We are flying in to London and out of Paris in December 2013-January 2014. We chose London since we wanted to see some relatives there for a couple of days. It turns out that they will be out of the country for the the holidays. So instead of London, we decided to go back to Amsterdam to see the snow covered canals (3-4 days) then to Venice, Florence (could be omitted) and Rome (ideally, we want to spend Christmas here) before heading to Paris( this will be our fourth time here, but will be our first winter experience) to spend the New Year's Day. What is the best way to get to/from each of the cities? Is it best to fly to Amsterdam from London? Then Amsterdam to Venice or Rome ? By plane or by train? Back to Paris by plane? This is a 21 day trip.

Flying is probably your best option because of the distances, except for the London-Paris-Amsterdam connection. Just remember that traveling, as much as you're planning on doing, is difficult during this time off the year because of the short days and the fact that so many places being closed during the winter holiday season.

For me there are too many locations in too few a days. every time you move you will loose a day sightseeing. These are quite some distances to cover.,
With this plan you will loose one day to jet lag. a day to move location: London- Amsterdam: Amsterdam-Venice: Venice-Florence: Florence - Rome: Rome- Paris. This makes 6 days lost.
I expect flying will be a better idea except between the Italian locations. Take the train in this case.
It is not guaranteed that the canals will be "snow-covered" frozen over in December. In fact I cannot remember it happening recently during this month.

I think I might consider flying directly upon arrival from London to Rome and taking the train from Rome to Florence (don't skip it!) to Venice. Then fly from Venice to Amsterdam (I'd skip Amsterdam)and train from Amsterdam to Paris. zIt's a lot for 21 days but certainly can be done.

This itinerary might interfere with your wishes to spend Christmas in Rome and NY in Paris but see if you can work it out.

Thank you for all your help. The only flight I can find from Venice to Amsterdam is thru the Treviso airport. This is far from central Venice? Am I missing something?

mamacalice - should we skip Venice instead of Florence?

Sounds like you already have your flight into London,, but you don't want to spend any time there. I'd check with your airline about changing your flight to Rome. They will probably charge you $75 to change, which to me is worth the time and money you will spend to get there anyway.

But, if for some reason that's not possible, then I agree with the advice above to fly to Rome directly upon landing in London, and work your way back to Paris.

I very much doubt Amsterdam will have snow or frozen canals in December. A small chance at nest. More likely dull grey and rain with short hours of daylight.
That said all the museums are open over Christmas, and New Year is a firework filled night.

What is the best way to get to/from each of the cities? Is it best to fly to Amsterdam from London? Then Amsterdam to Venice or Rome ? By plane or by train? Back to Paris by plane? This is a 21 day trip.>

From central London you can take the Eurostar trains thru the Channel Tunnel to Brussels and hop on a Thalys train and be in Amsterdam in just a few hours - as quick or quicker than flying as this is city centre to city centre - no Schlepping out to some airport, waiting to board, maybe having a late flight and then waiting for bags, Schlepping into Amsterdam, etc. Book far enough in advance to get some deep discounted fares (www.eurostar.com for Paris to Brussels trains and www.thalys.com for Brussels to Amsterdam - discounted tickets however are non-changeable non-refundable so be sure of your time and ate, etc. But walk up fares are so so much more expensive book as soon as you can to save beaucoups money.

Amsterdam to Rome is a long LONG train trip - fly this portion and trains would be very expensive as well - more than a discount airline I would think.

For lots of great info on European trains, Eurostar, etc I always spotlight these IMO fantastic sites - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Is this better, then? London to Amsterdam by train. Amsterdam to Rome by plane. Train within Italy. Fly from Venice to Paris.
OR London to Rome by plane. Train within Italy. Fly to Amsterdam from Venice. Train to Paris from Amsterdam.
Which option makes more sense logistically ? Thanks.

You can fly London to Amsterdam very easily from London city airport - it's in town on the dlr and is small and used mostly by business people. Lines are short. It would probably be faster than the train if you can get a good price

Hi Jamikins. Thanks for the suggestion. Is this the LCY airport?

I second the LCY option.

London to Amsterdam, you might also consider the Harwich - Hook of Holland ferry as overnight travel

It is a short ride from Heathrow?

Help, please...

>>It is a short ride from Heathrow?<<

Is WHAT a short ride from Heathrow (LHR)? Are you asking about London City Airport (LCY)? Then no -- it definitely is NOT a short ride from Heathrow. It is on the total opposite side of London from LHR.

If you are already at heathrow it would make sense to fly from there...it's not clear what you are asking...

Yes, is LCY far or near from LHR since it was suggested to fly from LCY to AMS. It seems from the previous 2 replies that it is not a convenient option.

Are you visiting London at all or just passing through the airport?

If you are IN London LCY makes most sense. But if you are out at Heathrow, LCY makes no sense.

Just passing through, janisj. Thank you.