European Vacation at End of August - Ideas?
Excuse me for this digression, but we’re trying to plan our summer vacation. Due to my wife’s teaching schedule we’re limited to the last two weeks in August. We’ve been to Paris and London already, any ideas for a good one-or-two week European trip at that time of the year? We’ve been told to stay away from Rome and Greece because of the temperatures…. so we’re looking for alternatives. Post away! And thanks in advance…. (We could do Paris again, but it would be nice to have another spot to visit as well.)
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15 Responses to “European Vacation at End of August - Ideas?”
Eric,
If you would like a slow-paced trip through some beautiful country, I would suggest Bavaria. Maybe starting in Munich and spending time in the areas between there and Kitzbuhel, Austria.
There’s plenty to see, the countryside is beautiful, the food is great, and the beer isn’t all that bad either.
I spent 3 years in the area 30 years ago and have been back three times since.
You won’t find the flashy nightlife of some of the major European cities, but for a relaxing slow-paced vacation it can’t be beat.
I agree, Bavaria and the Austrian Alps. I spent two years in Germany and LOVED this area.
How about the Orkney and Shetland Islands of north Scotland. I lived in the UK for two years but never made it that far north. From what I have read and seen on the net it looks like the ultimate “get away from it all” place.
Quiet, old, relaxing and a step away from all that modern technology has to offer and the problems it causes.
HHMMMMMM can I go with you??????? Enjoy where ever you go……….eric
How about Israel? From Biblical archaeology to jumping nightclubs and beautiful beaches, Israel is a wonderful collection of contrasts.
The birthplace of two world religions; layers of history dating back to ancient times; yet one of the most active hi-tech environments in the world; I think you’d enjoy a visit here.
Good timing too; this year is the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence, so there are all sorts of celebrations planned.
Hi Eric:
Munich is great. Really. It’s my favorite city.
A close second, though, is Bologna. Great food, the world’s first University, and the foot-steps of Dante. They also don’t have the dog waste problem they have in Paris and Florence.
Enjoy your vacation, whereever you go.
I’d agree with Bavaria. Was in Munich last year during the Oktoberfest, and it was the most fun ever. Sadly you miss it in August.
It depends what you’re after. Bavaria - Munich and Austria especially - would be nice in August. If you want a beach holiday, I’d recommend Nice in the South of France (and you can visit Monaco and gamble!). If you want a city break, go to Lisbon in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain. If you want something unique, I believe La Tomatina festival in Valencia is the third Wednesday in August. It could be fun, but you’ll have to google it to find out what it is
Well, Eric, all depends on what you’re looking for. BUT, if it’s scenic beauty and tons of easy places to get to via train I’d suggest the southeast of France on the Med near the Italian border. Specifically, Villefranche-sur-mer is one delightful village, just 10 minutes from Nice, but a world away. If you stay in the village, you can walk to shops, beaches, bars, restaurants and everything else you’d need; and you’re on the main southern rail line which runs through the village and will take you to Monoco,Italy, and much of southern/coastal France.
And, because of the sea, the temperature is moderate BUT you’d need to book about . . . oh, about RIGHT NOW.
Check ‘er out. Good stuff.
Oh I love Paris, but in August I would go to Galicia in Northwest Spain. Little seaside villages like Cambados and Muros. It will be cooler than southern Spain and France. And if you’re feeling up for a drive, you could go drive through Portugal and check out Sevilla, another really beautiful town. Have some cold gazpacho and albarino.
How about Switzerland? There are a number of day trips you can take with a rail pass to Basle, Winterthur, St. Gallen. There is an interesting ride on a cog railway to the glacier at Jungfrau, in the Interlaken area, which has beautiful ice carvings in the cave entrance.
Gary/Robert/Rhys:
Yes, Bavaria is nice. I spent a few days in Heidelberg once attending a conference with my family, but I think somewhere different this time would be better.
Eric:
My wife wants to shop, so we have to stay close to civilization
Tuppy:
That area of the world just seems too troubled, sorry! Plus, wouldn’t it be really hot in August?
Michael:
That area sounds nice. We’ve been to Nice before, but it was end of October (honeymoon) and on the chilly side. Might be nice to revisit if the temperatures are moderated a bit. South of France will be crowded, though.
Evelyn:
That does sound nice, and it’s not hot? Interesting…
Sandra:
We’ve been to Zurich, but maybe it would be good to explore Geneva and the other cantons.
Thanks for all the tips, folks, keep ‘em coming!
Eric
Go to Rome. It’s not so hot that you couldn’t bare it. And we liked it with my wife more than Paris. More romantic…
Prague and Budapest are both very nice cities with lots of places to see and are themselves very scenic. A few years back I went between them via Vienna on the train, it was a good trip. I wasn’t terribly interested in Vienna for some reason, but the other two were great.
That said, if you’re worried about the heat, do Africa instead. (Bear with me here.) We did a week safari in Tanzania followed by a week on Zanzibar to figuratively wash the dust off, and it wasn’t very hot at all. Really nice weather, great time of year to go. It’s always good to branch out.
I should have mentioned that we’ll be taking our 9-year old daughter along, so I’m not sure “romantic” is a word I’d use on this trip. Think “family”
Eric
I went to Italy in August 2005. hot but not unbearable.
you might want to try out Switzerland instead.
I’d recommend Austria at this time of year or
why not Venice, that way if it’s to hot you could drive up the dolomite mountains.