I don't understand wanting something relaxing but adventurous and exciting, too, these are opposite things.

That isn't the greatest time of the year weatherwise, you know, in many places. I can't imagine why you picked Normandy, what was the reasoning you think that would be exciting or nice in March? I guess any place can be relaxing if you don't go anywhere, though, that's up to you.

DK about Lisbon or Iceland, but I'd go to southern Spain at that time of year, Andalusia. It would be good weather for northern Africa, also, I'd say if that's what you want to do.

You do not want to be in Normandy at that time of year.

I would probably do paris - but don;t know where you have been before and liked/disliked.

Andalusia is also a good idea since it will be warm enough for comfortable touring - and even gold and tennis if you want a resort.

Could you make the trip just a month later? It would make a big difference in your options.

Marrakech is good.

Lisbon would be perfect.

if you don't mind the cold and dark, Iceland - you might still catch the Northern Lights and it's not such a long flight.

and who can resist the romantic allure of the Blue Lagoon?

http://www.bluelagoon.com/

I think 5 days in Lisbon is very satisfying, both for history and art, and also just strolling and gawking at the unique styles of Portuguese building and urban planning over a long time. The weather in March can be nice enough to slip off to scenic places, or there is unusual night life and you don't need to feel guilty about sleeping in because while the museums have great treasures, the sightseeing in Lisbon is not so demanding you feel you need to go go go all the time. Have long breakfasts of custard pastries and strong coffee.

Added plus? It is really, really cheap.

Are you sure you will have a relaxing time with only five days with trans Atlantic travel? My choice for so few days would be to save the big bucks you will spend on flying to Europe. Have you considered somewhere closer where young could relax on a beach but explore a different culture as with Mexico or Costan Riica?

Portugal only hs a five hour time difference from east coast of the US, like the UK..Another reason to consider this charming small city.

Not Europe but we thought Costa Rica was lots of fun, adventurous, romantic and easy to get to for 5 days.

We enjoyed the ecotravel resorts on the Pacific Coast.

Of those mentioned, Lisbon would be an easy first choice. An added bonus is the possibility of flying there non-stop from Boston, New York, or Philadelphia (only 7 hours!).

I'm with annhig!

You want relaxing and adventure - go for Iceland!

How can you resist THIS: http://www.greenworldholidays.com/PublicAssetFolder/Image/p160cr8uf9ugq1seoi0gaec1bin1v-7631.jpg

Thank you! Lisbon and Iceland sound the best for us. Are there any cool bars and restaurants or other favorite places that you could recommend in those cities? One more to throw in there too .... what about Dublin? Is it too cold in late March / early April?

We're also looking into Costa Rica as some of you suggested.

Mamcalice, what were the eco-resorts you stayed in?

One consideration is cost...Lisbon will be WAY cheaper than Iceland!!

We spent 5 days in Lisbon over New Years 2010/2011 and loved it! Lots of great wine bars, restaurants etc. Here is our trip report with photos http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/bikerscott-jamikins-in-portugal-20102011.cfm

Have you read ms_go's and mr_go's recent Lisbon report?

If you are worried about cold in Ireland, it will be sub-sub-zero in Iceland. You can only sit in the Blue Lagoon for so long. And as pointed out, it is HUGELY expensive. And fairly dark all the time.

Lisbon is really nothing but cool bars, with lovely music. I'm sure Dublin is nice too, and Costa Rica has always sounded pleasant. Iceland is -- Iceland! It was cold enough when I was there in summer. I can't imagine going any sooner than July.

If you haven't picked your travel dates, be aware that Easter weekend will push the prices of everything up.

(Actually, I can imagine going to Iceland sooner than summer. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.)

Ok, well then Iceland is too cold. So Lisbon it is! Any side trip recommendations? I love cool bars, and their charming power is not to be underestimated. .. . . . Also love cool shopping, and heard that Lisbon is teeming with cool shops. Please, any shopping and restaurant/ bar recs? thanks in advance ., . .

Sinatra is an amazing side trip and very easy to get to on the train http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exeres/6BEF1189-D6BD-4473-856B-604FCEF22106,frameless.htm

Cascais is also easy via train if you want to see the beaches (probably too cold to swim though)
http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exeres/FC00A4FA-B89F-43AF-BB26-5E3D908C3A29,frameless.htm

Evora is also easy on the bus
http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exeres/58194E17-BBE7-4692-913A-A5CE4B11ECFF,frameless.htm

And here is an excellent walking tour by lreynold1 http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/my-one-or-two-day-walking-tour-of-lisbon.cfm

re Iceland, yes it will be cold, but it is the only time when you would have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights, which is why I suggested it.

however when we were there in summer there was a heat wave in which the temps never dropped below 30C.

if you want warmth and sun in winter, go to Lisbon.

For a 5 day stay, you can get a really beautiful, stylish Lisbon apartment with all the amenities for very little money per night. I had a totally happy experience with Rent4Days agency. They have apartments all over Lisbon. Eating out in restaurants was so cheap in Lisbon that we never cooked a meal at home. But still it was nice to have the extra elbow room and all the comfort, plus we enjoyed the privacy of our breakfasts at home, consisting of pastries from the bakeries and coffee, rather than eating breakfast in a hotel.

For my own trip to Lisbon, I was surprised at how unhelpful guidebooks were, often with wrong information. So many seem to focus on a few small generically touristy areas, and contain very little help or guidance about either Lisbon's cultural opportunities or its shopping beyond internationally known brand name stores you can find anywhere in the US these days.

So you might find this website helpful for finding the real life of Lisbon:

http://www.spottedbylocals.com/lisbon/category/activity/bars/

One thing to know about shopping is that, typically, Portuguese people are shorter than Americans, so if you and your husband are on the tall side, you might want to pick shopping destinations for ceramics and such, rather than hope to find anything in your size. (Look for Claus Porto soaps for sure.)

If you really dislike museum going, you and your husband shouldn't clutter up your visit to Lisbon with any "must-see" museum stops. But if museums are something you enjoy sharing together, then the Gulbenkian museum in Lisbon is one of the more amazing museums in Europe and the world. It is NOT a museum of painting, but rather a collection (privately assembled and donated) of treasures of exquisite craft from all over the world. You have never really seen a Persian carpet until you've seen the ones in the Gulbenkian, likewise tile fountains from Damascus and hand-painted screens from Japan, and cabinets from the era of Napoleon, or Lalique perfume bottles. It's like a trip around the world -- which feels so right when you are in seafaring Lisbon. There are also some unique treasures from ancient excavations. Most enjoyably, there is usually just one or two perfect objects from each place -- it's quality, not quantity -- so lots of variety as you move through the museum, which is not very big anyway.

Just wanted you to know this museum is in Lisbon in case you are interested.

hpluss1,

The two places we stayed in Costa Rica were:

Bosque del Cabo: www.bosquedelcabo.com/home/index.html

and

Tiskita Lodge: www.tiskita-lodge.co.cr

Both were ecotourism resorts. The former was more elegant than the latter but both were loads of fun.