DinaMia

I'm planning a trip for 2016 for a large group of my immediate family as well as some extended family. It would comprise 6 middle aged adults, 3 young adults and 2 teens.

We are hoping to cover a lot of ground since this will be a first trip to Europe for many and only the second trip for the rest of us. We know that we want to start by flying into Prague and finishing in Lake Como area (flying out of Milan). But the in-between is the question.....

I'm suggesting to the group that we do four satellite cities with four day stays at each for a total of 16 days. Perhaps Vienna, Trieste, Salzburg, Munich, somewhere in Switzerland as the in between places.

There is a great deal of interest in WWII history as well as anything historic as well as being outdoors (walks, biking, views, etc).

We are hoping to find accommodations thru VRBO. We did this when we were in Italy in 2011 and got a great apartment in the heart of Florence. Loved it!

Here are the questions:
What is the best way to travel with a group this size for this proposed route?
Would it make more sense to break it into two satellite cities with a week in each (and then do day trips from there?) given the logistics of hurding cats through Europe?
Is there a place or route that is a must see?

Because of the teens, we will have to go during the summer months, is there a better time than others? Words of advice? I do know that it is the worst possible time re: crowds, etc but I can't see a way around it.

Any help, suggestions or ideas are appreciated. We are super early here just trying to figure out the big idea logistics right now.

THanks!!

kybourbon

>>>16 days. Perhaps Vienna, Trieste, Salzburg, Munich, somewhere in Switzerland as the in between places.<<<

Do you have 16 nights total and want to add Como and Milan too in that amount of time?

Jean

I wouldn't underestimate how much time and effort it takes to move a group of 11 people from place to place and while you're sightseeing.

I count 8 destinations on your list (that's including "somewhere in Switzerland" and the last night in Milan), and I think that's 4 destinations too many considering the distances and number of people.

I suggest you start researching how much time it takes to travel between points. Trieste in particular seems to take you far off a fairly direct route and will require lots of travel time.

Jean

FYI, Vienna to Trieste by train is 9-10 hours, and Trieste to Salzburg is 6 hours. But, skip Trieste, and Vienna to Salzburg is just 2.5 hours.

nytraveler

OK- August is THE worst time to go - since most of europe is on vacation then. If it were me I would go as soon as the kids are out of school (late June?)

16 days does not give you 4 days in 4 places - since you will be traveling 3 days and have a partial arrival day. So that would give you 3 days in 4 places and if you do a day trip form each that is 2 days in 4 places.

NOT what we would do - we would do 2 places with so many people - or 3 cities if just the two of us. Or perhaps a road trio - but then more places but in a smaller area.

As for travel, train - it will be expensive for so many people - but driving might well mean a small bus with a driver at much bigger $ - this is a LOT of people to be herding around.

Given that people will have different interests I would do 3 cities - each having easy access to countryside where young adults or teens can o active things (hiking, biking, etc) if they want versus museums and historic monuments.

janisj

>>Given that people will have different interests << . . . AND different body clocks.

You really can't herd that many people/age groups to that many places in that few days.

IF you have 16 days 'on the ground' (18 days total) - and w/ 11 people I would do 3 cities max. And definitely by train.

I've taken as many as 13 people and a couple is one thing, 4 is manageable, 11 is an army and the time it takes to do <i>ANYTHING</i> will increase exponentially. Meals, bathroom breaks, museums, getting everyone on/off trains/buses/trams, shopping, getting started in the morning , just deciding <i>what</i> to do . . . Just <u>everything</u>.

mytravelove

Weeell, this trip might be a bit difficult! But if you're all disciplined, you might still enjoy it

I'd say reduce the number of locations. Like you said, better take day trips than choose 4 base locations.

As for the best way to get around - I'd say trains.. Or you can try buses too, perhaps group discounts would apply.

Have a look at the distances in between and compare options easily - I personally use this tool: www.rome2rio.com - although it won't tell you all possible discounts you could get when travelling in so many people.

Btw. is there a possibility that you would split into 2 groups? That might be much more feasible..

sandralist

DinaMia,

Perhaps if you posted why you picked these places and what you expect from them as destinations, and elaborated a bit on what aspect of WW2 history is of keen interest, it would be easier for others to give precise help.

As for your August travel window, some of your destinations will be fairly uncrowded and/or the weather fairly pleasant. Often people who post on this board dire dreadful frightened warnings about August travel in Europe have never done it. In fact, they frequently boast in other posts they have never done it. I've heard people say the same about traveling to NYC in August, and anybody who lives there knows it can be pleasant weather and a tranquil city. Same is true of many cities in Europe.

DinaMia

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'm realizing how completely nuts it's going to be to travel with that number of people. We are going to really have to evaluate that. I'm really thinking we should break it into two main cities.

Perhaps a week in Prague and a week in Geneva....?

I'll take a look at some of the train times, etc as suggested.

I think my intention may have been misinterpreted, I was not suggesting eight locations, just hoping for insight into which of the suggested cities would be better to visit. The initial thought was perhaps 4 different cities (1st being Prague, last being Lake Como and the middle two up for comments/suggestions).

Thanks again! Any further thoughts I certainly appreciate any insight.
Kind regards,
Dina

Brooke_Herron

Airbnb is just as good if not better than VRBO so if you are up for using another service I'd also check there. I've been staying in Airbnb apartments and houses for almost 4 years now in many different countries and it has made my traveling so much less expensive as well as helped me to feel more like a local everywhere and given me a point of contact with local helpful people.
My most recent trip to Croatia ended up costing me 1/3 for lodging as hotels (or vacation rentals) would have cost and we had great beach view conveniently located apartments with lovely local hosts in the same building throughout the whole country. My friends were uber impressed with the places I'd booked for such great deals
I'll be curious to see the responses as far as day whether you should stay a week in Prague and what you'll do from there as I'll also be in Prague this Summer!