3 wk honeymoon in europe - never been
Jul 10th, 2006, 09:00 PM
#61
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Some thoughts-Sicily is even hotter than Rome and personally its a trip almost by itself as it has so much to see and do but NOT in August!!!!The language difficulty along with travel reservations to and from Italy would make going another trip. Having a 24 year old son I am going to toss out some ideas....I really like the idea of landing in London and doing England(using DAYTRIPS FROM LONDON guidebook which gives you ideas on towns,trains or buses to use,restaurants and hotels,etc.) for the week. You will get your bearings and get into the "flow" of the European lifestyle while getting over your jetlag. From London, I would go over to France and base yourself in Paris(very romantic despite being in August and somewhat hot). From Paris, I would train or fly to Amsterdam or possibly Berlin for a few days and then if you must see Prague-go onto the Czech Republic and enjoy that area.From there, I would fly home...that is if you can get your FF tickets which I am surprised to hear that you can as every flight that I have been on lately is packed to Europe? As I have said before, its very very hot down near the Mediterranean at this time of the year.The heat and humidity make you miserable along with "hating everyone and everything" which is not the way to do a honeymoon. I think that Scandinavia is way too expensive for a first time traveler to Europe besides being difficult to get accomodations at this late date. Good luck-the clock is ticking so get on it!
Jul 11th, 2006, 11:52 AM
#63
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I did a semi-backpacking trip about 10 years ago that hit many of the places you mention in 3 weeks. Itinerary as follows:
2 nights in Brussels
4 nights in Berlin (I think we took an overnight train) Berlin now shares the lead with Paris for my favorite city
4 nights Prague
3 nights Salzburg, Austria
3 nights Lucerne, Switzerland
4 nights Paris
In retrospect, I probably would have skipped at least one night in Salzburg and one night in Lucerne added them to Paris or Berlin. Hiking wasn't our thing, but admit that the natural beauty was staggering. there are cheap airlines now that can get you one place to another. For some, it was alot of travelling, but we were enough time in each place that we enjoyed it. I had read alot about the beer and wasn't into wine or anything, so it was a beer discovery trip. Definitely worth seeking out those monk-brewed ones.
I don't think that you have to stay in places that are in close proximity to one another. With airline flights so accessible, you can see a huge variety of cultures and places easily. Make a list of the places you want to go to, pull out a map, and draw logical lines of getting from one place to the other.
Many here don't like to go to too many places in one trip, but sometimes it's what you want. I've never been back to Prague or Austria, so I'm glad that I've been at least once, and it only makes me want to visit the countryside even more someday.
Ten years ago, this trip cost me about $2500-$3000. Upgrading to today's prices plus nicer accommodations due to your honeymoon, I would say about $6,000-$8,000 could get you a great, varied trip.
On the other hand, I like Ira's trip idea too (Italy was my honeymoon). I guess I just mean that many places can be as rewarding and fun, as less places. If you want to see alot, it can be a great trip. Besides, you are young and energetic. It definitely gets harder to do "highlights" trips as you get older (from my personal experience
2 nights in Brussels
4 nights in Berlin (I think we took an overnight train) Berlin now shares the lead with Paris for my favorite city
4 nights Prague
3 nights Salzburg, Austria
3 nights Lucerne, Switzerland
4 nights Paris
In retrospect, I probably would have skipped at least one night in Salzburg and one night in Lucerne added them to Paris or Berlin. Hiking wasn't our thing, but admit that the natural beauty was staggering. there are cheap airlines now that can get you one place to another. For some, it was alot of travelling, but we were enough time in each place that we enjoyed it. I had read alot about the beer and wasn't into wine or anything, so it was a beer discovery trip. Definitely worth seeking out those monk-brewed ones.
I don't think that you have to stay in places that are in close proximity to one another. With airline flights so accessible, you can see a huge variety of cultures and places easily. Make a list of the places you want to go to, pull out a map, and draw logical lines of getting from one place to the other.
Many here don't like to go to too many places in one trip, but sometimes it's what you want. I've never been back to Prague or Austria, so I'm glad that I've been at least once, and it only makes me want to visit the countryside even more someday.
Ten years ago, this trip cost me about $2500-$3000. Upgrading to today's prices plus nicer accommodations due to your honeymoon, I would say about $6,000-$8,000 could get you a great, varied trip.
On the other hand, I like Ira's trip idea too (Italy was my honeymoon). I guess I just mean that many places can be as rewarding and fun, as less places. If you want to see alot, it can be a great trip. Besides, you are young and energetic. It definitely gets harder to do "highlights" trips as you get older (from my personal experience
Jul 11th, 2006, 03:04 PM
#64
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ok...thanks again to everyone...and yes passports are all current! 
I am not THAT bad.
amcc - we are definitly up your ally with the breweries...sounds like something we would LOVE. Anytime we go somewhere new we seek out a local brewery, whether in Las Vegas, Cooperstown or Ireland.
I am not THAT bad. amcc - we are definitly up your ally with the breweries...sounds like something we would LOVE. Anytime we go somewhere new we seek out a local brewery, whether in Las Vegas, Cooperstown or Ireland.
Jul 11th, 2006, 06:13 PM
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OK...WE HAVE TICKETS
FLIGHTS ARE:
Flight 1:
Out of NY and landing in Paris at 7:35 AM on August 13.
Flight 2:
Out of Rome on August 28 at 11:45 AM to Dublin landing at 2:00 PM on the 28.
Flight 3:
Dublin to NY on August 31.
So we have 14 to get from Paris to Rome. Any suggestions on how long to stay in Paris?
Should we rent a car and drive or take the train?
Any places to go between?
Again thanks for everyones help so far, and for your help now!
FLIGHTS ARE:
Flight 1:
Out of NY and landing in Paris at 7:35 AM on August 13.
Flight 2:
Out of Rome on August 28 at 11:45 AM to Dublin landing at 2:00 PM on the 28.
Flight 3:
Dublin to NY on August 31.
So we have 14 to get from Paris to Rome. Any suggestions on how long to stay in Paris?
Should we rent a car and drive or take the train?
Any places to go between?
Again thanks for everyones help so far, and for your help now!
Jul 11th, 2006, 08:07 PM
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Ok...so things are starting to come together and I have some great ideas from everyone...mikeyb: looks like a good action plan. Does anyone else have suggestions?
We were thinking of renting a car for a few days to venture through France down to Northern Italy...does this seem like a horrible idea?
To book flights would I just go to myair.com? I have looked it over quick, but wanted to check on the driving vs. flying.
Any hotel suggestions for Paris?
We were thinking of renting a car for a few days to venture through France down to Northern Italy...does this seem like a horrible idea?
To book flights would I just go to myair.com? I have looked it over quick, but wanted to check on the driving vs. flying.
Any hotel suggestions for Paris?
Jul 12th, 2006, 05:21 AM
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Considering that Switzerland is in the middle of your route, with the best train system in the world and you have 3 weeks, why not go by train and see the Alps?
You seem not to have a very fixed idea of what you would like to see and do in Europe. It's possible that you would prefer magnificent scenery and cooler days to hot cities and crowds around all the tourist sites.
I suggest you fly to Paris, take a train into Switzerland, visit the Alps and then visit Northern Italy. Either Verona and Venice would be nice. Or go the other way and visit the Riviera and Firenze. Fly out of Milano.
You seem not to have a very fixed idea of what you would like to see and do in Europe. It's possible that you would prefer magnificent scenery and cooler days to hot cities and crowds around all the tourist sites.
I suggest you fly to Paris, take a train into Switzerland, visit the Alps and then visit Northern Italy. Either Verona and Venice would be nice. Or go the other way and visit the Riviera and Firenze. Fly out of Milano.
Jul 12th, 2006, 05:36 AM
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My only 2 comments are:
1. I would not rent a car if it means dropping off in another country. That usually means huge fees. Either use trains or myair (or other cheap flights). If, however, you wanted to rent a car for a few days in Tuscany (or wherever - just an example) that would be something to consider.
2. As much as I love all the cities mentioned, I have found that I prefer to mix big cities with smaller places for scenery and outdoor activites (plus, it will be a break from August heat). For example, DH and I visited Rome, Florence, and Tuscany one trip. On our most recent family trip we spent time in the Alps hiking, in Milan and Venice, and on Lake Garda for swimming and small villages. Again, just something to consider based on your own interests. Do remember that the beach/water areas will be crowded with Europeans on vacation.
Otherwise, mikeyb's plan sounds great. 3-4 nights is a good amount of time to see places and not be on the move the whole time, but still get to see several different areas.
Whatever you decide, you will have a wonderful time. Yes, you will have to work a little harder and be flexible (which is sounds like you are) with such a short planning time, but this is when you can go, so have a blast - you will love it!!
1. I would not rent a car if it means dropping off in another country. That usually means huge fees. Either use trains or myair (or other cheap flights). If, however, you wanted to rent a car for a few days in Tuscany (or wherever - just an example) that would be something to consider.
2. As much as I love all the cities mentioned, I have found that I prefer to mix big cities with smaller places for scenery and outdoor activites (plus, it will be a break from August heat). For example, DH and I visited Rome, Florence, and Tuscany one trip. On our most recent family trip we spent time in the Alps hiking, in Milan and Venice, and on Lake Garda for swimming and small villages. Again, just something to consider based on your own interests. Do remember that the beach/water areas will be crowded with Europeans on vacation.
Otherwise, mikeyb's plan sounds great. 3-4 nights is a good amount of time to see places and not be on the move the whole time, but still get to see several different areas.
Whatever you decide, you will have a wonderful time. Yes, you will have to work a little harder and be flexible (which is sounds like you are) with such a short planning time, but this is when you can go, so have a blast - you will love it!!
Jul 12th, 2006, 06:53 AM
#73
I would not rent a car on a first trip to Europe. It's expensive and could prove a hassle. Trains are an *excellent* way to get around, you and your husband can enjoy each other's company rather than stress out driving in a foreign country.
OK... now that Switzerland has come up (I'd been resisting mention as it seems you need to narrow things down, not add more ideas -lol!)...
MY perfect three week trip would be fly into Geneva day 1, spend 8 days in Switzerland, overnight train to Venice, spend 5 days, overnight train or fly to Paris for 6 days, fly home 1 day from Paris = 21.
I have done exactly that trip and it was near perfect. This gets you 3 countries, different and all gorgeous, fairly easy logistics and traveling, and hits what I'd consider the two most romantic places in western Europe (Paris and Venice).
OK... now that Switzerland has come up (I'd been resisting mention as it seems you need to narrow things down, not add more ideas -lol!)...
MY perfect three week trip would be fly into Geneva day 1, spend 8 days in Switzerland, overnight train to Venice, spend 5 days, overnight train or fly to Paris for 6 days, fly home 1 day from Paris = 21.
I have done exactly that trip and it was near perfect. This gets you 3 countries, different and all gorgeous, fairly easy logistics and traveling, and hits what I'd consider the two most romantic places in western Europe (Paris and Venice).
Jul 12th, 2006, 07:19 AM
#74
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What about staying on the coast for cool breezes and to avoid crowded and hot cities, saving Venice for another time:
Paris, 4 nights
French Riviera, Nice, 3 nights (day-trip to Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, St. Jean Cap-Ferrat, St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco...)
Florence, 3 nights (day-trip to San Gimignano or another hill-town)
Rome, 4 nights
Dublin, 2 nights
Paris, 4 nights
French Riviera, Nice, 3 nights (day-trip to Antibes, St. Paul de Vence, St. Jean Cap-Ferrat, St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco...)
Florence, 3 nights (day-trip to San Gimignano or another hill-town)
Rome, 4 nights
Dublin, 2 nights
Jul 12th, 2006, 01:12 PM
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Before you book your hotels, check out the train connection between Nice and Florence. To my recollection, it is perfectly awful. You might want to fly.
But speaking of flying, wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to fly out of Firenze or Pisa to Dublin -- not to mention Roma is prety hot in mid-August.
I would therefore amend Maureen's plan to
Paris, 4 nights
Switzerland 4 nights
Italian lakes 3 nights
Italian riviera 4 nights
Florence, 3 nights (day-trips)
Dublin 2 nights
Or some such combination of days.
But I openly confess I don't like the French Riviera except for Nice.
But speaking of flying, wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to fly out of Firenze or Pisa to Dublin -- not to mention Roma is prety hot in mid-August.
I would therefore amend Maureen's plan to
Paris, 4 nights
Switzerland 4 nights
Italian lakes 3 nights
Italian riviera 4 nights
Florence, 3 nights (day-trips)
Dublin 2 nights
Or some such combination of days.
But I openly confess I don't like the French Riviera except for Nice.
Jul 12th, 2006, 01:25 PM
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I really like nessundorma's plan. The only thing I might do differently is substitute Venice or Rome for the Italian Riviera. I would choose the Italian Riviera OR the Italian Lakes. That would give several incredible cities along with Switzerland (just gorgeous for scenery and hiking) and some time on the water (Lake or coastline).
