markcar22

My wife and I are planning a trip to Italy in April 2007 for 17 days. As part of our trip we'd like to spend 4-5 days in another country and are deciding between Germany and France.

See below for our tentative itinerary:
Rome 4-5 days
Venice 3-4 days
Florence 3-4 days
Germany/France/Other 4-5 days

These are not etched in stone as we are open to other suggestions. We are both fairly young (early 30's), active and are interested in getting a good taste of the local culture.

Any feedback you could provide would be a big help with our planning.

Thanks!

monorailgold

Hello,

I would pick Germany. Bavaria is so beautiful and there is so much to do. You could take the train from Venice to Munich or Salzburg and then either take the train around Germany or rent a car. Car rental in Germany is cheap and driving on the autobahn is fun. The food is great and there are tons of indoor and outdoor activites to keep you entertained.

As for Italy, I would spend more time in Rome and less time in Florence and Venice. Three days in each of these cities would be enough.

Donna

ira

Hi M,

Good plan. Just the right number of days in each Italian city.

You could take the train over the Alps from Venice to Munich and see a bit of Bavaria for your last few days.

Have you considered Venice to Vienna?

LucieV

France. No contest!

annhig

I really like gremany and France, but that are not particularly adjacent to where you are going to be in italy.
Why not explore some other parts of italy, like the dolomites or the lakes, or if you must leave italy, the swiss alps are fabulous and not far away. Or what about going south to the amalfi area or even flying to sicily?
good luck with whatever you decide!

LucieV

I shouldn't've been so flip, markcar. In fact, my dh & I have done a similar trip at least 3 times: Italy & France in 2-1/2 weeks. First time we were your age, second two times we had our pre-teen son w/us, last time just us. You have plenty of time to do it all, assuming you're mover-arounders, like we are.

btw, 3 days in Florence is plenty, imo.

I'd go from Venice to Provence. Or Paris -- mon dieu, Paris!

Again, it all depends on what kind of travellers you are. Some people prefer to spend a lot of time in each city, seeing, doing, absorbing as much as they can -- others prefer to move around, with the idea in their head that there'll be another opportunity to see what you miss the first or second or third time!

Although we have been to Germany twice, we both happen to enjoy France & the French people more than Germany, so that's why I posted so abruptly ... but chacun a son gout!

Have a great trip!

enzian

Given that this trip is in April, southern France, and then on up to Paris, might be the best choice.

I love Germany, but not in April!

Michael

How about the Italian lake area with a visit to the high Alps of Switzerland?

suze1

Enzian, why don't you like Germany in April,my husband and I are flying to Germany April 28 for 2weeks, now you're making me nervous.

annhig

Hi, suze1,
there's nothing wrong with Germany in april/may, when you'll be there. The weather in the north is like english weather; in the south it's usually warmer, being a more continental climate.
You'll have a lovely time.

markcar22

Thanks everyone for the great feedback, it has been a big help! We have decided to start in Germany and plan to spend around 5 days there. From there we'll be going to Venice and other spots in Italy.

Any cities you would suggest, keeping in mind that Venice is our next stop, would be very helpful. Again, we are young, active and looking to get a good taste of German culture. Thanks in advance for your help.

annhig

picking up on ira's suggestion of taking the train over the alps from munich to Venice, why not spend your time in and around munich, seeing the castles, lakes etc - lots of threads on that subject.