Hubby and i are going to take our first trip in Europe this July, and can't decide where to go. Here are a few caveats.

1. Will be planning it last minute because we are in process of moving and finding new jobs too, so until we know hubbies job situation we can't book anything. But we know the only time I can go is in July as I start work in August.
2. We are 30 somethings who like nature and hiking, but are interested in seeing some city life, old buildings, and eating good food. Not huge museum people, but one or two would be ok. Only foreign language we know a little of is spanish.
3. Our luggage will probably be a backpack for ease of transport if we do hike from one place to another. (one of our thoughts was to hike along Cinqua Terra in Italy).
4. I don't know what times of year are more ideal than others weather wise or activity wise to visit certain regions. For example I heard France takes a vacation in August. Or that it is impossible to find last minute affordable accomodations in the Bavaria region of Germany.

Any suggestions for our first trip (most likely will only be 2-3 weeks long)?

Hi koala,

For first timers, I suggest one week each in London and Paris.

If you have 3 weeks, Fly into Paris, take the Eurostar to London, fly to Venice. Fly home.

It seems odd, but there are better flight connections between London and Italy than between France and Italy.

See www.whichbudget.com

For last minute reservations, I think cities are easier than small towns. For instance, one of the Cinque Terra towns could be pretty much booked full with tourists, while you can always find a hotel in Paris.

For an area to visit have you looked at Switzerland? I love the area outside Geneva along the lakes. Do a Fodors 'search' and see lots of discussions, many folks here LOVE that part of the world. It has the hiking and nature you'd like, along with opportunities to visit towns, old architecdture, great local food, etc. After 10 days or so, you could then train to Venice, stay a few days, train to Paris, stay a few days and fly out from Paris - GREAT trip!

Hi,
I have friends who go to Austria and do a hiking trip where their luggage is transported on ahead to a hotel or B&B and they hike to the hotel during the day. They have done this a few times and really enjoy it.
Maybe if it was available in Southern Austria it could be combined with Northern Italy?
Don`t know if this would interest you but try a search on the web.
Good luck anyway!

I think you're talking Scotland here.

You can do a couple of days in Edinburgh, then move out to a couple of bases like Dunkeld, or Oban, or Ullapool.

I see an option for you to walk the length of the Uists over a week having come in from Ullapool to Tarbert, then get having got the little ferry to Berneray from Leverburgh.

Then you get the boat out from Lochboisdale to Oban.

So- Edinburgh stay a few days; train to Dunkeld stay a few days; train to Lairg. Bus to Ullapool; stay a few days. Ferry to the islands, walk down the chain over a week; ferry to Oban, staya few days. Train to Glasgow to finish off the trip. Wonderful!