Julian, you may have encounter some troubles in that Med cruise. Need to check with a tour operator. I did look into a cruise from Greece to Turkey area( small islands) for 7 days. Trouble is getting visa for Greece and not sure about individual islands to enbark. No problem with visa in Turkey.
If I had to pick between France( Riveira), Barcelona area or southern Italy(naples area), I would
choose Italy, better flights, not as crowded, and more beautiful landscapes. I liked a resort on island of Ischia.
If interested this is a tourist agency girl sent mein regard to cruises..... www.louiscruises.com
thanks -- I do remember spending a few days on the island of Capri. I could live there forever! I enjoyed the French Riviera and the coastal towns of Italy. I dig France. Nothing like the assholes in French speaking canada. I met some very cool people in France. And the beaches in summertime... ;)
For now I work toward visit at hand. Then look to future travels. Of course with the Russian love of my life. Time is on my side. As things develop we will make plans for travel. The main thing and immediate travel plans are to see the United States. So much to see. There is a lifetime of travel opportunities within the states. So many think that having to travel outside for an exotic vacation is the ultimate vacation. There are so many gems to visit and see in this great country that I find it amazing so many do not even realize it. But travel to Europe while you can I say. Get a travel bus for the the later years.
Muzzy,I generally agree with beamers advice to be skeptical and cautious with this kiev girl. The mentality of these girls is that men are a resource to be exploited especially true once your talking about very attractive big city dwellers. Her take-you-or-leave-you-when-it-suits-her attitude isn't going to change. You said yourself that you felt she was way out of your league, and she will feel it too especially when she comes to the UK, she will be like a kid in a sweetshop with all the comfortably off professional men swarming round her whereever she goes.
My advice is would be to go with your (presumably more modest) sumy #1 and treat this girl as a backup/diversion.