First Time Using Fodors: Only 9 Days to vacation in Europe, Please Help!
Aug 3rd, 2012, 06:53 AM
#22
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Agree with bardo1 - if your main places to visit are Munich in Bavaria and Salzburg, then go for it. If you keep on debating about whether you should go to other places and countries (you mention many different countries - you will get even more confused. However, I can totally understand you - when I was your age I wanted to visit everywhere that I never went to. But starting a family is not the end of your holiday trips for sure. I have been taking holidays with my family since my first child was one year old. Of course there were some years when we skipped holiday abroad, but there were many lovely holidays, and we have three kids - now older of course but they still come with us to every single trip.
Yes, the Black Forest in Bavaria is beautiful, and so is the atmosphere in Munich - the locals there are so friendly. Alos, Salzburg is remembered for its Sound of Music movie. In fact, I remember we had taken a day tour (in the 80s) which was called the Sound of Music Tour which takes you to the places where the movie is filmed, really beautiful countryside. I remember we had gone up the very small mountain (or hill) in a tram, and on this high hill there was a restaurant which made a folklore night with their traditional dancing and costumes, including dinner. We had also visited the house where Mozart lived, as I already mentioned, you hear the classic music everywhere. Of course we had also managed to find a disco (renowned in the 80s in Europe). Salzburg itself is so lovely.
My second option would be Paris and Btussels/or Amsterdam. Personally I would prefer Amsterdam, it is so rich in history, the canal strees with the picturesue houses so unique, it has got a very nice Science museum on the harbour, the harbour itself is so magnificent, and so are its street canals and ancient buildings, flower markets and last not least the diamond museum. Personally, Brussels did not impress me much, but Bruges is nice. Check it out, I am not sure about distance, but maybe you might do a day trip to Bruges from Amsterdam, it is certainly possible for Anthwerp.
We had done a holiday to Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam in 2008, and managed to fit in Bruges and Antwerp, staying overnight in Bruges, and a day trip to Antwerp, but we were driving around by car. During that trip we had even gone to Bastogne in Liege as my husband and boys waned to go to the Grand Prix in Spa. It was a two-week holiday, and of course you do save a lot of time when travelling by car, besides having the option to stop at some town or city en route. Paris is so beautiful and magical, both day and night but in my opinion the city of lights, as it is called, is best in the evenings. So much to do and places to visit, though of course not cheap at all. If you are on a budget I guess Munich and the Bavaria area and Salzburg might prove to be more affordable.
Venice and the Italian lakes are also beautiful of course, but if I were you I would shortlist two possibilities for this vacation, otherwise you will get more and more confused and it will make it so much harder to decide. There will be other holidays for you in the future, don't worry. Having kids does not mean no more vacations abroad for a long time. So many Fodorites here travel with babies.
Yes, the Black Forest in Bavaria is beautiful, and so is the atmosphere in Munich - the locals there are so friendly. Alos, Salzburg is remembered for its Sound of Music movie. In fact, I remember we had taken a day tour (in the 80s) which was called the Sound of Music Tour which takes you to the places where the movie is filmed, really beautiful countryside. I remember we had gone up the very small mountain (or hill) in a tram, and on this high hill there was a restaurant which made a folklore night with their traditional dancing and costumes, including dinner. We had also visited the house where Mozart lived, as I already mentioned, you hear the classic music everywhere. Of course we had also managed to find a disco (renowned in the 80s in Europe). Salzburg itself is so lovely.
My second option would be Paris and Btussels/or Amsterdam. Personally I would prefer Amsterdam, it is so rich in history, the canal strees with the picturesue houses so unique, it has got a very nice Science museum on the harbour, the harbour itself is so magnificent, and so are its street canals and ancient buildings, flower markets and last not least the diamond museum. Personally, Brussels did not impress me much, but Bruges is nice. Check it out, I am not sure about distance, but maybe you might do a day trip to Bruges from Amsterdam, it is certainly possible for Anthwerp.
We had done a holiday to Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam in 2008, and managed to fit in Bruges and Antwerp, staying overnight in Bruges, and a day trip to Antwerp, but we were driving around by car. During that trip we had even gone to Bastogne in Liege as my husband and boys waned to go to the Grand Prix in Spa. It was a two-week holiday, and of course you do save a lot of time when travelling by car, besides having the option to stop at some town or city en route. Paris is so beautiful and magical, both day and night but in my opinion the city of lights, as it is called, is best in the evenings. So much to do and places to visit, though of course not cheap at all. If you are on a budget I guess Munich and the Bavaria area and Salzburg might prove to be more affordable.
Venice and the Italian lakes are also beautiful of course, but if I were you I would shortlist two possibilities for this vacation, otherwise you will get more and more confused and it will make it so much harder to decide. There will be other holidays for you in the future, don't worry. Having kids does not mean no more vacations abroad for a long time. So many Fodorites here travel with babies.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 07:03 AM
#23
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Hub and I had only grabbed long weekends in Paris on our first trips there. On the third, we stayed 2 weeks and I still have places on the "to see" list. So I'd vote Paris. We did take 2 day-trips with Cityrama: one to Bruges and one to see 3 castles in the Loire Valley. We had seen Versailles on previous visits but returned on our own to see more of the grounds.
Since you may fall hard for Italy when you attend the wedding, plan B would be fly into Venice and out of Pisa or Rome. Stay in Venice for a few days and then choose a lovely town in Tuscany to base or head down to Rome and finish your time there.
Since you may fall hard for Italy when you attend the wedding, plan B would be fly into Venice and out of Pisa or Rome. Stay in Venice for a few days and then choose a lovely town in Tuscany to base or head down to Rome and finish your time there.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 07:24 AM
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Forgot to mention the delicious Mozart chocolates round ball-shaped ones or flat round ones filled with praline which the picture of Mozart on them - you will find them in every confectionery in Salzburg = soo good, not to mention the German beer in Munich, although Beligan beer is just as good in my opinion.
I understand that you are going to Italy for another vacation, so I think I would choose to go to a different country/countries during this holiday. Maybe you might manage to fit in Venice for a couple of days in the September vacation, and depart back home from there if you are so eager to visit this city? But if you already have many stops I would leave it.
I understand that you are going to Italy for another vacation, so I think I would choose to go to a different country/countries during this holiday. Maybe you might manage to fit in Venice for a couple of days in the September vacation, and depart back home from there if you are so eager to visit this city? But if you already have many stops I would leave it.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 08:07 AM
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ANNA: I can't thank you enough for your response. You are so right, I know this won't be my last European trip and I know one day with our children we will want to take them, but it truly is so hard to choose where to go when there are just so many places that fascinate me! I agree that because I am going to Italy in September I would rather choose other places to visit for this summer trip. I would love to visit Amsterdam & Paris together or Munich (bavarian area) and Salzburg.
So with these two possible ideas what do you choose and why? My husband and I also like to be flexible with traveling. Of course we want some kind of plan, but like I said before, we also like the days not packed with sightseeing. We also would prefer not to spend much of our time inside museums. How would one split up their days in these areas?
So with these two possible ideas what do you choose and why? My husband and I also like to be flexible with traveling. Of course we want some kind of plan, but like I said before, we also like the days not packed with sightseeing. We also would prefer not to spend much of our time inside museums. How would one split up their days in these areas?
Aug 3rd, 2012, 08:29 AM
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I don't know if you will be able to see this, but one of my non-museum, non-sight seeing passions is window shopping. This is from a 2010 trip to Paris and Amsterdam.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v...type=2&theater
Aug 3rd, 2012, 09:05 AM
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<i>"So with these two possible ideas what do you choose and why?"</i>
First off, EITHER of these will be a fantastic trip and I hesitate to simply pick one over the other. Instead I'll just mention some intangibles:
Paris/Amsterdam can be done completely without a car. Paris can be thoroughly enjoyed without concentrating on tourist sites (though those available are amazing). I would fly into AMS, spend 3 days in Amsterdam, then train to Paris (always save the best for last!) for the remainder of your trip and fly home from CDG. This is totally subjective, but there is no places I would rather spend time than Paris (though I imaging a number of Fodorites would agree).
The Germany trip lends itself toward renting a car (though not while in Munich). It also lends itself toward some stunning outdoor hiking/scenery (including Zugspitze). This trip also allows for visiting some drop-dead cute small villages. This trip makes most sense as a triangular route. Fly in MUC, stay 4 nights, get a car in the city and head to Salzburg for 1 or 2 nights and then continue toward Garmish/villages/castles area for remaining time. You might want to stay your final night near Munich depending on what time your flight home leaves before returning the car at Munich airport. You DON'T want to pick up a car in Austria and return it in Germany. Driving in Germany/Austria is a snap and the perfectly maintained roads in the countryside are practically empty.
First off, EITHER of these will be a fantastic trip and I hesitate to simply pick one over the other. Instead I'll just mention some intangibles:
Paris/Amsterdam can be done completely without a car. Paris can be thoroughly enjoyed without concentrating on tourist sites (though those available are amazing). I would fly into AMS, spend 3 days in Amsterdam, then train to Paris (always save the best for last!) for the remainder of your trip and fly home from CDG. This is totally subjective, but there is no places I would rather spend time than Paris (though I imaging a number of Fodorites would agree).
The Germany trip lends itself toward renting a car (though not while in Munich). It also lends itself toward some stunning outdoor hiking/scenery (including Zugspitze). This trip also allows for visiting some drop-dead cute small villages. This trip makes most sense as a triangular route. Fly in MUC, stay 4 nights, get a car in the city and head to Salzburg for 1 or 2 nights and then continue toward Garmish/villages/castles area for remaining time. You might want to stay your final night near Munich depending on what time your flight home leaves before returning the car at Munich airport. You DON'T want to pick up a car in Austria and return it in Germany. Driving in Germany/Austria is a snap and the perfectly maintained roads in the countryside are practically empty.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 09:40 AM
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That is a hard questiony ou are asking me CMurphy88 Both options have beautiful places to visit.
I know you you mean, Ilike visiting museums as well, but I do not like to stay in historical buildings all the time. I must admit, I have a passiion for palaces and cathedrals, but I love everything else that is outdoors, even during Wintertime holidays like unusual Christmas activities in Italy.. I also love unusual places of interest, like mines, ascending unusual monuments or wheels, river or harbour or canal boat rides, and most of all taking in the outside atmosphere of any city or town.
As I said, it is all a matter of personal choice. Paris is so beautiful with plenty of sites to see and Amsterdam unique is in its own way, more visited by the younger generation - many Europeons go to college there, and also maybe because drugs were legal there - but there was some law lately that drugs can't be sold to foreigners. Saying that it is a beautiful city with one of the most beautiful harbours that I ever visited.
If you are into more mountain scenery and countryside, then Munich and Salzburg might be for you and a slower pace, then these places might be for you. Amsterdam countryside is totally flat. People are so friendly and orderly and helpful in Bavaria (Munich is the capital city of Bavaria - Bavaria is a region in Germany) and also Austria. The Austrians are very well-mannered and orderly people. Somehow,m in my opinion, these places feel maybe safer. But it is so hard to choose between these two options. Personally, I would not miss out on Vienna, I love it so much, I would not even consider not visiting Vienna if I were to visit Salzburg, even if it were the hundredth time. But each to his own.
One thing you might take into consideration. Paris (also Amsterdam) are expensive cities to visit. The food is so expensive, I remember in 2008 a sandwich and chips cost us 13 euro each in a normal, not high class restaurant in central Paris close to the Eiffel Tower, (unless you plan to eat fast food or take-outs or buy groceries from supermarkets - you see so many people doing that close to the River Seine). It is nice to do that, undoubtedly, but I also enjoy meals in good restaurants. And to eat in a good restaurant you have to pay very good money for it. The accommodation is very expensive as well.
Munich and Salzburg (as well as Vienna) are much more affordable holidays for sure. Accommodation is not so expensive. Their sausages and schnitzel (pork or veal in batter) are to die for. In fact, in the Vienna 4 day break me and my family went to, I remember well that we did not even spend the budget we had planned for it - I must say in most of our other holidays we spent more than we anticipated.
So if you have a strict budget or a budget limit for your holiday you might also consider this.
Ultimately, do some research with your husband on these places, and try and find out what your priorities and interests are.
But if you really really had to press me for which option I would take, trying to imagine that I have never been to any of the places, I think I would ultimately say Paris and Amsterdam. But if you include Vienna, then probably I would bend to the other option, as I would have included a bit of everything, beautiful countryside and mountain scenery and a most beautiful historical city as well. Munich is nice and has its own lovely atmosphere as well, but always in my opinion, cannot be compared to Vienna. I just love it - the palaces, the grandeur of the historical sites, the classical music, especially the sound of Blue Danube on the boat trip and everywhere you go - it makes me feel that I am in another era. Forgot to add - operas are also unique in Vienna if you are into that, and also the concerts. I went to an opera when I visited there with friends, and a concert at a palace when I went with my family. At the concert there was even dancers dressed in epoque ballroom attire in the background dancing to each piece of classical music played by the orchestra. Heavenly!!
I know you you mean, Ilike visiting museums as well, but I do not like to stay in historical buildings all the time. I must admit, I have a passiion for palaces and cathedrals, but I love everything else that is outdoors, even during Wintertime holidays like unusual Christmas activities in Italy.. I also love unusual places of interest, like mines, ascending unusual monuments or wheels, river or harbour or canal boat rides, and most of all taking in the outside atmosphere of any city or town.
As I said, it is all a matter of personal choice. Paris is so beautiful with plenty of sites to see and Amsterdam unique is in its own way, more visited by the younger generation - many Europeons go to college there, and also maybe because drugs were legal there - but there was some law lately that drugs can't be sold to foreigners. Saying that it is a beautiful city with one of the most beautiful harbours that I ever visited.
If you are into more mountain scenery and countryside, then Munich and Salzburg might be for you and a slower pace, then these places might be for you. Amsterdam countryside is totally flat. People are so friendly and orderly and helpful in Bavaria (Munich is the capital city of Bavaria - Bavaria is a region in Germany) and also Austria. The Austrians are very well-mannered and orderly people. Somehow,m in my opinion, these places feel maybe safer. But it is so hard to choose between these two options. Personally, I would not miss out on Vienna, I love it so much, I would not even consider not visiting Vienna if I were to visit Salzburg, even if it were the hundredth time. But each to his own.
One thing you might take into consideration. Paris (also Amsterdam) are expensive cities to visit. The food is so expensive, I remember in 2008 a sandwich and chips cost us 13 euro each in a normal, not high class restaurant in central Paris close to the Eiffel Tower, (unless you plan to eat fast food or take-outs or buy groceries from supermarkets - you see so many people doing that close to the River Seine). It is nice to do that, undoubtedly, but I also enjoy meals in good restaurants. And to eat in a good restaurant you have to pay very good money for it. The accommodation is very expensive as well.
Munich and Salzburg (as well as Vienna) are much more affordable holidays for sure. Accommodation is not so expensive. Their sausages and schnitzel (pork or veal in batter) are to die for. In fact, in the Vienna 4 day break me and my family went to, I remember well that we did not even spend the budget we had planned for it - I must say in most of our other holidays we spent more than we anticipated.
So if you have a strict budget or a budget limit for your holiday you might also consider this.
Ultimately, do some research with your husband on these places, and try and find out what your priorities and interests are.
But if you really really had to press me for which option I would take, trying to imagine that I have never been to any of the places, I think I would ultimately say Paris and Amsterdam. But if you include Vienna, then probably I would bend to the other option, as I would have included a bit of everything, beautiful countryside and mountain scenery and a most beautiful historical city as well. Munich is nice and has its own lovely atmosphere as well, but always in my opinion, cannot be compared to Vienna. I just love it - the palaces, the grandeur of the historical sites, the classical music, especially the sound of Blue Danube on the boat trip and everywhere you go - it makes me feel that I am in another era. Forgot to add - operas are also unique in Vienna if you are into that, and also the concerts. I went to an opera when I visited there with friends, and a concert at a palace when I went with my family. At the concert there was even dancers dressed in epoque ballroom attire in the background dancing to each piece of classical music played by the orchestra. Heavenly!!
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:07 AM
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Anna - It sounds like the OP has 10 nights to make for 9 full days on the ground with last night being before the flight home.
CMurphy - I concur with Anna's observations on costs. The Paris/Amsterdam (major cities) option will be a more expensive trip that the Germany (medium city Munich, very small city Salzburg, plus very small country villages) option.
Not unlike the price differential between Midwest US/NYC or similar city/country divides anywhere else in the world.
CMurphy - I concur with Anna's observations on costs. The Paris/Amsterdam (major cities) option will be a more expensive trip that the Germany (medium city Munich, very small city Salzburg, plus very small country villages) option.
Not unlike the price differential between Midwest US/NYC or similar city/country divides anywhere else in the world.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 10:18 AM
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CMurphy, here are three quotes from your own posts:
"We love beautiful scenery & views: mountains, oceans, lakes, buildings, fountains, statues, castles"
"For some reason I just have such an interest in seeing Munich and the Bavaria area. I really would love to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle especially."
"I also grew up watching the "Sound of Music" and fell in love with the scenery in the movie so that was a big reason I wanted to see Salzburg."
You have obviously made up your mind that you want to go to Munich, Salzburg and Fuessen (where Neuschwanstein is located), but just aren't admitting it yet. So, I will make the decision for you...You are going to Munich, Salzburg and Fuessen and you are going to love it. Now go make your reservations.
"We love beautiful scenery & views: mountains, oceans, lakes, buildings, fountains, statues, castles"
"For some reason I just have such an interest in seeing Munich and the Bavaria area. I really would love to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle especially."
"I also grew up watching the "Sound of Music" and fell in love with the scenery in the movie so that was a big reason I wanted to see Salzburg."
You have obviously made up your mind that you want to go to Munich, Salzburg and Fuessen (where Neuschwanstein is located), but just aren't admitting it yet. So, I will make the decision for you...You are going to Munich, Salzburg and Fuessen and you are going to love it. Now go make your reservations.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 01:52 PM
#34
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Camporico: HAHA! Thank you for this! I really did think my mind was made up but now I am really considering Paris & Amsterdam. I'm going back and forth!
I like that we would not have to rent a car visiting Paris & Amsterdam.
Castles are a big highlight for me. I have been looking at both the Chateau de Pierrefonds and the Neuschwanstein Castle. Any advice on which one people prefer?
Just want to add this bit of info about my husband and I: We live in the country or suburb in a small town in NJ. About an hour train ride from NYC. We love to go to NYC for a few days to walk around (especially the village area) wine and dine but after a few days we can't deal with the crowds and the business and love to come home to privacy and quietness in our own backyard. Knowing this about us, if we decide to do Paris and Amsterdam will there be days where we can find down time in or around Paris in the country or winery?
I have been wanting to go to Amsterdam for a long time as well (not for the partying) I want to see the canals and just stroll.
But then when I think of munich and salzburg i think of the beauty, friendly people, and not the crazy city feel.
As far as budget, we can do either trip. When you say expensive trip can it be equivalent to prices we see in NYC?
I am just so torn........
I like that we would not have to rent a car visiting Paris & Amsterdam.
Castles are a big highlight for me. I have been looking at both the Chateau de Pierrefonds and the Neuschwanstein Castle. Any advice on which one people prefer?
Just want to add this bit of info about my husband and I: We live in the country or suburb in a small town in NJ. About an hour train ride from NYC. We love to go to NYC for a few days to walk around (especially the village area) wine and dine but after a few days we can't deal with the crowds and the business and love to come home to privacy and quietness in our own backyard. Knowing this about us, if we decide to do Paris and Amsterdam will there be days where we can find down time in or around Paris in the country or winery?
I have been wanting to go to Amsterdam for a long time as well (not for the partying) I want to see the canals and just stroll.
But then when I think of munich and salzburg i think of the beauty, friendly people, and not the crazy city feel.
As far as budget, we can do either trip. When you say expensive trip can it be equivalent to prices we see in NYC?
I am just so torn........
Aug 3rd, 2012, 04:59 PM
#36
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IMHO London, Paris and Rome are really the big three for first timers. With the time you have You can easily pick two cities with nearby daytrips. The next tier of cities to visit include Amsterdam, Munich, Barcelona, Vienna, Berlin, Venice, Prague, Athens, Madrid, Florence and more.
I would recommed that if you would like to see Munich/Salzburg, split your time with Bavaria and one of the top three. Fly into one and out of the other to save time. If you pick London or Paris you can daytrip to the other one on the chunnel train. It will give you a glimpse of the other city for next time.
Unless you are going out into the country you wont want or need a car in the cities because of traffic and parking hassels. Most of these cities have great public transportation systems.
I would recommed that if you would like to see Munich/Salzburg, split your time with Bavaria and one of the top three. Fly into one and out of the other to save time. If you pick London or Paris you can daytrip to the other one on the chunnel train. It will give you a glimpse of the other city for next time.
Unless you are going out into the country you wont want or need a car in the cities because of traffic and parking hassels. Most of these cities have great public transportation systems.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 05:28 PM
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No one has mentioned Innsbruck. If you choose Munich and Salzburg, I would add Innsbruck in for a day. I agree that Vienna is wonderful; and if you go there in season, try to see the Lipizzaner horses perform--pricy, but breathtaking. The subway system is quite easy to navigate there. I'm not a big fan of Amsterdam. We all like different things!
