blackgold

I am planning a 21 day trip to Europe with my 18 year old granddaughter from approximately April 28 - May 21, 2014. Like most, I would like for us to see as much as possible within the time frame, while taking into account that I am in my 60s and don't get around as well as I did when I last visited there when I was 20 and saw 7 counties in five weeks..

I cannot walk long distances because of knee problems. This will be a lifetime trip for the two of us. It very well may be the only trip to Europe that we ever get to take together, and I want it to be a very memorable experience fir both of us. Here are my current thoughts for an itinerary:

April 28 - Fly from the USA to Amsterdam
April 29 - Arrive in Amsterdam
May 1 - Fly to London
May 1 - 4 London
May 5 Take train to Pairs
May 5 - 8 Paris
May 9 - Fly from Paris to Rome
May 12 - Take train to Florence
May 12-14 Florence
May 14 - Train to Venice
May 14-16 - Venice
May 16 - Night train to Lucerne
May 17-18 Lucerne
May 19 - Train to Zurich
May 21 - Flight to USA

Instead of Switzerland, we could go to Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria and fly home from Munich. I have been to all of the above places except Amsterdam (I want to see all the beautiful blooming tulips and other flowers).. It has been over 40 years since I traveled to these places, I feel sure they will look a great deal different now and fthe way I remember them. .

Thank you for any suggestions. I do admit this trip is doable, but ambitious. There are so many places that we can go. Renting a car is also an option.

Dukey1

Plan on a day trip to Keukenhof to see the flowers while in Amsterdam; you might consider taking the train to London from Amsterdam.

You might want to reconsider the night train Venice-Luzern idea; too many stops on the way and in the middle of the night IMO...

Rubicund

Looks Ok and reasonably well paced, bit why not fly to Pisa from Paris instead of Rome. It's nearer to Florence and a much easier airport to get away from.

Dukey1

Because the OP is planning to spend three days IN Rome

adrienne

<< why not fly to Pisa from Paris instead of Rome >>

You have to read between the lines in this itinerary as not all days are shown. The OP is spending 2 days in Rome.

<< You might want to reconsider the night train Venice-Luzern idea; too many stops on the way and in the middle of the night IMO >>

It's not only the stops but a minimum of 2 changes. The train with 2 changes has a 5 hour wait in Bellinzona between 1 and 6 am. The trains with 2 and 3 changes have a 2.5 hour wait at 2am.

Perhaps an extra day in Amsterdam so you can see some sights there as well as the flowers.

This itinerary is a bit fast-paced giving little time in London, Paris, and Rome; 2.5 to 3 days in each city. I would cut out Switzerland and add some time to your other locations.

I would not rent a car since you're visiting cities and taking trains is much easier. You can use public transportation or taxis within cities to get around when you're not walking.

mamcalice

I would seriously consider flying from Paris to Venice, eliminating Switzerland and flying home from Rome. You can then add the 5 days to London, Paris and Italy. This option will allow you to actually experience the places you are visiting. As it is, you are just "passing through" most of them.

valtor

I totally agree with Adrienne; take out Switzerland at all. I would add 2 days in Rome, 1 in Paris, one in Londod.

PalenQ

May 14-16 - Venice
May 16 - Night train to Lucerne>

there is no night train anymore from Italy to Switzerland - for lots of great info on European trains and planning a rail trip check out these IMO superb sites - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

check www.trenitalia.com for Italian train schedules and to book online discounted tickets if you are 100% sure of your travel dates as those tickets are generally non-refundable non-changeable and as the discounted tickets are sold in limited numbers must be booked weeks ahead of time to get - but you can save some money by booking in advance.

You are not traveling enough on trains to merit any railpass.

PalenQ

ttt

msteacher

I agree with the above posters that you could easily do with more time in each of these cities. You only have one full day in Amsterdam. I'd either add more days there or skip it altogether. As mentioned above, the best place to experience the tulips is at Keukenhof gardens, which is a short trip outside the city. It will take the better part of a day.

Seven cities in 21 days means that you are spending at least one third of your vacation days traveling. Remember that it takes time to pack up, get from your hotel to train station or airport, (and you usually need to arrive early), travel, then get to your new hotel and get oriented to a new city. That's a half day minimum each time you move. I'd suggest eliminating one or two cities, giving you more time to really enjoy and experience those places you do visit.

RogerM

Way, way, way too ambitious if you're after memories of places, cultures and time experiencing it all with your granddaughter rather than the stress and hassles that come with travel. The previous poster, msteacher, has summed it up well. I was struck by your comment that, when in your 20's, you saw seven countries over the course of five weeks - and now you're planning essentially the same thing in three weeks.

dwdvagamundo

Much too much too much. Amsterdam, London and Paris OR Italy. Italy is wonderful and neither you nor she will forget it.

blackgold

Thanks to all for your recommendations. I will leave Switzerland off and add the extra days to Amsterdam, London, Paris, and Italy. This is more realistic and won't be so fast-paced.

Gretchen

I like it ever so much better, and your GD will LOVE the tour more. she has a lifetime to return--you will have introduced her and planted the travel seed!! You could even pare it down more (the trap is "try to see as much as possible"). See things that will be more in depth, unforgettable, an experience of the heart so she'll love it, and when she does return, will remember who was with her the first time!!
More time in Paris. With your new itinerary Amsterdam doesn't have to be your arrival port--short train trip from Paris maybe.

StCirq

Agree with everyone else...WAY too much. Realize that your GD won't even know what she's missing and will love what she does get to experience.

hetismij2

Why not arrive in Amsterdam, train to Paris, train to London, fly to Italy?

Gretchen

Interesting idea, after processing it!! I'd still take the cheapest entry/exit combo. ;o)

DiG

You have May 14 as being at night in both Florence and Venice. You have May 16 as being at night in Venice and on night train to Lucerne. Your dates show 22 nights without flying to Europe.

A) I agree with the suggestions to add more time and stay in less places. However, with the understanding that you may not be returning to some of these places like Switzerland,
Look at choosing one base there, Geneva (GVA) or Zurich (ZRH) for 3 nights.
Both cities offers side trips into the country side and lake excursion tours.

Take the planned 4th night for Switzerland and add it to Amsterdam. This allows you time for a side trip to the Keukenhof Gardens. You may want to do this April 30th, Queen’s Day, which is a national holiday. The entire city is packed to the brim with revelers. Moving around the city is practically impassable. The national parade comes through, too, and begins in the outlying towns. If you take off early in the morning to go out to the Gardens, you’ll only have to deal with the latter party atmosphere which runs into the evening.

Museums in AMS are so popular. Even when you have advanced tickets or a museum pass they take a half day. Without an additional day here, you’d only have just a late afternoon and evening remaining with your original plan, and you have never been there.

By eliminating now, the NT for Lucerne, you can add that night to Rome or Florence for a 4 N stay. Allows time for side trips or extra time to soak up these great cities.
Florence: Day trip by bus into Tuscany towns of Sienna & San Gimignano are popular destinations. Rome: Day tours to Pompeii and Rome Cooking classes are popular.

Reduce the smaller city of Venice to 2 nights to make up for listing May 14 as staying in two places. >Train ride between Venice and Florence is brief. You’d get 2 Nights and 1 & 1 /2 days in Venice.

D) Reduce London to 3 nights to make up for listing May 16 as staying in two places. London is a place you may easily return to in your future.

E) Some Transportation tips and cost ideas to consider.
Compare flight versus train costs and times for AMS - London.
Train for Paris - GVA time is 3:32 hours, cost roughly 52 euros/$70.00.
Train Florence to Venice is just over 2.00 hours, cost just over $78.00

-Fly GVA to VCE (Venice) time is 4:10 hours, cost on KLM is $260 for a one stop.
-Fly from GVA to FLR (Florence) time is 4 hours, cost on AF (AirFrance) is $287.00 for a one stop; and cost on Alitalia nonstop is $389.00
-Train GVA to FLR time is 6-8 hours, cost is 164-294 euros/ $220.94 -
-Train GVA to VCE time is 9:26 hours, cost is 269 euros/$362.41

-Fly ZRH to VCE is 1:10 hours, cost on Swiss Air is $550 for non-stop; time for a one stop is 4:25 hours, cost on KLM and Swiss Air is $292.
-Fly ZRH to FLR time is 4:30 hours, cost on AF is $286.00; time for nonstop is 1:15 hours, cost on Swiss Air is $550.
-Train ZRH to VCE time is 6:30 hours, cost 69.50 - 108.50 euros /$93.60-$146.20
-Train ZRH to FLR time is 5:45 hours, cost 164 euros/$220.95-$396.00

-Fly ZRH to FCO (Rome) is 4:30 hours, cost on KLM is $243.00 for one stop; time for nonstop is 1:30 hours, cot on Alitalia and Swiss Air average $340.00

F) Sightseeing tours for major cities of London, Paris, Rome look at www.londonwalks.com
The link will connect you to all the cities where they offer (2-2.5 hours) walking tours
at a cost of 12 euros. No reservation needed and they go rain or shine. Specialty tours and private tours are also offered.

Suggested Itinerary:
April 28 Fly from US to AMS
April 29 Arrive AMS
April 29-May 1 AMS
May 2 Fly or Train to London
May 2 - 4 London
May 5 Train to Paris
May 5-8 Paris
May 9 Train to Geneva
May 9 - 11 Geneva
May 12 Fly GVA to Venice
May 12- 13 Venice
May 14 Train to Florence
May 14-16 Florence
May 17 Train to Rome
May 17-20 Rome
May 21 Fly home from Rome

AMS 3
London 3
Paris 4
Swiss city 3
Venice 2
Florence 3
Rome 4

DiG

It's your trip. You're introducing you GD to so much and you'll both have this cherished bond
forever. Definitely go to where you haven't been, and spend more time in places you enjoy or didn't have enough time for during your 7 countries in 5 weeks.

I just tried to help you make your original itinerary a reality.

Happy travels!

artsnletters

Maybe it's a quibble, but DiG's itinerary does <i>not</i> give you three days in London. It will be 2 and maybe an hour or two by the time you get there on May 2. I agree that you need the extra day in Amsterdam though and, actually, with the sentiment that London is an easy place to return to and thus could be shorted on this trip.