Yes, Trier is great.

Said to be the oldest exisiting city north of Alps too! But today's Trier looks modern due to war damage-not your best old-world city but one with those really great attractions from Roman days.

There is also a wine-teaching path behind the Roman arena for lovers of Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wines.

Hi intex,

Oh gosh, I have to disagree about Trier -- I just spent 4 nights there in June and didn't care for it at all. I left with the impression that its best days were behind it; it seemed to be not-quite-prosperous and not-quite-clean.

Yes, the Porta Nigra is stunning and awesome. I also liked seeing the Imperial Baths and the Amphitheater. My favorites, though, were Konstantin's Basilika and the Liebfrau church.

But I far, far preferred the city of Aachen, which is also enroute for you. It's a lovely university town filled with tiny meandering alleys and dotted with small squares with outdoor cafes and shops. There's a lot of history there, too, because of the Romans, Charlemagne, and the coronations of the Holy Roman Emperors for almost 1,000 years.

Anyway, have fun as you plan!

s

I would not be so quick as to give up on Berlin. We too, for many years gave up on it but now, after visits, has become one of our favorite cities in Europe. Much to do, excellent museums and food, and a short journey to Potsdam. You might then consider a short train ride to Dresden and the on to Nuremberg, both wonderful, historical cities in their own right.

i agree that Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, are all fascinating, but IMO they are for another trip; they do not "fit" with a trip starting in A'dam and ending in Paris.

3 bases would work very well in 2 ½ weeks - A'dam, Cochem or similar, and Strasbourg.

The only thing you have not mentioned is whether you intend to spend time in Paris itself, but even so, you probably have long enough to enjoy all of these places.

<Trier - I left with the impression that its best days were behind it; it seemed to be not-quite-prosperous and not-quite-clean.>

Yes as a city average but so many neat unique sites.