Maybe you are more a Southern Europe travelgirl than a Northern Europe travelgirl?

I know I am!

Circle trip could be a good idea, dipping into Northern Italy (my favorite) with little tastes of Vienna, and small towns in Germany/Austria/Switzerland on the way.

Could be a good chance to figure out what you prefer overall, Northern Europe or Southern...

Best,
Ellen

Biking with the boys? What a fantastic idea! Bring rain gear and see if someone will transport luggage for you. Contact the tourist office before you go for packing necessities.

How about something like this:
http://tinyurl.com/23dmyp
cruising and cycling for half the holiday then go off somewhere else courtesy of a cheap airline for the second week? This tour visits some lovely villages and even you boys would enjoy it.

"(maitaitom - I think you've planned a whole trip for us!)"

It's funny. After I had mapped out our trip, initially Tracy wasn't overwhelmed with the itinerary.

Since our visit in 2003, a few of the places she said we must return are the Mosel, Alsace and Switzerland. It's great for adults and will give your kids more than enough to kep them occupied.

Wherever you decide to go...Enjoy!

((H))

I diagnose a case of the cold feet that often comes with booking ahead (and maybe some well-meaning but less travelled friends suggesting better known destinations?)...Listen to Maitatom-and read his previous threads- he will re-inspire you about your current itinerary and he is a guy who doesn't let things get him and (Mrs M) down. This is a great area: though my trips there were many years ago now and have been followed by Italy and France etc, I would go back to Germany/Austria.

Yes, you got a good deal. Last year Continental started a new flight to Cologne at good prices, (AND FF miles also I guess). That is a great way to fly to Europe, so I guess we should all be on the lookout for new flights. 'I did some research at the time...then it didn't materialize (yet!) because of knee replacements etc..
However. Cologne can be a great place to "work out of" and Maitaimom has some wonderful ideas. And others as well.
Germany/France/Austria or further afield can be very interesting and I know you'll have a great time....as will your boys. Sounds like your boys are good travelers and have experienced lots of Europe, and Germany etc should be great fun for them.
When we lived overseas(in the mid 70's) our boys were ages 10 and 12 when we visited the area you are speaking of, and they had loads of fun.

travelgirl- I just got back from 3 weeks in Italy. Up until I left I was feeling panicked that I made the wrong choice but there was no way to un-do it all. (For some reason I was pining for Amsterdam and Vienna after all my Italy planning!) Of course I had the most wonderful, fabulous time in Italy! I think pre-trip jitters are normal.

Obviously some of the posters have not read TravelGirl2's outstanding trip report of her travels with her DH and two boys. This women was off for an 11 week odyssey through China, Japan, and many parts of Europe south and north.

TG2: IF you decide to go into Alsace, I can heartily recommend the canal barge trip we took last year. The boys will especially be intrigued by the 37 locks you will pass through...and the barge company has a little 20 passenger bus to take you to many of the aforementioned wine villages and many other sites of interest. It's 6 nights...and a wonderful, relaxing, fun experience (only 20 passengers, all meals on board, selected local wines and cheese courses, etc.)

Stu T.

I think your original plan of Germany/Austria with kids who like to bike really makes sense and would encourage you to think some more before abandoning it.

You might want to consider spending part of your time in the Altmuhl valley. the Altmuhl feeds into the Danube at Kelheim. this area has the biggest "naturpark" in Germany and is very popular with German tourists interested in outdoor activities. A major bike path and lots of hiking trails, too. There are many fossils and places the kids can try to find some of their own. Castles, some Roman ruins. Lots of interesting cities nearby.
I certainly can't say the food is as good as the food you would find in France or Italy, but the beer is great.

Maybe it is hard for you to get excited about this trip after your fantastic trip in Asia and Europe last year. Thank you so much for your "Trip of a Lifetime" trip report which I have saved. Maybe you should return to Greece; it had the same effect on us.

I told myself I was going to decide and make some arrangements this weekend. But I'm still undecided. Yikes. Maybe that 11 week trip just did me in.

Thank you, everyone, for all your suggestions and advice.

Since you loved Greece, check out www.diktynna-travel.gr for Chania area of Crete. It is wonderful there and Maria was so helpful.

This is like not getting to see the end of the movie.

travelgirl2 - where did you go?

((H))

Well thank goodness you 'topped' this MT...I could not recall the name of the poster, but often wondered how it all ended...come on Travelgirl2, how does the story end?

Well, the reservations are finally made and we're sticking with Germany and Austria. I'll report back when we return...

Have a great trip!

((H))

travelgirl2,

I became so involved in your previous trip report - I hope you all have a marvelous time, and we all await your return!