Husband & I going to Europe end of Jan. thru Feb. 8. Germany first(Nuremburg/Dresden/Berlin/Romantic Rd). Thinking about a Rail/Car pkg. Drive to Vienna (1/30), then train to Venice/Rome (2/2). 2 nights in Rome, then fly to Athens for 3 nights. Is it less expensive to stay outside the cities in smaller towns, or does it matter this time of year? Have found rooms that can be rented in in private homes in Berlin and wondering about same for Vienna, Rome & Athens?

Flights Rome to Athens? Which airline is recommended? Pre-arrange before we go or is it difficult to book flight once we arrive in Rome? More or less expensive?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Surely you jest !
You cannot do justice to the German destinations in that time.

This isn't exactly the same as staying in truly "a room rented in a private home, but it might give you some of it what you are seeking.

http://www.eurocheapo.com/rome/listi.../dolcevita.asp

And Rome is NOT a city for which I would recommend staying "outside" to come in and go out in the name of economy. Nor Venice or Vienna either.

If you don't find what you are seeking for Vienna, consider www.residenz.cc - - it IS a hotel, but it feels a lot like the host and his staff of one are caring for you in their "home". (And free interenet there, if you would consider that a plus).

The whole trip seems fairly whirlwind to me - - but I asume that the arrival and departure plans (Germany and Greece) and already set in stone?

You might consider skipping Rome and go directly from Venice to Greece.

Best wishes,

Rex

Re-read Bob - - she does not say what arrival date in Germany, nor how long to "cover" <<Nuremburg/Dresden/Berlin/Romantic Rd>> - - like you, I would hope tht it s no less than 8-12 days, ENDing on Jan 30 (when they are heading to Vienna).

Sorry, actually most of our time will be in Germany as we arrive on 1/18.

Hi

>...then train to Venice/Rome (2/2). 2 nights in Rome...<

Are you planning on staying overnight in Venice?

I recommend dropping Athens and adding the time to Venice and Rome.

Sorry--you will need that much time. I agree with Ira--drop Athens.

I'm curious about your schedule too: So Jan 18-30 in Germany, then on to Vienna & Venice & Rome & Athens between Jan 31 to Feb 7 (four places in one week)?

I would recommend cutting down the number of places to visit, yes to staying in or very near the city centers, not outside them. Are you flying out of Rome at the end of your trip?

I *love* Venice and would want 3-4 days minimum there.

Happy planning & happy travels!

I agree that this kind of travel seems like way too much in too short of a time, you won't really get to absorb or see much of anything. But the real question I have is that if you are struggling to save money, why spend so much going to a whole bunch of places? It seems somehow unrealistic to be looking for really cheap places to stay and then spending bundles of money traveling from place to place. If you stayed in one or two places you could put all that travel money towards enjoying yourself rather than scrimping.

Gee, your trip is only a month away and you are asking such questions? Surely you have air reservations by now. I agree with what has been said about trying to see too much, especially with driving a car. Athens is a way off for sure.

We have been with a travel group through Europe which covered the highlights and have then returned over the years for longer stays in various countries. Even then there is so much to see in any one location and it makes you wish you weren't in a hurry!

Well good luck!
Bill [email protected]

Thanks for the help, everyone. Actually, we've been researching since Oct; had quite a bit narrowed down, but couldn't make any reservations till recently (business related delay). Anyway, we're down to the wire but all is coming together nicely. I've been reading these postings since we first started back in Oct, and finally decided to post my own ?'s. We've learned so much from reading what others have suggested. And thanks again for your help.

So what is your final gameplan?