Europe 9 day Family Vacation
Oct 6th, 2015, 09:29 AM
#22
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I traveled to Ireland at 11 years old, it was very green but boring. Since London and Paris are out, I'd second the Germany trip, Berlin/Munich/Alps.
I also went to Rome in my early teens, and found that incredibly interesting, but I was taking Latin at the time and Rome was the focus of our studies on culture (ancient)--but August in Rome sounds miserable, however early June was lovely.
I also went to Rome in my early teens, and found that incredibly interesting, but I was taking Latin at the time and Rome was the focus of our studies on culture (ancient)--but August in Rome sounds miserable, however early June was lovely.
Oct 6th, 2015, 09:43 AM
#23
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You could fly into Amsterdam, see that city for 2-3 days, then take the train or a flight to Germany, and eventually fly home from Germany: Frankfurt or Berlin. Lots to see in Germany. You need to do some research so you can decide what you want to see in Germany and hence where you want to go.
Flying into one city and out of another is called an open-jaw or multicity flight. It should cost about the same as round trip, but save you the time and expense of backtracking to your arrival city.
Flying into one city and out of another is called an open-jaw or multicity flight. It should cost about the same as round trip, but save you the time and expense of backtracking to your arrival city.
Oct 6th, 2015, 09:53 AM
#24
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A lot of votes for Berlin + Munich + Alps here. Which is fine if you want a mostly urban stay in post-war Europe. Berlin typically requires 4 days, Munich 2-3, plus 6-7 hours train time in between on one day - that would eat up most of your trip. Berlin and Munich are good destinations but for a trip with some variety, I would not do both on the same trip with only 9 days total.
I think I'll stick with my original suggestionAmsterdam - which was not flattened in WW II - and a much shorter journey into the Rheinland, where you can see both brassy Cologne on a short stop AND some true old-world Europe.
Note that if your educational component is to include WW II (one reason folks visit Berlin and Munich,) then the Rheinland is a good destination; Cologne's Nazi Documentation Center and the "Bridge at Remagen" museum, just a short distance south of Cologne, may be of interest.
Doc Center, Cologne, in former Gestapo prison: http://www.museenkoeln.de/ns-dokumen...315.aspx?s=315
Bridge at Remagen 1945 - http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xADFx_BgJ...at+Remagen.jpg
Bridge at Remagen Museum today (in the old bridge supports) - http://www.davidpride.com/Europe/Ger...s/D_90_147.jpg
I think I'll stick with my original suggestionAmsterdam - which was not flattened in WW II - and a much shorter journey into the Rheinland, where you can see both brassy Cologne on a short stop AND some true old-world Europe.
Note that if your educational component is to include WW II (one reason folks visit Berlin and Munich,) then the Rheinland is a good destination; Cologne's Nazi Documentation Center and the "Bridge at Remagen" museum, just a short distance south of Cologne, may be of interest.
Doc Center, Cologne, in former Gestapo prison: http://www.museenkoeln.de/ns-dokumen...315.aspx?s=315
Bridge at Remagen 1945 - http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4xADFx_BgJ...at+Remagen.jpg
Bridge at Remagen Museum today (in the old bridge supports) - http://www.davidpride.com/Europe/Ger...s/D_90_147.jpg
Oct 6th, 2015, 12:00 PM
#26
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@chryssy919 you may want to show the girls rick steve's germany video (i am sure he also has one on A-dam) - it was a free on line download and gave us an idea of what we may want to see- in addition to other sources.
train from A-dam to Germany may limit how far you are able to go in Germany in your 9 days....but will let you see 2 countries which is in itself an exciting factor for the girls. Another easy destimation from A-dam by train (other than Hague via same train) is Belgium (Antwerpen and Brussel with side trip to Bruge). We had a week for that trip and throuhly enjoyed.
train from A-dam to Germany may limit how far you are able to go in Germany in your 9 days....but will let you see 2 countries which is in itself an exciting factor for the girls. Another easy destimation from A-dam by train (other than Hague via same train) is Belgium (Antwerpen and Brussel with side trip to Bruge). We had a week for that trip and throuhly enjoyed.
Oct 6th, 2015, 01:14 PM
#27
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Too many options...
Of course I can't find any convincing arguments against Amsterdam. And I love Germany. It's very affordable. People are friendly. And it has so much to offer.
I wouldn't recommend Berlin. With Amsterdam it becomes so much a big city trip. I belong to the minority which is not impressed by München. They've got good museums and in season a lot of beer and traditional clothing, but the city as a whole I find a little bit boring.
A nice medium-sized city is Würzburg. Nicely situated on a river. Impressive palace on one side, castle on the other. A very German baroque pilgrimage church. Vineyards above. Oldest pizzeria of Germany, if I remember correctly. Good base for daytrips to Bamberg or Nürnberg (both 1 hr away). Practical for flying back home (Frankfurt Airport 1,5 hr away).
Get on the train at 9.00 in Amsterdam, get off at 15.30. Tickets bought well in advance at www.bahn.de (payment by credit card; printing at home) are EUR 200 for your whole team.
Of course I can't find any convincing arguments against Amsterdam. And I love Germany. It's very affordable. People are friendly. And it has so much to offer.
I wouldn't recommend Berlin. With Amsterdam it becomes so much a big city trip. I belong to the minority which is not impressed by München. They've got good museums and in season a lot of beer and traditional clothing, but the city as a whole I find a little bit boring.
A nice medium-sized city is Würzburg. Nicely situated on a river. Impressive palace on one side, castle on the other. A very German baroque pilgrimage church. Vineyards above. Oldest pizzeria of Germany, if I remember correctly. Good base for daytrips to Bamberg or Nürnberg (both 1 hr away). Practical for flying back home (Frankfurt Airport 1,5 hr away).
Get on the train at 9.00 in Amsterdam, get off at 15.30. Tickets bought well in advance at www.bahn.de (payment by credit card; printing at home) are EUR 200 for your whole team.
