First Time Using Fodors: Only 9 Days to vacation in Europe, Please Help!
Aug 2nd, 2012, 04:30 PM
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First Time Using Fodors: Only 9 Days to vacation in Europe, Please Help!
Hi Everyone! I have heard great things about this site so I have decided to give it a try. I hope I can get some help with our travel plans for a short trip to Europe. I already know 9 days in Europe is not a lot of time, but it is all the time my husband and I have so we want to make the best out of those 9 days. (we actually have 11 days but those extra 2 are our travel days from the NYC area and then wherever we leave out of in Europe) We will be traveling the end of June into early July 2013.
My husband and I are in our early 30's and both love the history that Europe offers. We love great food & wine, sightseeing at "must see" sites but also taking a stroll together to discover parts of a country that may not be as touristy. We love beautiful scenery & views: mountains, oceans, lakes, buildings, fountains, statues, castles, we love it all. We have both been to England & Scotland, and will travel to Italy in September (Ravello, Positano, Capri, Rome, & Florence) for a friend's wedding. I do not think we will be looking to spend a day on a beach as we can do that at home in the summer, however some days we may want to do some sightseeing and include some down time to just soak it all in.
I have a list of places I would love to see one day, but obviously can't do it all and with only 9 days it is very hard to choose. Is it better to stay in one country and do a few day trips or could we somehow visit two countries?
My husband and I are in our early 30's and both love the history that Europe offers. We love great food & wine, sightseeing at "must see" sites but also taking a stroll together to discover parts of a country that may not be as touristy. We love beautiful scenery & views: mountains, oceans, lakes, buildings, fountains, statues, castles, we love it all. We have both been to England & Scotland, and will travel to Italy in September (Ravello, Positano, Capri, Rome, & Florence) for a friend's wedding. I do not think we will be looking to spend a day on a beach as we can do that at home in the summer, however some days we may want to do some sightseeing and include some down time to just soak it all in.
I have a list of places I would love to see one day, but obviously can't do it all and with only 9 days it is very hard to choose. Is it better to stay in one country and do a few day trips or could we somehow visit two countries?
Aug 2nd, 2012, 04:43 PM
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If it were me I would just go to Paris (where there is enough to see and do for a month) and then make 1 or 2 day trips. With the TGV it is possible to make a kong day trip to other parts of France - if you're willing to take a 7 am train out and come back after an early dinner.)
I would Strasboug - which has a very Germanic feel due to it's history as one - and chck out the options you would enjoy most for the other.
Alternatively, you could land in Munich and spend time in southern Germany - which would give you a mix of city, countryside, a day in the mountains and lots of history and palaces. For that I would rent a car to do a 4 day drive around - then spend the rest of the time in/around Munich.
I would Strasboug - which has a very Germanic feel due to it's history as one - and chck out the options you would enjoy most for the other.
Alternatively, you could land in Munich and spend time in southern Germany - which would give you a mix of city, countryside, a day in the mountains and lots of history and palaces. For that I would rent a car to do a 4 day drive around - then spend the rest of the time in/around Munich.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 05:24 PM
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nytraveler: Thank you so much for your response. If we were to spend time in Southern Germany where would you recommend staying and visiting? Just want to have a few ideas to research on that area. I know Paris is considered one of the most amazing places to visit, but I am not sure about spending all 9 days there? Guess I will have to look into that more as well.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 05:26 PM
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Why do you want to visit 2 countries?
With only 9 days I would choose a major city where you can take trips outside the city. Paris would be my first choice followed by Berlin.
From Paris you can take day trips to Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly. From Berlin you can visit Potsdam and Dresden.
If you really want to go to 2 countries you can do Berlin and Prague or Munich and Prague. Fly into one city and home from another.
With only 9 days I would choose a major city where you can take trips outside the city. Paris would be my first choice followed by Berlin.
From Paris you can take day trips to Giverny, Versailles, Chantilly. From Berlin you can visit Potsdam and Dresden.
If you really want to go to 2 countries you can do Berlin and Prague or Munich and Prague. Fly into one city and home from another.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 05:44 PM
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Hi Adrienne: Thanks for your response. It isn't necessary that we visit 2 countries...I just thought if there was a way to, it would be nice. As an example Munich and Salzburg are not far by train. Not sure if that would be a good idea or not, but thats what I was thinking as far as visiting two countries if close enough by train.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 06:00 PM
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There's also Paris and Belgium. The Thayls train goes non-stop to Brussels in about an hour and a half, I think it was, that I was on the train. I've done the Paris/Brussels train quite a few times over the decades.
If you end up in Paris, here's my hotel thread.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
Jump to the bottom of the thread and then scroll up to Dec 31,2010. In that section, I have categorized the recommended hotels, by district, and have provided websites.
Happy Travels!
If you end up in Paris, here's my hotel thread.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ank-thread.cfm
Jump to the bottom of the thread and then scroll up to Dec 31,2010. In that section, I have categorized the recommended hotels, by district, and have provided websites.
Happy Travels!
Aug 2nd, 2012, 06:00 PM
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It seems like you're not focused on multiple countries but multiple places such as Munich and Salzburg which happen to be in two different countries. It's a fine idea if you have an interest in two places in two countries that are not far from each other.
It's been a long time since I was in those two cities but I'm not sure there is enough to see there for 9 days (but I could be wrong) so you should look for other things to do between them.
It's been a long time since I was in those two cities but I'm not sure there is enough to see there for 9 days (but I could be wrong) so you should look for other things to do between them.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 06:13 PM
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Thank you both Guenmai & Adrienne!
I will look into the Paris/Brussels route more......what are your thoughts on Amsterdam? I know Brussels is closer on the train, but I believe it says Paris to Amsterdam is 3 hours or so. How would you compare Brussels and Amsterdam and which would you choose to visit along with Paris?
I am also going to look into the Munich/Salzburg idea and see what other areas close by may be of interest.
I will look into the Paris/Brussels route more......what are your thoughts on Amsterdam? I know Brussels is closer on the train, but I believe it says Paris to Amsterdam is 3 hours or so. How would you compare Brussels and Amsterdam and which would you choose to visit along with Paris?
I am also going to look into the Munich/Salzburg idea and see what other areas close by may be of interest.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 07:34 PM
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I think you might be a bit disappointed with Brussels and Amsterdam based on your interests. They don't call them the "Low Countries" for nothing. If you want mountains, lakes, fountains, statues and castles, I'd recommend a loop through southern Germany and Austria that contains Munich, Salzberg, Berchtesgaden, Garmisch and/or Fuessen.
Aug 2nd, 2012, 10:50 PM
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When I mentioned Brussels, I wasn't mentioning it as a place that had to be visited. I was mentioning it as a place where the train ends up. One can go to places like Brugges, Gent, Antwerp, etc. I've been all over Belgium and personally find it quite nice; especially the Flemish part as my friends are Flemish. Happy Travels!
Aug 2nd, 2012, 11:06 PM
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May I suggest that you first make a decision between natural scenery (mountains, oceans etc.) and history / culture? Europe is so varied, both historically, culturally as well as from a scenic point of view. The two are probably best combined in places like Southern Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Northern Italy. Take care though that you don't cram in too much in only 9 days. The phrase: "If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium" describes it all.
Paris is of course one of Europe's jewels in the crown. From there it is indeed an easy train ride to Brussels from where you could visit cities like Antwerp and Gent. Adding Amsterdam to your schedule would probably be even too much in my opinion but transportation/time wise if would be possible. Remember though that you need extra travel time because I assume you plan to buy a round trip ticket from NYC so you need to return to your city of arrival. Bon voyage!
Paris is of course one of Europe's jewels in the crown. From there it is indeed an easy train ride to Brussels from where you could visit cities like Antwerp and Gent. Adding Amsterdam to your schedule would probably be even too much in my opinion but transportation/time wise if would be possible. Remember though that you need extra travel time because I assume you plan to buy a round trip ticket from NYC so you need to return to your city of arrival. Bon voyage!
Aug 2nd, 2012, 11:26 PM
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If you can do an open jaw flight, it's your best bet to see most without having to backtrack to your port of entry.
The classic Northern Alps route could take you from Munich (arrival, one day trip to Garmisch area for Linderhof palace and Ettal monastery, Mittenwald, rt via Kochelsee) to Salzburg (1 night or 2) to Vienna (remaining nights and departure).
If you are not too much into museums, you can get a good feel of Munich in 1-2 days.
Salzburg is a small town, and easy to explore. if you don't want another hotel, you can easily discover Salzburg old town as a day break between / en route from Munich and Vienna if you don't start too late in Munich.
Vienna would be a touch of the old emperial empire with the respective buildings which are more impressive than in Munich.
The classic Northern Alps route could take you from Munich (arrival, one day trip to Garmisch area for Linderhof palace and Ettal monastery, Mittenwald, rt via Kochelsee) to Salzburg (1 night or 2) to Vienna (remaining nights and departure).
If you are not too much into museums, you can get a good feel of Munich in 1-2 days.
Salzburg is a small town, and easy to explore. if you don't want another hotel, you can easily discover Salzburg old town as a day break between / en route from Munich and Vienna if you don't start too late in Munich.
Vienna would be a touch of the old emperial empire with the respective buildings which are more impressive than in Munich.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 01:18 AM
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If I had to choose two cities I would choose Munich (since you seem to be interested in this city), and Vienna. I have been twice to Vienna, and I love it so much - the elite atmosphere especially in the centre, the polite friendly people, St. Stephen's Cathedral in the centre, a boat trip on the River Danube, the Prater amusement park where there is the giant Ferres wheel which allows you to see the whole of Vienna under you, the beautiful majestic palaces and buildings and elegant streets in the centre as well as a visit to the incredible Schonbrunn Palace and huge gardens on outskirts, well worth a day's trip,famous main street called the GraBen where it is so wonderful to stop in this pedestrian area to have a coffee at one of its many cafeterias, and window-shop at the beautiful stores - I could go on and on. Vienna just has a special and unique feel - you hear waltz music everywhere you go, it is like going a step back in time to waltz era.
The first time I went to Vienna was in the 80s with friends. We had spent a two-week holiday visiting Vienna, Munich and Salzburg. Salzburg, comparatively a small, is beautiful (lovely surrounding mountain scenery and the birthplace of Mozart), but if I had to pick between Vienna and Salzburg, Vienna would be the tops for sure. Alternatively I would fit all three in since they are on the same route and train connection. There is the high speed Austrian railway called RailJet that connects Munich and Salzburg and Vienna. You said you have 11 nights, including travel days - so if you want to fit them all in I would do 4 nights Munich, 3 nights Salzburg and 4 nights Vienna, arriving in Munich and leaving from Vienna or vice versa (Salzburg is enroute in between). (Or maybe 3 nights Munich, 3 nights Salzburg and 5 nights Vienna)
Or else pick 2 of these three plaaces.
Last vacation in Vienna was a long weekend break (Friday morning to Monday late evening) during the kids mid-term holidays in 2004. We had still managed to visit so many tourist attractions and my kids still say that it was one of their favourite holidays abroad. We hired a car and drove around (we are brave enough - my hubby that is - to drive in many major cities in Europe, but not for the faint-hearted or for those not accustomed to driving in cities of foreign countries, but it is absolutely necessary for us since we have a child with disability).
Alternatively, as other Fodorites suggested, you might be interested in visiting Paris and Brussels, or Paris and Amsterdam since you prefer to combine two countries. In my opinion you can combine two places during your holiday - if you have 11 nights at your disposal I would do 6 or 7 nights in Paris and 5 or 4 nights in the other country you choose.
The first time I went to Vienna was in the 80s with friends. We had spent a two-week holiday visiting Vienna, Munich and Salzburg. Salzburg, comparatively a small, is beautiful (lovely surrounding mountain scenery and the birthplace of Mozart), but if I had to pick between Vienna and Salzburg, Vienna would be the tops for sure. Alternatively I would fit all three in since they are on the same route and train connection. There is the high speed Austrian railway called RailJet that connects Munich and Salzburg and Vienna. You said you have 11 nights, including travel days - so if you want to fit them all in I would do 4 nights Munich, 3 nights Salzburg and 4 nights Vienna, arriving in Munich and leaving from Vienna or vice versa (Salzburg is enroute in between). (Or maybe 3 nights Munich, 3 nights Salzburg and 5 nights Vienna)
Or else pick 2 of these three plaaces.
Last vacation in Vienna was a long weekend break (Friday morning to Monday late evening) during the kids mid-term holidays in 2004. We had still managed to visit so many tourist attractions and my kids still say that it was one of their favourite holidays abroad. We hired a car and drove around (we are brave enough - my hubby that is - to drive in many major cities in Europe, but not for the faint-hearted or for those not accustomed to driving in cities of foreign countries, but it is absolutely necessary for us since we have a child with disability).
Alternatively, as other Fodorites suggested, you might be interested in visiting Paris and Brussels, or Paris and Amsterdam since you prefer to combine two countries. In my opinion you can combine two places during your holiday - if you have 11 nights at your disposal I would do 6 or 7 nights in Paris and 5 or 4 nights in the other country you choose.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 01:36 AM
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Forgot to mention - other places of interest in Vienna (really beautiful which my kids really enjoyed) are the Seegrotte on the outskirts - they are underground caves which used to be mines, you even get a underground boat trip on here) and the Vienna woods, really picturesque. There are many day/half-day tours which you can book at tourist offices (which we did when I visited first time in Vienna with friends) that do a combination of places of interest so that you make the best of your time there, so convenient for places outside central Vienna. They are extremely punctually and perfectly organized.
Another area you might want to visit quite close to Vienna centre is an area called the Grinzing, it is long road with restaurants mostly all with gardens (they are called wine/beer gardens). There is such a lovely atmosphere there.
Another area you might want to visit quite close to Vienna centre is an area called the Grinzing, it is long road with restaurants mostly all with gardens (they are called wine/beer gardens). There is such a lovely atmosphere there.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 04:07 AM
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Hi CM,
Intercity airfare in Europe is very cheap (see www.whichbudget.com). There is no need to choose destinations in adjoining countries.
However, you should decide which one or two places you want to visit, eg, Venice and Florence, Munich and Salzburg (of course there is enough to fill 9 days), Paris, London, Paris and London, etc
Intercity airfare in Europe is very cheap (see www.whichbudget.com). There is no need to choose destinations in adjoining countries.
However, you should decide which one or two places you want to visit, eg, Venice and Florence, Munich and Salzburg (of course there is enough to fill 9 days), Paris, London, Paris and London, etc
Aug 3rd, 2012, 04:25 AM
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If you're considering Munich and Salzburg and not renting a car I would go to Vienna. I think it's a joyous city, excellent for walking but not large enough to be overwhelming when combined with Munich and Salzburg.
The other options from Salzburg if you want to get out into the countryside are Hallstat and St. Gilgen. I believe both are accessible by public transport from Salzburg.
I think Austria is an extremely beautiful country.
The other options from Salzburg if you want to get out into the countryside are Hallstat and St. Gilgen. I believe both are accessible by public transport from Salzburg.
I think Austria is an extremely beautiful country.
Aug 3rd, 2012, 06:05 AM
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Thank you all so much for your responses and advice.
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 want to visit the "must see" places, but I also love the thought of just strolling down cobblestone streets, sitting outside eating lunch and people watching. 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. (Maybe its a silly reason, but it is what got my attention to visiting)
If I traveled to Brussels, I too have heard Brussels is just an ok area to visit, but that Antwerp, Ghent, and Brugges are some great places to see. Would one stay in Brussels and take trips to these places or stay some place else?
Elizabeth54: I completely understand why you shouldn't try to cram it all in. I want to be able to see places and enjoy them without feeling rushed. I would love to see Switzerland one day (I really want to go to Montreux) and Northern Italy. I have such a desire to see Venice and the lake region. People have always told me to see Paris and I want to. It just gets so confusing with so many amazing places to see. I want to see Croatia (Split & Dubrovnik) as well as the French Riviera one day. My list is long and one day I will see a lot more of Europe.
I just want to add, I haven't mentioned it yet, but this 9 day trip will probably be our last Europe trip for some time as we are hoping to start a family after this vacation next summer. So with this info where would you all choose to go if this was your last Europe trip for awhile?
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 want to visit the "must see" places, but I also love the thought of just strolling down cobblestone streets, sitting outside eating lunch and people watching. 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. (Maybe its a silly reason, but it is what got my attention to visiting)
If I traveled to Brussels, I too have heard Brussels is just an ok area to visit, but that Antwerp, Ghent, and Brugges are some great places to see. Would one stay in Brussels and take trips to these places or stay some place else?
Elizabeth54: I completely understand why you shouldn't try to cram it all in. I want to be able to see places and enjoy them without feeling rushed. I would love to see Switzerland one day (I really want to go to Montreux) and Northern Italy. I have such a desire to see Venice and the lake region. People have always told me to see Paris and I want to. It just gets so confusing with so many amazing places to see. I want to see Croatia (Split & Dubrovnik) as well as the French Riviera one day. My list is long and one day I will see a lot more of Europe.
I just want to add, I haven't mentioned it yet, but this 9 day trip will probably be our last Europe trip for some time as we are hoping to start a family after this vacation next summer. So with this info where would you all choose to go if this was your last Europe trip for awhile?
Aug 3rd, 2012, 06:18 AM
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If your strongest interest is Munich and Bavaria, then by all means go for it.
Below is a trip report for a recent trip we took: - we flew into/out of Munich non-stop and had 10 days on the ground instead of 9, but you could easily adapt it. It included 1-1/2 days in Salzburg as well as Neuschwanstein castle.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...52710-6710.cfm
On the other hand... Paris IS the crown jewel of Europe. A trip that encompassed 6 days in Paris and 3 days in either Amsterdam or Belgium would also be a dream...
Below is a trip report for a recent trip we took: - we flew into/out of Munich non-stop and had 10 days on the ground instead of 9, but you could easily adapt it. It included 1-1/2 days in Salzburg as well as Neuschwanstein castle.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...52710-6710.cfm
On the other hand... Paris IS the crown jewel of Europe. A trip that encompassed 6 days in Paris and 3 days in either Amsterdam or Belgium would also be a dream...
Aug 3rd, 2012, 06:27 AM
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Also - some ideas for Belgium
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...aster-2011.cfm
I believe Paris practically plans itself. But if you get stuck, there are a <b>gazillion</b> Paris trip reports on this board including a few of mine.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...aster-2011.cfm
I believe Paris practically plans itself. But if you get stuck, there are a <b>gazillion</b> Paris trip reports on this board including a few of mine.
