So, I have a two week vacation coming up, and I need to take this by the new year. So, I'm thinking September sometime, preferably early september so that maybe I can catch some WC qualifiers, if I go to Europe. So, of these three, where should I go? I've already been to Italy, but I've never been south of Rome. So if I go there, south of Rome and Sicily will be my focus (Italy's 1st WC qualifier is being played in Palermo). I've heard Croatia and Slovenia are great in September, and that Dubrovnik is awesome. Plus, my connecting flight will probably be in Munich, so I can take a 2 day layover and take in Oktoberfest. But I really want to go to Peru and see Machu Picchu and experience S. America for once. Can anyone give some advice?
I would recommend Italy, but that's just me. If you really want to experience S. American at least once then go for it.
If you've already been to Italy, I'd say Croatia and Slovenia. Dubrovnik *is* incredible. I went to the Greek islands about a month ago. Those are also highly recommended.
I can tell you a little about Italy and Peru, since I've spent some time in both. I've spent a little over four months in Peru - unfortunately, almost all in Lima, which is not an attractive tourist destination. But I've traveled to some other places in Peru, and know a fair amount about the country secondhand. I've been to Italy three times. One of those trips was just in the south and Sicily, but it was 14 years ago at the age of 14, so my memory is fuzzy. There are other people on this group who can probably tell you a lot more about Italy. I've never been to Croatia or Slovenia, but I've heard and read very good things about them. September will probably be a good time to go to any of the three, nice weather and not too many tourists. In terms of comparing Italy and Peru, it'd help to know more about what you're looking for. - How much $$$ do you want to spend per day? - Do you know any Spanish or Italian? - What sort of places and things are you interested in - history/archaeolgy, nature, large cities, small towns, etc.? - Do you want to travel around a lot during the two weeks, or stay a few places for a longer amount of time? - Are you going to be traveling alone? Feel free to respond by PM or post.
Thanks, NGV. I have been to Italy a few times before. But I'd really like to see Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius. I've heard the Amalfi Coast is really cool. And Italy is playing Norway in their 1st WC qualifier in Palermo in early september. I guess those are kind of the only draws. I've been to Europe plenty of times, but I've never been to S. America, so I'd really like to see what that is like and Peru seems to be the best choice. I'd love to see Machu Picchu before it goes the way of Stonehenge. I'm not sure what else is around in that country, so maybe you could help me out with that. Isn't September close to the rainy season in Peru? I do speak a little spanish; enough to get by. I really don't have a way of traveling, I can go everywhere or take it slow and be just as happy with either. And yes, I'll be travelling alone.
personally i'd go with Italy. nothing like mediterranean weather. but yea, as Dante said, you're gonna regret never visting s.america (assuming you don't go there later), so peru would be a good destination
It'll be Spring in Chile. Fall in Europe. Should be nice in both places. I've heard Croatia is really awesome from a friend that was living in Italy on the border for about 6 months. He loved Croatia and liked Slovenia even more. I don't think you can really go wrong though.
You should definitely go to Peru, specially Macchu Picchu. That place is incredible. As soon as you step foot on it you'd realize you made the right choice. Rainy season is during the winter months, you may still get some rain in September but not alot, plus in Peru(Lima atleast) it doesnt rain hard, it sort of sprinkles, and that the most it does. Kinda like Seattle. So even if it "rains" you can still walk around and not get soaked. It might be different in the mountains of Macchu Picchu though, but the times Ive been there have both been sunny so I couldnt tell you, but I did go during the winter months so it goes to show you it dont always rain. Plus in Peru stuff like food, hotel, clubs is MAD cheap. So it may be easier for you to travel to more cities like Trujillo or Arequipa. Both awsome cities that arent as crowded and polluted as Lima. They got a bit more charm and you will enjoy them more.
Croatia Since you've already been to Italy, and you're looking to see a WC qualifier, Croatia would seem to be the next logical destination. On Sept 4th, Croatia faces Hungary in the capital Zagreb. Goods are suprisingly affordable and ferry tours to different islands are also cheap. Here's the official tourist board that you may find helpful: http://www.croatia.hr/home/Default.aspx