Where to go in March
 

We (couple, mid-thirties) are trying to plan a trip for mid-March 2005 and would like some advice as to where to go. We will have about 9 days and are interested in staying in one place long enough to really get a feel for it. We have travelled in Europe before but not at this time of year. Where do you suggest?

Any clues as to your likes and dislikes?

Sure. We both like history, the arts, architecture and religion. We also love great food and wine. Paris and Florence were highlights of a past trip. But we are big fans of the outdoors and countryside too. We had a great trip to Ireland's West Coast last July and also loved Tuscany and Provence. A perfect trip might combine a couple of days in a larger city with a week in a more rural area. Does that help?

Spend a couple of days in Bordeaux and then the rest in the Dordogne. It's usually very nice at that time of year, with warm days, cool nights, a few spring showers, and few tourists.

Absolutely; and it confirms taht you must come to Scotland (as if it were ever in doubt:)?)

"history"- you're kidding. We have everything from stone circles, through the Picts to MacBeth, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, castles galore, and battlefields everywhere.
"the arts"- Edinburgh, city of galleries- The Museum of Childhood, the National Museum of Scotland,
The National Gallery
The Royal Scottish Academy
the National Portrait Gallery
The Gallery of Modern Art
The Dean Gallery
The Georgian House
The City Art Centre
The Fruitmarket Gallery,
The Collective Gallery
The Printmakers? Workshop
and there are more in Glasgow and all over.
"architecture"- Glasgow- UK City of Architecture and Design 1999

"religion"- Hey, we invented it. John Knox, blasting trumpets, the Covenanters, Iona and Columba, Whithorn and St Ninian
We're pretty good at food and if the wine's not homemade (you hope) the whisky is!

And we have countryside, and scenery to die for. Mountains, lochs, rivers, seaside, beaches, cliffs, plains and islands. The problem is choosing where, not whether:)

I was very happy visiting the Umbria region in early March a few years ago. The weather was pretty mild, compared to the NYC/Philadelphia metropolitan area, and weather and vegetation were more like what we'd expect in early April in that area. I think Umbria fits your interests PERFECTLY.

I would also consider Sicily in March. Actually I'd consider Sicily any time.

If you come to Edinburgh avoid the weekend of 13th March when a Six Nations rugby match is on - accommodation will be very expensive and hard to get.

How about Andalucia. Visit Seville, Cordoba and Granada and spend some time in the white villages. The weather should be mild in March.