I am going to Europe for the first time in early August. Plan on flying into Berlin and end up in Rome. Would like to spend a few days in Berlin and start going to Rome. I fly out of Rome on the 17th and arrive in Berlin the 7th. Any tips or helpful things on these two cities or any others I should stop at? I planned on getting the Eurorail Select Pass. This a good idea or any suggestions. Rome to Pompei too is also another I'd like to try if it fits in my schedule. Thanks.

I doubt it. With only ten nights, you would do well to take a fairly direct route, and not ping pong all over the place unless you like the transportation of Europe more than you are interested in SEEing Europe. I might even recommend only three (or four) destinations - - fly airberlin.com for chicken feed to Italy and just see one or two places plus Rome.

If you insist on a cross-Grmany itinerary, lay out an itinerary and check it on www.railsaver.com

Rail passes - - one of the poorest uses of hundreds and hundreds of dollars I know of.

Best wishes,

Rex

I totally agree with Rex (who is always right anyway).
For just 10 days (Aug 7th - Aug 17th), that is barely enough time to see Berlin and Rome. So, agree with flying between the 2 cities. And yes, you will not need a Eurorail Pass.

With 5 days in Berlin, you should be able to spare 1 day to Potsdam to visit Sanssouci Palace.
With 5 days in Rome, you can make a day trip to Pompeii.

Thanks Rex and YK. Ya just checked the airberlin.com site and for $50 i can be in Rome in about 2 hours. Lot cheaper and faster than train for close to $400 and also train screws up seeing different things. Rex and YK, you 2 seem to know what is going on in Europe or atleast in Germany and Italy. Got any must see spots or places to go? I'm a big history buff and love anything to do with history. I also want to see some of the mueseums and places of culture like that. Also, have any tips about restuarants in Germany and Italy. Was reading somewhere that they have really strict dress codes in Italy at almost all restuarants. I'm going in August and its going to be hot I'm sure and there is no way I will be walking around in a suit so I can get some lunch somewhere. Also, with the food stuff, any must have dishes or exotic foods of the country that you must try while there. Thanks you both!

I spent a week in Rome last month with my family and didn't notice anything like a strict dress code in restaurants. People who were coming from work were dressed for work, but many people were dressed casually. Of course we didn't go to any top end restaurants, which might be different.

Hi chick,

Khakis and a polo (not a tee) shirt are sufficient for eating out in Italy.

chickenisgood33-

Both Berlin and Rome are full of history and excellent museums. If you haven't done so yet, I would suggest you start reading up on guide books on Berlin and Rome.

Once you have a better idea of what sights you are interested in, feel free to post your questions & itinerary here (& hotel suggestions if you need them) and I am sure we will be more than happy to help. But next time when you post, you might want to post a brand new thread with a more descriptive title such as "Berlin & Rome itinerary, help please" rather than such a general "Any tips or ideas". People usually get more responses with a detailed title.

Also, if you haven't discovered the "Search" box above yet, you can start as well. Type in "Berlin" and you will get all the threads on Berlin. Don't type in "Rome" though cuz it is such a popular destination. Instead type something more specific such as "Rome museums" or "Rome restaurants" etc. You get the idea.

In Rome, when you go to St Peters, they have a very strict dress code. No shorts, no miniskirts and no bare shoulders.

Unless you go to very fancy restaurants in both cities, I wouldn't worry about dress codes.

Good luck to you on your initial phase of travel planning!