Hi my name is Linda from Australia and I am trying to plan a trip to London then onto Europe. I have never done anything like this before. Am very unsure how to go about it. I would like to spend 4-5 days in London then either train / euro rail onto either Paris then Germany or straight to Germany 2-3 so 2-3 days then Czech 2-3 days then Austria 2-3 days then Switzerland may be 2 days then Italy Rome & Venice. Then either Paris and the back to London or whatever is the easiest route. I was also thinking of doing all the travelling via Eurorail Flexipass. There are four of us and we are all nearly 60 years old but fairly vibrant still. Is this doable without being too over the top. Could you tell me if the time frame in each country is enough as we have only 3-4 weeks to do this in. Also is the travel to and from wise or should it be done via another route?? I would appareciate some input from anyone who knows.
PS We do have a budget also.

First of all, try to find a way to fly open-jaw. That means flying into one city and out of another.

Second thing: Germany, Czech, Austria and Switzerland are countries. Not cities. You can't really see any of them in 2-3 days. Rush through them, maybe. Actually see anything, no. Is there a specific thing/city/whatever you want to see in any of those countries?

Third thing: Look at a map of Europe. If you're planning to go by rail, look at a rail map, too. Jumping around that way will take time if going by rail.

Personally, I'd choose four or five cities. London, Paris, Rome and Venice maybe (you've mentioned all four of them). Possibly one more. Train between London and Paris is easy. Then maybe fly between Paris and Rome.

Hi Linda. I cannot offer any advice about rail travel as we 'slow travel' with a car. For example, our last trip was nine weeks in country France. But I have to agree with the previous poster. You have to remember that two nights in a place only gives you one day, three nights, two days. Every time you pack up and move on costs you money and time. You cannot see Germany or Austria in three days. You mention that you have a budget, so lots of moves will cost you more. With four weeks, I would pick four places and stay a week in each. You could plan some day trips to give another perspective. I have only visited London[ and England] and Paris [and lots of country France] and Tuscany so cannot comment on your other places.

My advice would be to sit down and look at the countries you have chosen and decide what you and your travelling companions really want to see and plan some quality time there, not just two or three nights. We are also Australian and of a similar age. I do understand the idea of trying to see as much as possible because of the cost and time it takes to get there. But you do want this trip to be about more than brief stays and lots of railway stations and long train trips. Sometimes we have to accept that we cannot do it all.

Good luck.

For information and advice on rail travel: www.seat61.com
For flight availability and prices: www.skyscanner.net

But I agree with the others - I'd be intensely miserable with trying to pack so much in. What would you think if someone asked for advice on a similar plan only substituting Sydney for London, then Melbourne, then Northern Territories, then the South Australia wineries, then Queensland with maybe a side trip to the Bungle Bungles....?

Thank you all for your well listened to advice. I will now re think my trip. Cheers

Hi Linda - Four places of London, Paris, Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland- Jungfrau) & Venice would give you experiences of 4 of Europe's highlights. All accessible by train.

Susannah has given a good idea of what you will not only enjoy, but remember.

Linda - when are you planning to go and for how long? I count about 16 days plus some time in Italy. With 3 weeks or so, I would consider 4-5 stops with perhaps some day trips from your cities. Think about either London, Paris, Venice and Rome or London, Germany, Czech Republic and Switzerland or some variation of those two itineraries. For a first trip, I would choose the former.

Good luck with your planning. You have some good advice to consider.

> Thank you all for your well listened to advice. I will now re think my trip.

Kudos! We often see people who post plans for dream trips that strike us as nightmares, and who, when given feedback, refuse to rethink. That you are willing to reconsider and adjust is a sign that you are on the right path! There is no reason that you and your companions shouldn't be able to plan out a thoroughly enjoyable trip if you limit yourself to a manageable number of destinations that suit your interests.