This summer we are planning a trip through Central Europe. It started as an anniversary trip for DH and I (our 25th) with a trip to Venice and a Greek cruise. However, we were unable to find a 7 day cruise that went to both Santorini and Athens on NCL or RCL. But that's another story. If someone has a suggestion, we are still open to considering it. Not looking at MSC or Costa due to bad reviews and too little port time.

Ok,so change of plans... now we learn that my older D (19) will be in London on a study abroad program. Little D (14) is celebrating her graduation. So, we decided to meet D at the end of her program and start a journey through Central Europe and celebrate along the way.

We have been to Paris and London before. We did the Eurostar between the two but not really familiar with the trains. I have been doing some research. I would like to hear from you if this makes sense before I start booking flights and such. This is what we have come up with so far:

Fly into Amsterdam. Arrive Saturday morning. Main highlights: Tour Anne Frank house, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken Brewery. visit flower markets.

Depart Monday evening on Easy Jet flight to Prague:
Arrive Monday evening Prague: Tour the castle, walk the Charles Bridge and Visit the little child of Prague. Looking at booking the Hilton (not the one in old town) because I can use points to book double room. I know this is a little far from Old town but I have read that it is walkable. I just want to make sure it is safe to walk back at night.

Depart Wednesday evening from Prague on the City Night Line Train to Zurich. Reserve sleepers.

Thursday: arrive Zurich early. I have been to Zurich before and know this is a good place to stop for a breather. Maybe look for a laundry facility to have clean clothes remainder of trip. Stay at a hotel near train station. Wander old town and Bahonfstrasse for the day. Girls will enjoy this.

Friday: Take first train Zurich to Chur and Chur to St. Mortiz
Arrive early afternoon and Overnight in St. Moritz

Saturday: Bernina Express to Tirano. Regional train Tirano to Milan and Eurostar Milan to Venice. Arrive Venice Early evening.

Venice: Sunday through Wednesday.

Fly home to U.S. Wednesday

Other suggestions thrown in by the family were to fly home from Rome but I find that you need a lot of time to explore Rome and that might have to be a trip in itself. Little D wanted to see Athens(Acropolis) but I am afraid it might be too cumbersome to get to and if there is still any unrest, it might be a problem. Prefer to do Athens on a day trip off the cruise ship. Prague and Venice are must dos (mine : D ). But we thought going through the Alps on the Bernina will be amazing and is is on the way. We might eliminate Amsterdam if it gets too pricey.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts

Way too much cramming in 10 days for me.

Might fly into Lon

www.dutchflyer.com to Amsterdam

www.seat61.com Paris Geneva Alps

www.stresa.org or www.bellagio.info or www.sirmione.com

to www.venice-tourism.com Florence Rome fly back.

Always do day trains to see more sleepers suck

and do not save sounds romantic but very far from it.

or

pick 3 fav cities spend 4 days in each fly econo

booked in advance cheaply between stay in nice

www.betterbidding.com cheap 4 star hotels from $80/nt

works great for me.. Venice Paris Rome my favs.

Happy Research,

Thank you. I do however, want to keep Prague in the itinerary. I wanted to limit flights because they were expensive and had all sorts of restrictions. But I will look at your sites and hopefully be able to get good rates to the places we want to go. The train ride on the Bernina would be a novelty to us.

Anyone else?