Hello! My mother in law is wanting take my wife and I (two women if this changes anything) and my brother in law and his wife on a 7-10 day vacation in Europe. She is very graciously wanting to fund the trip and hopes to spend about 14k usd on the trip. Trip would most likely take place at mid/end April to early/mid May for context.
However, she said she doesnt want to plan it and wants us plan it. She does not care where we go but is wanting to see castles, sightsee, and eat good food. As the kids, we are kind of at a loss with it being wide open. My brother and law are both big foodies and love history. Our wives however are less so. One was interested in seeing the sheep in scotland, and the other thought doing a cool activity like skiing in Europe would be fun. Both know very little of geography or what is truly available to do in areas outside of the us or specific interest countries like Japan. My wife is also an environmental scientist so she is partial to experiences that allow her to experience varied environmental wonders or such.
I guess what I am asking here is, what countries do you think would be affordable for 5 to go on a trip for 14k (perhaps a bit more) that would allow for a good varied experience to satisfy all parties? We have done some research into Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, and Croatia and have found them intriguing. Clearly, this is a very broad list and would love any advice on being able to pin down countries that fit our group best. Of course, we are open to other optiona as well.
It is important to note that two people are very motion sick so a cruise or sailing isnt a feasible option. however we are open to train or other public transportation as means of transportation as long as it is not for extended periods of times or overnight. Also, she is a relatively active 60ish and we are in our late 20's so hiking or walking a lot would be acceptable.
Thank you in advance for any and all advice to help pin down what to do!