Oh - I meant to add. DO NOT follow the advice to sleep off your first day. That will only guarantee that it takes even longer to get acclimated and over the jet lag. Stay awake and as much as possible out in the fresh air your first day. Have a light dinner around 7 or 8:00 local time and go to bed around 9 or 10:00 p.m.

Do you want to keep these people as friends? I ask because traveling for the first time to Europe with a group requires a FLEXIBility, not a tightly scheduled drill.

People adjust to jet lag at different paces, want to eat at different times, and have a variety of interests and goals for a European trip. There is a hilarious thread on Fodor's about a group called the Divas being led around Italy by their self-sacrificing friend. It'll give you a few laughs and many insights into group travel dynamics.

The best advice I can offer is settle down in as few places as possible, have a clear plan of who needs to be where and when, and bring a ton of patience. Group travel is hard in general, and young people tend to be less reliable at keeping schedules. Also, be prepared for everyone's tolerance to wear thin as the week progresses.

here's the link to my pics from my trip:

http://photos.yahoo.com/blinkygurl22

my trip was soooo fun... it was very worth it.... we were tired but felt good at the same time. i can't wait to go back! but next time, we'll be staying in one city for a longer time!

Youa actually took the trip that was outlined ?!? I'd ove a detailed trip report...

Hey blinkygurl...

Loved your photos - but how about a trip report - as SAnParis suggested.

Start a new thread when you are ready...

i will post a trip report soon. i'm borrowing my friend's notes lol... i will definitely let you guys know! grazie... merci!