I am thinking of travelling to Europe for about 9 days in mid to late October of this year. I have been there a number of times before - both on the well worn path (e.g. England, France, Italy) and just a bit off the well worn path (e.g. Poland, Portugal, Luxembourg). I would like to go to a place I haven't been to before. In general, I like walking around historic cities (both large ones and smaller places), some museum visits but not too much, good food. <BR><BR>Here are the places I am thinking about:<BR><BR>Belgium - some of the cities - Bruge, Tournai, Ghent, seem very interesting<BR><BR>Croatia - mainly the Dalmatian coast - plus weather would still be relatively warm<BR><BR>Turkey - most interested in Istanbul<BR><BR>Denmark<BR><BR>Malta <BR><BR>Sicily - (have been to Italy but not to Sicily.<BR><BR>Anyone have an opinion on a recommendation from the above list?<BR><BR>Thanks

I see the Malta and Sicily combo as perfect for that time of year.

Whatever you do, do NOT go to BELGIUM!!! I was in Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp in March 2001 and was utterly disappointed in this pea-sized country. I realized the reason why hardly anyone visits is because there is nothing to see, the people have a major attitude problem (especially toward the French), the food SUCKS (except for the chocolate), and everything is overpriced. Stay away!!!

Hi<BR><BR>ignore the above posting.<BR><BR>It's crap.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>

Michael-<BR>Ever think about Prague, Budapest and Vienna? They are all lovely and very interesting. Prague and Budapest are amoung my favorites in Europe - and I've seen it all (Literally. I lived in France for 2 years.)<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR>J-

I though there was plenty to like about Belgium, especially Ghent, Bruges, Leuven. I am interested to explore Antwerp on some future trip.<BR><BR>Of the places you have listed, I would rate Sicily and Dalmatia as highest on my "wanna=go-there" list. But cannot ciee from personal experience.<BR><BR>And I'll cast a vote somewhere in the mediocre/thumbs down category for Denmark. Admittedly it's based on limited experience - - two days, and one overnight, through Ribe and Odense. Expensive and just not all that interesting were my impressions.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Definitely Turkey. It's a beautiful country, friendly people, good food, great shopping, lots of interesting sites and it's quite inexpensive right now.

tops<BR>

Hi Michael:<BR>I agree with Julie. If you have done most of central europe, Turkey is a must for all the reasons Julie listed. I especially liked Istanbul, Ephesus and Cappadocia. October weather should be pleasantly warm. Happy travelling.

I would agree with Julie - Prague, Budapest and Vienna would be great and you have enough time to see them all.<BR>I went to Croatia last year and I would also agree that the Dalmatian coast is stunning.<BR><BR>Sicily is supposed to be beautiful but I have never been.<BR><BR>Would avoid Malta and Belgium could be a bit wet at that time of year.

Just realise that in 9 days you can only see so much. Belgium is a lovely place I have been to both Antwerp and Brussels on business and pleasure. I also found the food to be very good and reasonably priced. Sicily is quite expensive from what friends have told me and you will use a lot of travel time getting there. Malta I belive does not have much after a few sites and nice seafood. Croatia I want to see myself. My friend took a sailing course there last August and had a great week. Good Luck!"