My high school daughter and I are planning a 10 day trip to somewhere interesting in Europe during spring break in March. We enjoy walking, outdoor activities, and getting to know a bit of a place while doing fun things.
Some museums, and we like activities and not just sitting at cafes, we like seeing things & learning new things. We love learning about new places, different cultures, and interesting things.
Will the weather be good enough in Paris in early March for outdoor exploring? Or, are we better off in Portugal, Spain or Italy in early March since we love exploring outdoors?
I'd even wondered about Morocco since it's further south and very different.
Thanks for any possible help!
Lucia
10 days in March: Paris, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland?
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Where are you starting from? Europe or North America? If the latter, I would not try to include so many destinations--you'll be spending most of your time travelling! I'd choose one or two places, and just stick to that.
Can't comment on Paris on March--we'll be in Lisbon in March and temps apparently will be in the 50's fahrenheit. The outdoor issue will be whether it rains, I think.
I would go south--either Spain or Italy. I don't suppose it will be warm, by any means, but if you dress right, you should be comfortable.
I was in Sevilla and Granada in January 2000, and as long as I wore a coat, I was fine. I'd left the inland northwest to escape the freezing temps, and I was thrilled at being so comfortable.
Madrid wasn't as warm as Sevilla and Granada, but it was still way better that 10 F, as in Spokane.
<< Will the weather be good enough in Paris in early March for outdoor exploring? >>
With a question like this you need to explain where you're from and if you have any difficulty with temps under a particular degree. Otherwise I think it's an odd question. The weather would certainly be fine for me to be outside.
I think Sicily fits your requirements. Some time in a city and then rent a car to explore. With only 10 days choose either the eastern side of the island or the western. I prefer the Palermo to Agrigento area and the town in between.
I think Paris is fine then - but I'm form NYC - which is overall colder than Paris. It will be early spring and temps likely to be chilly and you can expect rain.
The warmest temps in europe will be southern Spain or Italy - where you are likely to have less rain and temps in the 50s or even 60 - yes, warm enough to sit out in cafes - unless you are from a tropical climate.
Thanks everybody. We've struggled with where to go because we're needing a non-stressful, relaxing vacation.
If it were in the summer, we would love to go to Interlochen and enjoy the mountains, and take hikes around in the beautiful scenery.
I'm realizing that going somewhere warm is appealing because we're tired. But, actually, what we really need is to go somewhere that doesn't involve us having to constantly be on multiple trains or buses to go anywhere. So, we could easily be in a city, but be in a central location so that we could walk or just take 1 train to a destination.
We would love to go somewhere that is interesting and non-stressful, and enjoy the people and the sights, but not be overwhelmed with a really busy itinerary.
My question really is this: What places have been relaxing and enjoyable for you that might work for us?
Thank you so much for any help.
I would see Andalusia that week and enjoy the many Semana Santa activities in Seville and more. I think 10 days is perfect for Madrid and Andalusia.
We often travel in March as that is when our kids' spring break has been. At that time of year we have done London/Paris, Andalucia, Italy and Morocco. We found it cold and rainy in Paris so I would skip that. The other three are all good options weather wise, particularly Andalucia and Morocco. Here are links to my trip reports along with pictures. You may find it helpful to look through them to help make your decision.
Italy - http://www.fromhometoroam.com/category/travels/europe/romeveniceflorence2005/
Morocco - http://www.fromhometoroam.com/category/travels/africa/morocco/
Andalucia - http://www.fromhometoroam.com/category/travels/europe/andalucia/
If you want to relax, then I'd head for the Basque coast. Yes, there will be some rain, but the weather will be mild. It's already in the upper 50s in San Sebastian-Donostia. It's difficult to beat the beautiful countryside, and the cuisine is to die for.
Lisbon would be another good option. Great food and the coast at Cascais is magnificent in the spring.
Remember if you are traveling during Holy Week, Sevilla will be expensive.