Julie in CA Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I'm working on a plan for a senior trip for my ds. I have an extremely limited budget, can probably be gone for 2-3 weeks, but from my research can probably only afford 10 days at most. I'm trying to decide what destination would be the best use of our time & $. My ds is very open to any of the European countries, but probably leans most towards Italy & Greece. He has a strong interest in visiting historical sites rather than art/modern attractions. My question is, if you could only pick one area of Europe to visit, where would you go? AND please tell me why! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Ireland, to the land of my roots. Although with me, I'd have to find a way to the other half of my roots while I was so close. Scotland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryM Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Greece here! It's so rich with culture and beauty (as are many of the other countries, obviously) but from my own travels I know I want to take my ds there to link together all the great book studies. It is so exciting to vist the old sights, walk the roads and envision the past happening right where you are standing. Food is good too! Second choice would be Italy... all the richness offered there as well as the food! Can you tell I am food driven? Beware the rainy seasons in Greece. If you don't mind crowds , summer is good! What fun! Great idea. Good luck, Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsdash Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 italy!! I want to go to Italy one day, I'm italian so it would be my first choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 If he's leaning toward Italy or Greece that's where I would go. Today I'm leaning toward Greece. We spent three weeks in Greece and never tired of the amazing places we were visiting. If you need to park for a while ,the water is wonderful, the food is good, the people friendly and our experience was that English was the commom language for visitors not speaking Greek. The extra bonus, I ate well and never gained any weight.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in KY Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 It's hard to pick just one. Each has special attraction. If you are interested in doing a historical tour, I'd choose the time frame and then the country accordingly. Greece/Turkey would be fabulous for ancients. The biblical landmarks are all there, and you could do the circuit in ten days at a clip. In Turkey, Mavi Yoculuk (Blue Tours) will take you on a boat tour of major spots along the Med. It's really lovely. Then again, I once traveled through Italy on my own and had a great time. You could do Italy in less than 10 days, IMHO, and still hit all the high points. If you wanted a different time frame, I'd choose a different country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy. Because it's the one place I've always wanted to visit since I was a little girl. History, churches, food, wine. It has everything! Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linders Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I've been to most of the European countries at least once, but I've gone back to Italy 4 times, dragging my DH the last 2. History, from ancient through medieval and Renaisance to modern times....Art, oh, so much wonderful art, all mediums, various eras...Architecture, ditto...Amazing terrain, from the lakes in the north to to Amalfi coast...The people, so friendly and open, willing to talk to Americans and invite them to their homes....The food, yup, this might be the clicher, that and truly perfect espessos. Okay, I'm ready to go (sigh...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKs Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Now me, I hate going places where there are lots of tourists. Attractions are usual very over rated. I like to go to out of the way places. A couple of places I would to visit are Hungary and Romania. Budapest Transylvania Sailing on the Danube and many more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PariSarah Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Gothic cathedrals, Norman abbeys, the Bayeux tapestry, Mont St. Michel, WWII, wine country, the food, cider country, Roman baths, Roman bridges, the gorgeous countrysides. If you need a guide, I'm available!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverfront Headmistress Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Finland, if you ask my exchange student. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthmother Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I would head back to Poland. It is the land of my ancestors and I studied abroad here, but its also full of history. So much dealing with WWII-Aushwitz, Birkenau, Sobibor, etc... Also great to learn about the Cold War. The geography is spectacular too. Zakopane in the mountains, the Mazurian Lake District, The Baltic Sea (also home to Solidarity-Gdansk). I could go on forever. Not to mention that most Polish people really like Americans. That can make a difference in your experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I think I would pick the UK as my personal choice. If you are leaning towards Italy or Greece---Italy (unless what you really want is beaches etc). Too much to see from all periods of history, art, churches, food-everything. If you are after Greek and Roman ruins, museums, good food, beaches, etc. Sort of a combo Ancient World package-try Turkey. The food is great, resorts and ruins. Some of the least visited but best preserved ruins in the Med., ancient Christian sites, and the bonus of lots of Byzantine and Ottoman stuff as well (wow was that inarticulate, I'm tired). A few highlights would be Ephesus, the Underwater Archeological Museum/Crusader Castle in Bodrum, Hagia Sophia, Topkopei, Gallipoli, and Troy. And those sites are crowded together in a small area of the country. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Germany. It's my favorite country in Europe. Good people, good food, good sights, good beer. :D Ria Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Scotland, if only for the accents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parabola Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Thats a tough question, all the possibilities are good, even Finland. :D I would probably head for my roots though, if you have roots in Europe. So for me that would be either Ireland/Scotland (I soo bad want to go to Scotland to see the highlands and hear the accents) or Germany. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E_Edgerton Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy or Scotland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motherofjoy Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy. You can't beat it for historical reference. Art, architecture, and natural beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyoSylvia Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I'm sure you've thought of this but if money is a real concern, shoulder seasons or the winter make a real difference for cost and a huge difference for crowds. Here are some new ideas to add from the PPs: Prague - because it's spectacularly beautiful... absolutely. beautiful. Croatia - less expensive, gorgeous coastline, many of the same kinds of historical sites as Italy without as big of the crowds, in the north you can just speak Italian. The Nicest People In Europe! Hope your planning goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Will you be able to travel by train? That would factor into my decision. We did Italy at the end of our 26 days - we didn't have the greatest time and were kinda "done". Someday i'll go back when i'm in a better mood ;) But we did day trips by train. We actaully did the whole trip by train - fly into London, 10 days there, then on to Paris (Hoovercraft - oh i almost puked LOL!!) and the rest. So in 16 days we "did", France (paris), Germany (Koblenz), Switzerland (Interlaken and up the Jungfrau), back to France to Nice, Italy (Florence & Rome), flew back to LAX from Rome. It was a nice overview. You have me planning on trying to save for a trip for DD though. I have 6 years to save, but i wouldn't have thought of planning for it now if you hadn't brought it up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy. Half your time in Rome, with a day trip to Naples (Pompei!) and half the time in Florence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraceyS/FL Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 There seem to be a lot of options on the Eurorail website. I loved travelling by train! I'd probably pick via that too - or price day trips via the train prices to base out of a location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathmom Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 There is NO WAY I could pick just one European country!! I want to go to: Germany (again - been there twice) Denmark Sweden England Ireland Scotland Spain Portugal Italy Greece Czech republic Austria Switzerland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamturner Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy (and Greece if there was time and $$). I would choose Italy because of the history and art/church beginnings there. To be able to see the Cistene Chapel with my own eyes!!! And the food and wine put Italy on the top of my list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Thats a tough question, all the possibilities are good, even Finland. :D I would probably head for my roots though, if you have roots in Europe. So for me that would be either Ireland/Scotland (I soo bad want to go to Scotland to see the highlands and hear the accents) or Germany. :iagree: Ireland/Scotland/England here. All for heritage purposes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I have been to Germany and while I absolutely love it I think that the history and culture is much more impressive and romantic in Italy. If I could only go to one more place in my life it would be Italy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Passionately and completely loved Rome. Loved the people, the history, the food, roaming the tiny back streets and finding incredible hidden restaurants and churches, etc I'd leave tomorrow if I could! :) We were there a week and half and still didn't see all we wanted to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracey in TX Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy Rome is the center of classical education, and is so family friendly. My kids had such a great time frolicking through the Forum, Colosseum, and Palatine Hill. They even enjoyed the museums. And the food! Siena is like traveling back into the 12th century, picnicking in the town square (Piazza del Campo), and walking through the Duomo, and viewing the breathtaking sights of the Tuscan countryside. Let's not forget the many wineries to sample. Yum! For a bit more grown up crowd (pre-teens or older) Venice is captivating. If you don't mind getting lost, leave the map behind and wander the streets until you eventually return to Piazza San Marco. Where all road lead to Rome, in Venice, all footpaths eventually lead to St. Mark's Plaza. Florence is a must visit for anyone interested in art history and architecture. Walk along the Arno River and follow the path up the hill to overlook the picturesque Medieval town, the "cradle of the Renaissance". I've been to numerous European countries, and this is the favorite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texascamps Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Ooh, I'm envious. I think Greece with a side trip to Turkey. In his future he may want to return with his wife to Italy. I've heard that Greece with a side of Turkey is like reassuring that the History we learned about really happened! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WyoSylvia Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 ... Greece with a side of Turkey ...! :lol: How Thanksgiving Holiday of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 My dd plays Celtic fiddle and I would love to find someone in Ireland to teach her a few lessons. Plus I think it is beautiful country! Some of husband's roots are in Ireland, as well, though mostly Scotland. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KJB Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Why do you have to limit your trip to one country? For similar money, you could cruise the Mediterranean and visit lots of places. Plus, you'd have lots of your problems (place to say, transportation, meals, suggested hot spots to visit) taken care of for you. Also, remember countries in Europe are small. You can cover a lot of territory in 10 days. I live in Germany, and this is MHO! (Oh, and if you twisted my arm and made me pick, I love France! But in your situation, I'd do a cruise!!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Have to be Italy... though I may try and sneak across the board in a few directions if no one was looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Italy. One hand typing at the moment, but will try to answer why later :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I've been to England and France (Paris only). I would pick England (with a side trip to Scotland, perhaps). There's a lot of historical places to see. Same language is a plus, but it's still foreign! We were there for 2 weeks, but I wish we could have stayed longer. It wasn't all sightseeing, as we were there for a wedding. We took a bus ride to Paris for a couple of days--the bus departed from London, went to Dover, where we went through the chunnel, then continued to Paris. Went to several well-known places in Paris, such as Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Louvre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teresa in MO Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 my dd, who got married last Saturday, and her husband leave for Italy this weekend for a two week honeymoon. They are going to Rome, Venice, and Naples. I would love to go to Rome some day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I think I'd choose Italy. But, maybe that is because that is one of the few I have NOT been to yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyK Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 England, because I have never been there before. Only traveled continental. Also, because I am a fan of Jane Austen and I would love to do the Jane Austen tour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I've only been to Poland, but it's a good place for history. You've got medieval cathedrals, early modern palaces, Auschwitz and a preserved Communist village. Most of that is just in Krakow. You can also do a self guided 'walking tour' just south of the Krakow old town, through the Jewish quarter, of the path taken by the Jews in 'Schindlers List.' There's Wawel Castle and Cathedral. The Cathedral was one of my favourite sites. There's another cathedral in the Old Town Square that has a story attached. Have you heard of the 'Trumpeter of Krakow?' Tours also leave from Krakow to Auschwitz, the salt mine (really cool!) and the Communist village. The deli in the Old Town Square also has one of the nicest cakes I've ever eaten. Right hand side of the square, if you have your back towards the station, first counter on the left as you go in, at the furthest end from the door. :drool5: I'm sure you haven't studied Polish history, so before you go, you'd want to watch Schindlers List, read The Trumpeter of Krakow and do some research on past Polish monarchs. It was so cool seeing the graves or monuments of those people, especially my SCA persona's king and patron saint. A bit like a Polish Westminster Abbey, I would guess. :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 The British Isles - more bang for your buck: England, Scotland Wales, Ireland and outlying islands. Mainland: gee, only one? Switzerland, I guess! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy in MD Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 (edited) Since your ds is primarily interested in seeing historical sites, I'd pick the time period first and then the country. For ancient sites I'd consider Greece and Turkey from what I've heard and Rome. For middle ages, Baroque and 20th century, try Germany maybe venturing into Austria and Poland. Germany has Romanesque churches, Gothic cathedrals, castles, castles everywhere, midieval villages with narrow streets and overhanging, half timbered buildings. Eight years ago, what was East Germany had less "prettified" midieval villages than West Germany. The Baroque palaces and churches are unbelievable. WWII sites are everywhere. Sometimes the signs of WWII aren't always obvious. Sometimes that Gothic church was actually rebuilt post WWII. If you come to a large, old church that you walk down the stairs to enter rather than up, it may be that the streets were just built over the rubble left from allied bombing. (see Kaiserslautern.) There are even a few Roman ruins and reconstructions of frontier forts and collusiums. Many of the German states also have open air museums. Open air museums have old buildings, often farm homes and buildings, that have been relocated to a central location with costumed interpreters. Can you tell I lived in Germany for 2 years? For the best examples of Gothic cathedrals, you need to see France and England. For Renaciance(sp), Italy's the place to go. But an interest in Renn. usually involves a lot of art and buildings. I also loved the open air museums in the Netherlands and Norway. The Untermuseum (sp) (Underground museum) in the Netherlands is neat, as are the Kontiki and Viking museums in Norway. Bergan, Norway has about 1/3rd of their original Hansiatic League work shops/living quarters available for tours. It also has the neatest, cleanest, most artistic fishmarket I've smelled (I actually didn't smell it)And the scenery in Norway is spectacular and a few people in parts the Netherlands still wear wooden shoes as part of their normal attire. Have fun narrowing your choices! Edited November 12, 2008 by Kathy in MD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LG Gone Wild Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 I want to go on an eating tour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in MO Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 and pick the country that interests you most. Although we're not British, at this point in time I'd love to visit Britain. Honestly, though, you would find a very rich and incredible history with almost any country in Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnetteB Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Our eldest daughter is living in Germany and was able to host two of the kids last April for a month! From their homebase they made trips to France, Belgium, Luxembourg(tiny!), Hamburg, and Berlin. If I had not bought them roundtrip tickets, I think they would still be there :) They made their various outings by auto or train depending on cost. They stayed in hostels in Paris and Berlin to save $$. DD has also been to England, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Turkey, and just over the border into Italy. Turkey gives you a lot for your money, but their tummies ached during and after the visit...spices? or a bug? England has been the most expensive and touristy, but she would not have missed it for the world. She is really looking forward to seeing Italy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C_l_e_0..Q_c Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Croatia, Romania because they're cheaper and you can stretch your dollars more and do more! Prague is also a place that seems totally worth visiting, and still on the cheap side. Opera tickets were less than 20$ for a friend of mine last summer. And the opera in Prague is quite reknown! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretchen in NJ Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Poland. They love Americans and it is inexpensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kidlit Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 I've been to England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. Since I am an English teacher, I LOVED England, of course. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by Germany. We stayed in a castle along the Rhine River, and it was beautiful. I would love to go back there. Of course, we traveled to the French Alps, and I would have to say just for the landscape alone, I would vote for any of the countries where you can get a view of those breathtaking mountains! Waah! I wanna go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leah Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Another vote for Greece! I loved it there and hope to return soon. There is so much to see, amazing food, great beaches to relax on, and wonderful people. English is spoken with great frequency, but you can travel out off the beaten path just a bit and get away from crowds of tourists. We saw so much and everything there was just so enjoyable and easy-even renting a car, renting a cell phone, the airport... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debbiec Posted November 13, 2008 Share Posted November 13, 2008 Italy and Greece for sure ~ there used to be a long ferry ride from Italy to Greece where you can sunbathe on the deck until you got there. Long time ago though ~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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