what janisj said
:-)

if you'd asked us sooner I would have suggested getting your plane tickets into Amsterdam but out of Paris, Venice or Rome, to save time and money avoiding backtracking those last couple days.

Europe is like a buffet...these is much good stuff there you just want to sample everything...but by the time you get to the dessert table (e.g. Paris) you're starting to not appreciate each delicacy or want any more...and when you get home you don't feel like you really enjoyed the experience.

So..samplers, not overindulgence :)

I agree - fly into Ams. - connect to Paris right away .
5-6 days, train to Ams. another 3-4 days. Many experienced travelers will tell you ( have told you!)that you miss half a day every time you move from city to city)

suze: what I said - but maybe w/o all the typos :)

hahahahhaha thanks again for all your insights! I'll def let you guys know what pans out :)

We did London-Paris-Amsterdam, but we had 11 nights. You are on the right track, dropping Italy.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city, and we were not bored in our 5 nights there. But we were there in June, and our weather was warmish and dry.

You could take the train to Paris, then hop over to London via EuroStar for a night.

I wrote a detailed trip report about Amsterdam, with lots of recommendations for restaurants and cafes. We liked the Hotel Residence le Coin there.
:)>-

If you like to party, and I know you do. I would fly in to Amsterdam; spend no more than three nights. Take the train to Belgium and spend a few days there going to all the different pubs. Then from Belgium take the train to France. The Euro rail will take you from Belgium to France. It would be really easy. I would skip Italy altogether. Do Italy on another trip.

Did we lose lostgirl?

IMO do not cut out Venice--it;s the most unique city in the world . NO CARS, all boats. Need I say more<

I''d sooner cut out France, or maybe rome because it's geographically the southernmost place on your itinerary.


In fact if you weren't flying into Amsterdam I'd cut out that city.

have fun!

i'm still here suze! :)

honestly...i must must must go to amsterdam...
kind of like a mecca in my circle of friends...i being the 4th one to make that trek there..
..i was planning on just staying in france afterwards....and wandering around..and soaking in all the goodstuff...

sidenote: just got my passport!! it only took 2 weeks!

HOLY CRAP! TOMORROW'S THE DAY!!
THANK YOU FODORS FOR BEING MY ADDICTION FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS...

Hope you have a great time in Amsterdam and wandering about France (glad to hear you dropped Italy).

Amsterdam is my favorite city, and I can understand the need to make the trek there. Enjoy yourself.

Have a wonderful journey, and please be sure to come back and post a trip report.

Robyn :)>-

I think lostgirl wants to find herself in the coffee shops in Amsterdam. After all it is Mecca to her friends. Don't skip Amsterdam. Don't listen to the prudes!