Florence is fine if you are into Renaissance art and architecture, but it doesn't appeal to everyone. 1 day was more than enough for me, but Mrs. Fly wanted 2.

Vienna and Pragure would be fine.

Germany has a very well developed tourism infrastructure. Even many smaller towns and cities are easy to get around in, and the quality of even inexpensive accomodations and restaurants is relatively high.

I agree that Munich would be a wonderful place to go for your intrests. I have traveled all around Europe just like you all the tourist areas and Munich is by far my favorite.

Tangelo...don't ignore the world class city of Berlin...plenty to do, see, and side trips of all varieties. Wonderful city, geared to the visitor. We were there in '93 and were amazed at the progress in the city to attract visitors since that '93 visit. Thoroughly enjoyed the seven days we spent there. See Palenque's Berlin reports in this forum. Just type it in to the search box.

You could combine Prague and Vienna with Berlin...wonderful combination I would say...or even Berlin, Munich and Vienna...or Budapest, Prague, Berlin. You've got options old boy!
Stu T.

Concur with other writers about Seville and Barcelona. For travel tips on these cities, do a search on this board. We absolutely loved these cities. Madrid is great once - exciting huge squares, restaurants, museums. After one visit, no need to return, (and watch out for pickpockets).

We have travelled much like you (except we've been to England and not to Amsterdam) and our next trip in May is to Amsterdam, Brugge and Rhine/Munich/Bavaria. Future trip ideas include all those as suggested here (all excellent ideas) but our first trip after this one in May will be to Greece and Turkey for a little something different.

Some girlfriends and I did a very nice 2 week trip last year that included Munich, Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg We had a great time and I loved all of these places so I would highly recommend it...

Prague and Budapest

Bavaria

To narrow down Florence to Renaisance art and architecture is really the dumbing down society to a hazel nut shell.
Food , wine , olive oil and culture of the tuscan capital would be enough but when add the home of the folllowing:

Galeleio Galelei - Astronomer
Leonardo Da Vinci - Artist/Inventor
Michaelangelo Buonarotti - Artist
Lorenzo Da'Medici - Ruler
Niccolò Machiavelli - Statesman/Author
Filippo Brunelleschi - Architect
Dante Alighieri - Author

If you do decide on Vienna / Prague, (one of your original suggestions) then Budapest would be a great third location, as others have stated. It's easily accessed by train from Vienna, but not so easy to get to from other European locations... so it's best to go there when you're practically right in the neighborhood! It's a beautiful city with lots to see and do.

Berlin is another logical choice, but it would fit in better with another trip that could include Dresden, for starters.

As I recall, Budapest is closer to Vienna by train than Berlin is to Prague... if that makes any difference to you.

All the best to you!

Well, a few of the people on that list had something to do with the Renaissance.

Istanbul . Easy to fly to from London Paris or Rome or any major European city.Still cheap .Very exotic .Vibrant and friendly.Safe - at least as safe as any other city as long as you are sensible .Some wonderful hotels and a contextual framework for the development of much of the art and architecture of the rest of Europe .Defined sites to see in the city plus shopping ( do some homework on rugs ).

I totally agree with amyb and jean - Florence is a must (4 days are good for a start) then tour Tuscany. Vienna fits your bill also, great food, great music, lots to see. Fly into Munich take the train to Salzburg, spend the next day here, take train to Vienna, spend 4 - 5 days here, take train to Prague, spend 3 days here, take train back to Munich, spend 3 days here. That's pretty close to 14 days. A nice side trip out of Vienna is this, take a train to Melk-tour the abby where the book Name of The Rose was set,-take a boat trip down the Danube,then short train trip back to Vienna. Just some thoughts - wish we could do it again....

You must go to Berlin.
You don't know Europe when you haven't been to this city. It is full of everything - historical buildings, the world's best museums (where else can you see ancient Babylon's original city gate?) and a spectacular cultural life?

I think Florence is a "do not miss" city. It would take four days to do a superficial job of seeing some of its incredible sights. And a side trip to Siena, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, Montalcino or one of the hills towns (readily available from tour operators in Florence if you don't want to plan it yourself) would give you a very special experience.

In addition, I have to say that I adored Switzerland. I visited the Sion region (where a gorgeous ski resort was dirt cheap in the summer, and the views and the food were equally spectacular, as were the local Swiss wines) and also spent time in Berne, Lucerne (a favorite), Interlaken (stopped there for lunch, wished I'd had more time), and Zurich.

Last, if you haven't been to Edinburgh, I heartily recommend it. If not this year, then put it on your list. It's a beautiful, beautiful city with incredible castles, art museums, music, theatre, guided tours and walks in and near the city, and wonderful people.

thank you all. sounds like a lot of supporter for Florence, and some alone the line of Vienna, Prague+.

"Author: Jean
Date: 03/20/2006, 06:38 pm

Only "culture Nazis" appreciate some of the greatest, most beautiful art created by man? Geez."

According to whom?You only believe they are beautiful because you've been told so often by previous culture nazis that you accept it. There is art that I like, but not 99% percent of the crap that hangs in museums and is there mostly because it is old and not because it is good. Going to those musuems is like reading Dickens. It might have been the thing at the time, but now is stilted long past its time. Some museums are better than others. But the the ones in Florence are not among them. The Uffizi is OK, but the rest are boring, boring, boring.

It is a mystery to me why anyone would waste time in Florence museums when they could be walking around Venice or Rome or even Assisi.

Portugal. Portomaio (south) is lovely. Great serene beaches. Algarve is over-crowded. Avoid it. Azores Islands (our plan for next year) are not for the "jet setters." We have had the pleasure of traveling extensively (with some budgeting, of course) & have concentrated on areas outside of the "London/Paris/Rome" circle (with all due respect to those who have.)
Another suggestion: Malta. Absolutely nice & cordial people. Lovely.

Whatever your plan, enjoy. Trying a destination outside of the "advertised norm" might just prove interesting.

There are so many places in Europe to see and visit! Like I've suggested before, look up the destinations you've considered on Google Images. The pictures honestly helps you decide your perfect destination, often you'll find one place or places which are specifically appealing to you. It works every time. :)