Next vacation for me...help

Ialy, Italy, Italy!  never been but anyone I know who goes there loves it and doesn't have a bad thing to say about it.  I'm sure greece would be good too!

Cinque Terre.

(chink-weh teh-rrrruh)

 My best friend went on a week long tour in Italy this summer and they staying for a few days in Cinque Terre. It was their FAVORITE stop, aboslutely beautiful she said (and the pics showed it too!).  A tip, when they say "only essential luggage" they mean it. They had to hike their crap up incredibly steep and long stairs.

My friend just moved to Germany- I think I'm going to try and visit her this summer She's married to a German so it shouldn't be hard for us to get around with out kowing German.

Welshy went. Beer tour or something. I'm sure if you can say "beer" you'll be fine.

Not very. I spent a semester there, knowing just a smattering of the language and got by just fine.  Most folks there speak some English.  Of course, it goes without saying that you should at least attempt to talk to them in their native language instead of just expecting them to speak English. 

Italy!   By all means.  You will not regret visiting it.  I have travelled around Italy a few times and found the people to be warm and friendly.  And the food is just fantastic.  Rent a car and drive around discovering the ancient villages and vineyards where you are welcomed with open arms. 

If you are really torn between the two, why not simply go to both!  Drive along the Easter coast of  Italy from Venice to Brindisi for a week or two.  Then take a boat over to Greece and spend some time there. 

I would suggest two things if you go to Italy.  First, if you will be renting a car, do it through the internet.  Otherwise they will charge you an arm and a leg when you get ther.  Be aware that you will have to know how to drive a standard as that is all that is available out there.  And secondly, if you do not speak Italian, get a good phrase book.  Italians will love you for trying to speak their language no mattter how badly you speak it.

Oh yeah, as for Pinarellos and Colnagos, they are more expensive in Italy than in the US or Canada!