First trip to Europe. Looking for advice on where to go
 

Hello.

I want to go to Europe with my girlfriend and maybe one or two other couples sometime in the next year. We're all about 25y/o. I haven't been out of the country in the last 20 years (not counting the Caribbean) so I have basically no experience traveling anywhere in Europe. I was hoping I could tell you what kind of stuff we are looking to get out of the trip and then someone could give some advice on where they think we might want to go. We've only decided that we want to go somewhere in Europe. We'd prefer to go some "off-peak" time so that we can get big discounts. We can get off work any time.

Anyway, here is some info:

How much can we spend: $1,500 each NOT counting hotel or RT flight to Europe. Flights within Europe, if any, count toward that 1.5k max.
How many days: 6-8
Preferences/likes and dislikes:
a. Active stuff: Attending Oktoberfest, Snorkeling, Seeing the Running of the Bulls, watching the Olympics live, riding a camel, hiking through a rainforest, hanging with dolphins, skiing (on a beginner course), playing poker, attending a comedy show, listening to live music, etc., etc. (doesn't need to be any of those things in particular, but you get the idea)
b. I love good authentic food.
c. Having a day or two to really relax would be great. Laying on a nice beach, going to a high-end natural spa, chilling at a ridiculously nice pool, maybe going for a day cruise or something. Warm weather and awesome natural sights are cool (my girlfriend really hates the cold).
d. Being in scenic areas would be cool. Seeing the Coliseum, Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower (etc.) would all be awesome. That said, I don’t know that I’d love to take a 4 hour trip to the top of a building where I stand in a slow line the whole way (did that for the Empire State Building) too many times on the same trip.
e. We drink a little but don’t party like we did in college by any means.
f. To some extent I feel like if I go to Europe I really need to see some kind of plays, listen to a symphony, go on tours, go to the opera, walk through museums, etc. I think some of that would be all right, but I don’t get overly excited about it. So some of that in moderation.
g. We basically want to see as much of the world as we can.

I'd also like some advice on how many cities I should reasonably expect to see. I don't want to spend my whole trip in the airport, but I also want to see as much as possible.

My plan is to take advantage of points programs and credit card offers to get a ridiculously discounted flight/hotel. See: thepointsguy.com. (Would prefer this to not siderail the discussion).

Anyway, if anyone can give advice on which cities we should go to that would be awesome. Any general advice would be great as well. Thanks a bunch.

The Running of the Bulls is in July. Octoberfest starts in late September - closer to shoulder season. Fares might be a bit better then.

But I would suggest going in early to mid May for warmish weather and lower air fares.

You've barely got time to visit two places. I would scale back all the expectations. You'll see more of Europe later.

Some possible combinations - but time will be tight:

London + Paris
Paris + Amsterdam
Rome + Florence
Munich + Salzburg (the least time-intensive if you want play time.)

Going to Oktober Fest, the Olympics or Pamplona would not constitute off-peak traveling for those locations.

Otherwise, for the sites most well known, I would say that Paris and Rome would be your destination.

There's not much off peak time in Europe so you're not going to get big discounts, especially (if you're American) with the dollar in such bad shape. Plus your girlfriend hates the cold so January, February, March (when you could probably get the best discounts) would be out.

But, you have an enormous budget - $1,500 for 8 days not including lodging and airfare. So you really don't need to look for big discounts.

After reading your criteria I suggest Vienna. Beautiful city, beautiful countryside. It's small enough to see in a few days and you can get into the countryside (small towns) for hiking. You can add some time in Saltzburg and see the salt mine and ice cave.

How many cities? With only 8 days max you should look at 1 large city or 2 smaller cities/large towns.

Just to be clear: we don't actually need to see the running of the bulls or attend oktoberfest or anything like that. I just wanted to give some examples of things we would enjoy.

As far as the off-peak, I am referring to that as far as redeeming mileage credit. I realize people go to London year-round, but from a quick scan, it looks like I can redeem fewer miles at some times than others.

If you want warm weather, then forget London and Paris where it's unpredictable. Yes I know you can get lucky, but I'd go for a little more certainty. That gives you Spain and Italy or maybe the South of France.

Secondly you only have 6-8 days, so time is tight. I take it that this excludes travel time? Do you all speak other languages well enough to allow for the plays and comedy store type of entertainment to be worthwhile?

All in all, I'd go for Barcelona and/or Madrid. You can spend all the time that you have in one or the other and if you split your time, you'll get a flavour of both. Lots of museums, sights to see, great authentic food, nice spas in both places, beach near Barcelona, I could go on.

You cannot see too much in such a short time, so don't try. You'll appreciate what you do see much more, with a more relaxed pace.

Thank you all very much for the advice. A couple pieces of info to answer some earlier questions:

I am from the USA. I live in Atlanta.

I would say that if the lows are below 8(C) that is too cold. Ideally the temperature during the majority of the "day" would be 21C+. 26C+ would be nice beach weather.

I speak a very little German and Italian. I would probably spend a bit of time learning a bit before traveling.

Read more: http://forum.virtualtourist.com/foru...#ixzz1X695fXFK

for the average tourist obviously wishing to visit the famous European cities they have dreamt about going to for years - Paris, London, Florence, Venice, Rome, etc IMO the train is the best way to do this - cars are more and more big liabilities in cities like that - many cities restrict private vehicles from the city centers - parking can be problematic and really expensive if found - trains take you city center to city center at speed approaching 200 mph!

Anyway since you are under 26 then you could even get the bargain Eurail Youthpass - anyway for a wide-ranging itinerary I would stronlgy consider the train and check out these fab IMO sites for planning a European rail trip - www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check out their superb IMO European Planning & Rail Guide for lots of itinerary suggestions by rail in various countries - www.seat61.cdom and www.ricksteves.com. Flying around Europe can be cheap but then you only see airports and big cities and not the often neat lay of the land in between.

But some flights can be utilitarian - like flying into London and working you way to Rome or even Greece and flying back home from there - so-called open jaw tickets - or doing London and then flying to Rome and dwelling on Italy and working way north to Switzerland and Germany.


www.whichbudget.com directs you to sites of airlines serving any two European airports I believe. www.ryaniar.com and www.easyjet.com are two of the most established discount airlines.

You have so many options and since you've never been to Europe before, whatever you decide will be an adventure. I would probably go in either May or Sept. even though you may hit rain in May.

Fly into Amsterdam for 3-4 days, then take the high speed train to Paris for 3-4 days. Fly out of Paris. I took my 26 year old daughter on this trip last year and we had a ball.

In Amsterdam we took Mike's Bike Tour, saw the Anne Frank House, took the Heineken Brewery tour, walked the Red Light district, took a boat tour, etc. So much to see and do.

What can I say about Paris!! There is so much to see and do but I will leave that up to you.

Suggestion: Start reading this website for places to stay and things to do and you won't go wrong. I use Fodors for all our trip.

Trust me, with this itinerary, you will impress all your friends.

2nd. suggestion - ITALY (you won't want to come home)

First - any way you can stretch that time frame? Eight days is a bare minimum except for maybe a quick dash to the UK which is a short, usually direct, flight from the east coast. Your budget is way more than you 'need' - is there any possibility you could get an extra couple of days off work so you'd have more like ten days? Eight is more than you need for one city, but not quite enough to go to two separate countries, especially is you are not used to traveling in Europe.

But - even if you only have the eight days, based on what you told us about yourself I am going to suggest Rome and the Amalfi Coast. They are a short train ride apart (flying anywhere, even if it's only a couple hours flight will eat up most of a day); it will be warmer than most parts of Europe even in the 'off' months, and it would give you a taste of city/history and small town/beach/hiking/awesome scenery.

Well, you have picked some of the most crowded and expensive places/activities to go to. Also - you don;t find camel rides n Europe (that would be Egypt - or the Bronx zoo). And, being temperate, not tropical, europe doesn;t really have rain forests.

Generally the least expensive tim of year is Nov through Feb - but that's when the wether is worst, the days shortest and many sights have reduced off-season hours.

Realistically, you should pick shoulder season - April or May - when you can still get hotel discounts since they're not full - and sights are less mobbed. Also the weather is pleasant and days are fairly long.

As for outdoor thing to do - there are ton of places where you can go hiking - or even climbing, ballooning is popular in some areas - eso the Loire Valley - and there are an incredible number of fascinating things to see/do.

Suggest you get some tour books (not for tours but for pix) and some high quality guide books. Then each pick one place or thing that you have to do - and try your best to string those into a trip without too much bouncing around.

Also, be sure to bet open jaws tickets to avoid wasting time and money backtracking.

Can't help with running of the bulls except it's very dangerous and expensive - or Octoberfest (which is n Sept) - which is VERY crowded and expensive.

I suggest <B>Paris</b>.

Easily reached from Atlanta (including many non-stops).

Go in shoulder season - maybe October or May for pleasant weather and somewhat lower airfares.

Regarding your likes/dislikes:

a. Rollerblading days, listening to live music, theater, and much more.
b. Good (GREAT, actually) authentic food.
c. Endless choices for a day or two in nearby country (all easily reached via train).
d. The whole city's pretty scenic. Get room w/ view of Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame if you want iconic views
e. Plenty of casual bars/pubs/cafes - also clubs if that's your thing.
f. Plenty of plays, symphonies, tours, opera, museums, etc. Done in moderation, if you wish.
g. If you basically want to see as much of the world as you can, there's no better introduction to the great destinations of the world than Paris.

From another perspective, if you are going off-season or shoulder season, and you like warm weather, stay south: Spain and Italy. If you know some Spanish, it will serve you well in Italy, as their languages are similar. Get a couple of guidebooks like the "Let's Go" or Rick Steves series and see what appeals to you.

Beaches are just so-so in italy. Gorgeous views are everywhere, and perhaps the Amalfi Coast would be your best bet. You could fly into Naples, spend 4 days on the AC, see Pompeii, and then take the train to Rome for the rest of your time for the cultural attractions. Or do it the other way.

I am not familiar with Spain, but there's plenty of info here on Fodor's and elsewhere.

You probably already know this, but you need to start narrowing down your possibilities.

1) Decide on the time of year. This will then cause/allow you to automatically delete some places because they're too cold/hot for the time of year you choose.

2) Try to get some additional days off 8 days is really short. If you only have that amount of time, I'd suggest ONE big city from which you could do day trips to more rural areas.

3) Note that some of your "active" stuff really isn't, such as watching someone else run the bulls. But I get your idea; you don't want to be standing in lines all day or in museums all day.

4) Decide if you want to spend all your time in big city(ies), or some time in more rural areas. Again, this will help you narrow things down.

Write down some of the places that your group has always wanted to visit - hopefully there will be one or two places that are on most people's lists.

Some ideas: Paris, as previously mentioned. You could combine it with several days in the Loire Valley, where you'd be walking around, looking at castles, and could also do something like rent bikes and ride a bike to some of the castles. Good food is available here.

For warm weather, Italy, maybe more southern, including Rome and points south. You could fit in some beach time that way, though as I'm not a beach person, I don't know anything about that (depending on the time of year). Definitely good food to be had!

Barcelona, perhaps. I love the art and architecture of the city, but it's not for everyone. Relaxed lifestyle, or so it felt like, and the city is on the ocean, so you could spend some time on the beach there, or day-trip from the city to other beach areas. Other interesting days trips such as Girona or Figures (Salvador Dali's museum), etc.

You could do the whole trip to Barcelona and have a fabulous time. Amazing architecture like you've never seen all in one city. There are beaches nearby. Very social city...lots of fun to be had. If you go in Late September or Late May, you will have nice warm weather so you can pack light. If you limit yourselves to one location, you (and one or two other couples) could rent a nice apartment so that you can make your own breakfasts/coffee on your own schedule (you can be out until the wee hours and sleep til past noon.) I think late May would be the best time for that as it stays light for a very long time. You've got lots of time...go to the library and check out books on Barcelona and decide if that is what you want to do.

OR you could, as someone else suggested, choose Rome and the Amalfi Coast. You can do it without renting cars, taking trains between the cities. I would suggest STARTING on the Amalfi Coast. You can fly into Rome and while it will be a long first day, you can get there in a decent amount of time. Jet lag isn't tough on 20somethings. When you get back to Rome, you will be comfortable with Italians, and ready to take on one of the most sophisticated cities in the world. Plus you will be used to eating dinner late, and in a very Italian frame of mind.

My third choice for you would be to do a Paris/Amsterdam combination. We did this in 2010, and while considerable older than you, wished we could take our kids - who are your age - on the same itinerary. Fly in to Paris, stay 3-4 nights, take Thalyss to Amsterdam, stay 3-4 nights, fly home from AMS. Late May is great (because it stays light until about 9-10) but September might be perfectly fine too. Both cities are gorgeous, and have a lot to offer. You couldn't go wrong. Stay on a hotel in AMS that is on a canal (or maybe even in a large houseboat). Try to find someone who will take you in a small boat (you wouldn't believe how many people fit in a small boat) to tour the canals on a bright sunny day.

Those are three really fine options, that would probably fit your criteria pretty closely.

oh yeah -- if you don't have one, have everyone in your group get a passport NOW, if they don't have one. If you end up deciding to go in May, and someone doesn't get started on the passport process until March, someone could end up SOL.

Yes the passport process can really drag on - they are good for ten years so get one now - and they are I think required now to even go out of the country with few exceptions of enhanced drivers licenses for some states to go to and from Canada.

On a first trip, you need to do one or more of the big three IMO: London, Paris, Rome. I'm mostly with Russ up top:

London/Paris
Amsterdam/Paris
Rome/Florence

A thought: the overnight train from Paris to Rome allows you to combine those two cities very efficiently. You leave at night and arrive mid morning. Actually, I think you can overnight from Paris to Florence and then you could do the quick trip down from Florence to Rome a couple of days later- could work well.

At 8-9 days and being very aggressive you could do Paris/Florence/Rome. Enough time for each? No but enough to do some crazy highlights and experience some very different places. 3 in Paris, 2 in Florence, 3 in Rome is not bad.

I love Paris but find Barcelona a very easy city to navigate with lots that might appeal to 20-somethings including a beach, great nightlife, fun tapas restaurants and the Gaudi architecture(Park Guell, Sagrada Famila, Casa Batllo just to name a few).

Sitges is a little gay-friendly beachtown not far from Barcelona that has a much different feel to it than the city and Montserrat is a nearby mountain chain with a lovely Benedictine Abbey and many hiking trails. Both make great day trips from Barcelona.
Ann Marie