Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

need advise on first time travel to Europe

need advise on first time travel to Europe

Old Aug 18th, 2014, 10:28 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
need advise on first time travel to Europe

It is my first time travel to Europe. will be visiting Rome, Paris and Barcelona. what are the places and things must see for first time to these regions? I enjoy art as well as nature and anything in between. 10 days duration for all 3 destinations. Thanks you
Itravelnow is offline  
Old Aug 18th, 2014, 11:04 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,548
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
Do you have 10 days total including travel to/from Europe? Or are you actually traveling for 12 days and have 9.5 to 10 days 'on the ground'?

If you do have ten full days not counting travel -- that is still a very rushed itinerary. When you count hotel to hotel, you will lose nearly a full day traveling from Paris to Rome and another day from Rome to Barcelona.

When are you traveling?

To get some ideas what to see, click on "Destinations' at the top of this page. There is info about all three cities. But agin - you will have very little time in each place.
janisj is online now  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 02:30 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Agree that this trip is very rushed - I would do only 2 cities.

And how can we pick what to see when we know nothing about you or your companion(s)?

You need to get some guidebooks and get some general info so you can pick out what is most important to YOU.

Then people can advise on how much you can fit in.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 03:42 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You'll only have 2.5 days in each location so you will need to choose your sights carefully. These are cities, not regions. Since you have such a short time in each city you won't have time to explore outside the cities.

There is tons of art in these cities plus lots of other things to see.

Click on the word "destinations" above and you'll find some ideas. Or go to your local library and start reading some guide books.
adrienne is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 08:39 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>

These aren't "regions" they are major cities.

And the website upon which this forum appears has extensive resources for you to review for each one.
BigRuss is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 09:26 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for your input. I will do some homework. I have 3 days at each city excluding time of transportation. my friend and I are mostly interested in Culture, food and historical landmark. Again, thanks for your help.
Itravelnow is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 11:24 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 8,306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
"will be visiting Rome, Paris and Barcelona. what are the places and things must see for first time to these regions?"
I suppose you know exactly what you want to visit in these 3 places, otherwise you wouldn't have chosen such a exotic itinerary.
May be you could check the Barcelona - Civitavecchia (Rome) ferry too.
A somewhat decent visit of Rome in 3 days or less is hardly possible.
neckervd is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 11:54 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thank you all for your help. My first time in Europe, it's true that I want to visit some places, but I want to ask for input as for some places that I don't know of but absolutely must see.
Itravelnow is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 12:03 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is my first time travel to Europe. will be visiting Rome, Paris and Barcelona.>

Like others have said those three are too much for a 10-day trip - you need a day to travel between each one, even if flying.

I'd center on Paris and Barcelona or Paris and Rome - the latter if this is your first trip to Europe - few cities can rival the lures of Rome, from the Vatican to ancient ruins, the Colosseum, etc.

Fly open-jaw - land in Paris and fly back from Rome - you may be able to squeeze a day even into Florence - I'd either fly from Paris to Rome or take an overnight train Paris to Milan and then an Italian train to Florence. If you've never experienced an overnight train that is an experience! (Good for some, bad for light sleepers) - for lots of stuff about night trains and trains in general (you could easily do a day trip by rail from Rome to Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and a marvel also to behold) - anyway great rail sites: www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
Note that to go by day train Paris to Rome would mean an all-day travail on trains with a change of train in hectic Milano Centrale station.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Aug 19th, 2014, 01:24 PM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks PalenQ, for your input. I booked a flight from Rome to Paris only 90 minutes and hope that will help to cut down time of transportation. again, thanks
Itravelnow is offline  
Old Aug 22nd, 2014, 10:32 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Itravelnow: This will echo what most of the other informed travelers have already said - but yes- your plan to hit those 3 cities in 10 days will result in a very rushed trip. The hectic pace, I submit, will simply result in a less-than pleasant experience. I understand that you're trying to drink Europe in, but don't choke on it. Instead, enjoy your time. Therefore, I agree that your initial step should be to think seriously about hitting only two cities (my recommendation Paris and Rome), and flying into one and out of the other is good advice.

Otherwise, I guess I really don't understand why you say, "I want to ask for input as for some places that I don't know of but absolutely must see." Well, the places you "absolutely must see" are not secrets: they're the ones you've heard and read about or seen on TV all your life, and on this, your first trip in, that's where you'll want to go. Echoing again what others have said, I refer you to the destination sections in Fodors that provide a good basis with helpful priorities and suggested itineraries.

My last suggestion is that you view this trip as not your only one to Europe. I wager that you'll be back. So, you needn't try to do it all at once.
zola is offline  
Old Aug 22nd, 2014, 11:33 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Itravelnow--

Get yourself a good guidebook for each of the two or three cities you will visit and read about the "must sees" and where they are in relation to each other so you can map out a logical route--or follow the route laid out in the guide.
As Zola says, the "must sees" are the things that everyone sees.

You will not see much nature in any of those very large cities outside of the zoo and you won't have time to travel outside to see any.
dwdvagamundo is offline  
Old Aug 24th, 2014, 08:22 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I booked a flight from Rome to Paris only 90 minutes and hope that will help to cut down time of transportation. again, thanks>

Yes a good move IMO - two cities in 10 days - use them as bases and do a day trip say from Paris to Chartres and its world-famous cathedral or Reims and its Champagne Houses' tours (and imbibing!) or even to the D-Day beaches in Normandy - all easily done by train.

And in Rome there are many too - Pompeii though a longer day trip is eminently possible - or to Tivoli and Hadrian's Villas and the famous water gardens of the Villa d'Este or to Ostia Antica or to an iconic hill town like Orviet0 - again all easily done by public transit.

Even though flying in only 90 minutes it will take time to get to the airport - pack up in the morning, unpack in Rome, etc - at least half a day if not more so you really have only 4 days in Rome.

Not enough time to also fly to Barcelona unless you just want to see a handful of major (and always mobbed) blockbuster sites in each place.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Aug 24th, 2014, 09:58 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
With less than 5 whole days in each of these cities, I wouldn't even attempt day trips... if one isn't used to navigating train stations in European countries, there goes another half day lost.

I could easily spend (and have) double the number of days in Paris and not run out of things to do, and Rome, while I've never been, I would give myself a good week, if not longer.
Ruby99 is offline  
Old Aug 24th, 2014, 10:41 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Unless you have some very specific interests the major sights in each city are the major sights and with the limited time you have you will have to select which to see and which to miss.

In terms of unusual things to do we met on one flight from NY to London a couple coming to europe for the first time - and their entire trip focused one church organs. It turned out he was the organist of a large cathedral and what was most important to them was seeing some famous organs - and church choirs in specific cathedrals - and he had introductions to organists in some o them.

But without knowing specific interests that you have - such as this - it's difficult to get past the most famous sights in the world.

IMHO 3 full days (4 nights) is the minimum to see much of anything in Rome and I would make that 4 days (5 nights) for Paris - or one more if you want to see Versailles or Chartres or Giverney. (If you don;t know what these are and why to go you need to do a LOT of reading.)

I like the Michelin green guides since it not only gives you in-depth info about the various sight it will tell you how long you should expect to see it. For instance, some months ago there was someone who wanted to see the Tower of London in less than an hour. You can do that if you look at if from the outside, but to tour the inside (The Tower is not one building but multiple buildings from different times and includes a gallery with the crown jewels as well as an in depth tour by the Beefeaters - showing cells where various famous persons were held and executed - or rarely, released) that it takes 4 hours to see much of anything.

If in doubt have a look at the websites of some of the most famous sights so you know what to expect.
nytraveler is offline  
Old Aug 24th, 2014, 11:08 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>

The OP never said she eliminated Barcelona; only that a flight was booked between Rome and Paris.

>

What places do you know about. I could give a list of hundreds of sights in these 3 cities but it could be redundant.

Barcelona:
Sagrada Familia
Parc Guell
Casa Battlo
La Pedrera
Palau de la Musica
Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
Ramblas
Sant Pau Hospital
Palau Güell
MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya)

Paris
Houses of Worship:
Val-de-Grace Church
Mosque (followed by tea in the garden)
St-Etienne-du-Mont Church
St-Denis Basilica
St-Germain-des-Pres Church
St-Sulpice Church
Notre Dame Cathedral
St-Merri Church
St-Eustache Church
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church
St-Julian-le-Pauvre Church
Ste-Chapelle

Museums:
Orsay Museum
Orangerie Museum
Rodin Museum
Maillol Museum
Marmatton Museum
Picasso Museum (reopening June 2014)
Jewish Museum
Cluny Museum
Jacquemart-Andre Museum
Nissim de Camondo Museum
Montmartre Museum
Pasteur Museum
Museum of Romantic Life
Gustav Moreau Museum
Pantheon

Cemeteries:
Pere Lachaise
Montparnasse

Gardens & Squares:
Luxembourg Gardens
Places des Vosges
Carnavalet Garden
Bois de Boulogne

Markets:
Rue Daguerre
Rue Mouffetard
Rue Montorgueil

Misc:
Opera Garnier
Pont Alexandre III
Ile St-Louis
Hotel Dieu
Seine Cruise
Stravinsky Fountain
Arab Institute
Art Deco buildings
Eiffel Tower Backstage Tour
Belleville
Passages
adrienne is offline  
Old Aug 24th, 2014, 12:26 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,919
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Those three cities are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the "must-see" sights in each city are extremely crowded. I suggest that you pick one or two "must-see" sites in each city, and spend the rest of your times exploring some unknown hidden gems. Otherwise, you will spend your entire holiday shuffling along in a horde of other tourists, and miss entirely the special charm of each city.
bvlenci is offline  
Old Aug 26th, 2014, 09:10 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
. I suggest that you pick one or two "must-see" sites in each city, and spend the rest of your times exploring some unknown hidden gems. Otherwise, you will spend your entire holiday shuffling along in a horde of other tourists, and miss entirely the special charm of each city.>

Good idea but not practical for folks who have been dreaming of visiting the top sites of say Paris or Rome all their lives - so they skip the Vatican or Louvre, etc then they regret later not having seen them - no on a first-time visit do the blockbuster sites and next time explore off the path places.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Aug 26th, 2014, 11:11 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,445
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm with Palenque--the OP should get some guide books and review the lists of top things to do or check out the Travel Guides elsewhere on this website, as the top sites in each city will be to some extent a matter of the OP's interests.

Adrienne lists enough "must sees" in Paris for several weeks stay. For a three to five day stay, you'll have to cut the list drastically. For example, you like art, so in Paris, that means the Louvre for sure. For Impressionists, the Orsay and for modern art, the Pompidou. We visited each of these our first time in Paris, which was only about four days, plus Cluny for medieval art. So it is possible to see all of these in a short time, keeping in mind that you can't see everything in the Louvre in one visit, or even several.

For religious institutions, Notre Dame and Ste-Chapelle. Eiffel Tower of course. We also enjoyed the Conciergerie, right next to Ste-Chapelle, but you might not.

For Rome, try this three-day itinerary, which I think is pretty good.http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...e-192538-2.cfm

Can't speak to Barcelona.
dwdvagamundo is offline  
Old Aug 26th, 2014, 12:01 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 742
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Once you get those guidebooks and decided what you're planning on visiting, make sure you know what day of the week what you're visiting is closed. A lot of museums are closed on Monday. Also, try and purchase tickets in advance to 'skip the line' at attractions, which can be quite a time saver. Be prepared for a lot of walking! And, as with Paris, you can spend your entire 10 days very easily in Rome.

My suggestion would be to put together an itinerary, then come back here with it and ask for tweaks to it. There's a good chance you'll get some ideas you hadn't even thought of.
Debs is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -