Where to stay and how long is not something that is a right or wrong answer that someone else can tell you. It depends on what YOU want to do, your budget, and how much time you have off.
I live in the UK and have traveled some, I could tell you what I like but I'm not in the norm so who knows if you'd like what I like... ya know?
You like heat and beaches? Mountains and skiing? History? See what I mean... can't really say. My favorite is Scotland. But, that's just me. Most people I know prefer Italy.
