Bean78

Hi,

We are taking a trip to Europe this Nov/Dec. Kids in tow are 16 and 9, and we've only about three weeks. We've decided that we would start in London, and end with Rome, and have a very short Krakow trip somewhere in between. We'd like to add either Germany or Czech Republic in there somewhere.

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to string the trip together in a logical sequence. Which would be a better place to go, Germany or Czech Republic, since we are traveling with kids? We are keen on art and history, but I'm afraid that my 9 year old would start getting very bored after visiting numerous historical buildings, churches and museums, and I hope to add a few kid-friendly attractions in the mix as well. We are also looking at spending about a week in London, five days in Rome, perhaps one or two in Krakow, and the rest in Germany or Czech Republic. Is that being too ambitious? Thanks for your help!

PalenQ

Leaves one week for Czech R or Germany - well I'd suggest a bit of both

Krakow to Prague via flight or overnight train - a treat for kids of all ages;

Prague 3 days

Bus (faster than train) to Munich
great city for 3-4 days -can easily day trip to Mad Ludwig's fantasy Neuschwanstein Castle or Salzburg or nearby Dachau

Then take overnight train to Rome from Munich or fly

Fly London to Krakow

May want to stop in Venice for a few days en route to Rome?

kids would love taking the boats and gondolas, etc.

For lots on trains: www.seat61.com (shrewd advice on discounted train tickets you can book yourself online; saving a ton over just buying once there; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Bean78

Wow, thanks for your suggestions! Will definitely look into them

Thanks!

massimop

At that time of year the risk of travel delays due to weather is fairly high. If the flight to Krakow is delayed due to bad weather at either end, you could end up scrambling for a way to get to wherever you'd planned to be next. You might also want to look at average temps during that time of year. If you plan to spend most of your time outside, it could be too cold for that.

The risk of high water in Venice is significant in nov/dec, and personally would not try to include more stops in an already busy trip subject to weather delays. If you do decide to go to Venice, try to avoid being there on days of high tide & be sure to book a hotel somewhere between the Rialto Bridge & the train station (and NOT the Rialto Bridge & San Marco)

fourfortravel

"Is that being too ambitious?"

Yes. We have lived in Vienna for five years and have not attempted anything near to what you are thinking about, especially for that time of year. And our children were 11 and 16 when we arrived here.

The usual issues:
1. Plot your ideal itinerary on a calendar. Plot your family's ideal itinerary on a calendar. Discuss and adjust. Factor realist time for transit in between cities and try to minimize the travel.
2. Daylight is shorter in winter.
3. Central Europe can be cold, wet, and gray, and often all at the same time.
4. A museum death march is no fun for anyone.
5. Overnight trains may not be fun for "kids of all ages." Our 16 year old, 2-meter tall daughter can not fit in the bunks when they travel for competitions, and arrives feeling less than her best. Add a day of sightseeing to a family who didn't sleep well, in the possible grey, wet, and cold of Central Europe...

For whatever planning help this might be worth, hands down our children (now 16 and 21) would choose Berlin over Prague any day. Both cities have good balance of a youthful vibe and relevant "old stuff."

I hope you find this information helpful.

Bean78

@massimop Would it be safer to look at an alternate travel option to Krakow then i.e. by train?

Bean78

@fourfortravel Thank you. We are still adjusting the itinerary but it's likely we'll settle for four places, one of which would just be a day trip. I am just worried about the transit times in between and am not sure if I should be booking for travel between countries now or closer to the date.

fourfortravel

With due respect, Bean78, you may not fully appreciate the time required for the logistics of your possible itinerary.

You write that you have 21 days. Assuming that includes arrival and departure, you really have 19 days. Here is a possible itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in London. If you're on a transatlantic flight, jet lag will take its toll.
Days 2-7 London
Day 8 Travel to Berlin, Prague, or Krakow (or wherever)
Days 9-10 Berlin, Prague or Krakow (or wherever)
Day 11 Travel to Berlin, Prague or Krakow (or wherever)
Day 12-13 Berlin, Prague or Krakow (or wherever)
Day 14 Travel to Rome
Days 15-20 Rome
Day 21 Depart Rome

Every move takes time, from packing suitcases to hanging out in airports or train stations to checking in and out of hotels. With your proposed itinerary there is no "day trip." One day anywhere means that you will have arrived the day before, and will depart the following day. So, a day trip is more like 2-3 days depending on travel.

PalenQ

Yes 44travel makes sense- a tweek

Day 8 Travel to Berlin, Prague, or Krakow (or wherever)
Days 9-10 Berlin, Prague or Krakow (or wherever)

To me, Berlin could use more days than Prague or Krakow

I'd take a day out of London and add to Berlin if chosing that.

PalenQ

. I am just worried about the transit times in between and am not sure if I should be booking for travel between countries now or closer to the date.>

For cheaper fares book ASAP - they do sell out - full-fare always available even when there. Again www.seat61.com clues you in on how to do that - booking discounted tickets is like booking in stone - non-changeble non-refundble usually so don't book until sure where you are going.

Can always wait till there - full fares for those routes are not that daunting.