timetohunt

I am a person of modest means but when I get a little money I want to travel. I am seeking any random advice on the following: Perhaps this trip is a bit ambitious and it may overrun my budget which would be about 8 to 10k US max. Two persons, my wife and I. Time frame would be 3 to 5 weeks. 5 weeks is pushing it it, but I can dream can't I. Realistically, the scale of the trip may require 5 weeks, some scaling down may be required. Anyway, here are the key parameters: I'd like to start out in Fez, Morocco. Perhaps 3 days there. Need to get over to Spain and visit relative in Madrid. Off the top of my head, rent a car and go to the Brittany region of France. Move at relaxed pace. Hit Paris, maybe 3 days or so. Either continue with car or take train thru Belgium, possibly stopping, don't know. Wind up in Amsterdam, which is like my home base in Europe (been there many times). I know some folks may not like it but its just a good place for me to chill. Can walk anywhere, and I usually set my dates with favorite bands that often pass thru there. Say 10 days in Amsterdam. Going to try to stay in apartment I usually get (1000 EU for about 10 days). Outside of Amsterdam the rest is completely unknown to me. Any thoughts?........ That was my original post on another site. It looks like flights to Morocco from the US are way too expensive, so flying into Madrid may be the best option..then a flight to Fez.. and then perhaps land and sea travel back into Europe from Morocco. I've got a yea plus to slice and dice this thing. It may not work and be relaxing......so will adjust to be relaxing.. I'm open to other options within the general ideas I have suggested. The only absolutes are Madrid, Fez, and finally laying low in Amsterdam. Is Brittany even doable in this framework? Paris is not an absolute or should it be? This is the early phase of my quest. Ive not been to Spain or France or Morocco. A couple forums said skip Morocco period. Whats that about. Fez looks wild and mysterious to me, a wonder. I think I'd like to experience it. Would I? Also, does the 10K sound about right? Keep in mind we are not 20 something and while we don't need opulence, do like private and comfortable quarters.

Cowboy1968

Most people who advice to skip Morroco do so when someone has 5 days to explore the whole Iberian peninsula and then also wants to see Morocco as a day trip. Otherwise it's a perfect destination - also when you have a little less money to throw around. Whether or not only Fez warrants a visit or not also Marrakesh will probably unfold when you make further planning.
And I think you will get help from PP.
I'd probably use one week for Morocco and not just visit Fez.

Morocco back to Madrid.. I'd suggest to fly (again).

Madrid-France.. dropping off rental cars in another country usually costs a lot of money extra. You could go by train from Madrid to the Basque country and once you got to its French part, rent car there. And drop off in Paris.

Since AMS in non-negotiable, and Madrid will probably be inexpensive when you can stay with relatives, I'd say that your budget can be adjusted by time spent in Morocco and France, respectively.
France, and esp. Paris, will be much more expensive than Morocco so if you allowed very broad generalization and assumed a middle-class 3* hotel lifestyle, you could say that for each day you spent in France you could stay (at least) two in Morocco. Even more when you calculate in costs for the car in France, which you probably won't have/need in Morocco.

qwovadis

airtech.com cheapoair.com cheap flights to AMS start there.
euroccheapo.com/amsterdam cute cheap places like phildutch.com
ryanair.com cheapo flights visitmorocco.com seat61.com/morocco
In winter like to train around there the south Atlas is best. Many Maroc scammers in disguise on the boards here and there NEVER wire money.

Good luck!

qwovadis

phildutch.net
eurocheapo.com/amsterdam
sorry for typos karmabum.com backpackeurope.com
also good budget sites.

StCirq

I am a huge fan of Morocco, and only advise against it when folks want to take a daytrip to Tangiers. But if you have 5 weeks (even if you have three), PLEASE spend at least a full week in Morocco and explore places other than Fez: Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, Essouira, Agadir, to name a few.

Brittany seems the oddball in this expedition, though I suppose it's do-able.

You're going to need to check into low-cost flights (Morocco>Madrid, maybe Madrid>Paris) and learn about discounted train tickets to get the best value for your money.

ribeirasacra

Read all about train travel in Europe here:
http://www.seat61.com/
Please when you post here about Europe Please can you give us details in Euros then those of us who live here have a better idea of what you are asking about.