Need help planning a trip

[DontMindMe]

I'm going on a trip to Europe for a few weeks this summer (never been), and I was wondering if my loverly GR pals could help me decide where to go. My priorities are history, culture and of course shopping. So, based on that, any suggestions? What are your favourite places to visit/live in Europe? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[pacific breeze]

Well, almost any place in Europe would fulfill most of those requirements. Paris is a definite winner in all categories.

[msdeb]

i am so jealous. i've always wanted to go to Europe.

[Honey]

Come to England! Well it does have some lovely places, and shopping in London is good.

Scotland is gorgeous.

Paris is beautiful, definitely go there.

Italy...have always fancied going there...so many things to see and do.

How fun!

[DontMindMe]

Wow, that was fast! Thanks so much for the suggestions.
Honey-I've always wanted to go to England. So much history!

[Honey]

I thought my posting of stories from the Daily Mail might have put you off England

I like some parts of it, it's like anywhere in that way. Some places suck and some are great. I agree the history part is interesting.

[Aella]

I agree with the suggestions of France and England. Haven't been to Italy, though I've heard very good thing.

Of course, I feel obligated to pimp my own country, at least on the history/culture front. Everybody seems to associate it with the islands, but there are lots of places in mainland Greece too that combine history/natural beauty/even nightlife if so inclined quite well (Effie would know more than me really).

[Sojiita]

If I could afford it of course..I would hit London, Amsterdam, Paris, Nice, Rome, then hit the Dalmatian coast(maybe Dubrovnik), then Athens, then up to Vienna, then up/over to Prague, then Berlin, then Stockholm, then Oslo, then back to London, then to Dublin, then home.

[A*O]

If it's your first time keep it simple. London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam should give you a broad overview of "Europe". Do plenty of research beforehand and I should warn you now that the price of accommodation and other day to day expenses will make your eyes water. There's no getting around it, Europe is expensive compared to the US and the rest of the world.

[sputnik]

^^^
i agree. except i'd hit berlin instead of amsterdam. it's an amazing city!
and add vienna and prague if you have time.

[sluce]

You might want to consider a tour. We took one a few years ago and it was great. We went for 2 weeks and hit 7 countries. They did all the planning. The cost included some meals and entrance to a lot of tourist attractions. I felt there was a good balance of free time at each location too so we could plan our own meals and excursions. It was nice to have a guide who could act as an interpreter and give us solid advise on safe places to go. We had so much fun that I am right now planning a tour of the British Isles for this summer. We will see England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland in a 2 week tour.

[Just Kill Me]

OMFG you have to go to Croatia!!!!!!!!!!!

[Honey]

^^^
i agree. except i'd hit berlin instead of amsterdam. it's an amazing city!
and add vienna and prague if you have time.

Vienna and Prague look awesome

[DontMindMe]

Thanks so much you guys! I'll take all of your suggestions into consideration. You've been a big help.

[A*O]

I know Europe is a comparative small place compared to the US, but there's only so much you can see and do in a limited time. You could spend a month in each of these cities and still miss out on a huge amount of interesting stuff. As a first timer, keep it simple - London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam/Berlin.