I think your problem is how to limit your choices of where to go. In my opinion Europe is as safe as the U.S., if not safer.

I cannot argue with any of the previous recommendations (Florence, Madrid, Provence), but I'll offer the suggestion of Brussels and Amsterdam. Both are fun, fascinating places, although as different as night and day. A three hour train ride connects them. Amsterdam of course has the Van Gogh and Anne Frank museums, and their is the medieval town of Maastricht to explore, very near the Dutch- Belgium border. Also about an hour away from Brussels are Brugge, Ghent, and Antwerp-- I'd probably pick Brugge.

Joel, in Chicago