First time in Europe? Spend the whole time in Paris.

What are your interests? I second Paris the entire time also.

Are you spending several days in Barcelona either pre or post cruise? That is a city that needs to be more that a brief visit. But if you already have some extra time allocated for Barcelona, then I would pick Paris and Amsterdam. You can take a night train from Barcelona to Paris, then go to Amsterdam to finish up. Amsterdam is a smaller city than London and you could see most of it in 2 or 3 days, leaving you 5 for Paris.

We are interested in culture, history, wine tasting, people watching, and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, camping. We are staying in Barcelona a day and a half pre cruise and another three days post cruise. Then thinking of taking overnight train to Paris for about 4 days then to Amsterdam for two days. We will then fly out of Amsterdam. We don't know when we will get back so we would like to see as much as possible but without taking from the trip. Thanks for your responses.

Kaje - that sounds like a good plan to me!

I'd cut your days in Barcelona post-cruise by at least a day. When you get to Paris you will wish you weren't going on to Amsterdam!! Is flying out of Amsterdam now written in stone? REally, there is SO much to experience in Paris--and particularly for your stated interests. have a really solid memory of your places by investing the time. You can even do a day trip to Giverny which I never recommend for that short a time (less than a week) in Paris. But I use it to demonstrate one more thing in the environs.
And I love Amsterdam--but for a first time, and you will have had a nice cruise, I'll take Paris, as they say.

Kaje - I agree with Paris.

I've have visited all three cities extensively, and would go back to Paris tomorrow, if I had a ticket.

My longest trip to Paris was 2 weeks, and I didn't even scratch the surface.

I would say split it between London and Paris with the bigger slice going to Paris. I agree with most on here that Paris leaves you wanting more but London shouldn't be swept under the rug.

Maybe 3 days London & 4 days Paris. If you put on your jogging shoes so to speak you could see most of the highlights in that span. If you'll pick one though make it Paris

I am in the minority here, apparently. Yes, I think Paris is nice to visit, but having been twice, I have no desire to return. It just doesn't fill my sail for some reason. Amsterdam on the other hand, I absolutely love and would return time and time again. So, my vote is Paris and Amsterdam.

You will probably get so many different opinions you won't know what to do even after you've posted your question. It will be a great trip at any rate, and no matter where you go.

We are interested in culture, history, wine tasting, people watching, and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, camping. >>

so you are going on a cruise and then want to stay in 2 or 3 cities?

why not stay in Spain and go hiking, boating and camping?

Wow. Thank you for so many replies and opinions. As to why not stay in Spain? I've never been to Europe and will likely not have a chance to go again for several years so I would like to see more than one place. The cruise stops at several ports, 3 of which are in Italy, but you never get the full gist when cruising. One thing is for sure, most people love Paris and while I really wanted to go to London, I'm told it's more like NYC in a way. Given that I'm from NYC, I think we will eliminate Paris.

Since there have been so many great responses, any thoughts about definites to do in each city. I am also going to Cannes, Rome, Espheus, Santorini, and Naples with the cruise line. I've been researching whether or in which cities it is necessary to take an excursion. Whew, I'm overwhelmed. Nothing like a Caribbean Island trip.

Meant to say eliminate London.

Hello again, I am trying to figure out how to get tickets from barcelona to paris. I am on the Renfe site. Which Barcelona station should I choose? And which Paris station should I choose? Thank you.

hi Kaje,

the best website for intercountry travel, at least for starters, is bahn.de. this is showing Barcelona sants to Paris gare de Lyon taking 7-9 hours with 1 or 2 changes.

that should be enough to get you started on RENFE.

You might want to look into flying from Barcelona to Paris. Easyjet and Vueling both have cheap non-stop flights.

I've used Vueling to fly from Paris to Rome with no trouble.

Have a great trip!

I totally agree with annhig! We have been to Paris and Amsterdam and, yes, they are great. But, while in the "neighborhood", I would explore more of Spain. You will also save on travel time. We went to Barcelona and up the Costa Bravo for 9 days last May and I had wished we had more time. I would be happy to discuss it with you more fully if you are interested @ karp.family@verizon.net. Please feel free to get in touch. Also, look at the posts/trip reports by "kwoo".