Ben Haines

I agree with Paule: dropping Madrid is a good idea. I have also by e-mail suggested dropping Nice, in order to go straight, in bed, from Barcelona to Milan, go over lunchtime to Venice, and take the night train from there to Rome. It would be a pity to miss Venice, even in so short a trip.

Paule

Thanks so much for your time - - it is suggestions like these from folks like you who have been to these countries, that will be helpful to me in seeing as much of this country as I can in a short period.

lll

Iris, Prague is a beautiful city. What about a stop after Munich but before Paris? Also, stop in Vienna before leaving Nice, it is definitely worth it, and if time permits, you have got to go to Amsterdam.

traveler

Ill,<BR><BR>Are you crazy? This poor person is trying to see too many places in too short of time and you are suggesting that she includes more cities. Give her a break!!! You have to keep it simple, not 15 countries in 3 days!!!

get

traveler<BR>i think you left your sense of humor on the plane, last trip.

lbb

I noticed that you thought that this might be your only trip to Europe. I am not trying to get to personal but why do you think that you might only be able to go this once? There might be ways to make more than one trip.<BR><BR>If it is a question of money there are a lot of tips on this forum and on other internet sites of how to save money so that you can make more than one trip.<BR><BR>If you are getting older and are afraid that your health will not allow you this type of trip might not be the best for you. I am fairly young and in good health but after going and going on a trip my muscles hurt from walking and walking and walking. Though that might not be a problem for you if you are on some form of transportation all of your trip. <BR><BR>If it has to do with your health, (I sure hope not) then I apologize for the lack of consideration of the posters. If I really believed that I would make only one trip to Europe I would see as much as I could see. <BR><BR>My mom has made and will only make one trip to Europe. She is terrified to fly and the only way I got her to come was to get married in Italy. If fear of flying is the case, good for you for facing it! <BR><BR>If this is just the way that you choose to travel more power to you. <BR><BR>Good luck what ever you decide. And I will keep my fingers crossed that you will be able to make it Europe again. (That is if you want to go again.)

Iris Darling

thanks so much for your kind words.<BR><BR>I guess that is just the way I like to travel - - See a little of a lot of things.<BR><BR>We have just arrived at a time in life where we are free to travel and although I'm seen all of the USA and most of Mexico, I have not ventured futher than that and I do want to see parts of the entire world.<BR><BR>Cost is always a concern and I realize that not taking advantage of structured tours, you will spend more. But I'm just not into that kind of travel. We will have a suggested itinerary with us and should we find we want to spend more time in an area, we will and exclude something else. So this has been great for me to get all the wonderful ideas that have been mentioned here. I simply can't thank everyone enough.<BR><BR>I have also found several web sites that seem to have excellent hotel rates - any suggestions?

RC

I probably stand somewhere in the middle of everyone. Including a day trip, we saw ten cities in 18 days in Europe. I would recommend that you limit your travel to 1-2 countries. Anything more than three without a lot of time to stay will diminish your experience--I would avoid doing so for the same reasons I would avoid riding a double-decker tourist bus. Also, you'll be dealing with four different languages on your current itinerary--learning "where is the bathroom" and other phrases in four languages could prove aggravating. I would recommend doing something like France/Germany or Spain/Italy. Ask yourself what experience you're trying to have and match that up with each particular country.

Selena

The good news is I am not going on this trip. I wouldnt enjoy seeing so many places for such a short time. Although I do wish you a wonderful trip.

Heather

Hi. I think the best suggestion is going in a cirlce. I travel the same way myself, as I like to sample things and then decide where to go back to. Your itenerary is possible, 4 years ago I went from Bilboa Spain, to Barcelona for the day until my overnight train left to Nice. I stayed there one night, then took the overnight train to Rome. I stayed in Rome for 1 night then went to Florence for 1 night, visited Venice for the day until my overnight train to Paris. I stayed in Paris for one night then took the Chunnel to London, spent one night in London, went on the train up to Scotland for one night and then went directly to the airport spent the night for an early morning trip to Dublin. Went to Dublin, didn't really like it so I rented a car and drove across the island, then back (2 days) flew back to London and then went home to California. I was there for 17 days. I had a great time. I am going back to Europe in 2 weeks with my 1 year old twins, and am planning a little less travel time, but we are still hitting Spain, France, Switzerland, Paris & London. I previously went to Paris for 7 days and got bored of the same city. <BR>Good Luck. Obviously you would not make that kind of itenaray if you were not that kind of travel person. So have a great time! Heather