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Sample European Itinerary for a solo traveler.

Sample European Itinerary for a solo traveler.

Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 07:19 AM
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Sample European Itinerary for a solo traveler.

Aloha everyone! First and formost, thank you for reading this. I am in the process of planning a trip to Europe. I have the dates pretty much nailed down, and was wondering if I could get some thoughts on my planned itinerary. It is as follows:

April 4th – 5th: Travel to Paris from Hawaii.

April 6th: Louve

April 7th: Eiffel Tower/Arc de Triomphe

April 8th: Les Catacombes/Notre Dame (these four on the 7th and 8th are all interchangeable with each other. I thought the whole religious aspect of Notre Dame would be an interesting contrast with the death in the catacombes.)

April 9th: Versailles Palace

April 10th: Travel to Venice (a short flight)

April 11th: Gallerie dell’ Accademia

April 12th: Travel to Florence/Gallerie dell’ Accademia/Travel to Rome (Debating either a straight trip to Rome from Venice or maybe a stop in Florence to check out their Gallerie dell' Accademia to see the infamous David statue. It's really the only thing I'd wanna see in Florence. According to research I've done, the train ride from Venice to Florence is about two hours and from Florence to Rome is about an hour and a half. So I was thinking of leaving Venice around 9, getting to Florence around 11, checking out the museum, leaving Florence around 4 and getting to Rome around 5:30. Not sure if the stop in Florence is worth it yet.)

April 13th: Colosseum/Pantheon

April 14th: Vatican Museums

April 15th: Travel to Greece (airplane)

April 16th: Acropolis/Parthenon

April 17th: Theatre of Dionysos/Agora

April 18th:
April 19th:
April 20th:

April 21st: Travel to Hawaii

As you can see, I have a three day window with nothing in it. Now my one of my questions is what should I do with those three days? Stay an extra day in one of the cities? Maybe fly into London prior to France and catch a train over? Or go to Amsterdam or Berlin? Although I don't really know what I'd want to see there. I was thinking of even Istanbal or Barcelona at the end. Or perhaps a place I haven't mentioned. Now all these items are able to be moved. The only thing set is me leaving Hawaii on the 4th, getting into Europe on the 5th, and flying out of Europe on the 21st. Getting to Hawaii on the 21st or 22nd does not matter. I'm open to all suggestions and input and look forward to reading what people have to say. Again, thanks for reading!
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 07:35 AM
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Oh, I should mention I'm a pretty big history and museum buff, so I tend to gravitate towards those types of things. I'm also a 28 year old male. Not sure if that impacts anything. I also have traveled solo before around the US, so I have experience traveling solo, just not solo to another country.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 07:45 AM
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It sounds as if you are not familiar with your destinations. Within the cities you can do much more than just visit the attractions you mentioned. But the main thing in all these cities are not the museums but the cityscapes, so they require some strolling. Let's go into details:

Three days in Paris plus one in Versailles sounds reasonable. You will be able to see much more than the sites on your bucket list.

On day for Venice is a joke. Venice has the largest historical town on earth and is breathtaking. Besides the Galleria d'Academia there are more must-sees: The Scuola Grande di San Rocco with fantastic Tintoretto paintings, the cathedral San Marco, the Palazzo Ducale and several churches, all with fine paintings of the great masters. And a boat ride on the Grand Canal. And some walking etc.

The same applies for Florence, the city where renaissance was born. There is indeed a train leaving 9:25 and arriving at 11:30 but just to glance at this statue in a city which is full of art?

Two full days for Rome is not much either, but at least you will be able to see the main attractions.

In Athens you will be able to the see the Acropolis, the theatres (in fact, two) and the Agora altogether in half a day - these attractions are very close. This gives you the opportunity to see the National Archeological Museum with breathtaking pieces.

And think about a daytrip (rental car) from Athens to Delphi - this is the most attractive archeological site in Greece.

I see that you have a few more days left. Add some time for Venice and Florence and you will be fine. And reserve from time to time a few hours to relax.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 07:51 AM
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There is no reason a solo traveler to Europe's itinerary should any different than that for a couple, a quartet... you get the idea.

Add Ste Chappelle to Paris. Add the Orsay to the Louvre. You couldn't pay me to go look at a lot of bones, which I find ghoulish and disrespectful, but tastes differ.

I would want more time in Venice - at least three nights, better four. I have been to Italy at least four times and never been to Florence.

There is plenty to do in Greece besides Athens. Just staying on the mainland I would want to see Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio and Monemvasia, but you could take the ferry to Hydra for a taste of the islands.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 08:01 AM
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Acropolis ticket alone covers Acropolis archeological site, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, South Slope of Acropolis and on my opinion while you could rush through most of them in a day, visiting in two or three days is much better.

Your averrage visitor seems to focus on the New Athens Acropolis Museum only, but for history/archeology buffs the National Archeological Museum is an absolute must- and if you are anything like me, you could spend several days there.

So I do not see why not to spend your extra time in Athens. But I am pretty sure there are plenty of things to see and do on your other destinations too, so I guess it is a very personal call...
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 08:15 AM
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Oh, I should mention I'm a pretty big history and museum buff, so I tend to gravitate towards those types of things.>>

with this description of yourself, then as others have said upthread, I would not be adding a destination. Florence, for example, is history and museum heaven, and Venice is a living art gallery through which the vaporetti will carry you almost effortlessly.

And David is hardly infamous - glorious would perhaps be a better description.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 08:39 AM
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I think you already have plenty of places on your plate and should divide those few extra days into places you will already be.

IMHO Rome requires at least 3 full days to see even the most basic sights: one day for the Vatican/St Peters, one for ancient Rome (Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Capitoline Museum) and and one for everything else (Borghese, several of the piazzas and fountains, one or two other major churches). Plus you will want to have free time to explore several areas and start to get a feel for La Dolce Vita.

There is a piazza right across form the Pantheon with a couple of cafes that serve free little bites in the late afternoon when you have a drink and this is a fantastic for watching the (ver different Roman) world go by. Often there is singing (service?, choir practice?) from one of the nearby churches.

Also for Venice you ned at least 2 full days - and I would do 3 so you an head to the a couple of the outer islands, esp Torcello and Burano to see other aspects of this wondrous city.

As for Florence - if you are a museum buff this is a great city - at least the Uffizi, Accademia (and why would the David be infamous versus famous?) and the Pitti Palace, plus the Duomo and Bapistry. So I would either do at least 2 days - or not bother.

Also, for a first trip I would do more time in Paris since there is SO much to see and do.

For me London would be part of any first trip to europe but you didn't list it and again, I think a first trip needs at least 5 nights (it's a HUGE city with dozens of major sights) and you just don't have time for it. I've found it is often a good start for people who have never been to europe before since it's an introduction to a very different culture and way of doing things but without the extra aspect of a foreign language.

Obviously these are all world cities and you can get by in all of them speaking only English - esp in tourist sights - but I would encourage you to learn as least the basic polite phrases in each of the languages and be sure you have a good menu translator - not just a translation of the name of the dish but info on what is actually in it (esp if like me if you don't want to eat organ meats or bunnies).
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 08:57 AM
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actually, I think there is a reason an itinerary might differ for solo versus non-solo travelers, but largely due to interests. Solo travelers may not want to spend a lot of time in B&Bs out in the rural areas alone, for example (or villas, whatever), as it can be boring on your own. And expensive as you can't easily rent small places for only one person out in the country.

AS for the catacombes, there might be a reason to visit this for historical or urban architectural reasons, but not religious/death ones. This was not meant as a resting place for religious reasons at all, it was simply an urban renewal project to move a lot of older remains in a very crowded and crumbling cemetery to another area due to the bad shape the cemetery was in and they needed the space, that's all. I think some people confuse that name with how it is used in Italy where it was more intention burials. I also think it is disrespectful for the city to even use this as a tourist attraction, which it has been for over a century, but my main objection is tourists who treat iot as some Walt Disney spooky spectacle and aren't going for educational and historical interest.

YOu aren't in Paris that long given the time to get there, I"d just add another day at least to Paris and Italy.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 09:15 AM
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Rather a strange handle for this poster, at this time, don't you think?
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 10:11 AM
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Put those three days in Florence - do a day trip to one of those dreamy Tuscan hill towns like Siena - Florence is a university town with a vibrant nightlife for folks your age and also has some huge sights - a really neat town.

There is also an overnight train Paris to Venice with fares as low as about 50 euros - save on a night in a hotel and even save daytime travel time - www.thello.com - advance booking yields really cheap fares - for Italian trains booking way early also yields deep discounts - www.trenitalia.com is the official site of the Italian Railways - for general info on Italian trains check: www.seat61.com - good info on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. There are no real easy inter-city buses in Italy so trains are cheapest besides biking or walking.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 10:33 AM
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I agree, Robert. Kinda creepy.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 10:37 AM
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before those two Cassandras call Homeland Security:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saint_of_Killers
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 11:21 AM
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Really? Now people can't even joke, comic book style, about scary things, shoot 'em ups and larger than life super-killers?

nytraveler,

La Dolce Vita is a movie that is very sour about Italian culture and its aimless, confused youth. Italians do not consider it a compliment (or informed) to have their culture described as "La Dolce Vita." It's a wrong-headed cliche that identifies you instantly as an clueless American. Also, since this experience you had in Rome was such a big whoop to you: the name of the piazza opposite the Pantheon is the piazza della Rotunda. Have you actually heard choirs practicing there more than once? What makes you think it is "often"?
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 12:47 PM
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Actually, it's Piazza della Rotonda.

And the choir was probably the Coro Beato Angelico della Minerva, which practices in the Basilica di Santa Maria sopra Minerva, right beside the Pantheon every Thurday evening.

http://corobeatoangelicominerva.com/

You're absolutely right about La Dolce Vita, though. That and the idea of "La Bella Figura" are two things that most foreigners totally misunderstand about Italy. (Hint: la Bella Figura is about your behavior, not your wardrobe.)
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 04:25 PM
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Sandra -

Your usual charming self.

I am well aware of the reference to the movie. And while Italians might not like it (although I would never take your word for it) it describes a very different lifestyle from the typical american suburban life of living in your car - driving to office to mall to home to school in mad circles.

And yes, I have been to the Piazza in front of the Pantheon quite a few times and have heard music several of them.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 05:09 PM
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Hey everyone! Thanks for the replies.

First things first, my handle is based on a comic book character, as linked above. I've used it as a handle for pretty much everything, although perhaps I should change it.

Secondly, after reading everyone's comments, I've decided I will not be adding on another destination. I will be extending my trip by one day to add an extra day to Greece while still keeping the three day leeway.


Here is what my new itinerary looks like:

April 4th – 5th: Travel to Paris

April 6th: Paris

April 7th: Paris

April 8th: Paris

April 9th: Paris/Travel to Venice overnight

April 10th: Arrive in Venice in the morning/Venice

April 11th: Venice

April 12th: Venice

April 13th: Travel to Rome

April 14th: Rome

April 15th: Rome

April 16th: Rome

April 17th: Rome

April 18th: Travel to Greece (airplane)

April 19th: Greece

April 20th: Greece

April 21st: Greece

April 22nd: Travel to Hawaii

I've decided to take advantage of the overnight train from Paris to Venice to save on airfare and get an extra day and save on travel time. I might use one of my extra Rome days for a day trip out to Florence as well. I am also open to switching out Athens for London, either flying into London first and moving everything down, or flying from Rome to London.

Again, thanks for the input and opinons! Thoughts on the new itinerary?
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 07:08 PM
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The more I think about it, the better London first sounds.. I can then catch a train to Paris, a train to Venice, and a train to Rome.. I'd save money on airfare that way. Then I can save Greece for a Greece, Crete, and Istanbal trip.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 08:28 PM
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I like the London idea. Greece is an outlier for this trip.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 10:57 PM
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I like your new plan to start in London . . . It is a great place to get your feet wet w/ foreign travel. Then you can head on to Paris and Italy . . .

The only change I'd make is I'd fly from Paris to Venice. The other journeys a train make sense, but it is a very long way from Paris to Venice and flying will save you almost a whole day.
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Old Nov 23rd, 2015, 11:30 PM
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April 8th is very empty. You can add Sacre Coeur, Sainte Chapelle, Pantheon, Opera Garnier, Luxembourg Gardens... Oh and since you're a history buff, don't forget to go to Les Invalides (history museum). It's one of the biggest military museums in the world. You can add more time in Paris, and go to Mont St Michel for example, or Giverny or Disneyland (I'm not really a fun person, but did really enjoy Disneyland). In Paris I've been twice for like 6 days each, and still haven't seen everything.

Rome: 3 days is enough. Coloseum, Trevi fountain, Pantheon, Castello St Angelo, Vatican, Altare della Patria. (Just don't stay next to Termini station... quite a shady area).

Florence - Loved it! Still doable in one day if you're not visiting the Ufizzi galeries. I would skip Boboli gardens. I went in christmas and they were rather abandoned. Do not forget the view over Florence from piazzale michelangelo

Venice 1-2 days is enough. Not much to do. But the feeling is great as Venice is rather a unique city.

AS for the other 3 days here are some thoughts: London (pros: much to do, cons: expensive), Vienna, Malta (pros: very historic; cons: not reachable by train), Budapest: (doable in 3 days), Istanbul (historic and doable in 3 days), Croatia (Dubrovnik). I haven't been yet to Amsterdam, so I can't help you in that regard .
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