Europe in the Winter for a week
Oct 17th, 2016, 08:12 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Europe in the Winter for a week
Hello! My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in late December-January of this year and we are trying to narrow down the list of where we want to visit.
We are thinking a 6-9 day trip and are open to traveling to 1-3 places. I don't want to over extend ourselves by signing up for more time on a train than in a city.
We are currently looking into Amsterdam, Paris, Prague and London but are open to any other ideas!
Recognizing that travel between some of those locations is lengthy, we would like to get to at least two places.
Any advice for a short Europe trip in December/January would be greatly appreciated. We've both been to Germany and I have been to Italy so we are trying to go to new places.
Thanks in advance!
We are thinking a 6-9 day trip and are open to traveling to 1-3 places. I don't want to over extend ourselves by signing up for more time on a train than in a city.
We are currently looking into Amsterdam, Paris, Prague and London but are open to any other ideas!
Recognizing that travel between some of those locations is lengthy, we would like to get to at least two places.
Any advice for a short Europe trip in December/January would be greatly appreciated. We've both been to Germany and I have been to Italy so we are trying to go to new places.
Thanks in advance!
Oct 17th, 2016, 08:24 AM
#2
Any combo of two would work -- but rushed if the trip is 6 or 7 days total (that only leaves you 3.5-4.5 days free)
If the trip is 9 days total (6.5 free days) then just pick the two that interest you the most. Fly open jaw in to one city and home from the other . . .
OR - you could spend the entire time in either London OR Paris and do maybe one day trip of of the city.
If the trip is 9 days total (6.5 free days) then just pick the two that interest you the most. Fly open jaw in to one city and home from the other . . .
OR - you could spend the entire time in either London OR Paris and do maybe one day trip of of the city.
Oct 17th, 2016, 08:34 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,963
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The first consideration is the many closures over that time period. Plan your movements so that you don't arrive in a new place and everything is closed. Happened to us many years ago in Padua, and I mean EVERYTHING was closed. Not even the local police (and we speak Italian) could help us find anything to eat except roasted nuts of some kind from a street vendor.
Finally someone found us the only restaurant that would open for dinner. I think it was Xmas day the 25th.
I would not consider more than two of the cities you list - my first preference would be Paris and Amsterdam if you really want two. Paris alone can keep you happy for 9 days, there is so much more than the obvious few spots that every superficial website touts.
For example, not many people bother with the entire list of museums run by the city of Paris - see http://parismusees.paris.fr/fr/les-m...ville-de-paris.
I rarely see mentions of Cernuschi, Bourdelle, Galliera, La Vie Romantique, Zadkine museums - delightful every one of them.
Ditto with the fabulous libraries (in France, a librairie is a bookshop, a lending library is a Bibliothèque) - they often have temporary exhibitions, see
www.bnf.fr/en/tools/a.welcome_to_the_bnf.html for the National Library Branches, and for the 75 libraries of the city of Paris (many also with events and exhibitions) see http://www.paris-bibliotheques.org/l...s-municipales/
The days will be very short, weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you rent a comfortable place well in advance, you'll want to retreat and have some cozy home life in between outings. I would look for an apartment for the entire duration in Paris, with kitchen and that sort of home comfort, through
http://en.gites-de-france.com/holida...bre-hotes.html
or www.housetrip.com
we've used both and were happy.
Finally someone found us the only restaurant that would open for dinner. I think it was Xmas day the 25th.
I would not consider more than two of the cities you list - my first preference would be Paris and Amsterdam if you really want two. Paris alone can keep you happy for 9 days, there is so much more than the obvious few spots that every superficial website touts.
For example, not many people bother with the entire list of museums run by the city of Paris - see http://parismusees.paris.fr/fr/les-m...ville-de-paris.
I rarely see mentions of Cernuschi, Bourdelle, Galliera, La Vie Romantique, Zadkine museums - delightful every one of them.
Ditto with the fabulous libraries (in France, a librairie is a bookshop, a lending library is a Bibliothèque) - they often have temporary exhibitions, see
www.bnf.fr/en/tools/a.welcome_to_the_bnf.html for the National Library Branches, and for the 75 libraries of the city of Paris (many also with events and exhibitions) see http://www.paris-bibliotheques.org/l...s-municipales/
The days will be very short, weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you rent a comfortable place well in advance, you'll want to retreat and have some cozy home life in between outings. I would look for an apartment for the entire duration in Paris, with kitchen and that sort of home comfort, through
http://en.gites-de-france.com/holida...bre-hotes.html
or www.housetrip.com
we've used both and were happy.
Oct 17th, 2016, 09:28 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are currently looking into Amsterdam, Paris, Prague and London but are open to any other ideas!
London, Amsterdam or Paris are all fairly short train rides apartso chose two - and book your train tickets very early to snag deep discounts -London -Paris v.v. www.eurostar.com - Amsterdam-Paris www.thalys.com. Easy to book own online with either and ASAP- such tickets are non-changeable non-refundable i believe so be sure of your time.
fly open jaw - into say Amsterdam and out of Paris or London- 6 days only two places -9 days could do a day or two in Amsterdam and split the rest between Paris and London.
Prague is an outlier and in winter often much colder than the others- you would of course fly there.
For lots on trains check www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.
London, Amsterdam or Paris are all fairly short train rides apartso chose two - and book your train tickets very early to snag deep discounts -London -Paris v.v. www.eurostar.com - Amsterdam-Paris www.thalys.com. Easy to book own online with either and ASAP- such tickets are non-changeable non-refundable i believe so be sure of your time.
fly open jaw - into say Amsterdam and out of Paris or London- 6 days only two places -9 days could do a day or two in Amsterdam and split the rest between Paris and London.
Prague is an outlier and in winter often much colder than the others- you would of course fly there.
For lots on trains check www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.
Oct 17th, 2016, 10:20 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,858
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally, I'd do London and Paris.
Amsterdam and Prague don't entice me in the dead of winter. Prague might, but it's too far away.
If I had to add a city, it would be something in southern France, Marseille or Nice. Fast train to Paris not too bad from southern france, especially Marseille or Avignon (or even Lyon would work). Nice is longer, of course but could be fun then.
Amsterdam and Prague don't entice me in the dead of winter. Prague might, but it's too far away.
If I had to add a city, it would be something in southern France, Marseille or Nice. Fast train to Paris not too bad from southern france, especially Marseille or Avignon (or even Lyon would work). Nice is longer, of course but could be fun then.
Oct 17th, 2016, 11:04 AM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Of the cities you mention, Amsterdam and Paris sound like a good match to me. London and Paris might also work, but in London, there is absolutely no public transportation at all on Christmas and not much more on Boxing Day (the 26th).
<i> Plan your movements so that you don't arrive in a new place and everything is closed. Happened to us many years ago in Padua, and I mean EVERYTHING was closed. Not even the local police (and we speak Italian) could help us find anything to eat except roasted nuts of some kind from a street vendor.
</i>
Many years ago, probably all Italians ate Christmas dinner at home. These days, there are many more travelers, non-Christians, non-traditionalists, and non-cooks. In almost any Italian town or city, you'd find a place to eat on Christmas. However, I don't think Italy was being discussed here.
<i> Plan your movements so that you don't arrive in a new place and everything is closed. Happened to us many years ago in Padua, and I mean EVERYTHING was closed. Not even the local police (and we speak Italian) could help us find anything to eat except roasted nuts of some kind from a street vendor.
</i>
Many years ago, probably all Italians ate Christmas dinner at home. These days, there are many more travelers, non-Christians, non-traditionalists, and non-cooks. In almost any Italian town or city, you'd find a place to eat on Christmas. However, I don't think Italy was being discussed here.
Oct 17th, 2016, 11:52 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Paris on Christmas Day has many cafes, small shops and even some lesser museums open - much to my surprise - tons of folks out strolling- like a Sunday kind of. Not dead as a door nail like London or most European cities- the French celebrate Xmas the night before with family dinner and go out strolling, etc on Christmas Day. And transportation runs like on Sundays - meaning frequently.
In Amsterdam the week between Xmas and New Years is one of the busiest of the year - tons of folks out and about - New Years Eve is bombastic:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-bombastic.cfm
In Amsterdam the week between Xmas and New Years is one of the busiest of the year - tons of folks out and about - New Years Eve is bombastic:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-bombastic.cfm
Oct 17th, 2016, 05:12 PM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
London is tricky since they have 2 holidays Christmas Day followed by Boxing Day - first has o transit and second I think is limited. So although it's one of my favorites I wold tend to do Paris and Amsterdam. Do be prepared for the weather, which may be fairly mild (for winter) or can be cold and snowy.
Oct 17th, 2016, 05:53 PM
#9
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that Christmas to NY is not the time to go if you are relying on public transport or want to see sights. Many countries shut down Christmas Eve and Christmas. I'd go earlier in December if you want to see the Christmas decorations or later in January.
Also note that Europe is cold. I've lived in Chicago and the Mideastern States and even early March in Europe is freezing and can have snow in the Northern parts.
Also note that Europe is cold. I've lived in Chicago and the Mideastern States and even early March in Europe is freezing and can have snow in the Northern parts.
Oct 17th, 2016, 06:05 PM
#10
I have often been in London and (fewer times) Paris in late Dec . . . and while Dec 25 is a 'no public transport day' in London -- that is ONLY Christmas Day. And that is a great day to be out walking and seeing the city w/o that daily hordes.
In fact last year I landed at LHR on Xmas Day -- pre-booked a car service to my apartment . . . and spent the whole rest of the day walking both banks of the Thames. Boxing Day transport runs a Sunday schedule so you can get just about anywhere. Other days are all normal service.
In fact last year I landed at LHR on Xmas Day -- pre-booked a car service to my apartment . . . and spent the whole rest of the day walking both banks of the Thames. Boxing Day transport runs a Sunday schedule so you can get just about anywhere. Other days are all normal service.
Oct 19th, 2016, 11:45 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well apparently no inter-city trains run on Boxing Day so if planning to travel elsewhere plan again.
What kind of country has no inter-city rail service for two days in a row? I know of none except the UK.
I did not do an exhaustive search but did check for any London to Manchester trains Dec 25-26 and there were none, at least on www.bahn.de
What kind of country has no inter-city rail service for two days in a row? I know of none except the UK.
I did not do an exhaustive search but did check for any London to Manchester trains Dec 25-26 and there were none, at least on www.bahn.de
Oct 19th, 2016, 12:05 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your input. I think we have decided on Paris and Amsterdam. We will most likely be leaving for our trip a few days after Christmas, so now to decide where to spend New Year's Eve!
I am very excited to visit some of the museums that have been posted.
Please feel free to provide any "must sees" in either city!
Have a great day!
I am very excited to visit some of the museums that have been posted.
Please feel free to provide any "must sees" in either city!
Have a great day!
Oct 19th, 2016, 01:45 PM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Please feel free to provide any "must sees" in either city!>
My two euro cents'worth:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ite-things.cfm
My two euro cents'worth:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ite-things.cfm
Oct 21st, 2016, 11:52 AM
#19
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Why do people keep saying London is closed Boxing Day!!!??? Transport is a Sunday service! It is the biggest shopping day of the year!"
To the comments on London transport. Likely the reason it keeps coming up is that transportation is truly quite limited in London on Boxing Day which is surprising to many people given that many large shops/department stores are open for sales.
Yes, the Underground (Tube) runs on Boxing Day but it is a limited schedule. The Overground does not run on Boxing Day nor do the various mainline commuter trains (Southwest, Southeast, Midland, etc etc). Even Gatwick and Heathrow connections are tough - for example Heathrow Connect does not run except for between terminals.
I lived outside of London and commuted in for work via Southwest trains/Overground. If I wanted to get into London on Boxing Day to shop, my only choice was to drive.
To the comments on London transport. Likely the reason it keeps coming up is that transportation is truly quite limited in London on Boxing Day which is surprising to many people given that many large shops/department stores are open for sales.
Yes, the Underground (Tube) runs on Boxing Day but it is a limited schedule. The Overground does not run on Boxing Day nor do the various mainline commuter trains (Southwest, Southeast, Midland, etc etc). Even Gatwick and Heathrow connections are tough - for example Heathrow Connect does not run except for between terminals.
I lived outside of London and commuted in for work via Southwest trains/Overground. If I wanted to get into London on Boxing Day to shop, my only choice was to drive.
Oct 21st, 2016, 12:11 PM
#20
But you are talking about traveling in to/out from London.
IN London there really are few limitations. Just a typical Sunday service. Tubes, buses, taxis, river taxis etc all run -- on a little more limited schedule.
IN London there really are few limitations. Just a typical Sunday service. Tubes, buses, taxis, river taxis etc all run -- on a little more limited schedule.
