Best country!

[Scarlett]

I have decided I have to do more travelling. I have only ever been to France and Germany, and once spent a few days in Galway.
I'm not too keen on hot weather, and I prefer history and culture to beach resorts.
What has been your favourite place you have visited, that you think I should definitely experience? !

[Whickerman]

Florence and Rome for all the above. Amazing.

But closer to home, try a visit to the Scottish HIghlands and Islands. We're just back and it's beautiful, historic, and not too expensive!

[pollyspeed]

my dad has the same interests as you when it comes to holidays and he drew up a list of all the capital cities in the world and is on a quest to visit them all.he has visited all the european ones and loved budapest,tallinn,vienna etc.i dont think you can go far wrong for history and culture in capital cities

[jno]

you might also like Egypt for the history - in the off-season when it's cooler. Or take a trip round Syria

[KARL]

You might like to consider Iceland - the only records of parts of British history were recorded by Icelanders who to this day are very aware of history and protect their culture very strongly. But read up well before going. I believe there are culturally oriented tours available.

[redcrx]

sorrento and Naples for the history, maybe a couple of days in rome.

Go later in the year though as its pretty hot and crowded in the summer.

Pompeii, herculaneum are just a couple of the places that have to be on your list.

[jno]

what sort of history do you like, Scarlett? Visiting ancient ruins and imagining the people who used to live there? Or visiting modern towns that have been inhabited for centuries? Or maybe castles and churches with a story to tell? There are lots of historic places all over the world, but they can be quite different.

[society]

All countries are nice and different and has something to offer. It's some of their people that create the problems.

[Andyvon]

I agree with KARL. Several years ago, I stayed in Reykjavik and then spent two weeks touring the north coast. The volcanic landscapes and features are unforgettable. You can visit active volcanoes, geothermal areas (geysers, mudpots etc) and swim in swimming pools of water heated by magma just below the surface. The Icelandic culture is very rich and the people are so warm and friendly. Iceland is the only country I have ever left with tears in my eyes.

From Iceland I flew to Angmagssalik in Greenland for a week and that was an add-on to the Iceland holiday. Greenland was the most beautiful place I have ever visited. There are no roads, no noise, and virtually no evidence of people. The valleys are so remote that when you go for a walk, your feet are probably the first to ever walk in certain areas. The beauty is quite breathtaking and something I will never forget. With regards to temperature, Iceland and Greenland are surprisingly warm in the summer. I went in August and was able to wear just a T-shirt for most of the time, although you need a sweater sometimes.

Hope that helps Scarlett but it depends on exactly what interests you. If you love culture and natural history you will love Iceland and Greenland.

[delilahcat]

Hi Scarlett,

My favourite places in Europe are Prague, Paris and Rome.

All the major Italian cities are worth a visit, especially Florence and Venice but in my humble opinion Rome is the most wonderful city. It has all the ancient Roman history, then all the splendour of the Renaissance sort of layered on top. Go in late September or October to avoid the heat and crowds.

I haven't actually been to a European city I didn't like, it's just that some are better than others!

Wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[Maydup]

Wow what a great time you're going to have working your way through all these holidays!

Please make sure you fit in a trip to Barcelona, its my own favourite with plenty to do and some amazing architecture.

[Scarlett]

Thanks for all these great replies!
It's not so much that I am into history, just that I am really NOT into sunbathing or drinking in Ibiza!! I love slightly cold places that are interesting to visit, with totally different architecture, people, food etc. I get a bit scared if the language is different in case I get lost cos I am HOPELESS at languages. I'd love to visit USA but it is so vast.. I'm not sure which bit would be best!

[anderlee]

Go to NEW YORK !!! its fab. Also worth visiting are ,san fransisco, chicago,boston, texas and go a bit futher down south. you can get tours to these places-good luck!!

[jno]

I did my first trip to the USA about 30 years ago, fly/drive... if you don't mind driving... flew to NYC and drove round New England in the fall - stunning colours. Historical sites like Plimoth Plantation (where the Pilgrim fathers arrived), interesting cities (NYC, Boston, and we sent south to Washington as well), great natural sights - we went as far west as Niagara and down to the Blue Mountains. Yes, you do have to be choosy with the USA as it's so big. But it's pretty cheap (although remember to add about 20% to your restaurant bills as a tip) and the people are great, and speak English, sort of.

[hilmarjowan]

I think Iceland's amazing Gullfoss waterfall is one of favorite holiday place to visit.

Gullfoss Features-

-Gullfoss has two separate waterfalls. The lower one drop is 21 metres and another drop is 11 metres.

-It is 30 min from Laugarvatn and over 1,5 hours from Reykjavik

For me, Gullfoss is the queen of the Iceland waterfall and is the best trip for my entire life!!

For more info see here-
http://www.whatson.is/