Never Been to Europe. WHERE SHOULD I GO?? (rental, taxi)

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by acrylic

To me, a lot of the more interesting places that would interest me more would be of little interest to others, mainly because of the language barrier, but I'm somewhat biased towards Eastern Europe on the Adriatic shore. (Montenegro specifically )

Coastal Montenegro is gorgeous.

Originally Posted by Dark Khan

If I did that, how big of a deal is it that I don't speak Italian? Kind of worries me, and thats why I'm leaning elsewhere.

It's not that big a deal, you'll find many people who know just a bit of English, and besides, it's amazing how much can be conveyed without language.
Just get one of those little pocket phrasebooks. I have one that had a lot of Latin, which helps with the Roman ruins, and also it has lots of menu items.

[chelsy35]

Well since you are going during summer I would recomand coast. All europeans are during summer next to the sea. So you can start from France riviera through Italian coast and end on Croatian coast. That way you can enyoj both culture and have fun. You can see Paris, Rome, Provanse, Tuscany, Croatian coast (Dubrovnik is very popular for the last couple of years). Maybe it is little yammed for 2 weeks but for the first time is best to explore as more as you can.
Language is not problem ppl in Europe speak English everywhere- only France can be problem- they don't want to speak eng.
So I hope I helped!

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by chelsy35

Well since you are going during summer I would recomand coast. All europeans are during summer next to the sea. So you can start from France riviera through Italian coast and end on Croatian coast. That way you can enyoj both culture and have fun. You can see Paris, Rome, Provence, Tuscany, Croatian coast (Dubrovnik is very popular for the last couple of years). Maybe it is little jammed for 2 weeks but for the first time is best to explore as more as you can.

I've done that coastal route, and agree it's wonderful, and if you go in June/July the crowds are not bad at all, except Dubrovnik, where all the cruise ships come in (they do leave in the afternoon.)

Language is not problem ppl in Europe speak English everywhere- only France can be problem- they don't want to speak eng.

In my experience the French are not *that* grumpy about speaking English--but if you attempt to speak wretched French as I do, they might reply in much better English.

[ToriaT]

I'd go to Switzerland/Austria/Northern Italy. Its really beautiful and easy to travel around. The mountains in Switzerland are awesome...don't miss the Ticino then go into Italy and see the Italian lakes. Head to Austria...Kitzbuhel, Innsbruck and Salzburg.

Been to the Netherlands, etc. and love it too but its not as pretty as the above.

[ihynes]

why doesn't anyone ever mention Biarritz?

[NeilVA]

Whatever you choose, choose countries that border to each other. Losing an entire day to fly is a killer and depending where you start in the US you've already lost two days.

[Dark-Angelll]

Originally Posted by NeilVA

Whatever you choose, choose countries that border to each other. Losing an entire day to fly is a killer and depending where you start in the US you've already lost two days.

You should try Amsterdam, its really nice. And no .. its not a weed and crack hole
You can shop, and visit museums (if you like) and go out in bars and clubs. jimmy woo and escape are nice. And also hollywood music Hall in Rotterdam (depends on your age) And dutch people have a good knowledge in English and other foreihn languages (german, frenche)

[Funny_74]

I would recommend Germany, Bavaria. There are lots of Castles, nice landscapes in the South or even visit big cities like Munich, Berlin or Hamburg. It is worth while!!

[ako]

Originally Posted by Funny_74

I would recommend Germany, Bavaria. There are lots of Castles, nice landscapes in the South or even visit big cities like Munich, Berlin or Hamburg. It is worth while!!

Oh yeah, definitely Munich.

I had this long reply typed up but I accidentally pressed back and now it's all gone.

[XodoX]

I would also choose Germany. Got a lot of history to offer - castles, WW2 history etc.

And yes, french people can get bitchy if you don't speak french.