I'm beginning to look at next summer. Four weeks from mid-June to mid-July.

Here are a couple of the ideas Dan and I are tossing around.
Helsinki-St. Petersburg-Tallinn: This would be a bit against type for us. We don't considers ourselves to be "city visitors". But our week in Budapest may have converted us. We'd fly in and out of Helsinki. Train to St. Petersburg, then train to Tallinn, then boat back to Helsinki. About 8-9 nights in each city. No car.

Cardiff-Belfast-Glasgow: All car, all the time. Stay outside the major cities in farm stays. Lots of rural exploring, and just visit the cities on day trips. More our traditional style.

We are also considering shortening next summer to only 10 days or so and staying in North America. Then waiting until winter of 2010 to do a month in the southern hemisphere.

We have friends who want us to visit them in Cape Town. Maybe combine that with a safari and then my longstanding dream of visiting Madagascar.

Thoughts and comments?

Personally, I would go for the Southern Hemisphere depending upon when you plan to travel. Is it the same time of the year? Cape Town is a lot like San Francisco/ California so it would be similar weather as what we have at Paso which would be harder. It would be better as you go father north and east in SA. Also, South Africa has the Soccer World Cup in 2010 exactly when you might be going (11 June and 11 July 2010).

I've heard good things about St Petersburg. Why Tallin instead of Riga? I'm not really excited by northern cities. That is why I struggle with getting excited about these areas. I would probably go more towards the UK itinerary. Scotland has really intrigued me. It would be cool to visit the whisky distilleries. Plus a lot of country opportunities.

Hi!

I have been to St. Petersburg for 6 days , Tallin 3 days , Helsinki 3 days, Riga 4 days and Vilnius 4 days.

If you have any questions let me know, we loved every city we visited!

If you would like to view our photos the link is below.

Also in the Where we've been section you can find our sights to see lists for Tallin,Helsinki, Riga and Vilnius might be in the photo section, if not I can provide them to you!
in St. Petersburg I would recommend that you utilize Red October.

Both Chiaro di luna and I used them on seperate occassions and were VERY pleased with them when using a guide in St. Petersburg you are covered under their umbrella visa. Also they are professors etc ..who will give you such a depth of information that you could never do on your own.

The other places are very easy to explore on your own. We fell in love with Vilnius and it was exciting to be there as they were "growing into their own" It's a place that we have a real love and bond for the people.

If I can assist further let me know..

enjoy the photos!

Deb,
any of the itineraries would do for me.
Actually, the northern cities seems particularly interesting.

I would go to S Petersburg for the Hermitage museum alone -I am a museum lover- and actually, The museum in Cortona has a temporary show of 30 pieces of the finest Etruscan pieces you have eve seen.
Until Genuary.

For some reason, South Africa has me exitant... maybe I still have to get over apartheid and Mandela...

Thanks everyone for your comments.

Marta, the north of europe has always "left me cold" as a destination, too.

I've always subscribed to the philosophy that the more inhospitable the climate, the more you have to struggle just to survive and live, and therefore the less energy goes into creating a "la dolce vita" life with a deep rich culture.
A crazy wrong headed generalization, I know.

Which is kind of why we are thinking of exploring the area. We wondering what we might discover.

I'm looking at Tallin instead of Riga purely because it is less touristed and the geography fits a round trip flight in and out of Helsinki better.

Karen, your photos are wonderful. I'm so happy to see that you have traveled to the locations we are looking at.

Ale, Yes, the Hermitage is a big reason we are looking at St. Petersburg.

Northern cities is a fascinating trip and you will discover a lot to see and to do. For St Petersburg ensure to visit Peterhof palace and the city has a lot to offer. If you go there in June there are white nights and they open the bridges to let boats to pass. Everybody then spends the nights outside. This is one of the most beautiful events to attend and it is free. There is also the world famous ballet school Kirov, so here is another reason to visit. I have seen a few of the ballets and the quality of dancers and all costumes and decorations are just amazing. Just do a search and you will see that you won't be disapointed with things to see. For the 2 others cities it must be very interesting too.

Hi Anastasia! So glad you chimed in. I have heard of White Nights in the summer, but didn't know exactly when. I'll have to see if I can figure out the dates so we don't miss that.

Are you familiar with holiday apartment rental in St. Petersburg? I'm wondering what part of the city would be the best to zero in on for a location.

I'm going to do a moderator alert here and see if you guys want to move or peg this thread to another forum. I started it here because I was considering several areas of the world. But since it has taken a turn toward the Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn maybe it should be moved. But would it be Rest of Europe or Rest of World?

quote:

Are you familiar with holiday apartment rental in St. Petersburg? I'm wondering what part of the city would be the best to zero in on for a location.

Hi,
No, I don't know for the rentals since I was staying at my cousin's place when he was a student there. He returned since to our home city which is Krasnodar (in the south). But I have seen at least 2-3 threads on this forum from people who rented apartments and were really happy.
Here is one of them, but I am pretty sure I have seen others.
http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/821606885/m/...10600511#17210600511

http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/TripReport.asp?tripid=530