Karl007

Hello all, let me start off by saying this will be my first trip outside Canada and I will be 'flying' solo so to speak. I've been doing lots of reading up on these and other sites/boards etc. This is my first crack at a barebones travel itinerary. Let me begin by saying I will not speaking about 'I want to see three countries in two weeks'' as I realize that is impossible (but we all have ambition to bite off a bit more that we can chew the first time we start planning don't we? lol.) Instead, I have picked cities I most would like to see. I understand I won't be able to see everything, nor am I trying to. I have decided that this trip is about me and what I would like to experience. It might not be anyone else's perfect trip or way to travel (I wish I had the money and time to visit places from top to bottom) but I have tried to come up with a route that would give me a taste of many different things. I would love any comment as to how I can improve it, if I have missed something or if it's too tight a schedule in some spots.

My two weeks don't include travel time so on
DAY 1
Arrive in Rome ( 3 days in Rome)
Vatican City, The Colosseum and the active volcano are at the top of my list. I'm researching other spots near here (suggestions?) these are just the ones that stood out and two of these I've simply 'always wanted to see'..

half day of travel

Venice (1.5 days): I've heard it's 'not that great' or that it's expensive, but again I have always wanted to see Venice. If I don't I would regret it. At the same time, I just want to sightsee and since it's expensive I've read, not take up too much time here.

1 day travel time

Switzerland 2.5 days
Allow me to explain that I would really like to simply see the Alps. I would love to go to 'the top of Europe' and see most of it by train if possible. This is sort of a detour for me.

1 day of travel

Barcelona 3 days Again, I really would like to see Barcelona, unfortunately it does eat up some more travel time, this can't be help... but again, it's a trade off between a long journey but to get to someplace I really want to see.

1 day of travel

Madrid 2 days.
Madrid return flight home.

Any thoughts?

Karl007

I mean, my two weeks do include travel time, but not the flight over or flight back.

immimi

I'm not aware of any active volcano in or around Rome...

I think it would be well worth your time to check out a few
guidebooks rather than depending on folk's personal opinions
(Venice 'not that great' for example).

annhig

oK - let's start at the top:

Vatican City, The Colosseum and the active volcano are at the top of my list.

The active volcano? in Rome? i was there about a month ago and i must have missed it! i think you are talking about mount Etna which is on the island of Sicily, approx 500kms from Rome. a VERY long day trip. [that's a joke!].

otherwise, your plans are quite reasonable. A day based around the colosseum [you get the forum and the palatine hill on the same ticket] a day seeing the vatican museum and st. peter's, and evenings and any other free time wandering around the "centro storico" [historical centre] would be fine.

Venice (1.5 days): I've heard it's 'not that great' or that it's expensive, but again I have always wanted to see Venice.

it is great, is it expensive, and it's wonderful. i assume you're going to get there by train from Rome. my only comment is that a day and a half is barely long enough even with your modest ambitions.

Switzerland 2.5 days
Allow me to explain that I would really like to simply see the Alps

i would head for the Bernese alps and see the Junfraujoch - about as high up as you can get on a train in europe, and perfectly possible in the time you've got so long as the weather cooperates.

Barcelona 3 days

fine -except you don't say how you're going to get there from Switzerland. plenty to do and see in the time you've got - in fact you may feel that it's not long enough.

Madrid - 2 days.

the only place that you've not said why you are going there. If it's only to fly home, I suggest borrowing at least one day to give to Venice or Rome - both could do with longer.

have a great trip!

StCirq

Volcano in Rome? I wonder how I've managed to miss it in about half a dozen trips???

Venice "not that great"??? Well, I think it's one of the wonders of the world and would allot a whole lot more than 1.5 days to it. I'd much rather be there than Madrid!

Switzerland followed by Spain? I'd never plan anything like that, but that's not to say it's unreasonable. How do you plan to get to Barcelona from Switzerland?

As a general comment, I think you're a bit too much "all over the map" and not allotting enough time in places (like Rome, Venice).

Karl007

Thank you all for the great replies. I apologize, in my planning zeal two different places became one. I was talking about Mount Vesuvius but that is in Naples, not in Rome. As my schedule is already pretty tight I doubt I have time to keep it on my list (Although I am trying to get two or three more days for my trip which would really help me add some time in certain spots (Venice and Rome).

@annhig Yes, Madrid is more of to catch my flight, so perhaps I should put that day someplace else... (I also figured it would act as a bit of a 'pad' in case I'm running behind schedule.

I know the trip from Switzerland to Spain is unorthodox, I've been looking at getting the Global Pass from Eurorail since I will be taking the train during my entire 15 days or so in Europe and that would allow me to leave Switzerland and make my way down to Barcelona through the south of France. I'll probably stop at a station in between and wander around for an hour so just to stretch my legs (the route would burn up about 18 to 20 hours hopefully I can get some sleep too on the train... we'll see).

I'd like to fit in Barcelona but I might have to just let it go, it is quite out of my way I do see that... Unless I can find a cheap flight out there from Switzerland... I'm new to all this lol.

Karl007

edit: Eurail

StCirq

Do NOT do that until you have thoroughly researched the cost compared to budget point-to-point tickets. Start by reading this:

http://www.seat61.com/Europe-train-t...m#.UVCVs1dv7Kc

Karl007

@ StCirq yes that comment surprised me too and I was getting ready to be disappointed, glad to hear my dream spot should be as great as I had hoped. I will be trimming time out of Madrid for sure and adding a half a day to a day in Venice. I was thinking of substituting Florence or Cinque terre for Venice since I had heard 'it wasn't that great' but now I don't think I will lol.

ira

Hi K,

> I've heard it's 'not that great' or that it's expensive,...<

You have been misinformed. It is that great and it is not that expensive.

I think that you should spend one more night there.

I also suggest that you are spending too much time on trains and too little time actually visiting.

I would make this trip a visit to Venice, Florence and Rome and save Spain and Germany for other times.

Ciao

((I())

Karl007

I'm seriously considering, even though I would love to see Spain saving Spain for another trip. I could do Spain next time or smt like that. If I do this, I could concentrate more on spending more time exploring Italy and allow more time in case of bad weather conditions in Switzerland. Also from Switzerland I seem to only be 5 hours or so from Paris, so I cold bum around there for my last day until it's time for my flight home. A taste for next time... That would be option B.

jane1144

I would leave Spain for another visit. Also, explore open jaw ticket (flying into one city and home from another) to avoid backtracking. It shouldn't cost much, if anything more. We flew Air Canada Toronto Frankfurt Venice and came home from Paris.

annhig

I'm seriously considering, even though I would love to see Spain saving Spain for another trip. I could do Spain next time or smt like that. If I do this, I could concentrate more on spending more time exploring Italy and allow more time in case of bad weather conditions in Switzerland>>

yes! what a pleasure to come across someone who when they ask for advice does so with an open mind and is prepared to adapt their plans. Rome, Venice, Switzerland and home from Paris would be a nicely paced and varied trip.

"open jaw" [often called multi-city on airline websites] into Rome and out of Paris would give you plenty of scope, and shouldn't be much more than a return ticket to either city. [if it is, you've pressed the wrong button!]

Karl007

Hi all, thanks for the responses. Rest assured I am taking everything into consideration since I'm new to this and am trying to get a 'feel' for it. I want my trip to be brisk paced, but not too rushed to see anything. I've decided to cut out Paris. It was too greedy of me and Paris I figured is a trip I can do at any age over a long weekend... it doesn't fit in with this more 'adventurist' itinerary. I want a bit of everything. With that in mind, here is my new revised list.. suggestions welcomed:

Land in Rome (Open jaw as suggested)
4 days in Rome (including a day trip to Pompei) I can see the volcano from here. I was debating on doing the hike up the side of it, but decided to cut it since the conditions would have to be good to see anything (a gamble with my tight schedule since I can't come back a second day) and besides I'll still get to see it from Pompei. The other 3 days will be divided as 'annhig' suggested. Get up early on the fourth day and head over to:

Cinq Terre: I found a good two day itinerary. Basically one day relaxing on some sand, doing some swimming etc. Perhaps get a cheap hotel room (something to celebrate the mid-point of my trip, a private shower and a room for a good night's sleep, a taste of the good life lol) Anyone know a cheap hotel nearby? Day 2 would be spent hiking the five towns, hop on the train ride back to where I started from and rest up. Get up early on the third day and head over to Venice.

2 full days in Venice: walking around, see some sights, one museum, gondola ride, see it at night. (I still need to do research) On the second night book a night-train (good idea?) to Switzerland. It seems like the best use of money/time since I could theoretically get some sleep and wake up as I arrive in the small hours of the morning.

3 days in Switzerland. First day exploring a city (any suggestions??) Day 2 would be going to 'the top of Europe' the Junfraujoch, the alps. Third day more exploring of said city (got to do some research) and get a late flight (hopefully from same city) back home.

If you calculate you'll see I have 11 days out of my possible 14. Should I try to add a location (Florence would be on the way, but it seems big to try and tackle) or should I add some days anywhere (possibly +a day in venice?)

Thanks for all the help, and yes I am keeping an open mind and will change accordingly to the 'reality' of it lol. I think new travelers such as myself have a tendency to over simplify distances and places and think we can fit all of Europe lol.

Karl007

this is the link to the itinerary to Cinq Terre, sound about right? http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a...que-terre.html

Karl007

For Switzerland I'm thinking (from what I've read) basing myself in Lucerne and then do that day trip.

adrienne

I see you're reconsidering Spain. The original trip posted involves a lot of moving around and is too much travel in 2 weeks.

I would like to comment on your Venice portion:

<< Venice (1.5 days): I've heard it's 'not that great' or that it's expensive, but again I have always wanted to see Venice. If I don't I would regret it. At the same time, I just want to sightsee and since it's expensive I've read, not take up too much time here. >>

I only know 1 person who went to Venice and did not like it and she's a malcontent. She's a neighbor, not a friend.

Venice is one of the most magical places you'll ever visit in Europe.

It's tranquil since there is no car traffic. The architecture is wonderful. Hopping on and off the vaporetti, especially an evening cruise on the grand canal is a great way to see the buildings along the water that you can't see from the land.

So many people say that Venice is expensive but I don't find it any more expensive than other major city. You can find hotels in all prices ranges and if you avoid the San Marco to Rialto area there are moderately priced restaurants. You can listen to the dueling bands in San Marco square for free if you don't sit down.

I would add at least an extra day to Venice so you can explore some of the sights and islands, particularly Burano and Torcello which are not near to Venice. See the Ca d'Oro and Miracoli church, get lost in the alleyways. If you see something you want to buy, do it then while you see it as you probably won't find your way back to the shop. I still regret the red straw purse I didn't buy and could never find the shop again.

<< On the second night book a night-train (good idea?) to Switzerland >>

Very Bad Idea!!! Please look before you leap on this one.

I would not book a night train to Switzerland as it's so close to Venice that there probably won't be a traditional night train. You could wind up sitting in some train station in the middle of the night.

I checked Venice to Lucerne. The night trains take twice as long as day trains and you won't get any sleep as there are 3 to 4 transfers. The train with only 2 transfers has you sitting in some town for 5 hours.

Karl007

Thanks, I will not being taking the night train. I can get up early and get the first train to Lucerne instead. It will cost me part of the day but at least I'll be in Lucerne for the second part of the day and night.

I would like to squeeze Florence in my travel plans, but I feel it will be too much. Also, I've read about all the lineups. Since my trip is relatively short I want to squash as much time in lineups as possible (I'll be loosing already enough time in Rome due to this and I feel like seeing museums in Florence... all the art, paintings, sculptures on my trip will just end up blending together anyways.

adrienne

<< (Florence would be on the way, but it seems big to try and tackle) >>

Florence has lots of sights but it's a small city. You can book some of the museums on the internet. You should try for 2 days here. Find a hotel between the train station and the cathedral but close to the cathedral and you will be able to walk everyplace. The only place I ever used the bus for was Fiesole, outside Florence.

Perhaps things will blend together but that's what second trips are for! LOL It's very different from Rome; much more compact and smaller and again different from Venice so I think it will stand out in your memories. Write things down as you go along to help you remember when you return home, buy postcards, save your beautiful admission tickets and any time I forget things about my trips I look at my photos and the memories return.

You will not remember everything about your trip whether or not you include Florence. If you want to see it then go.

You can't see every museum so choose a few based on your interests. I love frescoes and sculpture so I would visit the Brancacci Chapel and the Bargello Museum. You choose your own special places.

colduphere

Karl don't let them beat you down. One of our trips was Greece, Turkey, Cairo and Barcelona. 18 days. If I had posted that here I would have been run out of the joint. It was a great trip.