surrounding (Cote d'Azur is a little nutty in August) <BR>Italy (lakes region, Venice, Rome, Amalfi) <BR>Switzerland (Alps cities in particular) <BR>Bavaria <BR>Spain <BR>Tell us what appeals to you, budget range, and what types of things you enjoy (city vs. rural, museums, shopping, local culture, scenery, etc) Of course you can build all these types of things into one 2 week trip, but that would require some 'running'. <BR>

My recommendation for Terry would be absolutely to start with Paris. Paris is a wonderful honeymoon city, and it's my understanding that it's actually a bit less crowded in August because a lot of people take their vacations then and go to the country. You could easily do a week in Paris without even blinking, utterly chockfull of romance maybe with a couple of day trips to places that suit your interests (there are tons of options). Then, depending on your preferences, maybe a romantic series of inns & B&Bs in the Loire Valley or another country destination, or if you're a real lover of cities, the chunnel to London. Again, you can occupy more than a week in London quite easily, and there are some wonderful daytrip possibilities (Windsor, Hampton Court, Cambridge, Stonehenge, etc.) <BR> <BR>I've fallen in love with Venice, but we were there in late September...people I've talked to who've been there in midsummer say the tourist traffic is just too crazy to fight and the canals, well, smell. They didn't in the fall, at least not that I perceived...so I'd say save Venice for another time of year. <BR> <BR>

Lucky you. I agree with Gina--Paris is really romantic. I'd spend at least the first night in the Ritz Hotel and tell them it is your honeymoon (they'll make a fuss, e.g. flowers and champagne in the room). If money is no object, I'd spend 3-4 more nights there. If you're not in a position to spend $500/night for this much time, then I'd move to a Left Bank hotel, perhaps the Relais Christine or L'Abbaye for the 3-4 nights. And then, I'd stay in one of the elegant Loire Valley chateaux like the Chateau Chissay for the remainder of the time, returning to the Ritz for the last night in Paris before coming back. <BR> <BR>Congratulations!

Thank you all for your input. The Paris ideas sound pretty good. <BR> <BR>What about the same type of concept (city combined with some country/rural), but somewhere in Italy or Ireland or Spain? <BR> <BR>Do you think it's too dead in August in Europe? <BR> <BR>Budget is around $250/night (average). <BR> <BR>Thanks!!!

Based on the above I'd go for a week in Paris, followed by a week in the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes. Driving in Switzerland and the lakes region is easy, the scenery is amazing, and it gives you a lot of freedom you can't get on the trains. Whether you consider driving in the countryside running around and stressful is a personal thing to be sure. Taking a train out of Paris to central Switzerland, driving thru Interlaken, down to Zermatt, over to Lugano and then Lake Como would be a great trip. Fly out of Milan, 45 minutes south of Lake Como. Someone in the party has to like driving though for this itinerary. Otherwise, take a train down to northern Italy. Paris, the Swiss Alps, the lakes and Tuscany are among the best first impressions Europe has to offer.

I vote for Venice as being the most romantic city. It doesn't shut down as much as Paris does in August. And you can take great side trips to places like Burano.