Europe Trip

[lillylemon]

I am planning a 3 or 4 week trip around Europe. What would be the top must visit destinations?

[Buenchico]

3 to 4 weeks only really gives you time to get to know one or two countries, rather than the 30+ countries in Europe. Europe is very large, so any attempt to fit in a large number of countries would mean that you'd probably spend more time travelling than actually visiting places. Even so, I'll attempt to answer your question.

You've not stated where you live. If you're in the UK suggesting that London should be in your itinerary might seem either daft or obvious. However, if you're coming from the USA (or elsewhere outside Europe) then it should probably be included in your list of 'must see' places. (It's the most visited city in the world, so it must have something going for it!):
http://www.visitlondon.com/

It's unfortunate that many visitors to the UK never leave London because there's so much more of interest elsewhere. (Edinburgh, York and Bath, for example, all have loads to offer). But if you're determined to do a 'whistle stop' tour of Europe you'll probably need to look beyond the UK for your next destination.

For me, Paris is unmissable. It's a city to fall in love with:
http://en.parisinfo.com/

While Madrid has a great deal to offer, if I had to choose one magnificent city in Spain, it would have to be Barcelona. (Loads of history and culture but also great bars, restaurants, beaches and nightlife):
http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/turisme/welc ome.htm

I've only visited Rome briefly but I've liked what I've seen and it's a popular tourist destination:
http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/en/main.asp

[Buenchico]

(Alternative Italian destinations could include Venice or Florence).

Many visitors to Europe seem to head for the sunnier south. However that would be to ignore great cities like Prague
http://www.pragueexperience.com/
and Krakow
http://www.krakow.pl/en/

Other possibilities that come to mind include Athens, Amsterdam and Bruges.

Chris

[divadobs]

Rome is amazing - the history is incredible and well worth a visit.

[lillylemon]

Thanks for your replys and I am only intending on visiting a few countries and I live in the UK and have visited London on numerous ocasions but never visited europe.

[Lil O'lady]

A lot depends on what you like doing, whether you like crowds or more quiet places, and how many countries you would like to visit. You might maximise the sights you see by travelling by train - London to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels is very straightforward. An overnight train from Paris can get you to Vienna, Rome, Barcelona. As trains go straight into city centres you avoid faffing about in airports.

[spudqueen]

You'll get pretty tired if you spend 3 or 4 weeks just visiting cities. I would also schedule some time in mountains/lakes/countryside or beaches (which ever you prefer) to give you some relaxing time.