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We’re starting to plan out our Europe trip, and I thought I’d reach out to you guys and ask for some suggestions/advice/opinions, since I totally trust your taste! Neither Ben or I have ever been to Europe, and we're having a tough time nailing down exactly where to go...there are so many places to see, and we only have three weeks. A little bit about our vacation style: we like to see a mix of nature, beaches, countryside, and smaller towns, as well big cities. We like both adventure and relaxation, with a little bit of shopping and of course, lots of good food! We’re not big museum people, and we don’t care at all about the nightlife.
Here’s where we are definitely going:
1. Iceland. This was Ben’s number one pick, and we found flights to Reykjavik that were dirt cheap. Iceland looks absolutely spectacular. Lots of natural wonders, from black sand beaches to hot springs and glaciers, to ice caves and (fingers crossed) the Northern Lights! Plus wild horses. We’re planning to rent a car so we can really explore the island, and spend four full days there (not counting travel days).
2. Cinque Terre. This was my number one pick. I've been wanting to go for a long time...ever since I took Italian in college and saw photos (I mean…so charming, amiright?!). Everyone I know who has been there has raved about it. I've heard you don't need a lot of time to see it, so we're planning to stay two full days (not counting travel).
3. The Alps. We're thinking to go to Chamonix--we have some friends that went there and recommended it, and it looks b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. But we're open to seeing the Alps on the Swiss side too. We'll probably pick one or the other--what would you recommend? And how many days would you spend there? We're thinking just one or two full days (not counting travel).
4. Paris. Obviously, we have to go to Paris! This will be our last stop on the trip, as we found cheap tickets back to Seattle from there. I want to see Versailles, shop at the flea markets, and spend a couple days wandering around the city, eating French food (macarons! croissants! pasta!). I think we'll spend either three or four full days in Paris.
Here are the other places we are considering…and where we really need help! We have about four days left to allocate, so we have to pick one more place. If you’ve been to any of these, I would love to get your opinion. Even if you’ve never been, I’m curious--which one would you choose?
1. Marrakech. Morocco has been on my list for awhile, and I think it would be AMAZING to see. Beautiful architecture, shopping at the souks, riding camels to the Sahara…it sounds like an unforgettable adventure. But I’ve also heard that women get harassed, and that safety could be a concern. Have you been to Marrakech? Did you feel safe?
2. Tuscany (& maybe Rome). Tuscany definitely seems super relaxing, laid-back, and beautiful. And Rome is so full of history…it's a must-see on just about everyone's Europe list. But if we go there, we’ll only be visiting three countries altogether, and I wonder if we’d regret not trying to see a little more.
3. Santorini. I’ve wanted to go to Santorini for a long time. Ever since I saw The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, I think (but maybe even before then). Those white buildings with the blue domed roofs! Dreeeaaamy. But Santorini seems pretty similar to Cinque Terre, so I’m not sure if it’s worth seeing both in the same trip.
So! What do you think??? If you have any specific recommendations for the places we mentioned, I would LOVE to hear those as well. Or if there’s a city that’s not on this list, but you think we should visit, let me know.
Thanks in advance to anyone who leaves a comment! You guys are the best. And have a great weekend!
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We are going to Europe too this summer! We have a conference in switzerland but are hoping to get to italy too. Let me know what you find out!
Fun!! Switzerland and Italy sounds like a great trip. You'll have to tell me all about it--you're actually going before us! Our trip is in September :)
OH MY GOD!!! Santorini for SURE!!! I want to go there so bad! All of this looks so awesome Aileen, Im so jealous!
Haha! I've been trying to get Ben to take me on this trip for YEARS...so I'm sooooo excited we're finally doing it! Well, I still have to wait a few more months...but at least we're finally PLANNING it!
Hi! From the places in your list, I've only been to Paris and I loved it. I've been to Versailles as well; i didn't like the palace itself (it was very crowded and a little bit disappointing) but the gardens were enormous and beautiful. You can have a picnic or rent a bike and ride around. We had a great time. I also loved Berlin, in case you are interested. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Oh, thank you for that advice!! I heard the same thing, that the grounds themselves were really enjoyable and the palace was more crowded. We'll definitely have to do a picnic!
What do I think? I think this sounds like the trip of a lifetime!! My pick would be Tuscany. I'll be living vicariously through you!
Yay! Thanks so much, Jess :)
hi aileen-
i've been fortunate to travel a lot. and one thing i've learned is that staying put sometimes actually feels better than seeing more. i like going to the same coffee shop several days in a row. getting the feeling of a town before moving on somewhere else. that being said, i LOVE finding new places too. travel is just so exciting.
iceland is great. four days is perfect. be sure to take a glacier tour; they give you crampons and show you the cool features of the ice. it's worth the money. and of course, visit the blue lagoon for some relaxation.
as for paris, having read your blog now for a while, i think you're never going to want to leave! be sure to walk up the stairs at the eiffel tower; it's fun! and eat lots of croissants. i'd advise good walking shoes - you could easily rack up a good 10-15 miles in one day.
i went to morocco this fall for one week and traveled with a girlfriend of mine. we felt safe, although definitely gawked at and with a few inappropriate comments. the shopping is good. but i would save it for a future trip. i wish we had stayed MUCH longer; all we saw was marrakech and essouria.
anywhere you end up will be amazing! have fun planning and dreaming.
-christa
Christa! Thank you so much, that is really helpful. I actually agree--I like being able to have a little mini-routine and sleep in the same bed a couple nights in a row. I'm so torn between wanting to have a good amount of time in each spot, and wanting to see more places. But I think your advice is solid! If you felt like one week in Morocco was too short, I'm sure four days will feel WAY too short.
Thanks so much again for weighing in! We'll definitely have to do a glacier tour and walk up the Eiffel Tower for SURE! xoxo
Oh my gosh. So many good choices - lots of my top picks! Glad to see Cinque Terre was on there (I would've suggested it otherwise)! If you only have four days left, I'd say go for Santorini. Haven't been there but it's in my top destinations list based on what I've heard from all of the people who have been.
Or Tuscany. Mostly because they either should be pretty chill/relaxed and Tuscany has the good food. :)
The funny thing is, Rome is actually my favorite city in the world, but I just can't recommend it for a four-day stop (esp. not if it is part Rome, part Tuscany). There is so much to see and do that four days just doesn't do it justice. I studied there one summer and loved it (as did pretty much everyone in my program). But everyone I've spoken to who went there for a few days just remember it being hectic and unpleasant, with the rush of trying to see all of the big sites.
My two cents! Sounds like an exciting trip, no matter which one you pick for your last destination!
<3 Kelsea | Kels Shark
That's good to know! I do feel like we'd be rushing around a lot if we try to squeeze Rome in with Tuscany...maybe we'll have to go back there someday when we have more time to really see it and enjoy it.
Thanks so much for giving me your two cents! You're the best.
You're gonna have so much fun! A few years ago I did this trip with my boyfriend: Rome-Florence-Venice-Nice-Amsterdam-Paris over 4 weeks. You will love Paris! Also, if you love beaches, you should definitely consider checking out Nice - it was our favourite part of the trip! So relaxing, and there was so many beautiful beaches to visit by 10 minute train rides (and they were never busy!) like Villefranche sur mer and Beaulieu sur mer. And google the view from the top of Eze village (you take a bus up)! This was the most breathtaking part of the whole trip for me. And then you can hike down to the beach and the view is incredible the whole way down.
This spring my mom and I are going to Europe for 3 weeks and our itinerary is London-Berlin-Santorini-Rome-Florence-Venice. Santorini has always been on my bucket list since watching Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants too! And I hear London and Berlin are must sees.
Let me know if you have any questions! Have an amazing time! (And try to book hotels way in advance - my mom and I booked them 6 months in advance and found way better and cheaper hotel options than my boyfriend and I did when we booked 3 months in advance. Also, it is possible to stay in a decent hotel in Paris for 70$ a night if you're looking for value- and remember you won't be spending too much time in your hotels anyway!)
Good luck!
Thanks, Alex!! We'll definitely have to look into Nice--we do like beaches :D I just looked up Eze village too, and it looks AMAZING!
Hope you have a blast on your trip! Spring is coming up...I bet you can't wait.
I agree with what you've heard, Cinque Terre is pretty small and doable in about 2 days. Just pick one or two of the cities to visit. There is, of course, a walking trail between them that supposedly has beautiful views or you can travel between the cities by boat, which is what I did.
As for Paris, if I were you I'd add at least one more day to your itinerary. Paris is a bit like New York except more spread out. The metro is exceptional but it still takes time to get to places. We spent a lot of time walking never fully realizing just how big the city is. Also, it's good to keep in mind that it takes (if I recall correctly) 30-45 mins to get to Versaille from Paris. My husband and I didn't really care for the gardens, but hopefully they are prettier when you visit.
Have fun on your trip!
Good to know...I will definitely see if we can add another Paris day! Thanks so much :)
I'll send Joy to this post. She has traveled a lot, and has a few favorites. Your list looks awesome. Have fun planning!
I would love to get her advice! Thanks :)
This trip looks amazing and I am truly envious. I would definitely keep the time in Cinque Terre short- while absolutely beautiful, you are limited in what to do. Hike, of course, get some good food and relax on the beach- perfect for a day or 2 max. I would absolutely recommend allotting a good amount of time for Paris- 4 days minimum! It's so beautiful and there is so much to do. Be sure to reserve a night to pick up fresh baguettes and wine and picnic at the Eifel Tower when its all lit up for the night :) Iceland looks stunning- I am adding that to my travel wishlist. As for your last question- I would suggest Santorini. Have the best time!
Thanks, Tara! All of this sounds perfect :) And yes, I'll have to share my Iceland advice afterward! xoxo
Of course, Czech republic and Prague.
:) Prague does sound LOVELY.
I really think you should try to squeeze in a visit to Vienna. Vienna is beautiful! And the nature in Austria is very pretty as well!
Ofcourse, since I'm from the Netherlands, I would also recommend my little country. Don't start thinking of wooden shoes, weed and tulips. We're really not all about that! The country is very flat, filled with old houses and small streets!
Thanks, Patriecia! I think I would definitely love both Vienna and the Netherlands. Clearly, we're going to have to plan another trip soon so we can see more of Europe!
Great post, I've been to the Alps, Paris and going to Cinque Terre later this year just for a day. Paris is amazing I've been there twice, how about south coast of France as you will be in Cinque Terre and the Alps. You could go into France visiting Monaco, Nice or Cannes- all close together- just a train ride between them so less flights. I haven't been to Santorini but I have visited Mykonos and LOVED it!! This year I am going to Barcelona, then Mallorca, France and Italy. Venice is amazing too. What about Ireland? Haha had to throw that one into the mix as I'm from Ireland :)
All things nice...
Ooooh, those are good ideas! Thank you so much. I do want to see Ireland someday!!
What a great list! I have so been wanting to go to Iceland! For the open 4 days, I would do Tuscany, it's the closest so you'll be able to enjoy yourself the longest rather than spending time in airports and train times. Florence is one of my favorite places on earth, the food is SO good! And it feels like a small town in the city center, plus there's lots of easy fun day trips from there. Enjoy your trip! Cant wait to follow along ;)
Thanks, Lauren! That's a great point...less travel time is always a plus.
I would suggest Tuscany or Florence and Venice. I know a couple where there in November and really enjoyed, they loved it far more than Rome (they said it's too comercial and expensive, Florence is as well but the sightseeing and food makes up for it). I think it would go extremely well with Iceland-Alps-Cinque Terre-Paris circuit.
In a future trip you can also consider Lisbon :)
Thank you Ines! I've actually been interested in going to Venice, but I heard some opposite advice (that people found Venice was too commercial/not what they hoped for). I might have to reconsider it though! It's good to know you have some friends that enjoyed it. And it sounds like Tuscany is definitely a good bet!
Hello! I am so happy for you about that trip! And i care to give you an advice about Marrakech. I didn't go myself but my mum and friends of mine did. They never told me that they felt insure but they got fed up fast about the constant wave of people trying to sell them things. Apparently it's all day long... And it's exausting... Sure it's beautiful and you get to met some wonderful people, but here what to expect too... Voilà! I'm french I live in Antibes on la cote d'azur :) wonderful place ;)
I hope my english is not too rusty! I love you're blog and you're taste! Continues comme ça! ;) (= Keep on!)
Hi Pauline! Thanks for sharing that. Your English is great :) xoxo
You will have an AMAZING time!! I went to Europe in high school so it's been several years, but I'm dying to go back and visit Santorini for sure. I was a bit disappointed in Paris actually, but we were with a large group so I'm sure that it affected the experience.
hammerandheelsblog.com
Thanks, Amanda! That's interesting re: Paris. I hope I'm not let down! I feel like we have similar taste...but it's definitely true that the people you're with make a big difference.
As a Swede I would have to say Stockholm. It is the most beautiful capital city in Europe. Very trendy and cozy all at once. Great food and lots to see. And it's all surrounded by water. You could fly from Iceland to Sweden and then continue down in Europe. Cinque Terre is awesome, but as others are saying, 2 days are enough. The Amalfi Coast in Italy is also great. Tuscany is huge so you might want to pinpoint some areas to discover. I find the small tiny old villages to be the best. Good luck with you trip, will be fun to follow. /Frida from Sweden
Oooh, that's actually a GREAT idea. I would love to see Sweden (and buy some things for our home, of course! You guys do it best). Thank you for the comment!
Cinque Terre is very picturesque and I've always wanted to go there. I do hear however that it's a lot of hiking so be ready for that.
Rome is a beautiful city with lots to do. So much history and simply amazing. You could never go wrong with Rome. If you do go to Italy you should look into Analfi Coast and Positano. Soooo beautiful! One of my favorite European trips was there.
France is gorgeous and chic and expensive. The country side is so lovely. I visited Normandy and the American Cemetary for our troops. Wow that was awesome. St. Michael Castle was beautiful. Paris of course - Eiffel Tower
Hi Aileen!
First, I adore your blog! You have great taste. Second, I'm so jealous of your trip!
-Marrakech - Last summer, I visited my friend who was studying abroad there. The shopping and food were great and so cheap! We got called out a couple of times for being American especially by vendors, but people were generally hospitable and friendly. I didn't feel like safety was a big issue when walking around in crowds, though narrower passageways at night did make us both a little squirmy. It did help a lot that my friend speaks Arabic.
-Rome - Spectacular fountains and sites, but very touristy. If you're into history and architecture and gelato, this is definitely the place for you.
-Cinque Terre - So much love for Cinque Terre. It's so picturesque and colorful and quaint and ahhjslfjgheork. I recommend waking up for the sunrise, hiking along the footpaths, and taking a few beach breaks. Also, pizza, pasta, and gelato for dayyyys.
-Paris - I've been a couple of times now, and each time, it gets better and better. The sites, the shopping, the food…all amazing. I love Paris! And, the Versailles gardens are breathtaking, although the palace itself (as someone mentioned above) is very crowded. It's definitely still worth a trip there though!
-Alps - I went to a fairly small and quiet historic town, Arêches-Beaufort, but the views and the countryside were beautiful. It only took us about a day, but I really enjoyed it!
-Iceland - At the top of my bucket list! I can't wait to hear about it!
-Barcelona - One of my favorite European cities! Park Güell is a must-see, the tapas are amazing, and it's also got lovely beaches.
My vacation style is similar to yours: a little hiking, a little countryside, a little adventure, lots of shopping, lots of food, and not that into nightlife. Good luck planning your trip! Can't wait to hear updates! :)
(P.S. I have a travel/food blog with pictures and stories that documented my time studying abroad in Europe last year. Many of the places you're interested in, I went to about one year ago! However, I'd appreciate it if you didn't publish it on your blog because I'd like to keep it private. Thanks, and I hope you find it useful! It's here if you'd like to check it out, and the password is MarieGrace: http://marieenlyon.tumblr.com)
A lifetime is not enough for all the places I want to visit im Europe and I live in the middle of it! :) Been to Paris, Rome, Berlin, Prague, Barcelona, Vienna and Istanbul of the big ones and those are all amazing cities, would recomend them all! But what sticks in my memory are the small charming towns from my two trips to Italy (became NO 1 fan of that country since then), from Rome down to the south, Sicily and Puglia!
But here is a suprise tip from me, come to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (clearly my home town:), it's not a big city, it has a history, a nice old town, it's surrounded by Olympic mountains, it has great food and it's refresingly not expensive. ;) It's also 4 hours drive away from the most beautiful coast line in Europe for me, Dalmatia in Croatia.
Your list is amazing, want it all, too! ;) Have fun!
Paris, London, Rome, the whole of Tuscany: are all GREAT to visit! Santorini is on my personal wish list too... (how funny!) and I'm thinking about visiting Cinque Terre this summer with our car and the kids, but not sure about that either. Anyway, if you're still looking for more cool cities to visit while in Europe... remember my offer is still on! ;-) More than happy to be your personal guide in Antwerp & Bruges! Very curious to see where you will be heading, it all looks so beautiful! :-) Have a happy week, Inge x
I would pick morocco though I haven been to any of the mentioned places. But I have read beautiful things about the place! Ps. I just came back from Iceland and in my personal opinion 4 days is not enough in that place but I'm guessing your flights have already been booked! Nvm, another excuse to go back?! Have fun on yr trip!
I would love to see photos/hear more about your Iceland trip! I'm sure we'll want to go back...always good to have a reason to return, right?
All such good choices! I've been to Santorini and Cinque Terre and loved both--and they are different enough that I wouldn't skip one just for going to the other. And the people in Greece were so nice! I would also recommend Austria--Vienna was great, and Salzburg is breathtaking and so charming.
There is so much to see in Paris--I was there for 5 days and it wasn't nearly enough.
Have a good time!
Thanks, Courtney! That's good to hear. I can already tell we're going to need to plan another trip :) SO MUCH TO SEE!
A Dream trip but Marrakech/ Morocco is in North Africa not Europe. It's near Portugal and Spain (contries worth a visit). Enjoy and please tell us everything!
True! I know that, but it seemed weird to include that in the title, especially since we're not sure yet if we're going there :) I would love to see Portugal and Spain too!
I would highly recommend checking out Slovenia, particularly Lake Bled. It's was top of my highlights when I went for a trip around Europe. Much less travelled than some of the other places on your list, friendly people, beautiful country. Also worth considering - Croatia.