I suggested Spain for two reasons: It will be much easier to get to Spain from France, and also because there are likely to be more travelers in Spain during the winter. Greece in the winter can be quite pleasant, but it is also very, very quiet. Very few fellow travelers, especially on the islands. I went to Santorini in December, and there was a grand total of one hotel, a coffee shop and a restaurant open. Everything else was shut down for the winter. Most hostels were not open on the islands we visited. I'm not sure I'd want to travel the islands by myself in the winter -- it might be kind of lonely. Athens and the mainland might be better though, I'm not sure.
Italy would be great in November, especially in the south. Keep in mind that rail travel in Italy is quite inexpensive, so I don't think rail passes would end up being a bargain for you.
Hope this helps.
Dave
check out http://www.ricksteves.com/rail/comparetickets.htm - you might find it's cheaper to buy tickets 'point-to-point' rather than a rail pass, as a good place to start. i've been doing some research for my own travels and i'm not convinced the rail passes are as good as you'd think.
On the subject of WWOOF'ing have not done it, but met a few people who have and said it was a great experience, had the times of their lives! There is a website...but lost it long ago, I'm sure google can help you there.
Thanx to all, I'm planning my own Europe odessy and soaking up all the info before I start asking dumb ?s...but I'll be back....
November and december are the worst months to visit Scandinavia, it is dark, cold and rainy. You are better off visiting in the winter mid january - march if you are fine with cold weather and winter activities. The prime time is june - august. With your two weeks i would perhaps choose to visit Spain or Italy, since you are already in France.
trusted partner
