I'd like to take on the fallacy that going more places means seeing more. It means seeing more <i>places</i>, but actually you'll <i>see</i> less, because a larger proportion of your time will be spent in transit rather than enjoying the places you go. You'll also be in a hurry to make sure you see the biggies, so you won't have time to savor them either.

Don't forget, you will need a bit of down time on so long a trip. You'll have to do laundry in there a few times. IME, even when I really <i>was</i> a kid, there comes a day somewhere in the middle of the trip where you just can't bear to go anywhere or do anything - a vacation from your vacation. If that comes on the single day you've allotted for Florence, you may be regretting when you're 90 that you were there but never really saw Florence because you couldn't bear to do anything but have a gelato and sit in a cafe watching the world go by - so much for David, the Uffizi, the Pitti Palace, or whatever was on your agenda. These days I build in that day in the middle to rest and recharge before moving onward.

Contrary to some others, I don't think your trip is completely unworkable, but I would drop either London or Athens to buy yourself a bit more time elsewhere and allow for that "day off" you will likely need.

Just remember, you can also be 90 years old saying I wish we hadn't gone so fast, we hardly had time to see a thing.

The puppets are really marionettes although they're referred to as puppets. The theater I went to was behind Teatro Massimo. The story was a traditional Sicilian tale based on courtly love and even though it was in Italian it was easy to follow the stage action with the knight, princess, and dragon. I was with a group of adults and we all thought we were kids again and were all enthralled with the play. Here's a link to my Sicily photos - scroll down to see the puppets and some of the staging.

https://modigliani.shutterfly.com/sicily2011

I think May would be a better time of year than November as November will be cold (and likely to be rainy) and less enjoyable for walking around and enjoying outdoor activities.

You should start in London and then take the train to Paris as that follows a more logical pattern of working west to east/south. I would cut out Switzerland and Greece. I spent 12 days on Sicily and didn't cover everything I wanted to see. Paris and London deserve 5 days each.

Edomsgirl, apart from anything else, travelling for 5 weeks is tiring. At some stage you need to stay put somewhere for a few days and give yourselves a little break. I can promise you that after the first week of walking for hours everyday, your feet, legs and/or hips will be begging for mercy.

Thank you, everyone for your wise advice. I just spoke to my husband and conveyed what you all have been saying. We are going to cut out Switzerland for sure and instead of touring all of Italy, opt for Sicily instead. Still going to Paris and still going to Athens. I told him exactly what Jamikins said "Meant to add...don't forget to leave time to relax and take in your surroundings...it may mean having a bottle of wine on a piazza, or lingering over a nice meal, or eating gelato, or enjoying a pint in a local pub...if you are rushing from place to place you may not get to experience the joie de vivre of these countries."
He is a small details person while I am the big picture girl LOL
I am going to take a diary with us so when I get back I can relate our travels here.
Thank you again so much for bringing me to reality and showing me that quantity is not quality.
Adrienne...off to read about the marionettes!
Peace

So glad I could help! There is nothing better than soaking in a lovely moment! Slowing down will help you capture these moments!

Happy planning!

Well, a bit pat on the back to you for listening, so often new posters ask for help and then tell all these very season travellers that they are idiot and don't know what they are talking about.

Please do report back after (or during) your trip.

Ps: Athens is fantastic, make sure you give yourselves a couple of days there to do it justice.

Edomsgirl:

Since you have about our trip to Sicily. It's a little dated (2003), but the main points are still valid.

Maybe it will help in your planning.

http://www.travel.stv77.com/sicily/sicily.htm

sssteve...wow! Awesome pics!! Makes me even more determined to visit there!!

Edomsgirl

I visited Sicily this past spring - my 4th trip to Italy. Click on my name to read my TR.

Buon viaggio!

EDOM:

I'm glad you enjoyed our travel page.

What I meant to write in the post above was this:

"Since you have decided to just do Sicily, check out our web page on our trip to Sicily."
I don't know how so many words fell off the post.

As for Sicily, I'm sure you will enjoy it. Don't rush, take your time, and soak in the atmosphere.