Lydia

My sister and I are visiting my exchange student son for 3 weeks. He is in Koblenz, Germany. We want to see as much as possible, including Germany, Austria,Italy, France,and possibly going to Prague. We are going to Amsterdam first thing on the train, then I would like to get a car. What is better, car or train? Also, what wiil the weather be like in March in these places. Rome seems like a place I would like to see also.

Linda

Either car or train are fine; but, if you go to Prague, be sure the car rental company will let you take it into Czech Republic. Koblenz is a very nice city and the wine great. With all that you say you want to see, leave Rome for another day. You will find that living out of a suitcase & having to look for lodging every other day are not that great. The major cities: Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna, Prague, Berlin need at least 3 days in each.

KATHIE

LINDA, <BR> THIS IS LYDIA'S SISTER AND IS THE CAR THE BEST WAY TO GO TO SEE THE MOST IN THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT WE HAVE? <BR> WHAT DO YOU THNK THE TEMP. WILL BE AT THT TIME OF YEAR AND DO YOU THINK WE WILL NEED SHORTS IN ITALY AT THAT TIME OF YEAR? <BR> WOULD APPRECIATE ANY AND ALL SUGGESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE. <BR> THANKS, KATHIE

wes fowler

Lydia and Linda, <BR>Three weeks sounds like a lot of time to see Europe; believe me, it's not! You haven't indicated what your interests are but I assume they encompass urban sights rather than rural ones. If that be so, you don't want a car; rely on trains instead. Parking availability and parking costs can be prohibitive in European cities. You might consider visiting Amsterdam, Brugge, Paris and Koblenz by train which could easily eat up two of your three weeks. On arrival in Germany, rent a car and tour the Rhine and Mosel valleys, perhaps the Black Forest, perhaps parts of Bavaria. Save Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic for another day; including them in your itinerary is far too ambitious. Linda, rest assured you won't want shorts in Europe in March!

clairobscur

Same as Fowler, above : If you intend to visit mainly cities, train is much better. Rent a car only if you want to explore a region, visit little villages, castles, etc...And your plan (seeing 5 countries in 3 weeks) is indeed too ambitious.

gloria

Lydia and Linda! How wonderful for you to have this opportunity. I agree with the other posters that you are trying to see too much in too little time. <BR>What is it that you a looking for? Is it the Art, Architecture, Music? Is it the charm of the tiny little villages or in nature? We generally visit one country a year, and spend three weeks in that country alone dividing our time up between a couple of larger cities and then renting a car for a week or two. <BR>I would go to the library and check out lots of guidebooks, videos, and periodicals to try to narrow your list down. <BR>The advice given about trains versus cars by Wes is right on. Train stations are centrally located with the city tranportation right at hand. Cars can be a real problem in some of the larger cities. <BR>I would save Italy for another trip, and concentrate on Germany, Austria and France. <BR>Have a wonderful trip. <BR>

Lydia

I guess, I would like to see as much as possible. I think a car is the way to go because if you see something along the way, you are not prohibited from stopping. Also, I think a car would be cheaper than the train. I have been checking out the euroail cost compared to car rental, and the car is much cheaper. When we travel in the States, we take the less traveled road & take a little more time to see things off the beaten path, Highways are no fun. Any more comments from anyone?

Art

Lydia, I agree. I like to drive also to be more flexable, however remember that gas is $4 - $5 per gallon. <BR>

Linda

First, it is Lydia and Kathie who are taking the trip. Wes erred. Now, Lydia, car rental may be cheaper but it takes more than $30 to fill up with gas--granted that you get further on a tankful, but you need to take that into consideration. If you like the freedom, then go for it. Maybe, in the larger cities, stay in the outskirts & take the U-Bahn into the city. I enjoy the train as you are able to meet new people. I wouldn't take shorts.

clairobscur

<BR> The way you're travelling sound appealing to me. However, once again, you'll be unable to "stop on your way,take the less travelled paths,take little more time to see things off the beaten paths " while attempting to visit 5 countries in 3 weeks. <BR> <BR> I'd add that individual tickets can be cheaper than an eurail pass (depending on your itinerary) and that it seems that train tickets bought in Europe are cheaper than the same tickets bought in the US. <BR> <BR> It depends also if you intend to stay mainly in major cities (where your car will be a burden.You'll not use it, there) or mainly drive around in the countryside (where a car will be indeed very useful). <BR> <BR> I suppose you'll want to visit the major cities (like Paris,Munich, Vienne,Venice,Rome,...). Even if you intend to stay only an overnight in each of them, and taking into account the time you'll need to drive from one to another (especially on "less travelled roads"), you'll have not time left to wander around. <BR> <BR>Honnestly, I can't see how you could fill this agenda... <BR>

Arvid, Norway

After a log and grey winter, Europe is most beautiful by their flowwers in spring. There are two rekomended sites yhat I know. 1 is Keukenhof in Holland, and 2 are Mainau by the Bodensee in Germany.

Ann

Lydia and Kathie, I know you just hate hearing everyone tell you that you're trying to crowd too much into your trip because you're excited about going and want to see and do a lot! But, unfortunately, everyone is giving you straight advice. Believe me, most of us are travelers who have enjoyed doing just what you're talking about, and who have learned the hard way that (1) you will end up frazzled and having no fun; and (2) your memories will be a blur of fast driving, not charming stops when the mood hits you. Please think about scaling down your trip to some high points in Germany, a piece of France and one or two days in the Netherlands. Even at that, you will be hard-pressed to do the things you want. If at all possible, you should try to be in the Netherlands close to April to hit the tulip season; I agree with Arvid about both Keukenhof and Maintal. But if you enjoy the road less traveled and don't like highways, with this plan you've locked yourself into zooming only on autobahns and autoroutes and hoping for no traffic jams anywhere. Please think it over and post back if you want some reasonable suggestions... there's a wealth of experience on the board and people will be happy to help. Good luck!