I've gone to all three (only places in europe I've been). London was my least favorite. Italy was my favorite: Florence especially, but also Rome. Venice & Milan, less so. The food in Italy was far better than what I ate in Paris. If I had to go back, i would spend more time in the country side. I ADORED Paris. Beautiful and romantic! (Food was disappointing) You cannot go wrong between the two choices!

Anonymous wrote:Venice. Or Paris and then Venice.

You lose too much time in traveling between paris,and venice

I haven't done Italy, but we did do London and Paris for our honeymoon and it was wonderful. Easy to navigate, easy to do ourselves, easy to take the train back and forth. In fact, we loved it so much we ended up taking the same trip again and bringing the kids.

OP again- I mean do Paris and London when the kids are around their teenage years and possibly can appreciate it more!

Bump!

I am about to buy my tickets for this trip, and wanted to know if anyone else had any thoughts. We are probably going to Paris and London (just DH and me), then maybe do Italy with the kids when the kids are older, then maybe do Paris and London again with the kids when they are older. TIA!!

If you want a little bit cheaper and to throw in a beach, go to Italy. My favorite parts are Rome, Venice, Turin, and the Lake District to the north. Florence doesn't do it for me but I recognize I'm in the minority on that. What I would do is fly into Venice, train/drive to Lake Como (Bellagio is best, but Como is bigger), then head to the Cinque Terre for some beach time if your husband wants that (although it might be cold that time of year - not sure). It'd be a bit of an Italian road/train trip. Alternatively you could start in Florence and do the same. This would give you a bit of everything - big city, lakes/smaller towns, and beach. May is the beginning of the season on Lake Como so there might still be some deals, although if you could push to the last week in April you'd be surprised how cheap everything there is.

If you want less travel time once you're there, you can triangulate between most of the major cities pretty easily.

I also love London and Paris, but given DH's interests and wanting to do it a little bit cheaper, I'd do Italy. Have fun!

I love London, and I love Italy. Paris to me is forgettable. Like you can go for 1 day or 2 and have a magical time, but anything beyond that is boring and repetitive. But maybe that's just me. (I've been twice to Paris; 3 times to Italy, and 6 months in England. Even though I've spent a total of 6 days in Paris, I would still prefer London and Italy to Paris)

I echo Italy but I feel Italy requires a certain independence- like renting a car. If that's a stretch for you, then I would say Paris and London.

I understand what you are saying, but there is plenty you can do in Italy without a car. I've done both. Countryside--a car is needed. But, you can go lots of places without one: Venice, Florence, Rome, and lots of other less well known places. You can also take a bus tour--which, I know, sounds awful to those who are veteran travelers. But, it can be a great way to see the sights with little trouble. Just find a tour that allows you time to roam on your own. For seeing museums, etc, it can save you LOTS of time. I l had driven a couple of times to Italy when I lived in Europe, but I also decided to take a tour to Rome because I didn't want to fool with all the logistical stuff. It was a great way to go. This tour did allow a lot of time on your own.

For first time travelers, I highly recommend a bus tour.

Paris and Italy -- watch your wallets and passports.

London, too. A friend was swamped by a gang of young men on the subway and came out of it with her wallet and passport missing. Just watch it. Don't be nervous, just be careful and aware of your surroundings.

Definitely Italy.

I echo Italy but I feel Italy requires a certain independence- like renting a car. If that's a stretch for you, then I would say Paris and London.

Italy all the way! You cannot go wrong!!

I'd do Italy as a trip together. Lots of slow, amazing dinners and nights spend walking around quaint towns. Paris and London are great family trip destinations.

Paris and Italy -- watch your wallets and passports.

Here is the definitive answer. Ready? Italy.

I love London and Paris (esp London), but the kids will appreciate them more when they get older. (I understood your DC are pre-school age.) Both London and Paris are wonderful walking cities, which can be a bit much for little legs. My 8 year old had an exhaustion breakdown at the Place Vendome and was a major PITA at the Louvre.

In Italy, rent a car at the airport in Rome and explore smaller, manageable cities, taking your time. We rented a house from a friend, in Umbria, which was a great base for the kids. With kids that age, it is not about them soaking up museums and seeing sites, but about laughing together as a family. Look into agriturismo, for a kid friendly place.

Good luck!

Italy. London and Paris are great, but Italy is magical.