LNWC

I see - it does look like we're limited to one suitcase per person. Does this include a carry on like a backpack or is that seperate? We're pretty good at packing and I don't forsee us taking any more than 1 carry on, 1 suitcase per person.

LNWC

I think I'm beginning to really warm up to a London/Paris trip as it sounds like they 1. Both have plenty to do inside 2. Are great places for a first trip to Europe. Plus it seems very affordable to go from London to Paris.

While Italy is a must-see for me I think it would be better to go at a time when we could also enjoy Greece (probably not in November!).

I guess I just need to convince myself that we'll get back to Europe eventually!

Thank you everyone for your kind responses! I'm sure I will have questions about where to stay in the future, but it looks like many of the same questions have been answered in previous threads so I'm going to start reading up!

aimeekm

With the European low cost airlines, it's not only the number of luggage pieces allowed, it's also the weight restrictions on each piece. There are also weight restrictions on carry ons, which isn't generally seen US airlines. Be sure to read about all the restrictions and fees before you book.

Just to throw in another thought, I was in Turkey last year over Thanksgiving, and the weather was ideal. We split our time between Istanbul & Cappadocia, but a day trip to Ephesus would be perfectly doable as well. In addition to the weather, another plus of Turkey is it is, in my experience, much less expensive than the rest of Europe.

Whatever you decide ... enjoy!

LNWC

aimeekm,

Thank you so much! I wouldn't have thought to look at weight restrictions!

I had completely forgotten about Turkey - one of my archaeology professors had mentioned it was a great place to visit as well. Sigh, one more place to add to the growing list of places to see!

Byrd

LNWC,

Well, we are still in the midst of planning/decision making about our itinerary! We will not have a car, so the Trenitalia and Ferrovia websites are being studied extensively.

We will definitely be in Matera, and will probably spend some days in Polignano a Mare for the seaside views, from where will will visit Alberobella and the trulli countryside.We're flying in and out of Rome.

Puglia and Basilicata are areas of italy that we haven't seen, so we want to correct thast omission!

I know you will have a great trip, wherever you visit.


Byrd

Michel_Paris

Turkey is great! I spent 2 weeks there couple of years ago. Istanbul, drove to Cappadocia, then drove to Turkish Med and back to IST. History, food, friendly people, a cultural experience.

Could do an Istanbul/Cappadocia split. Fly to Cap, rent car, fly back to IST. Or IST and Ephesus/coast

Mimar

Ignoring the possibility of Turkey for now, the best way between London and Paris is by the Eurostar train through the tunnel, 2+ hours city center to city center. But the tickets are much cheaper the earlier you buy them. So, if you settle on London-Paris, buy those tickets right away.

LNWC

All these suggestions are so fantastic that I find myself already planning our NEXT trip when we haven't even gone on the first!

I think the time of the year (and this being our first excursion in Europe) makes London/Paris a good bet. I think this discussion has made me see that some of the things we'd want to do in Italy it is probably better saved for a month other than November, or at least for a longer trip?

But I'm already thinking about a Southern Italy/Greece trip or Greece/Turkey... Southern Spain...

The list goes on!

LNWC

Mimar,

I absolutely agree that the train seems to be the best way to go. As soon as we figure out how we'll be splitting the trip I'll buy our tickets - it looks like they're in the $60 range at the moment.