<p>I would still put Italy on the list mostly because you’ll want to go back. Paris is great.
I’ve never been on an actual Rick Steve’s tour but we buy his books and try to follow the tour plans they have–very highly recommend them. Traveling with friends is a ton of fun but takes a TON of planning that someone has to take on. Airlines, transportation, lodging, where to go, what to do, when to do it. A no-complaining contract is a good idea. And follow RS guidelines for packing–go carry-on. Rolling suitcases down cobblestone and hauling them up steep stairs is not fun.
We have friends that we’ve traveled with extensively. If you decide to rent a car just remember the cars in Europe are very small–you’ll probably need more than one.</p>
<p>I was in Italy for 3 summer months and it was hot. Again, it was when I was very young. I would not travel in southern Europe in a summer, north is better, aside that you might be rained on.<br>
It all depends what you are looking for. Some people like to visit, others like to stay on a beach. But if you are staying primarily in AC’d bus or museum, then the outside temperature is no concern. </p>
<p>There are cruises in the Baltic and also in Scandinavia that would be in your price point and offer great shore excursions.</p>
<p>I am not sure if this was mentioned earlier in the thread. Have all of you traveled together before?
I ask because with s many people you can have a lot of opinions at each junction in the trip. Does one couple Ned deluxe accommodations but is happy to eat on the cheap where another couple doesn’t care about lodging but are foodies and wants to try expensive places. One couple doesn’t mind walking another loves taxis.</p>
<p>Re: Maui. Rent a 3-br/3 bath condo in Honua Kai. Every br is a master bedroom. It is expensive, but if you split the costs, it will be cheaper than renting a separate apartment for each couple. Wailea has some nice options, too. </p>
<p>Sounds like you have many great places you could go
<a href=“http://www.lascasitasvillage.com/”>http://www.lascasitasvillage.com/</a>
This resort is part of the El Conquistador in Puerto Rico
Waldorf Astoria owned
beautiful resort,each are townhouses on top of the mountain overlooking the ocean
butler service,3 bds with ocean views as you back up to the ocean below
full size casino,day spa and golf course
many pools,but you take a small boat to private island for beach and water sports
glass enclosed elevator takes you down side of mountain to get the boat,quick ride to island
We stayed here with our 4 kids,totally amazing place
have fun where ever you decide to go</p>
<p>My husband and I took a six day trip to Iceland last year. Spectacular scenery, interesting culture, no language barrier, lovely people, easy to get to from New York and quite different from anywhere we had been before. We had so much fun. Reykjavik is a terrific smaller city. <a href=“Travel - The New York Times”>Travel - The New York Times;
<p>Speaking of the language barrier, we discovered that even city bus drivers in Stockholm spoke very fluent English. Huge plus, unless you are the person who loves to discover new languages. </p>
<p>^^That’s good to know about Stockholm, @BunsenBurner. I am NOT someone who enjoys trying to struggle through new languages. I think my brain has atrophied too much for that.</p>
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<p>The OP should NOT go to Johannesburg, there is nothing special there and it is VERY dangerous. Cape Town, OK but still be careful. Going up to Namibia would be good - endless things to see and much cheaper than say Botswana. Avoid South African school holidays, and remember it is COLD in what is summer in the US.</p>
<p>I vote for Iceland. Still a pretty good value, nice summer weather, beautiful otherworldly scenery, friendly people, unusual destination. Just all around amazing.</p>
<p>Another terrific choice would a luxury treehouse hotel in Belize. Google it, I haven’t been but I know several people who have in various seasons and they have nothing but great things to say.</p>
<p>Sounds like you’ll have a great time no matter where you go. Happy for you! </p>