My husband and I have just returned from 17 days in Europe. It was a great experience and for the most part a beautiful area of the world. <BR><BR>We had 15 day unlimited rail passes that were great for seeing this part of the world. My only problem with Fodor's guide was that it is geared for car travel and the time estimates were all off. Some of the hotels they recommeded were out of the town causing the expense of a taxi ride or a long walk. So when you book hotels you have to make sure of exact locations.<BR><BR>We spent most of our time in Germany.( 2 days in Berlin, 2 in Munich, 2 in Frankfurt, and one day in Stuttgart, St. Gaor, Heidelberg, Koln, (in Germany), Innsbruck, (Austria), Noordwijk and Amsterdam( in the Netherlands), Strassbourg,( France)and Brussels(Belgium). <BR><BR>The people were great and very accomodating to the fact that we didn't speak their language. For the most part they had a broken English that got us by. The Hotel staff all spoke English.<BR><BR>Germany was a picturesque and wonderful country. Every town was full of sights and clean. They did have their share of pay toilets that really weren't worth paying for. The Castles along the Rhine were Breathtaking. The wine, beer and food second to none. The hotels and restaurants were clean and comfortable.<BR><BR>As we only had one day in France I can't really rate it but our one day was great. It is the little Germany of France. Most people spoke Germany and it resembled a German city with German food. Oktoberfest was a truly unusual experience. The 1 litre beer is very good and the rotisserie chicken spectacular.<BR><BR>Brussels was over priced and dirty. There was dog do-do all over the streets and it was the only city I truly didn't feel safe in. The area within 3 blocks of the Grand Place is wonderful and filled with shops and cafe/restaurants, I wouldn't reccomend going beyond that. <BR><BR>Innsbruck was a lovely little town at the foot of the Alps. The weather was cold and rainy and there was a fog of the mountain but still a wonderful place.<BR><BR>Amsterdam was busy and the streets full of performers. We took a canal cruise for one hour and the sights were great. Noordwijk is on the North Sea and a little ways for Leiden. It had a slow pace but was worth the visit. <BR><BR>IT was a great trip and I can't wait to return. If you'd like suggestions on what to see I'd be glad to offer some. <BR><BR>Cas

Have to agree about Brussels. I hated it except for the 'food' street. There were several blocks that had outdoor restaurants one after another. OTherwise, Brussels stunk.

Cas,<BR><BR>It looks like you did a whirlwind tour. I'm not sure most travelers would like to do that many cities/towns in that many days, but travel is a personal choice.<BR><BR>That said, what did you do in Munich if you only had two days? Also, at which hotel did you stay?<BR><BR>Dick

yes Dick - some of us travelers do enjoy doing a whirlwind tour of several cities in just a couple weeks. Not all of us have the luxury of taking lots of time off from work and family life to travel and have to make the most of it when we do. Quit it with the snobby attitude!!!

It sounds like it was a first trip and perhaps a once in a lifetime experience. You were INCREDIBLY SMART to make it a whirlwind tour at the pace you went, so that you could experience as much as possible. Ignore what the detractors say.<BR>Can you imagine having decided to focus you entire stay on Brussels and Belgium and then getting stuck in the place you liked the least? That's why it is smart to include as many places as possible at least for the first trip. Now you may have a better idea of places you may want to explore in greater detail next time.<BR><BR>Your attitude is also refreshing which may help to explain why you had a good time. So much nicer for you to mention how accomodating the other people were even though YOU didn't speak THEIR language, instead of just saying, "no one would speak English."

Well said Patrick!!!<BR><BR>Glad you had a great holiday Cas - would love to hear more about what you did in Berlin since I'll be going there for my first time in a few months. Thanks!

Well said Patrick!!!<BR><BR>Glad you had a great holiday Cas - would love to hear more about what you did in Berlin since I'll be going there for my first time in a few months. Thanks!

Thanks for the replies. The trip didn't really seem like a whirl wind while we were in Europe. We took the train around and that was part of the adventure.<BR>Every day we would be on the train for about 3 hours to get to our next destinations. We had no set itinerary going in, so each night we would look at the map and decide where to go the next day. <BR>In Munich the first day we went to Oktoberfest, and the second day we did a lot of sight seeing with a friend who lives there. The architecture was spectacular and the view from the "Rathausturmes" (for 1.50euro) was spectacular. <BR>In Berlin we again walked around and looked at the buildings, Brandenburg gate, Reichstag(German Parliment Building) and the Schloss Charlotenburg (Like a castle but built for Royalty) <BR>If you are going there to shop there is a long street called Karfurstendam that is lined with boutiques and restaurants. The Berlin Zoo was also a great place to see. The price is 8 euros per person but it was huge and the diversity of the animals was unbelievable. We were there for a couple hours. <BR>Beware of the pay toilets. Most are between .35 - .50 euros and not worth it. <BR>We stayed in a cheap, clean pension in Berlin without a washroom our shower in our room. For the amount of time we spent there it was Perfect. <BR>All in all we got a good taste of Germany and a foot in a few other countries but it was well worth it.<BR>The small towns on the Rhine are very scenic and worth the trip. St. Goar was spectacular, with 3 castles surrounding the town it had to be the most scenic place we went. <BR>Any more questions pleas fell free to ask.<BR>Cas