[JediRach]

Hey ladies,
We are planning a European vacation for Summer 2012. It would be for 7 people (6 adults and one 1 1/2 year old). My husband and I have been to London, Paris, Rome, Naples and Pompeii but my family and best friend that are going with us have never been. This is my mom's first trip out of the United States and one of two vacations she has been on in the last 30 years. We went to New York for 5 days last year. I want it to be amazing for her but we can't decide where to go. It will probably be a total of 12 days. She wants to go to Rome and Paris for sure but since my husband and I have already been to those places she wants us to pick 2 more places to go. So it'll probably be 2 days in Rome, 3 days in Paris and then the rest of the time divided between the other two places we choose. She has mentioned Amsterdam. Has anyone been there?

[Mattiez]

How about Venis or Florance. I am partial to Italy
The Bavarian area of Germany is beautiful. Switzerland is breathing taking.
I haven't to Amsterdam.

You are going to have a good distance of travel between Rome and Paris. That will eat up a good part of a day.

Let us know where you choose to go. I know you will have a great time.
Mattiez

Are you going to get a Eurorail pass?

[sunqueen]

Can't help with Amsterdam as I have only driven through but how about Barcelona or Madrid? I can also recommend Copenhagen or Stockholm if you should be motivated to visit the north as well.

Keep in mind that with the low-cost airlines you can get really cheap flights within all of Europe just be careful because they sometimes use airports that are further away from the main towns meaning extra travel costs and time!

[Alv07]

I don't know if you are still looking for info, but I have been to Amsterdam.

If you are wanting to bounce all over I would definitely recommend Ryanair, but I do not know if they fly into the Netherlands. I'd also recommend maybe the north of Italy, and you could easily hit Austia, Germany, or Switzerland and see the Alps.

[New Mama]

Just popping in.

I've never been to Amsterdam so I can't comment on that.

Given your locations (Rome & Paris) I'd try to go somewhere in between or near those cities to save you on time.

Nice or Cannes, France is lovely
Geneva, Switzerland is nice
Cinque Terre, Italy would be a great day trip
Venice or Florence are beautiful or you could always go to Pisa
or you could always go south in Italy and see the Almafi Coast...absolutely gorgeous!
Barcelona, Spain is a really cool city, but out of the way.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

[SassyMama]

Lurking..

I've heard Croatia is beautiful - never been though. My uncle was there this summer and he said it was beautiful and not as expensive as some other areas of Europe (Rome, etc.).

[L-SBB]

Just dropping by...I liked the Netherlands (Amsterdam was lovely, as are smaller towns in surrounding area), but it wasn't my favorite of the places I've been in Europe. I'll second (or third) that Spain is amazing and greatly exceeded my expectations...also loved Switzerland.

I'd definitely take into account age of those traveling with you and potential weather...Spain (for example) is incredibly hot in summer unless you're going early-ish (May, June). I was in Amsterdam in mid Sept and it was actually cool enough to need a light jacket (same with Switzerland in same month) so both are probably more mild temp wise if you're going in high part of summer. I'd avoid August, including last week of July as so many places close down for the Euro vaca schedule.

Good luck planning your trip! I'm sure whereever you choose will be amazing

[magz88]

Barcelona is an absolutley fantastic city.

I would also highly recommend a trip to Mont-St-Michel (Dinard Airport).