Europe in October - Need Advice

[Mr. Moo]

Guys, my wife and I are planning a ~10 night trip to Europe in early October for our anniversary. It will be just the two of us - no kids, or travel companions.

We have never been to Europe for all intents and purposes - I was there when I was 17, but that doesn't count IMO.

Which country(ies) would you recommend, particular destinations, places to see, etc.? I don't think we will be able to do more than 2 countries? Our latest thoughts were to stick to maybe one country for a majority of the time (France was our choice) and then maybe... Switzerland for 2-3 days? Something else?

We are a little overwhelmed as this is a special trip for us, being our anniversary, our first time in Europe together, and our first time for a very extended time away from our daughter. We want to plan it well.

Any ideas/thoughts are welcomed.

Oh, and... I don't want to make any sartorial spots must-visit on the trip - if something happens to be in the area, maybe I'll pay a visit, but otherwise it's just sight-seeing, eating good food, and trying to see/learn as much as possible.

 

[Joffrey]

I'm not a big fan of "sprint" visits to countries where you try to cram as much as you can into a couple of days. So I would suggest no more than 3 countries (one city in each). Within a quick flight or 8 hour train/car ride from each other. You want to spend as little time on the road as possible (though I suppose you could see some great stuff en route to your next destination). I'm also a big fan of renting apartments so that you can live a bit like a local vs being around other visitors during the whole trip.

I'll let others suggest locations as all my trips were for studying or partying.

 

[Trompe le Monde]

2 cities in Spain
2 cities in Italy
2 cities in Croatia

pick 2 of the 3 above.

 

[hopkins_student]

My wife and I just took a trip to France (mostly Paris w/ one day trip to Normandy and Honfleur) and London and spent 5 nights in both places. I didn't love London, certainly not for 5 days, but Paris was great every day. If you're at all interested in French culture it would be a mistake not to go to France. I think we would have preferred 5 days in France and 5 days in Italy or maybe even 10 days in France with 5 in Paris and 5 driving around the countryside. If you decide on Paris I can tell you about the things we enjoyed the most.

 

[sinnedk]

France + Italy and i am going on Sep

England is always a safe bet because of language but above two are good with english as well.

Spain has cheap flights all the time as well

 

[Gus]

Paris is great for 5+ days. There are about 80 amazing museums, lots of beautiful places to walk, eat, you can't go wrong. Early Oct the weather should be quite mild. Consider a train ride to your second city and country. That way you can see the countryside.

 

[Trompe le Monde]

london is drab. paris is utterly crowded and filthy. big world cities with too much of the big-world-city problems. imo.

 

[lefty]

^One way to look at it.

I would second London for 2-3 days - train to Paris for 4-5 days - car to French countryside for remainder - fly out of Paris.

I will be there in Oct as well heading to Interlaken for some trekking. Never been so if Moo doesn't mind post some suggestions here.

lefty

 

[aravenel]

Definitely agree not to do a sprint visit. Pick a max of three places, maybe a day trip to a fourth. Even that is stretching it IMO.

Personally I love London, and Paris is an easy trip from there. Can understand if you don't want to do big cities though.

 

[Mr. Moo]

Thanks for all of the input. I think we are going to stick to only exploring France. Perhaps 4 days in Paris (maybe 5) and them catch a train to Nice/South of France and do little trips around there.

 

[clee1982]

If you must go to France, then the other choice should be Italy, you won't regret it. If you prefer the German efficiency, but prettier version of it, then Austria.

edit: London is nice, and if you go to UK might as well go to Scotland (Edinburgh, not Glasgow) or the lake area on England/Scottland border

 

[globetrotter]

I'd do half in paris and half in rome, with a night train between.

 

[Gus]



I'd do half in paris and half in rome, with a night train between.

This is a great combination. We've done it. Paris has an intensity about it, like NYC that is energizing. Rome has a hospitality that is quite charming and easy to find. Two great romantic cities and cultures. The train would be a lot more fun than a trip to the airports.

 

[aravenel]

Yeah, that's definitely not a bad combo.

 

[globetrotter]

also, if its a first/possibly only trip to Europe, you can't go wrong with rome and paris. my wife was concerned about the night train the first time, but loved it.