I started another thread here (Where are some tourist traps) but I dont think I got my point across in the thread.

Im trying to plan a vacation for December and would like some recommendations.

Here are my past vacations and what I really liked about it. (maybe you can recommend some stuff based on what I enjoyed)
Italy (Florence and Rome) - been over 15 years so I dont remember much...but I liked the museums, Vatican city, coliseum, I think Pompeii.
San Francisco - Golden Gate bridge, Science museum, 100 steps, steepest hill, Fisherman's Wharf.
San Diego - Lego Land (awesome!), Sea World
Vegas - Penn & Teller, walking around the casinos, Star Trek exhibet, the Pirate show thats free - saw that twice in 3 days. Would have liked to go to Cirque de Solei and Celine Dion.
Miami - airboat ride, Coral Castle (thats it, the other times were spent on the beach, which I find boring)
Paris - Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc, walking on the Champ, Notre Dame, Invalides.

So as you can see I like the "touristy" type places.
People recommended when I was in Paris, to just sit and eat some cheese and wine and relax. I rather skip lunch and keep looking at stuff.
When I was at the Louvre, I wanted to just walk around the whole time, but my gf had to stop for lunch and then a snack. (we went on the day it closed at 9pm)

So any ideas on some places? (I dont drink and not a fan of clubs/bars/parties)

From my other thread, it sounds like theres a bunch of stuff to see in London and Rome.
But my gf has been to London twice and Rome once.
So that might be a tough sell to her.

She mentioned Galapagos island...but I am resistant for 2 reasons:
1. Whats to do there? Look at Nature? We work so we dont have to be THAT close to nature, thats why we live in a building and not in the woods
2. It seems like a LONG flight from NY. We only have 6 days, so its not worth spending 2+ days flying.

Thanks

peru?....argentina/iguassu falls?....good luck...

Yes I would second Peru. I am not a nature guy either but a three day package tour to Machu Piccu from Lima was worth it.

Also consider Cyprus. In fact stay in Northern Cyprus as its cheaper and less crowded. You can cross the green line these days and you get your passport stamped everytime you enter the north (if thing kind of thing gives you a buzz). There is a load of history on both sides from Roman times to the recent political conflict. the best thing is you can experience two different cultures, languages, currency, perspectives in one trip.

If you want a longer holiday consider taking a cruise from Cyprus to Israel and Egypt. I haven't done this myself but know a quite a few who have. Or visit Lebanon which is a boat ride or short flight away. From Lebanon you can also go by land to Damascus and this again is full of history and must-see sights. For Syria you must get your visa from your country of residence.

New Orleans - French Quarter, food, music, above ground cemeteries, the river, surrounding plantations, bayou boat rides

Munich - glockenspiel in Marienplatz, Hofbrauhaus, Viktualienmarkt, Olympic Park (with restaurant at the top of the tower - go to the very top and have a smoke on a windy night in November), BMW headquarters, Dachau, etc.

My most memorable trip was the one to China. It was absolutely amazing. Aside from the Great Wall, Tiannamen square, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven, the most outstanding day was spent in a local village with a family. We had tea with them, then cooked dumplings with them. After that they cooked dinner and there were so many dishes I couldn't count. After that we walked to the town center where the women of the village performed this dance/aerobics thing. We then joined them and had such fun mingling with the locals.
Although we went to other cities, the time in Beijing was outstanding. It's a trip I will never forget.

Given just 6 days, I'd limit things to one or two cities. You sound like mostly an urban traveler so some of the places I'd consider would be Madrid, Vienna (maybe a side trip to Bratislava and/or Prague and/or Budapest), and Buenos Aires.

Amsterdam has always been one of my favorite places. There are really cool museums and there is tons of really nice walking around to do. I've always found the canals and the old-fashioned red brick buildings so nice and quaint. Vondel park is wonderful as well.

Go to Hawaii, Skip Oahu since it is way too commercial. Try Maui and Kauai if You like nature and the ocean.

Given your stated preferences, I believe that Buenos Aires would be a good choice.

I second BA.

One of the great, most under-rated cities of the world---except to those of us who have been there.

Also, refreshingly cheap in this day of the vanishing dollar.

Hi everyone, thanks for the responses.
Here's my responses:

clacko - peru?....argentina/iguassu falls?
>Peru? Isnt that more of a woodsy/nature type of place?
I assume iguassu falls is like that also.
>

jahason - Peru
>hmmm what is there to see in terms of "touristy" - like Eiffel Tower/Lourve/Norte Dame type of thing?
>
jahason - Cyprus
>I might look into Greece, but I heard it is not the right season for it


JerryFF - New Orleans
>I always thought of NO as a party type of place - bars, etc.
I do not drink and do not like clubs/bars/etc basically anywhere where's theres drinking, dancing or loud music
>

Arizona - Munich
>I will look into it.


ontheway - china
>I wish, since I have relatives who live in Taiwan...but asia (Japan/China/Taiwan/Hong Kong) I think is too far to travel for a 7 day trip. You'll spend 2 days total just traveling, plus the time adjustment.
>

mhnade - Madrid, Vienna, Buenos Aires
>I will look into Vienna and Buenos Aires...as for Madrid, my gf went there and she felt that the locals were racist, and I have heard the same from others who have gone there.
>

florin - Amsterdam
>She's gone there, but I havent, so I will look into it

salilsurendran - Hawaii
>same problem as asia...its not AS far as asia, but from NY, I think its pretty far. and it seems like mostly a beach place (which I am not into, sitting on the beach in Miami was boring in my opinion)
>

obscure2k/getsaround - Buenos Aires
>hmmmm just did a quick search on BA, and the two articles I read didnt mention many touristy buildings...they did mention the local barrio and learning Tango (not a fan of dance at all)

Yes I know, Im picky and not into going to places and being "authentic"/local.

Now I know why I have only gone on a few vacations in my life!

London is an obvious choice - plenty of touristy things to do. Peru would be about Machu Pichu and Cusco. The Inca ruins should keep you busy for about 4 days. Cairo has similar attractions in terms of ruins. And, of course there's always Athens for Greek ruins.

My parents are like you - they like lots of attractions. They said their best trip was a Mediterranean cruise. Every day, they were someplace with lots to see. Barcelona, Cairo, Athens, etc.

Another thought is Malta. Lots of historical buildings to see in Valletta and Rabat, fabulous archeological sites (Tarxien, Hagar Qim). It is somewhat similar to Italy in ways and to the Middle East in others.

If you want a run down on it, I have a travelogue from some years ago at http://www.xenophilia.net/malta/malta.html