1st time to Europe: Paris, Spain and Italy PLEASE HELP!
Jan 5th, 2012, 04:52 AM
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1st time to Europe: Paris, Spain and Italy PLEASE HELP!
Hello friends!
My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe for the summer of 2012. The dates are looking from July 15 through the 30 so 2 weeks and 2 days (we lose the 15th and 29th for travel). The places we want to visit are as follows:
3 days in Paris
6 days in Spain (visiting Barcelona, Madrid and Granada)
6 days in Italy (visiting Rome, Venice and Florence)
I have many questions but I'll start with this. First, is this schedule feasible? Second, how would we get from Paris to Spain and then Italy? Third, are there places we must see in Spain and Italy? Do we have too many cities?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm a very organized and thorough person and I really want to plan this vacation to every detail so that we're prepared and aware of the time we have (adjusting to time change, planning for travel time in between places, etc).
Again, I REALLY appreciate any and all help here! If you'd like to provide additional information besides on here please email me at [email protected], I'd more than appreciate it!
Thanks again! RD
My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe for the summer of 2012. The dates are looking from July 15 through the 30 so 2 weeks and 2 days (we lose the 15th and 29th for travel). The places we want to visit are as follows:
3 days in Paris
6 days in Spain (visiting Barcelona, Madrid and Granada)
6 days in Italy (visiting Rome, Venice and Florence)
I have many questions but I'll start with this. First, is this schedule feasible? Second, how would we get from Paris to Spain and then Italy? Third, are there places we must see in Spain and Italy? Do we have too many cities?
Any help would be greatly appreciated, I'm a very organized and thorough person and I really want to plan this vacation to every detail so that we're prepared and aware of the time we have (adjusting to time change, planning for travel time in between places, etc).
Again, I REALLY appreciate any and all help here! If you'd like to provide additional information besides on here please email me at [email protected], I'd more than appreciate it!
Thanks again! RD
Jan 5th, 2012, 05:34 AM
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you only need to post once. You can always find it by clicking on your name, which will bring up all of your threads.
And...maybe you should let some time pass...8:52 to 9:23 is a short time to expect answers.
And...maybe you should let some time pass...8:52 to 9:23 is a short time to expect answers.
))
Jan 5th, 2012, 06:48 AM
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Do I need a travel agent for this trip or can my husband and I plan most of it? A MUST SEE for me is the Vatican and I heard that requires prior ticket purchases for both the museum and Vatican, just not sure how to go about doing that....
Jan 5th, 2012, 06:56 AM
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you might want to only have one thread going, easier for people to follow what has been said.
Vatican..Scavi tours? You can start byu doing a search here, there are a few threads on people who have done this.
Vatican..Scavi tours? You can start byu doing a search here, there are a few threads on people who have done this.
Jan 5th, 2012, 07:11 AM
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Here is the bad news: This is a very short timespan to cover 7 major cities. It IS doable, but you do have to realize what you sacrifice when you do such moving around. You spend a lot of extra money on transportation, and then you lose precious time because you are on a plane, train, car etc. Your schedule also becomes so tight that you end up with a lack of spontaneity and touring can become one big blur.
I know, it's so hard to cut anything out, especially if you feel you won't get another chance. But if you enjoy your trip because it's not a forced march, believe me, you will go back.
Here is the good news: You can plan anything yourself. With the advice on this board, you can probably do it better yourself than most travel agents can.
So my recommendation? Print out or buy a map of Europe. Make a list of your "musts". You already have stated one: the Vatican. See if you can then group or eliminate a few of your "musts" into a tighter travel line so that you don't waste hours in transit.
Then book an open jaw flight--landing in your first city and fly out of your last. I think it's PERFECTLY possible to land in Paris, stay a few days (I'd allow at least four days there because you need a jetlag catch-up), then fly to Florence for (3-4) days, train it to Venice (2-3) or Rome for (4-5 days), and then fly out of your last city.
Another variation that might appeal to you is to spend one week in an apartment in Paris and one week in an apartment in Rome.
And if you still want to pack all 7 cities in, maybe you WOULD want to look at the big tour agencies who know how to make such a packed schedule work.
Good luck!
I know, it's so hard to cut anything out, especially if you feel you won't get another chance. But if you enjoy your trip because it's not a forced march, believe me, you will go back.
Here is the good news: You can plan anything yourself. With the advice on this board, you can probably do it better yourself than most travel agents can.
So my recommendation? Print out or buy a map of Europe. Make a list of your "musts". You already have stated one: the Vatican. See if you can then group or eliminate a few of your "musts" into a tighter travel line so that you don't waste hours in transit.
Then book an open jaw flight--landing in your first city and fly out of your last. I think it's PERFECTLY possible to land in Paris, stay a few days (I'd allow at least four days there because you need a jetlag catch-up), then fly to Florence for (3-4) days, train it to Venice (2-3) or Rome for (4-5 days), and then fly out of your last city.
Another variation that might appeal to you is to spend one week in an apartment in Paris and one week in an apartment in Rome.
And if you still want to pack all 7 cities in, maybe you WOULD want to look at the big tour agencies who know how to make such a packed schedule work.
Good luck!
Jan 5th, 2012, 07:22 AM
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AlessandraZoe thank you very much! I accidentally started two forums on here with the same post. What I think might work best after reading a lot this morning is the following:
3 nights in Paris (or four nights here)
6 nights in Barcelona (if 4 in Paris subtract a night here or in Rome)
6 nights in Rome
I wanted to do a couple of day trips but many people keep advising me that it would be too much so I'm not sure what to do on that but I think this trip is now more reasonable. What do you think?
3 nights in Paris (or four nights here)
6 nights in Barcelona (if 4 in Paris subtract a night here or in Rome)
6 nights in Rome
I wanted to do a couple of day trips but many people keep advising me that it would be too much so I'm not sure what to do on that but I think this trip is now more reasonable. What do you think?
Jan 5th, 2012, 07:45 AM
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Here's a couple of too the point guides to wonderful Barcelona. More than plenty to do, see and not least taste for some 6 days. Also ample possibilities for nice daytrips up along the Costa Brava.
The introduction: http://www.arrivalguides.com/en/Trav...pain/BARCELONA
And when you want to dig deeper into what interests you, here's Maribel's excellent guide:
http://maribelsguides.com/mg_barcelona-03-09.pdf
About Costa Brava, just North of Barcelona: Salvador Dalí-land, great food and beaches: http://en.costabrava.org/main/home.aspx
The introduction: http://www.arrivalguides.com/en/Trav...pain/BARCELONA
And when you want to dig deeper into what interests you, here's Maribel's excellent guide:
http://maribelsguides.com/mg_barcelona-03-09.pdf
About Costa Brava, just North of Barcelona: Salvador Dalí-land, great food and beaches: http://en.costabrava.org/main/home.aspx
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:03 AM
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Three cities will work for sure.
I'd add two more nights to Paris because you really do need a jetlag recovery day, and you don't want to miss the beauty that is Paris.
Let me explain. Most flights from the US may land in the a.m., but you usually won't be able to check in until after noon even if your flight arrives at 5 a.m. So while you can drop off your bags at your hotel, you are basically homeless and out of energy for quite a bit of that day.
And then you have to take into account it's an hour OUT to CDG or Orly to fly to your next destination, and you need to allow at least two hours (I go for three and I don't even check luggage) from the time you get to the airport to get through the system, so that more or less steals your last day.
If all you do that first day in Paris is walk along the Seine, take a Seine boat cruise, and plop in a cafe, you'll have "lived" Paris but won't start out your trip in blur mode. You will then have the energy to hit the ground running for the rest of your trip. So again, give yourself more time in Paris.
I have not been to Barcelona (I have been to Madrid, Seville, Granada, etc) so I have no clue about day trips from it. But in Rome, you can take a day trip to Ostia Antica, or Pompeii or Orvieto if you want. In Paris, you might like to go see Versailles or Monet's Giverny or Chartres. All three are very easily reached quickly by train.
What's nice if that those daytrip decisions do not even have to be made before you go. My rule of thumb for major cities has become ONE day trip per five days of stay, if that helps.
The important thing for Rome is to look at hours of operation and closing days of things you want to see. We did book a tour guide for our Vatican tour--and we booked both morning and afternoon for it. The other reservation we made there was for the Borghese Gallery. In general, though, I mapped out what was open when, I'd lay out options for our day at breakfast, and then we'd decide what we wanted to do.
I'd add two more nights to Paris because you really do need a jetlag recovery day, and you don't want to miss the beauty that is Paris.
Let me explain. Most flights from the US may land in the a.m., but you usually won't be able to check in until after noon even if your flight arrives at 5 a.m. So while you can drop off your bags at your hotel, you are basically homeless and out of energy for quite a bit of that day.
And then you have to take into account it's an hour OUT to CDG or Orly to fly to your next destination, and you need to allow at least two hours (I go for three and I don't even check luggage) from the time you get to the airport to get through the system, so that more or less steals your last day.
If all you do that first day in Paris is walk along the Seine, take a Seine boat cruise, and plop in a cafe, you'll have "lived" Paris but won't start out your trip in blur mode. You will then have the energy to hit the ground running for the rest of your trip. So again, give yourself more time in Paris.
I have not been to Barcelona (I have been to Madrid, Seville, Granada, etc) so I have no clue about day trips from it. But in Rome, you can take a day trip to Ostia Antica, or Pompeii or Orvieto if you want. In Paris, you might like to go see Versailles or Monet's Giverny or Chartres. All three are very easily reached quickly by train.
What's nice if that those daytrip decisions do not even have to be made before you go. My rule of thumb for major cities has become ONE day trip per five days of stay, if that helps.
The important thing for Rome is to look at hours of operation and closing days of things you want to see. We did book a tour guide for our Vatican tour--and we booked both morning and afternoon for it. The other reservation we made there was for the Borghese Gallery. In general, though, I mapped out what was open when, I'd lay out options for our day at breakfast, and then we'd decide what we wanted to do.
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:49 AM
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Those 3 cities will work, but are you sure that's where you want to go? The Alhambra is to me one of the greatest sights in all of Europe, and Madrid's museums leave those in Barcelona in the dust (I don't enjoy Barcelona anyway). Just to be fair, I don't like Venice either, and I much prefer Rome, so I don't wish to influence you to make my choices. I'm just concerned that a trip that looks very nice and neat on paper, in multiples of threes, might not be as rewarding to you as one that looks messier but actually nets you more riches when it comes to fulfilling your own desires and curiosities. I'm not suggesting you run yourself ragged. In July, you need to craft a pace that fits your stamina. And maybe you already have!
Regarding day trips, most good guidebooks will give you many options with all the details for doing them, and don't be influenced by people telling you what they do. You'll know when you get there if you feel like getting out of town or staying.
Have a great trip!
my bottom line point is that you want to be sure you go where you want. If your trip isn't until next summer, read up more on the attractions of these places and what you want most out of your trip.
Regarding day trips, most good guidebooks will give you many options with all the details for doing them, and don't be influenced by people telling you what they do. You'll know when you get there if you feel like getting out of town or staying.
Have a great trip!
my bottom line point is that you want to be sure you go where you want. If your trip isn't until next summer, read up more on the attractions of these places and what you want most out of your trip.
Jan 5th, 2012, 09:11 AM
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Agree that with th etime you have and wanting to visit major cities limiting it to 3 cities makes sense. Not sure what your must sees are - but I would start by identifying those and then deciding what the 3 cities should be. I love Paris and Rome but find Barcelona kind of hohum and Madrid a lot like Chicago. to me the most fascinating part of Spain is Anadlusia - which has a cultural heritage different from any other place in europe. You might choose Seville instead of Barcelona. But IMHO to see much of Andalusia you would need at lest 10 or 11 days just there. (Remember, each time you move from one city to another you will lost an entire day - from packing, cheking out, getting to train station or airport, trip and then reverse at other end.)
Jan 5th, 2012, 09:12 AM
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A couple thoughts:
Re: Italy: I think you could adjust and see Florence as well if you'd like. We stayed outside Montepulciano in Tuscany a year ago and did a day trip to Rome, along with a day trip to Siena, taking the train to both. We then finished with 3 days in Florence. Not wanting the big city atmosphere meant for us that a day in Rome was fine (and knowing we'd return someday). So depending on what you consider the right atmosphere may guide where you want to base yourself. We actually booked our Vatican museum etc. online, so definitely do-able yourself.
Re: Spain: As others have mentioned, the distances you'll cover to get to Madrid, Barcelona & Granada are pretty significant. Granada to Barcelona is nearly 900 km, so 8-10 hours by car. This will eat up a decent amount of time out of your itinerary, and can also add a decent amount of stress to your vacation. I focusing on Barcelona is smart, and you could decide to add in San Sebastian or other trips from there.
And lastly, as a francophile, more time in Paris could easily be accommodated. Highlights if you haven't been: Eiffel, Orsay Museum, Seine boat ride, Louvre, walking through the Tuilleries, etc. I could go on... If you want to do a wine tasting, O-Chateau is fantastic.
Re: Italy: I think you could adjust and see Florence as well if you'd like. We stayed outside Montepulciano in Tuscany a year ago and did a day trip to Rome, along with a day trip to Siena, taking the train to both. We then finished with 3 days in Florence. Not wanting the big city atmosphere meant for us that a day in Rome was fine (and knowing we'd return someday). So depending on what you consider the right atmosphere may guide where you want to base yourself. We actually booked our Vatican museum etc. online, so definitely do-able yourself.
Re: Spain: As others have mentioned, the distances you'll cover to get to Madrid, Barcelona & Granada are pretty significant. Granada to Barcelona is nearly 900 km, so 8-10 hours by car. This will eat up a decent amount of time out of your itinerary, and can also add a decent amount of stress to your vacation. I focusing on Barcelona is smart, and you could decide to add in San Sebastian or other trips from there.
And lastly, as a francophile, more time in Paris could easily be accommodated. Highlights if you haven't been: Eiffel, Orsay Museum, Seine boat ride, Louvre, walking through the Tuilleries, etc. I could go on... If you want to do a wine tasting, O-Chateau is fantastic.
Jan 5th, 2012, 09:39 AM
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Thanks all! I think we've decided that 7 days in Paris and 7 days in Rome is what we will do. We'll sprinkle in day trips and get the most out of these cities. I realize I was trying to do too much with a slight fear that we'd never be back but my husband said that we will!
So, with that being said does everyone think this agenda will work? Re dunia123: since you did a day trip to Rome could we do a day trip to Tuscany from Rome? How did you travel when you did this?
So, with that being said does everyone think this agenda will work? Re dunia123: since you did a day trip to Rome could we do a day trip to Tuscany from Rome? How did you travel when you did this?
Jan 5th, 2012, 11:13 AM
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While I'm disappointed you won't be visiting Spain (but I am personally biased ) the 7 days Rome, 7 days Paris idea is probably the best for you and your interests. 2 countries in 2 weeks would be the most I'd want to do. You can get to know an area, do daytrips and play alot of your trip by ear, which is my favorite part of travel. Since your husband says you'll return perhaps then you can spend 2 weeks in Spain!
) the 7 days Rome, 7 days Paris idea is probably the best for you and your interests. 2 countries in 2 weeks would be the most I'd want to do. You can get to know an area, do daytrips and play alot of your trip by ear, which is my favorite part of travel. Since your husband says you'll return perhaps then you can spend 2 weeks in Spain!
Jan 5th, 2012, 12:29 PM
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First time poster, but a seasoned traveler
I agree with some of the other posts about trying not to see too much in the time alotted. I made that mistake last year trying to squeeze in London and Paris into three days apiece. We didn't see everything(especially in London...It's HUGE) and the things we did see we didn't actually SEE if you know what I mean.
I agree on going to Paris...it is beutiful, but to see the city as a whole I think four or five days should do it. Make sure you take advantage of the subway system, it is excelent, inexpensive and will take you everywhere you want to go (except Versailles sp?).
I would then take a flight to Florence, stay there for at least five days. See the city, but more so than the city, see the countryside. Tuscany is fabulous..try to make it to Siena. Lucca was a great little town that only takes a half day to see and in accessable by train, Siena is easier reached by bus from Florence.
Next, train it to Rome (only 2hrs, and around $80.00, at least in 09) and head south to the amalfi coast to sorrento if you have to time. I wasn't blown away by Rome personally I had a much better time in Tuscany.
I know it's a lot, but depending on if you will be able to go back again you'll want to see as much as possible, but not feel like your being hurried at the same time.
I agree with some of the other posts about trying not to see too much in the time alotted. I made that mistake last year trying to squeeze in London and Paris into three days apiece. We didn't see everything(especially in London...It's HUGE) and the things we did see we didn't actually SEE if you know what I mean.
I agree on going to Paris...it is beutiful, but to see the city as a whole I think four or five days should do it. Make sure you take advantage of the subway system, it is excelent, inexpensive and will take you everywhere you want to go (except Versailles sp?).
I would then take a flight to Florence, stay there for at least five days. See the city, but more so than the city, see the countryside. Tuscany is fabulous..try to make it to Siena. Lucca was a great little town that only takes a half day to see and in accessable by train, Siena is easier reached by bus from Florence.
Next, train it to Rome (only 2hrs, and around $80.00, at least in 09) and head south to the amalfi coast to sorrento if you have to time. I wasn't blown away by Rome personally I had a much better time in Tuscany.
I know it's a lot, but depending on if you will be able to go back again you'll want to see as much as possible, but not feel like your being hurried at the same time.
Jan 5th, 2012, 12:57 PM
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I would hop the excellent train systems in those three countries to move between the big cities you will want to see - cars are useless nowadays in many large cities, especially those in Italy. check out these superb IMO sites to help get a fix on the European rail system - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. And consider the Eurail Select Saverpass, a railpass valid in any three countries like France, spain and Italy - it even covers in part overnight ferries from Barcelona to Italy!
