nytraveler

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.

UKUKUK

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?

jamcat

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.

simpsonc510

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.

ironmike

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.

oakey

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.

MWM1

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!!

MWM1

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.

GailLK

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).

SalB

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.

jamcat

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.

oakey

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.

Ingo

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

ThinGorjus

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.

Capt_Canuck

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

UKUKUK

Jamcat,

Have fun computing to Germany!

jamcat

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.

pipsil

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.

jamcat

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