I'm Going to Europe! Need suggestions.

[freethought]

I am going to Italy! A good friend is working over in Northern Italy and has invited me stay with him. He will be working but I get to stay for free and can use his pad as a base. I will be staying in Reggio, not far from Milan, in the Italian Alps. Not to far away are the borders to France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. I think for 2 days I will probably head to Florence. I have never been to Europe. I am cold on France, lukewarm on Germany, Austria and Switzerland really have my interest. Where is a good place to go? I am totally at a loss as to how to approach this! Help!

[zach]

1. Well..

The key question is... How much time do you have?

- zach

[freethought]

17. I have 7-9 days

Oops! Sorry, I had to step out, but that is how many days I have for this trip. I want to do this right!!

[Nicholas_J]

25. P.S.

If you only have 7 to 9 days. either hit Slovenian's Capital or Zagreb, which is an easy trip by ferry fron Northern Italy's Adriatic Coast.

You will not be disappointed. Slovenia is a closer trip, so you will waste less time travelling, But Zagreb is the best place out of those I mentioned...

Croatia
With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast, Croatia has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of Europe. Despite the tragedy of war, its charms remain largely intact; most of the tourist areas have been lovingly recreated. However, reminders of the country's painful history abound.

The aura of medieval Croatia endures in the cobbled streets of Rovinj and the recently restored other-worldliness of Dubrovnik's Stari Grad. The country is also home to some of Europe's finest Roman ruins, including the immense palace of Diocletian in Split.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/croatia/

Croatia was sort of the portion of the Balkans that was most able to state that it was sort of the outpost of the Autrian Empire that was furthest to the east.

[EstimatedProphet]

2. Netherlands, definately

also, Spain would be good if you could make it, and Greece

[geek tragedy]

3. How long are you there?

Italy is a place full of marvels. Besides Rome, Venice, and Florence, check out the smaller hill towns in central Italy. Most big cities in Europe aren't all that different than big North American cities, but the smaller ones are really magic.

[freethought]

19. Just over a week.

I am pretty much on my own here. For some reason going to Austria or Switzerland has real appeal, but this is based totally on ignorance. I can't say as to why I am favoring them. It just seems to have appeal.

[geek tragedy]

27. I myself would just stick to Italy.

Don't waste your time in Milan--spend 3 days in Venice and 3-4 in Florence and Tuscany.

I wouldn't spend too much time traveling from place to place trying to see as many places as you can.

[Onlooker]

4. There is no city more beautiful than Paris

What kinds of things do you like to do? Prague and Budapest are blossoming. Copenhagen is beautiful, civilized, and very European (and be sure to visit the Free City of Christiania). Lisbon still has much of what one calls old Europe, i.e., the charms of poverty. Stockholm is incredibly pristine and most of the people could be models. Venice is amazing, and definitely worth a visit. The Acropolis in Athens may be the most amazing site in Europe, but Athens is somewhat polluted. The Greek Islands are gorgeous, and if you leave soon it will still be warm enough to swim. But, spend a day in Paris, visit the Louvre, walk along the Seine, walk thorugh the Marais--there's no greater city that I know of.

[LondonAmerican]

5. If you are going to be near Milan

and Switzerland has your interest, then definitely check out Lugano and Como. Lugano in particular is spectacular!

[northzax]

14. and luckily, there is a daily high speed train

from Milano to Lugano, not that expensive and a great way to get there.

[fudge stripe cookays]

24. I agree with this.

My day island hopping at Lake Maggiore was one of the most memorable of my trip to Italy.

Beautiful and charming. Villas around the lake, a chateau with incredible gardens on Isola Bella, and wonderful restaurants on Isola Pescatore (Island of the Fisherman). Supposedly, Isola Pescatore was one of Hemingway's favorite spots!

You can't go to Florence without seeing the Uffizi. It and the piazza right next to it are some of the most momorable in Italy. I didn't get to see it, but I have heard that San Gimignano is incredible.

FSC

[rogerashton]

6. Florence is wonderful -- don't miss Venice.

In Florence, of course, art is the great draw -- the Uffizi -- the Bargello -- but don't forget ice cream. On the Oltrarno, turn away from the Pitti Palace, and a few blocks down is a square with a church at the (I think) east end -- the ice cream shop at the other end is worth finding --

Venice -- a nice town to get lost in.

In Austria -- you will be near Carinthia, and Klagenfurt is worth a visit, if you are passing through or (as I did) have a meeting there -- but Vienna and Salzburg are the places to visit, and may be a bit far afield, on the opposite side of Austria.

Don't be cold on France. Sneak across the border to Nice. Lovely! Of course, its best if you come in your private yacht, but there is plenty for folks who come (as I did last July) by train and foot.

[zach]

11. I must agree

Klagenfurt, Austria is truly worth a visit. It's a beautiful city, with amazing people in southern Austria and I would definitely recommend trying to make it there.

- zach

[St. Jarvitude]

7. When are you leaving?

I went to Europe this past spring, just at the end of the Alpine ski season. If you're staying at all during the ski season, go to Kitzbühel, Austria (home of the Olympic downhill skiing trials) and ski, ski, ski until you're sore. Best skiing in the world, in my opinion.

Vienna's a nice city with two very bitchin' Gothic cathedrals (the Votivkirche and St. Stefan's). My favorite places in Austria, though, are central's quaint mountain towns (my favorite is Gmunden). Salzburg (birthplace of Mozart and home of the (in)famous Mozartkugeln) is also a great little place to check out.

Venice is an overrated tourist trap... if you really want history, definitely check out Milan (which you obviously will be doing), Florence, and Naples in the north and Rome and basically all of Sicily in the south. Germany is cool for history, but unfortunately, a lot of historic sites were bombed out in WWII.

No comments on France. Never been there, but I've heard it's great. Same goes for Switzerland.

[northzax]

16. no need to go all the way to Austria

there is spectacular skiing in the Dolomites and Piedmont (after all, the 2006 winter gamess are there)

Stay fairly local, no need to waste all your time moving from place to place, the beautiful thing about Europe is that it ain't going anywhere, don't try to do too much.

That said, go to Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn, and a town with no internal combustion engines (seriously, you take a train in, there are no cars, trucks, SUVs anything.)

[freethought]

20. I am leaving the first week of November.

I am not sure if this is good or bad. But this could be a once in lifetime trip and I want to ge this right. Make some memories. You get the idea.

[libhill]

8. France is a beautiful country

with a lot to see and do. Don't miss an opportunity, because you've been put off by Bushista propaganda.

[Zomby Woof]

9. Spain

Andalusia...mmmmmmmmmmmm

[PragMantisT]

10. Cold or not, do not skip Paris

I would also take the train from Milan to Zurich. There are spectacular views all the way. Lugano is very nice.

Austria is great as well. And a little less expensive than Switzerland. Vienna is spectacular.

In spite of your feelings about France, do not miss the opportunity to see Paris. There are some spectacular sights not to be missed.
I recommend the cemeteries; they are more alive than many places I've been.

[schyzo-nas]

12. France is really great...

... you shouldn't avoid it. The French Riviera is not too far away, you should definitely check it.
If you go to Switzerland, visit Lugano and do a classic trip: Geneva, Bern, Luzern, The Alps, Zürich and Basel (which I love).
I don't know much about Germany but Munich is nice. The Oktoberfest lasts until early October.
If you have time, you could also try to visit Croatia, Dubrovnik for instance.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

13. if you are looking for something a little quieter...

Brand, Austria is a wonderful place. Stunning scenery and wonderful hiking trails. Just across the border from Switzerland's Alpenzeller region...of course it might be a little crowded with summer folks. Very reasonable price wise and the food is excellent! Try the Hotel Walliserhof...

theProdigal

[Kellanved]

15. great

Milan is a truly great city (and offers some of Europe's best soccer, should you be so inclined). Also some of the best gelato and great shopping (if a bit pricey).

Also easyjet offers flights from Milan to London and Paris, if you book early you can get there as cheap as €25 (return ticket). Brussels is even cheaper with Ryanair. Berlin with Air Berlin is a bit more expensive (€60+), but IMHO worth it (;-)) .



Enjoy your time, with Berlusconi you should feel right at home... :evilgrin:

[strizi64]

18. Tell me something about

when & how long you plan to stay, there are many nice or famous places to visit. Depends a little bit on your ideas. What do you want to see? Do you want to visit some classic tourist destinations or something else? Living in Switzerland I can tell you it's beautiful here :), but there are other nice places too. And don't forget about Prague.

[freethought]

22. I am arriving in the first week of November

and I will be there for 7-9 days. I am not even sure of what I want to see. It is all information overload! I would like to see at least one classic European city but also go off the beaten path.

[strizi64]

29. Ok, 7-9 days

is a little bit short, but enough to see something. But I woulnd't advise you then to make long trips like Paris or Vienna, both are great citys but you will loose to much time just to drive trough Europe. Venice is realy, realy beautiful. A very old city build in the water with famous churches and museums, taxis are little ships, powered by manforce. Do a sightsing-trip in the evening, take your wife or girlfriend with you, absolutly romantic. Florence is as old as Venice and was a prosperous city what shows up in the buildings there, if you want to buy some gold. Certainly worth two days. Milan itself is great for shopping, shoes and clothes from Milan are famous, but not cheap. And go to a soccer game if theres one during your visit. Inter Milan is one of the best soccer clubs in the world actually. Then Switzerland. Classic would be by train, Milan - Lugano -Lucern- Zurich. Zurich is ok, but my favorit would be Lucern. Then take the ship to travell over Lake Lucerna to Stans, a very little city. But with a cabletrain to the top of Mount Pilatus were you have a great view. In good weather you will see over to France and Germany, maybe 150 miles away.

Some additional inforamtions, just take the links:

Glacier-Express, a trip trough the mountains and the highland by train:
http://europeforvisitors.com/switzaustria/articles/glacier_express.htm

Pilatus:
http://www.pilatus.ch/

Lucerna:
http://www.luzern.org/001zch_00_en.htm

Lugano:
http://www.lugano-tourism.ch/framework/DesktopDefault.aspx?newlang=en-US

Venice:
http://www.venetia.it/

And if you visit Zurich, then drop me a line. Then you have a guide for a day.

[DemExpat]

30. I second this advice...stay in the general area in that week!

Good tips here.

Have a great time!

DemEx

[Nicholas_J]

21. Try Slovenia and Croatia.

They are relatively undiscovered areas and the Rennaissance really started in places like Croatia and Serbia, between 50 and 100 years before Giotto started painting in Italy.

You can get to Slovenia by crossing the Italian border overland and it is rather nice. The capital Lubljana is nice.

Croatia is a very nice place to visit. Things are quiet, the capital Zagreb is sort of like Vienna, but a still like it was a hundred years ago. There are a lot islands along thr coast of the country, and they are a vacationland for a lot of Europeans, in particular, Germans and Austrians. Very inexpensive compared to Germany or Austria. A lot of undiscovered history, lots of medieval and renaissance architecture that has is in far better shape and in original state than in many of the countries you mentioned in Western Europe. The Cathedral of Zagreb is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the Balkans and it is stunning.

Serbia is also great, but the Serbs are getting a rather bad reputation because of the events of the balkan wars. The country is covered with ortodox monasteries that are very well preserved and the art in the chapels is sort of transitional between the Byzantine and Renaissance.

These areas are not as visited by Americans as Western Europe, but have a great deal to offer, and are much less expensive to visit.

[The empressof all]

23. There are two ways to do this

Run around like crazy and get a Eu-rail pass. Travel by night. You can go to Vienna, Munich, and Paris fairly easily this way. You will only have a day in each city.


The better way is to concentrate on a smaller area. You will need at least two days in Florence. I would do a day in Venice just because you have to. Milan is not my personal cup of tea-a big buisness area. Spend time in Lucerne-It's close and very beautiful. You may want to go to Zermatt (sp) to see the Matterhorn.

Stick to Italy and Switzerland. That's enough to keep you busy. Trains are a quick and efficient way to travel.

[reorg]

26. if you are in the Italian Alps

you must visit the Dolomites





It may be a little early for skiing now, but for hiking the time is just about right.

Florence is definitely a must-go place in Northern Italy. Also Venice, of course. If you like old Venetian cities, and if it is still warm enough (September), it might also be well worth taking a trip on a boat (the smaller the better) along the Dalmatian coast. That should be possible again and not expensive, although I can't vouch for it, since the last time I made that trip was 20 years ago.

[2Design]

28. Nothern Italy - do florence, milan, venice, portofino - french riveria

I love france.

Rome is good to, but they say not to use the buses because of pickpockets

[Dem2theMax]

31. re: I'm Going to Europe! Need suggestions. - oh, this is hard....

First suggestion - TAKE ME WITH YOU!

There, now that I have that out of my system. Ahem.
Italy. I could live there. LOVE it. Diet now. Food is to die for.
I'm a total history buff and if you like that, Italy...I'm just drooling here.
France. Bah humbug. Other than the Normandy coast, I didn't like it.
Germany. Beautiful. So green. People very warm and friendly. Could easily live there as well.
Switzerland. Didn't spend much time there, can't comment on it.
Austria. I can't remember if I've been there or not! LOL.

So if I were you, I'd see as much of Italy as I could. But you don't want to rush it so try not to do too much. One thing to be very aware of. Italy is strange. We were there for two weeks. They had FOUR major strikes while we were there. A transportation strike, leaving us with NO way to get to Venice. A gas strike. Lucky for us, we were on the border of Switzerland and THEY had gas. A postal strike. No mail. The fourth one I forget what it was. It was so funny, all these strikes and we had to keep adapting our plans to the countries quirks. Also, if you plan on hitting museums, make sure you have the correct hours. Want to see the Sistine Chapel? Sorry, closed. How about 'The Last Supper?' Sorry, closed. Coliseum? Freaking closed! So close and yet so far. Eat lots of gelato. Aren't these helpful suggestions? lol. Best meal I had was in Assisi. But food was good/fantastic everywhere. So was the wine. Florence...sigh...you can feel the soul of the city when looking down on it from a town above it. Rome is crazy busy but so much to see and do. Venice. Make sure you have a map or a local to hang on to. LOL. My ex-bf has all the pics and names, phone numbers of where we stayed, so I don't have those anymore. Best thing we ever learned about overseas travel. Plan your first night when you land, so you have a place to stay and plan your last night so you have a place to stay so you won't miss your flight home. Other than that, wing it. We always traveled in October, so no problems with finding places to stay. And we didn't spend $$$$$$. But we always found wonderful places for reasonable cost.

Geez. I'm gonna repeat that first suggestion. Take me with you! :)

Have fun. I'm so jealous. I seriously want to live in Italy someday. :)

I'm excited for you. Have a wonderful time.