First time to Europe, only speak English
 

I really want to take a trip to Europe this fall. I just finished grad school and wanted to give it to myself as a present.

I'll be traveling alone and plan to stay 7-10 days. I don't want to spend a fortune on lodging and meals.

My goal is to see as much of history as possible in this short time frame.

I was considering Rome and Florence so I can see the vatican, sistine chapel, uffizi etc.

Another thing I'd like to see is England and Scotland. I'd also like to see Germany, France and Greece.

I know I need to narrow it down to two cities in such a short time frame.

What would be good for a first timer that only speaks English?

People dealing with tourists in any major city in these countries will speak English. It's the lingua franca in Western and Central Europe. If a Belgian, who doesn't speak Italian, goes to Italy he will speak English to communicate. Choose your country by what you want to see and forget the language.

I would go to Rome and Venice. Although I love Florence, Venice is very special.

It all depends on your interests. You have listed well trodden places where you can get by on English. But is always polite to learn a few phrases of the language of the country you are visiting.

I really want to see the uffizi gallery in florence.

My main interest is seeing historical architecture. That's why I'm leaning towards Italy but I'm really not sure. I also would love to see some of the old castles in scotland.

Rome and Florence will be an easier trip than the castles in Scotland as you'd need to rent a car.

You can't go wrong with Italy as a first trip to Europe. Rome, Florence, Venice is a typical itinerary, but ten days would be a tad rushed given the arrival/departure days.

Sure you can't add another week? That would make it easier to see a lot more. I assume you'l be flying a long way to get there.

Don't worry about the language at all. I've done numerous solo trips to Europe with knowing the local languages. I do learn a few words or phrases when I travel but not much, and I've never had any major issue knowing only English. True, sometimes I run into a person who does not speak English, but if I am trying to check in to a hotel or something, we both know why I am there and therefore can figure things out. More than once I've checked into a place where we could not communicate at all in language, but somehow I managed to check in just fine and enjoy my stays.

I could probably do two weeks but I'm worried about how much it's going to cost me in food and lodging. Plus the fact that I'll be traveling alone makes two weeks seem pretty lonely. I dunno.

How many days would you want to spend in each city? Rome/Florence/Venice.

I really need to explore the vatican, ancient roman buildings, uffizi etc.

You can find people to talk to and hang with. Lots of people travel solo and meet others, especially if you stay in hostels. Just start talking with people your age. I doubt you'll be lonely.

My first trip was for 3 weeks; I was 20 years old. I found lots of people doing the same thing and we chatted and traveled around together.

Rome - 5 days
Florence - 3 days
Venice - 2 days

Factor in travel time between cities.

Get a Let's Go guide book for Italy and learn how to travel on a budget.

In Italy it costs more money to sit at a table and eat/drink rather than stand up and even more to sit at a table outside. Often take out is the cheapest price. Bars are great places to get cheap lunches/snacks. Never eat in a restaurant near sights; walk a few blocks away for cheaper food.

Get cash from ATM machines rather than exchanging currency - much better exchange rate. Do not buy traveler's checks or those travel cards loaded with Euros. No need to buy Euros at home - get them at the airport in Italy and then any time you need more cash.

You've been a student and should know how to live inexpensively. It's not much different in Italy than at home.

It's not difficult to learn some basic language - greetings, please, thank you etc. that will get you a long way as most people appreciate an attempt.

Read up on the uffizi before you go. I didn't, and as it turned out I really disliked a lot of the art in that particular gallery. My fault entirely.

You will be thrilled with Italy. And you will hear more English near Il Duomo in Florence than Italian.

I would suggest you look at Time Out on line and in the paper versions for Rome. http://www.timeout.com/rome/.

And look at highly readable but well-researched and entertaining book about Il Duomo called Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King.

Whatever you do, do not get Rick Steve's anything he has a superficial regard for art and architecture.

For history and good explanation of the sights look at the Michelin Green Guides. They are simply the best.

IMDonehere: <i>Whatever you do, do not get Rick Steve's anything he has a superficial regard for art and architecture. </i>

You are welcome to your opinion, but I swear by Rick Steves for my travels to Europe. His books have been invaluable to me on numerous trips to Europe. It's true that I'm not an art major and don't spend the majority of my time in museums in Europe, but some travelers are like me.

The OP is specifically interested in history, art, and architecture and for a professional travel writer Little Ricky is embarrassingly superficial.

He is also a lazy writer in that he writes about this town or that and omits nearby places that are worthwhile.

I swear by Rick Steve's also.

I'm a history buff myself, and I find Rick Steves's historical summaries of the places he covers adequate and accurate. I'm NOT an art buff, so I can't comment much on his museum walking tours, except to say they have been more than adequate for me when I visit museums. Rick Steves offers practical advice and pragmatic travel tips. I don't always agree with him, but I LIKE that he's subjective and suggests you see certain things and avoid others. Some travel books try to avoid saying anything negative about anything in a country they cover, and it's hard to know from reading them where I ought to spend time and where to avoid.

You can visit any of the places you mention (and MANY more!) without a working knowledge of a language other than English. Nonetheless, like others, I strongly encourage you to learn at least a few civilities -- they go a VERY long way.

Given your interests and time frame, I think honing in on just 2 cities would be perfect, and Rome and Florence would be a GREAT pair with which to begin your travel life!

You might find The Rough Guide and/or Lonely Planet helpful for planning your time -- they both provide good coverage of architecture and art, as well as a more comprehensive coverage of other things than most guidebooks. I'm with IMDonehere on Rick Steves's books -- I find them exceedingly thin (actually, appallingly thin) on the arts. JMO. Fodor's, Frommer's, and the Michelin Green Guides can be very helpful in identifying priorities, as they all provide ratings of sites. And you can probably get many of these books from your local library, so you can select one or two to buy and take notes from the others. It won't take all that long in comparison to preparing for any of your courses! (And congrats on finishing your degree!)

(An aside: Over the years, I've noted that Andrew almost always recommends less time in cities than I do, and I've often wondered whether that's because he relies on Rick Steves's guidebooks, rather than other guidebooks that provide better coverage. Just a thought....)

Could someone list a few of the local Scottish phrases one should learn please?

@ colduphere: "Haggis? Naw!"

kja: <i>(An aside: Over the years, I've noted that Andrew almost always recommends less time in cities than I do, and I've often wondered whether that's because he relies on Rick Steves's guidebooks, rather than other guidebooks that provide better coverage. Just a thought....)</i>

Oh, the reason I spend less time in some cities than you do must be because I'm a dumb, uneducated rube who reads Rick Steves, not because I happen to have a different travel style or interests than you have. I doubt me could understand all of them big words you educated folks use. Me like the Rick Steves!

Honestly, I have no idea why some of the posters on the Europe board are so incredibly snotty and intolerant of views they disagree with! If you have have travel books you like, why not recommend them and be done with it? Why the need to knock books/authors you don't like and posters you don't agree with???

@ Andrew -- Wow, Andrew, I don't know what to say! I was not trying to knock you or in any way criticize you. We disagree about Rick Steves's guidebooks; that's not news. I HAVE wondered whether our use of different guidebooks is part of the reason we differ in our recommendations. I don't think it is unreasonable for any of us to point out perceived limitations to guidebooks or any other resources; that's part of the subjective perspectives that all of us provide here, isn't it? I have also pointed out, on MANY occasions, that I agree with you about X or Y or Z-- and there are MANY times that we DO agree. While we have sometimes agreed, and sometimes disagreed, I can assure you that I have never intentionally "knocked" you (or any other poster). I voiced my opinion about guidebooks, as you did; and then I raised what I thought was a legitimate question. Period. And yes, of course, having different interests is a very plausible reason for our differing recommendations. And thank goodness people do differ in their interests! Life would be AWFULLY boring if we all thought the same things, wouldn't it? And isn't it a GOOD thing that people -- you and I and others -- bring different perspectives to the table? Seriously, Andrew - I intended no offense.

Cold

As you probably know the Scots forgot to conquer Italy and during WWII looted all the Scots paintings from the Uffizi obviating the need to learn to a learn the language while in Florence.

OP, just remember: if they don't understand you, speak louder.

Sorry Cold I forgot to mention:

If my argument is not enough to dissuade you from language lessons, you can buy Rick Steve's latest: Scots for Italians-You Have a Big Pair of Scones

You'll obviously need to lower your expectations to fit your time frame.

As for how much time to spend in each city: As a rough guide, assume a half day for each attraction you plan to see -- and I strongly encourage you to have a plan. Yes, some will take less and some will take more, but that at least gives you an idea of how to plot your time. Also, look into getting timed tickets ahead of time, when possible, to avoid standing in line.

If you're interested in castles, look into Germany, because it doesn't look like you can fit Scotland into your trip. Germany has lots of interesting castles in its mountain and along its rivers. Unless of course your interest in castles is limited to just Scottish ones.

Language shouldn't be a problem in the major cities and tourist areas that you've mentioned in your itinerary. You may run into the occasional person who doesn't speak English, but most of the people in the tourist-related sectors do speak English.

List your priorities, plot out your time for each, and the rest will fall into place. Also remember that the more places you try to see, the more time and money you'll spend on transit, which is not a wise use of your travel money.

You boys (cold, IMD, and sparky) are going to scare this poor woman.

tr7111 - these three normally have good insights but they've lost it here! Heed them not.

You need to read a variety of guide books since each has its merits and some will appeal more to your travel style. You don't need to buy them; libraries are a great resource for guides and other books on your destination.

What's really important in Italy is to choose your gelateria carefully. Avoid those places that offer garish colors.

You are talking to someone who managed in Denmark, Sweden and Iceland only knowing the word for"thank you".

An Italian friend says that Germans in Northern Italy just bounce into shops and bark orders in German.
A smiling "buon giorno" when entering and a polite "permesso?" Before touching anything will endear you to the shopkeeper

'An Italian friend says that Germans in Northern Italy just bounce into shops and bark orders in German.'

Just like the Italians visiting Munich yell their orders in Italian.
With only the tiny difference that South Tyrol is officially bi-lingual while Bavaria is not ;-)

I'd recommend the rough guide series. Lots of background for the flight and lots of detail while in the trip

Adrienne I ain't (am not) kidding. I have been in situations in Scotland where after several requests for clarification I still had no idea what the speaker was saying. The good news is that most of these were on golf courses and in bars.

My favourite was a Scot yelling at us from a distance to get off the medaltease. I kept asking what a medaltease was. He kept yelling. We figured out later he was saying medal tees.

So far we've heard you say you want to see the Uffizi at least twice and you've also talked about Roman runins.

As i recall there aren't a lot of Roman ruins in Venice. But if you have a full ten days you could do the three cities in Italy you have mentioned.

What we have not heard, at all, from you, is exactly how much of a museum attention span you have. It can be pretty easy to get "museumed and monumented and churched OUT" between Rome, Florence, and Venice.

You can do things somewhat cheaply in Venice but be aware it is one of THE most expensive cities in Europe. A lot may depend on the time of year you plan to do this travel, also.

cold - I know you're not kidding. It was easier for me to understand the Italians speaking Italian than to understand the Scots (especially Glaswegians) speaking English. And it's not only the accent - the words are different too.

I thought I was helping.

<< It can be pretty easy to get "museumed and monumented and churched OUT" between Rome, Florence, and Venice. >>

I agree that sensory overload happens. That's why it's important to give more time to a trip rather than rushing through and seeing too much in one day and coming home from the trip not remembering what you saw.

Varying your sightseeing is important. After a morning at the Uffizi you won't want to look at more paintings. I find the San Marco museum to be very relaxing. Each cell has a small fresco so you're not overloaded by too much at one time.

Access guide books are full of photos and are arranged by sections of the city and include museums, churches, gardens, shops, etc. Looking through these guides is a good way to determine what sights are near each other and what sights offer a sightseeing balance.

Hi tr7111 - regarding the costs, this (for most people) is usually a big concern. It certain is for me and my family. I use a spreadsheet (Google Docs is really handy for sharing if planning with others).
I track the one-time items (mostly airfare) as well as set aside a per diem for food, lodging, entrance fees, shopping, and ground transportation. As I do my research, I can get a better per day estimate of the cost for each. I have some basic formulas in place to calculate total cost based on the number of nights, which makes it easy to see how much of an impact adding a couple days will make. Since airfare often makes up a large 'sunk' cost for your trip, I try to maximize the number of days I'm away, to get the most out of the expensive airfare.
Another reason to limit the number of cities you visit is the expense of traveling between cities. While train and airline fares are often quite cheap, when on a budget, these costs can equal a day or more of expenses, and travel between cities can use up the better part of a day, effectively stealing 2 days from you.

Ultimately - start with a spreadsheet and try to come up with a fairly detailed plan to help you get a realistic picture of the costs for such a trip, and do what you can to maximize the number of days you have. Good luck!

I think Adrienne's schedule for ten days or so in Italy would be good for someone with your interests (which coincide with ours). You can see the best of each of the three major Italian cities in the time you have. And each is totally different from the others.

Start your plan with the number of nites you're going to stay in each place rather than days. That will also help with budgeting. In some places you'll get a break on lodging if you commit to three nites or more. So: three nites in Venice; Early train to Florence; three to four nites in Florence; train to Rome and balance of time in Rome. This may be a few more nites than you planned to spend, but unless you have a job or some other reason to return pronto, I'd try to stretch the time; airfares are outrageous these days and so the more time you can spend on the ground, but better off you'll be in the long run.

Consider picknicking as well: go to the market, pick up a loaf of bread, some spread and a bottle of wine, then find a nice place to sit and eat it.

<< number of nites you're going to stay in each place rather than days >>

I could never adapt to planning nights (I get too confused) although many people love to plan this way. I'm busy planning days and sleeping at night. Do whatever works best for you.

IMD - you were helpful; I was referring to your message to cold (which was very funny). The OP seems timid and I didn't want her to be frightened off.

Given your interests and your budget, I'd say skip Venice, spend as much time as you can in Rome and Florence. (But I lo-o-o-ve Venice. Most beautiful city in the world.)

To conserve your budget, look into staying in hostels and/or convents. Here's one place with information on convents: www.monasterystays.com. And check out the Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum, which focuses on inexpensive travel: www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree.

As for getting lonely, you can meet people in hostels, also on in-city walking tours.

Adrienne

Sometimes I think the posters on Fodor's do not give first timers credit for having a sense of humor or not being too thin skinned. The problem with the Internet, in general, is that nuance and irony is often lost.

I am sure the OP would see that the postings without an information are either plain silly or funny or both.

Sometimes when they don't respond immediately it could mean they actually have a life outside Fodor's or they do not understand the unwritten etiquette that many demand.

TR7111 - if you have 7-10 days, I would spend that time in Rome. If you're interested in history, there's a lot there. Immerse yourself, wander around, take your time, enjoy the city.

I doubt this will be your only trip to Europe. Don't bust your butt trying to see it all.

Go wherever most interests you. Don't worry about your lack of language skills. The places you mention are used to tourists (of all languages). It's just not a problem.

I love Venice, so I would never say to skip it. With 10-days you could do the classic Venice, Florence, Rome trip.

<<Wow, Andrew, I don't know what to say! I was not trying to knock you or in any way criticize you.

I interpreted the comments the same way Andrew did - they sounded nasty to me.

I read almost every single guidebook I can get my hands on before I leave - I have access to several libraries with huge travel sections, so it's easy for me to borrow them to peruse.

I *love* art, and seeing art is a main priority when I visit Europe. While I agree that Rick Steves is often not "deep" overall, I haven't found any other guidebook that is as deep as I would like to see about art.

I do my art research with actual art books - making a note where the paintings/art I am most drawn to is located and plan around that.

That said, the only guidebooks I brought on my recent trip were Rick Steves. Like Andrew, I appreciate his subjectivity. I wish more books were more honest about certain attractions. I think RS' maps are easy to use - I find DK's maps somewhat confusing and those books seem heavier, too.

IMD, cold, and sparky - I'm sorry I chastised you. It was meant to be lighthearted but in re-reading my comment I see that did not come through. I probably should have used one of the smiley faces to show my response was meant in the same light way as yours were. I actually think you're all witty and especially enjoy reading your teasing comments to cold, IMD.