Your favorite cities?
 

If you were flying to Europe for the first time and had ten days - where would you visit? Love small towns, mountains, hiking, beautiful drives, castles, friendly people. Also don't have children and prefer to avoid the "disneyland" type areas. Would appreciate your help. Thanks!

For a first visit: In winter, Paris and London. In spring, summer and fall, Paris and the French countryside - either Normandy, the Loire or Provence.

Hi jam,

Your first trip should be a week or so in Paris. That way, if you die, you won't be disappointed.

Consider Austria, which seems to have what you are looking for- beautiful small villages, mountains, hiking, castles, and friendly people. I agree that Paris is the most beautiful European city, but Vienna is not far behind, and most of it's people speak some English.

Me? For a first visit, for only ten days, Florence and Venice. I'd stay more nights in Florence, to allow time for some day trips to a few other towns or smaller cities in Tuscany from there. I'd spend most of the Venice days in Venice itself, with maybe one day trip or at most two.

If it weren't your first time, I'd say focus on Denmark and Norway, both of which have all that you are looking for, including very friendly people.

I would say first time London and Paris (Ira's comment is spot on!), but those two cities each have only one or two of what you request.

You didn't say what season, so if it's summer, my top pick that has everything you list would be the Trondheim and Bergen areas in Norway. You also get pretty close to the midnight sun in the summer months, which is just another bonus.

My first European trip was to Austria--I felt like I was living a fairy tale! The people were so accomodating, everything was so clean and charming, and Vienna absolutely stole my heart.

I would spend 1/2 the time in Paris, and the other half exploring another French region like Normandy or Burgundy

I would consider Switzerland. Many small towns (Montreux, Vevey, Lucerne, possibly also Lausanne - population circa 100,000 so it is not that small).

You have many mountains in Switzerland, chateaus and castles and the Swiss are so good at English and so geared up to toursim that it will not be at all stressful.

You could also do a short trip in to either France, Italy or Germany or Austria as Switzerland has borders five countries. IMO - Liechenstein is a bit of a waste of time!

I love Bavaria in southern Germany. Fly into Munich and then tour southern germany - be sure to see Neuchwanstein Castle! Food is wonderful and sights are magical. Venture into Austria if time permits.

cmt,
You got my vote. Not seeing Italy would be a sin :)

Jamcat, You are describing Switzerland. There are so many choices, you can't go wrong. You can even choose the language you prefer by region. Montreux (French), St. Moritz (German), Locarno/Bellinzona (Italian).

Paris is great but doesn't fit any of your "loves".

I agree with some above.For a first trip I think the big cities are too intense. I would fly into and out from Munich and do the castle country of bavaria, Salzburg, and the Lake region of Austria. Easy, compact, user friendly, not expensive, charmimg! BTW, that was our first trip in 1961 and we have returned to Europe 21 more times.

Thank you so much for your input! I'm sorry I didn't mention time of year - it would be September. Hopefully, avoiding the heavy tourism. Did this change anyone's opinion?

I also made Austria the start of my first trip to Europe. Flew into Vienna, spent time there, then through Linz to Salzburg and spent time as well in Munich and Bavaria, especially Garmisch-Partenkirchen. That was in 1973 and we've been back over 35 times since, but Vienna always seems special. I agree with what's been said above. For what you say you like, you'd do well to go to Austria and Bavaria. As I did, you can branch out to other places on subsequent trips. You'll surely want to return.

Ok after your postings & a few hours at the bookstore, we will probably fly into Frankfurt because its seems less expensive than Munich. Then I was thinking of taking a train to Switzerland & visiting the Oberland (sp?) area for 3 days, on the Austria (the area below Salzburg & take the drive that sounds so nice, then to Germany (Bavarian area).Several posts mentioned not renting a car in Austria -very expensive - but should have one to drive there. So I should rent the car in Switzerland? I am looking at the logistics of the trip and its scary! I can't even understand the rail website! BTW I am feeling little overwhelmed right now!

Is anyone out there??? Just wanted to bring this up again. Would appreciate input regarding car rental. Also do you normally rent a cell phone before you leave US? Who from?

jamcat: For car rental, contact AutoEurope (www.autoeurope.com or 1-800-223-5555).

I bought a cell phone in Europe for about what I would have rented one for -$80. Works like a charm and the reception back to the States is frighteningly good.

If you love small towns as opposed to big cities, may I suggest the Italian Lakes district and Dolomites in Italy, the Dordogne in France, the hilltowns of Tuscany, or maybe Andalusia in Spain. It's hard to say, as there are so many regions in Europe that fit your description. I'd need more info to get more precise.

If I were making my first trip, I'd buy a rail pass of some sort and use the trains. Easy, chance to actually view the country side and the systems in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are so efficient. Cars give flexibility, but if you are feeling overwhelmed with planning, just think of how you'd feel driving in a country in which you don't speak the language (assumption on my part). You lose some flexibility, but you gain peace of mind, IMO.

As for itinerary, after a long flight, I'd suggest staying one or two nights in an area near Frankfurt prior to heading for Switz and Austria. Heidelberg might be a good choice.

After Berner Oberland, you might consider Luzern: small town, beautiful lakes and mountains, great food and lots of shopping.

Salzburg and surrounding area is among our favorites--very beautiful, friendly people, great food and so many people who wear the traditional austrian clothing.

Good luck and enjoy every minute of your trip.

We were going to do the trains in every area except Austria because most posting say its a must to drive the area. You are right - I don't speak the language! These ideas sound wonderful. So many places to see! I will look into the Italian area you mentioned. Thanks. Please keep the ideas coming. Think of what else you wish you'd known when you went the first time. We are pretty Adventurous.

Well, for me I would do London and Paris. But with your interests I would definitely do a trip in the alps. Your base city I think depends on where you are flying from. I would pick somewhere with a non-stop flight at a good price - Munich for preference. Definitely travel by car - it gives you the chance to look at every little village, inn, church and mountain path you want. Stay in 2 or at the most 3 bases, taking day trips from them. If you arrive in Munich you have the opportunity to see some of at least 2/3 countries and maybe 4 depending on your day trips.

My first trip to Europe we stayed at an adorable gasthaus in Garmisch and did trips from there to German castles, Austrian mountains/castles (Innsbruck)and even into Switzerland. It was glorious and very inexpensive.

Jamcat,

"Love small towns, mountains, hiking, beautiful drives, castles, friendly people..."

You have titles this thread "Your favourite cities" Why? You seem to go on and ask about countryside in the text inside your thread?

I started this post to try and decide which towns to visit that offered the things I am interested in. Having never been to Europe, I wanted yours and others opinions of their favorite cities that held these qualities. Not just favorite city.

I would add my 2 cents for a trip to Switzerland. It's sooo "civilized" and clean and scenic. Trains run absolutely on time and they go everywhere. With Switzerland's size and location, it's easy to cross borders and visit northern Italy, western Austria, eastern France, or southern Germany.

Switzerland is an easy drive from Frankfurt. We've done it MANY times. The roads are good, but heavy traffic at times.

I normally don't like big cities anywhere especially with scyscrapers but Rome is a total exception. The history is incredible and museums which my wife loves to go to and I am sort of tired of is totally different at the Vatican museum. It is far and away the best museum I have seen any where in the world. Also see the treasury in a tour from the back side of the Vatican they actually have the bronxed head of Luke the writer of the Gospel and a lot of other aniquities. Besides the Collosium see the Cathedral of St. John Lattimer the oldest original Christian Church and St. Sabastians Catticombs toour will enlighten you on early church history and even answer questions of infant baptism in the early church.

I agree with the people who have suggested you visit a smaller large city like Munich and its surrounding region first. Trying to do Paris and London in one quick visit is impossible and a waste of time in my opinion because either one of the two cities should be explored for at least 5 days. Why you should spend you entire first trip in Europe entirely in cities is beyond me, enjoy the European countryside, perhaps the Alps or Tuscany AND a city.

If I were you, based on what you said, I would go to Munich and explore the city for at least 3 days and then spend the rest of my time exploring the surrounding areas including Tyrol, Northern Italy, or Bohemia. If you like mountains then Munich is definetly the best city to use as a base. And if you aren't fond of Germany or German culture remember there are 5 countries (Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech Rep., France) less than 5 hours drive from Munich.

I agree with all those who voted for Austria! I lived in Vienna for 8 months and traveled extensivley in the country - absolutely beautiful. BUT.... Italy would be a VERY close second!!

further to my previous post - small towns to visit in Austria... Melk ( beautiful monestary overlooking the Danube) Durnstein, Mathausen ( there is a very haunting Nazi concentration camp there) and Innsbruck.

I did a 3 week tour in the summer of Europe and my favorite cities were Venice (Italy), Salzburg (Austria), Lucerne (Switzerland), and Lugano. My least favorites were Munich (Germany), and Brussels(Belgium). We also really enjoyed the castles and palaces in England in the countrysides. But from your description, it doesn't look like you like BIG cities so I'd vote for towns and cities of Switzerland and Austria. The mountains are awesome and the lakes are gorgeous (Switzerland).

Consider Strasbourg, France. You could drive the wine routes, visit Strasbourg and Colmar (both lovely cities). Then you could cross the Rhine and drive through the Black Forest area which is absolutely beautiful. There are lots of hiking and bike trails in both the French wine areas and the Black Forest.

You would have plenty to do, small towns, mountains, hiking, beautiful drives, lots of castles and friendly people. You can't ask for much more than that.

Good luck.

All these sound wonderful but looking at the value of the 1.00 vs euro - it would be more economical to stay in Switzerland and compute over to other towns nearby. I can't believe how the $1.00 has dropped! The swiss franc is much better at 1.25 exchange rate. If anyone has a small town in Switzerland close to the border of southern Germany so we can visit Munich & the bavarian area and also Austrian border so we can visit the lake region, please let me know. We might decide to go into Italy also.

TO JAMCAT: In response to your last post, yes the Euro is strong at the moment BUT please keep in mind that Switzerland is the most expensive country in continental Europe excluding possibly Norway. The country is FAR more expensive than any of the neighboring countries even with a strong Euro you will get far more for your money in Germany, Austria, or France all of which border Switzerland. Just a warning otherwise you might suffer a serious shock when you see the prices in Switzerland. You might want to look in some guide books and compare travel costs in Switzerland and the other Alpine countries before you make that decision.

Sorry to say that (or not) but since the Euro the prices went considerably up in those countries. Especially Austria and Italy became very expensive, there is almost or no difference at all to Switzerland.

With good advice from this board you can easily avoid the usual tourist traps and save money, in Switzerland as well as elsewhere.

Ingo

Dear Oakey, thank you for your intelligent response. I have been saying for quite some time that Switzerland's prices will give most Americans "the shivers," only to be vetoed by know-it-alls on this site who claimed otherwise.

My mother and I have both been to Switzerland several times and we were both overwhelmed by "sticker shock."

I think from jamcat's laundry list, Salzburg or Garmiche would be a successful destination. The Loire Valley would also suit her needs.

Hiking and small towns? Think of Cinque Terre in Italy....
Beautiful drives...Tuscany and Provence...and for the city part...Venice and Rome have been the two most memorable we have visited. Incredible sites and history..both magical in their own ways. You only need a car for Provence or Tuscany.
cheers,
CC

Jamcat,

Have fun computing to Germany!

I really appreciate all your input. I appreciate the info on the high price of Switzerland. I didn't realize this. I will request more help once we have made a decision I am sure. I thank each one of you for your kind responses.

jamcat: I just booked my car for this summer with Europcar.They give you a free cell phone while in Europe with pre paid reservation but pre paid still means you can cancel up to the last minute and get all your money back.

That is great! Thank you so much. I will check into this! You have been a great help!