Big_Red

I would go to northen Italy and southern Switzerland, but that is the area that I know best.
"my husband adores walled cities." Research Marostica in Northen Italy. I believe that there is at least one hotel inside thw city walls. Also, there is website that lists castle hotels but castle hotels are italy's strong point.
Are you planning on renting a car or thinking no rental car?

hetismij

I'd go to Africa, but that's just me.

Mimar

Does it have to be Europe? How about taking full advantage of those first class tickets and going to New Zealand or Australia? Or Japan or China?

Well, if it must be Europe, it does seem like Italy is a significant omission from your past trips. Fly into Venice and out of Rome. Spend romantic time in Venice, the Italian lakes and/or the Amalfi coast.

Gwendolynn

Italy... you could start in Rome.... get a car and drive to Lucca (walled city)... then head for Venice and try to incorporate Urbino (walled city) in the itinerary. It's been awhile since we were on the road in Italy so maybe someone else can fill in the missing parts.

zeppole

Have you said what time of year this is? Italy (where I live) can be unpleasantly hot in summer if you want to be a tourist out sightseeing. That's especially true of Sicily, but also true of Rome, and places like Lucca and Venice can be stinking humid. Le Cinque Terre to hot to hike except in the morning. Between November and February, chill rains put a real damper on enjoying what's to enjoy most in Italy (al fresco dining, etc.)

If your husband likes walled cities, Siena and Lucca should be on your itinerary, as well as Sarzana if you go to le Cinque Terre.

However, this does sound like a summer trip. I suggest someplace cooler if you are energetic people who want to go-go-go all the time, and it sounds like that's how you approach travel.

Consider San Sebastian and the Basque coast of Spain, with forays in to the Pyrenees.

jkbritt

Nice, Barcelona, Dublin and maybe Florence if you have time. Or, pick 3 of the 4.

ellen75005

If your husband likes walled cities, Dubrovnik is heaven on earth. Combine that with Italy or Greece. It will be hot, though, so the mountains might be a better choice...it's a nice "problem" to have!

voirglobe

We were in Egypt during christmas time. Our trip was arranged by Ahmed hamed Yousif and it was fantastic and worry free! One of these days I will post a trip report. Italy was a lot of fun, visiting Rome and booking a tour to Sorrento (Pompeii & Capri) with Vastour then returning to Rome. From there we hired Lucas Garrapa from Hills and Roads to visit the Tuscany region all the way to Venice. This summer we have first class tickets and returning to France! Have a great time deciding tinabina!

dutyfree

Italy in a nanosecond!

TPAYT

tinabina----where are you? We're all waiting to hear what you have chosen. We wish we were in your shoes!

tinabina

Hi, thanks everyone. Although I love the idea of Egypt and Africa, I think we will stick with a European destination. Right now Italy is in the lead! With a few, such as Greece and Croatia right behind. I am worried the summer weather may be too intense in Greece. We don't mind hot...we are from Southern California, so we can deal with heat. I am strongly leaning toward Rome to Venice, perhaps with a coastal side trip.
Anymore walled city suggestions from Rome to Venice? My sister mentioned Periggia(sp) well-known for chocolate.

Honestly, If I was going alone..I'd head straight to Paris, but DH, wants a new adventure.

Has anyone stayed in notable spots between Rome and Venice? Any must check out locations!?

Thank you for your valuable input.
Tina

rex

You have two first class tickets to ANYwhere? How? I see more and more use of "tiers" for FF mile award travel to Europe. Limited destinations only in WESTERN Europe for the lowest award levels, then different award levels (and availability) for central Europe or southern Europe or Scandinavia, and much different for Russia or points east of Poland.

What is it that you actually have? Unless you are talking about burning through a LOT of miles, I am curious where you think you can get and at what "price" (in miles).

Best wishes.

Rex

Surfergirl

@ Weedles -- Leonard Cohen still owns the place on Hydra. It's periodicaly inhabited by an ex spouse and one of his children.

janestuart

Another vote for Italy. If you haven't seen them, Venice and Florence are a must. Our last trip to Italy - three weeks - started on Lake Como. We then drove to Lago Maggiore for a week in a wonderful place overlooking the lake. We drove to Milan and took the train to Cinque Terre for a few days. From there we trained on to Naples and a few nights in Sorrento, from where we could take a bus tour of the Amalfi coast (You couldn't pay me to make that drive.) After that we had a few more days in Rome.It was a truly spectacular trip. If you want to rent a place as a base for a week I recommend Parker Villas. Their places run the gamut in price. We have used them several times and have always been very pleased.
I might add that I have always been a francophile and only went to Italy because of the encouragement of friends. It is now my favorite country in Europe.

sobster

And, oh, yes. while on your way to Venice and/or Perugia you might "throw in" Assissi.

Mimar

Consider flying into Venice and out of Rome instead of vice versa. Connecting flights leave Venice very early. leaving you with less time on the ground. And arriving in Venice allows you to get over jet lag in a place with no cars, a place where walking around in a daze getting lost is the best sight-seeing. (You can't really get lost; Venice isn't that big.)

To my mind the most notable stop between Venice and Rome is Tuscany, specifically southern Tuscany. I love the look of the countryside there--it's what you see in all the travel ads and calendars. Renting a car for a few days, basing in Pienza or San Quirico d'Orcia, driving around to hill towns would be a great break from cities.

zeppole

Perugia does indeed have the best chocolate in Italy to my tastebuds (dark), and the region of Umbria would make a great in-between for a trip that includes Rome and Venice. It is much less touristed than neighboring Tuscany, and the cuisine in general is much better and the wines unadulterated and some of the finest reds (Sagrantino) and whites (Orvieto) in Italy. So it's delicious treat to be in Umbria. I would look for an agriturismo with a pool and a restaurant in the vicinity of Assisi, Montefalco, Spoleto, Bevagna or Spello.

Have a great trip!

Vicky

Capri

TravelingMan61

The 7K and is our budget for a Sept trip to Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Dresden and Berlin. All great cities with 3 nights in each.

tinabina

Wow! You guys sure know your stuff. We are narrowing it down to very early July and definately Italy. Ready for a break from everyday life.
Rex: We have LOTS of miles and can pretty much pick any destination....we run our whole business through our Visa.
Tina