I apologize for the vagueness of this post but we are just in the beginning phases on planning our trip. We are two friends in our mid-20's going to Europe for the first time. Our plan is to stay for a month, late-April through May. Tentatively, we will fly into London and stay for about 5-6 days. We found some great deals on inter-Europe flights on Ryan Air. Ideally, we would like to visit Dublin, Paris, and Italy (Rome, Venice, Milan). Any advice on places to see, stay, avoid, etc. would be great. Example itineraries would be really appreciated as well. Thanks in advance!

Good start, asp.

Also check cheap flights at www.whichbudget.com.

Would you like to take the Eurostar train from London to Paris? Cheapest rates are currently $90 at www.raileurope.com.

Also check prices at www.eurostar.com.

Is there a reason for visiting Milan instead of Florence?

Great time to go to Europe There are tons of different itineraries involving those cities, but I would fly from London to Paris, then fly from Paris to wherever in Italy and take the train around Italy. You also have time to take the train up to Swizerland or over to southern France if you want. All depends on where you want to visit. Perhaps fly from Paris into Rome and take the train up to Florence and Venice. You could then continue on, or fly back from Venice. I would definitely skip Milan and add Florence though..you will thank us later!! As for places to stay..London- Picadilly Backpacker's Hostel, St. Chrisopher's Inn Shepherds Bush..Venice- Camping Fusina (a must!!), Florence- Archi Rossi or Hotel Joli. If I remember the others I'll let you know!

I believe we are going to fly between countries and then take the Chunnel from Paris to London. Youth fares for ages 25 and under are very reasonable.

We have not set any destinations in stone yet and are very open to suggestions. Are there any places that you would recommend over others?

Also, we would really appreciate suggestions of the less common "must see" spots. (i.e. not the Eiffel tower, Buckingham Palace, etc.) Thanks!!

Thanks bbano for the great advice! That's exactly the info we need.

It sounds like a wonderful trip! I think 4 weeks will allow you to do what you have listed comfortably. I would get an open jaw flight into London and out of Rome.

From London, I would visit Dublin and then check flights from Dublin to Paris, then fly from Paris to Rome. One week in London/Dublin, one week in Paris with a day trip or two to Chartres, Versailles and (if you like gardens), Giverny. Then 2 weeks in Italy. Unless you have a specific reason for including Milan, I highly recommend going to Florence instead. With two weeks in Italy, you can spend 4-5 days in Rome, 6 days in Florence and the Tuscan countryside and 4 days in Venice.

That sounds like a nearly ideal trip to me but it is you and your friend who are traveling. Are you going this spring? If so, you need to do a lot of research soon.

Once you have firmer plans, lots of people on this board can help with the details. It would be helpful if you could indicate your lodging budget so we could suggest appropriate places to stay.

Enjoy planning what looks like a lovely trip.

Thanks mamc! That time frame sounds perfect for us. We are traveling this spring and are trying to solidify our plans ASAP. Any suggestions on good budget accommodations in any of our destinations?

Ahhh finally remember the name of the hostel I stayed at on St. Paddy's Day in Dublin- Jacob's Inn..great location and highly recommended. If you make it to Switzerland be sure to visit Interlaken and stay at the Funny Farm!

We're debating whether or not to include Switzerland. So many places to see!

If you happen to be in the Geneva area, there's a highly rated hostel right off the town square in Vevey (by train 1 hr. outside Geneva).

I mention it because in other posts a couple people called it the nicest hostel they'd stayed in in Europe.

Well, our four weeks has now turned into three weeks due to work constraints. We have had to eliminate Dublin from our plans and try work with what we've got. As it stands now, we are going to fly into London, stay for 4-5 days, then fly to Rome, train to Florence and Venice, fly to Paris for a few days and depart from there. I tried to find an open jaw out of Rome, to avoid backtracking, but it increased the price by about $300 and the flight from London to Rome is only $45USD and 2+ hours. Does this itinerary sound too cramped? We really want to see those 5 cities but don't know if 21 days is too little time to do so. Any advice?

I think you can do it in three weeks if you plan on 3-5 days in each city. Paris could use 5 days, London and Rome need 4 days, perhaps you can get by with 3 for Venice and Florence. That leaves time for travel. You will be able to hit the high points and decide where to spend more time on your next trip.