Hello all:

I am looking for ideas on where to go in Europe first/second week in August. Yes, I know its late, but unfortunately work schedule dictates it!

I rarely travel in August, as I can’t stand heat – I am melting here in London right now in temperatures of 30 degrees, which is pretty well as hot as I can take it. Therefore, I need to stick to the northern region.

I would welcome your advice on some of my initial thoughts. My primary interests are art and architecture, which dictates a city, but might also consider a week at a cooking school or something like that. I am not a beach-holiday person – I need lots of activity. I might hire a car, but am more inclined to base myself in one location and take day-trips by public transportation.

Some initial thoughts:
Berlin: Never been, but have heard it is a wonderful city. What would the weather be like?

Northern Spain: I have been several times, driving from the Basque country to Santiago de Compostela. Loved it immensely and the weather was perfect for me in late July. If I base myself in Bilbao, would I be able to fill my days with day trips to other towns/cities? What other cities should I consider?

Northern France: I have driven around Brittany. If I decide not to drive, where should I base myself?

Lisbon: I have always wanted to visit, but would it be too hot?

Apologies for the vagueness, but I am really stymied, and have little time to plan. I thank you in advance for your time in helping me decide.

Best regards .. Ger

Iceland.

Consider Riga and Tallinn.

www.inyourpocket.com/latvia/riga

www.inyourpocket.com/estonia/tallinn

Since you are interested in art and architecture, of the places you listed Berlin would be your best bet. Have you considered St. Petersburg?

OK, St Petersburg is exciting me, and will check out Riga and Tallin and Iceland.

Many thanks guys. I will get back to you.

I currently have £100 worth of travel guides lined up at Amazon for delivery tomorrow

Best regards ... Ger

For architecture also consider www.inyourpocket.com/czech_republic/prague

Helsinki was my first thought

Thanks iris - I have been to Prague several times, but could do with an update, but maybe not this trip.

Bill: Have been to Helsinki on business, but maybe not spent as much time I should 'visting'.

Edward: Australia? It would take me the whole holiday to get there and back

I asked a similar question for a July trip. I too prefer cooler (or less hot) weather. Stockholm was the frontrunner for me. Didn't end up going because another friend heard "I'm going to Stockholm" and begged me to wait until she can tag along. But I bought the guidebook and found a number of things I'd like to do and see in what appears to be a beautiful, vibrant city.

If you're OK up to 30 degrees, anywhere north of London should be cooler. Without going too far north, what about Scotland? 5 days would be perfect to visit say Mull and Skye.

Applying for a VISA for Russia.

Jut posted this in Europe site. Just exploring if St. Petersburg is possible in the timeline.


Please help of you can

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rom-the-uk.cfm

Thanks guys:

I have just gone nuts on Amazon, and have a $130 delivery tomorrow:

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Northern Spain

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Lisbon

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Switzerland

Cadogan Guides: Bilbao & the Basque Islands
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Berlin

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Scotland

Railway Day Trips: 150 classic train journeys around Britain

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Great Britain

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Venice & the Veneto

Insight Guides: Northern France

DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Normandy

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Portugal