tbbeach

We are traveling for 10 days before a cruise with our 3 teens. We are planning 3 days in Paris then on to Munich. We would like 1 other stop and are considering Cinque Terre or Interlaken? Suggestions. We want to see alot since we will probably not make it back to Europe in a long time.

copper675

How much time will you actually be spending in Rome prior to boarding the cruise. Honestly, Rome is an amazing city, so spending a couple of days exploring the city before boarding the ship would be a wonderful experience.

tbbeach

2 full days in Rome.

janisj

If it were me - I would most definitely plan on more than 3 days in Paris. I assume you are flying in from overseas - right? If so, the first day at least some of you will be in a jet lagged fog. Most kids LOVE Paris and to only have 2+ days there before moving on wouldn't be advisable IMHO. If Munich is a "must" - I'd do 5 days (or even 6) in Paris and then 2 or 3 in Munich. Interlaken would be a possibility for the other 2 or so days. The logistics for the CT are a bit more complicated and I personally wouldn't go to that troubLe for just a day or 2.

Me - for a family trip, I would definitely plan on spending the most time in Paris.

janisj

Oh - our posts crossed. W/ that new info - Paris 5-6 days, Munich 2-3 days, Rome 3-4 days, board ship.

mjs

I would agree with janisj.

tbbeach

thanks, I am trying to visit a friend in Munich. It does seem a little out of the way. I will take your advise on more days in Paris.

WillTravel

Maybe your friend can come visit you in Paris or Rome? Even if you paid for him, it would probably be cheaper than schlepping five people to Munich by whatever means.

janisj

WillTravel has a great idea - would your friend join you in Paris for a few days? You could stay a week in Paris renting a 3 bdrm (or large 2 bdrm) apartment and your friend could come stay for 2 or 3 days.

Of course - if your friend could provide free accommodations in Munich that might be a consideration.

copper675

I would definitely agree with the pp's. I spent 2-3 days each in Paris and Rome when I was living in Ireland for a semester, and that wasn't nearly enough to take in even a fraction of what each city had to offer. There is something to be said for seeing as much as you can, but if you aren't going to get back to either of those 3 cities anytime soon, spending more time will give you much better memories! Plus, you'll spend less on travel costs.

mjs

Traveling to Munich to visit a friend has the possible advantage of tour guide to show his/her city in a way that would be difficult without such a resource. Assuming that the connections are not difficult/lengthy/expensive, 5 nights Paris/3 nights Munich and 4 nights Rome is not a bad itinerary.

ira

Hi tb,

>We want to see alot since we will probably not make it back to Europe in a long time.

Typical beginners mistake.

You don't have enough time in Paris, Munich or Rome to do more than skim the surface, and you want to add another city.

Why not visit Italy for 10 days?

Venice - 3 nights, Florence 3 nights, Rome 3 nights.

OR

Paris - 5 nights, Rome 4 nights.

If you must go to Munich, I suggest that you skip Paris. It will be there next time.


You could skip the cruise and visit Europe instead.

trizia

If you have 2 full days in Rome , you need an expert and reliable guide driver: we suggest you should contact Renato Oddi ( Renato Oddi Limousine Service )from Rome.
[email protected] . is the one!!
We know him since long time ..he is just wonderfull!!

incrowder

I think Munich will be a great place to vist, especially with teenagers. I live in Munich and there is a lot to do; and travel is very good. You should think to go to the alps, and Fussen (the fairytale castle and romantic road), both are within two hours. Salzburg is a 2 1/2 hour train ride, and if you purchase the Bayern ticket will only cost you 27 euro for five people.

Paris is also lovely, I spent 6 days there starting New Year and I didn't get to see everything. I'm not sure if you will have time to see everything, but I suggest not rushing through cities take your time to enjoy the areas.

janisj

trizia: Please go away. Advertising is not allowed on Fodor's forums . . . . .

tbbeach

This will be my 4th trip to Europe so I am not a beginner. This will be the first time with my kids. I do want to visit Munich since having a local show you around can be a great experience and yes, a free place to stay is also nice. I have decided on 4 days Paris, 3 days Munich and 3 days Rome. Overnight trains from Paris to Munich and Munich to Rome. I am having a bit of a problem finding the booking site for the ovenight trains? Any links would be great. I see there are some private agencies but I am sure they charge more. Thanks for the input

rosetravels

Hi tbbeach -
Your itinerary sounds fine. Your kids will enjoy seeing the 3 different cities.

You may want to check into flights on www.whichbudget.com. It's much cheaper than the trains.

tbbeach

thanks for the tip. Are the planes on Condor airlines small? I'm not a brave flyer!

bozama

When in Paris take teens to the Catatcombs, my boys( both 14 at the time) loved them ! Google Catacombs Paris to see them.

Ps. I vote 5 days Paris 5 days Munich( with day trips out of Munich) .

I don't consider Florence particularily teen fun, and Venice is only interesting for 2 days max for teens, remember most of them are not into the " romance" aspect of a city.