Our family of 4 is planning a trip to Europe August 2009.

Our daughters ages will be 20 and 11 at the time of travel.

First and foremost, we are looking for the biggest bang for the buck.Or should I say Euro?

We're looking for culture, history, good food,hiking and ease of travel within the country.

Currently, we're leaning toward Switzerland, although Greece has the benefit of most of the above, plus access to a "seaside" vacation too.

Any suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated.

Portugal -

1. Biggest bang for the buck
2. Culture
3. History
4. Good food (not it's strongest point)

Hi,

While it's hard to steer someone away from Switzerland, I'd suggest Bavaria and Austria. You'd have to substitute a lakeside setting as an alternative to seaside setting. Otherwise, it has everything you're looking for.

Paul

I believe it'll be very hot in Greece in August.

We found Switzerland extremely expensive and Greece much cheaper. However, it is much easier to get around Switzerland with public transportation than Greece, altho it is possible. Both have MUCH to offer, so you can't really go wrong, but if the main concern is bang for the buck (euro) you should choose Greece.

I think Greece USED to be a lot cheaper than many European countries, but is quickly catching up.

Especially in August, which is when many Greeks and most Europeans vacation, you'll find prices at their most expensive. And it will be very hot, sometimes reaching into the high 90s or low 100s, particularly in Athens.

Would you consider some of the Eastern European countries ( Hungary offers a lot of what you're looking for) or Portugal?

August is your variable. Too hot in much of south Europe and very crowded in the resort locations. I would do Munich, Salzburg, Bavaria castle country and the Dolomites of north Italy--starting and ending in Munich with a car.