brando

Spain

rs899

"rich history, culture, art, beautiful and diverse landscape, and yes the friendly people."

France does it all for me. And that includes the people....

modglila

No one has mentioned Prague. I have been to Italy and loved it so much that I want to move there. My second trip was to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. I liked them in that same order although a agree with a previous poster about the small towns in Austria such as Krems and Durnstein.

zootsi

We have been to Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Austria, and loved them all. Hard to choose one over the other. Italy is probably # 1 for both of us, but my other favorite might be Austria, my wife's other favorite might be France. We'd go back to any one of them however.

charnees

One trip we very much enjoyed was the Dordogne region of France. You drive down the Dordogne River valley from east to west, seeing lovely scenery with many steep cliffs along the way, with medieval towns and castles. You then end in the Bordeaux region of France, if you are interested in wine. The food ain't bad, either!! You could do this either before or after some days in Paris.

isabel

I agree with zeppole that you shouldn't just pick anyplace in the world and just go. But most of Europe is a pretty safe bet. If you loved Italy the places with the most similar atmosphere as well as history, culture, etc would be France, Spain, Portugal, Greece - in other words southern Europe. But since you have not been to northern Europe you might want to get a taste of that. Depending on the time of year when your trip will be I suggest you split it with at least one week in one of southern European countries and then one week in a northern county (somewhere in the UK, Germany, etc would be good bets). With cheap intra European flights it's easy to combine two countries that aren't geographically close to each other. Look on easyjet.com to see where you can go. I've been at quite a few countries in Europe, take a look at my photo gallery and see which countries "grab" you. www.pbase.com/annforcier

thefengs

Thank you so many of you taking the time to respond. We are really grateful for your suggestions and comments. How wonderful this community of supports is. You people are awesome!! Our family normally take vacation in mid-May for 2 weeks. We will definitely research the countries you all suggested. Spain, Austria, southern Germany, Switzerland, France, Croatia seem likely options. We love beautiful countryside, medieval towns, unique architecture, art, and friendly people. We do not enjoy ruins like Pompei (our lack of imagination?) or place like Isle of Capri. Anyway, thank you all for your inputs. we will seek more help from you soon. Ciao!

WWanderer

Portugal definitely fits your bill, plenty of all of those things. Don't forget Slovenia, I hear it's a happening place, you could combine it with some time in Venice.

As for it being "sad" to go back to the same place? Hogwash. Going back means you like it and you go back to experience more of the place. I feel that way about the British Isles, Portugal and Greece (as well as the South Pacific.)

thefengs

Thank you WWanderer for more to think about. Is Greece really that great? So many people recommend it. Considering the recent chaotic situation, we had totally dismiss the idea of touring Greece at all. Can someone elaborate more about Greece? Thanks.

jaja

Ireland

Mimar

Greece has wonderful ruins, museums full of beautiful sculpture, and an enjoyable lifestyle. The strikes might be an opportunity to go there when there are fewer other tourists.

But if you didn't like Pompeii or Capri, Greece is probably not the place for you. That you do like medieval towns made me think again of Croatia, in particular, Dubrovnik, Trogir, and Korcula. And the hilltowns of Istria. The coast and islands of Croatia are beautiful, and the people very friendly.

Germany has some supercute medieval towns. And beautiful countryside. That would be another good choice for your family.

stephh

When researching Spain, don't forget to check out Barcelona. You will find everything you are looking for--fascinating history, architecture, beautiful vistas, the sea, art and a welcoming people. Not to mention great food and wine!

patcarmo

Wonderful safe paths to go hiking in the southern-west coast of Portugal. Breeze from the ocean, close to Sintra (for "culture") - marvellous experience after living 11 years in Italy. I'm amazed, fell in love with Portugal!

Narnya

France offers many qualities like Italy, but is still distinctly different. Maybe you could add Paris this trip and see what you think? If you like Paris, you'll want to expand out to the French countryside, like beautiful Provence, on the next European trip.