help with itinery
 

We are going to Europe for the first time next year and I need help with an itinery.

We have around 6 weeks ... so was planning something like this

9 days in Paris (looking at apartments)
3 days in Loire Valley (hopefully stay in a chateau)
3 days in Avignon
7 nights in Milan / Lake Como area (DH has family there)
3 mights in Venice
7 night cruise to Greek Islands
4 nights in Rome
3 nights in Sorrento/Amalfi coast


any kind of advice regarding itiniery, trains, accomodation etc would be VERY welcome :)

Well for the longer stops have a look at appartments rather than hotels, this allows you to buy food at the local market and enjoy being part of the local "village".

Loire have a look at Fauntevraud where Richard I's wife is buried

How are you getting to Greece and back again? Flying? It stands out in your plans as it's a long way from France or Italy. Also, it that the order you plan to travel in? Where do you fly home from? Wherever your return flight is, I suggest you make that your last stop. Don't try and return to your departure city the same day you fly out, in case something goes pear shaped.

I like the fact that you're staying a reasonable time in each place. That sounds relaxing, even though they are spread out quite a bit. You will have some long journeys but you get to rest once you arrive.

For long distance trains in France, try to book up to 3 months in advance to get PREMS tickets (generally for TGV) as they will be a lot cheaper.

If I were going to Loire Valley, I'd consider doing some cycling.

Sounds like a good trip.

the Greek Islands is a cruise .... cruising from Venice.

yes that is the order. We will fly into Paris, and home from Rome, so should be ok.

the only major journey that I consider "too long" by train is from Avignon to Milan, so we are going by train to Lyon (1 hr) and then flying. Other than that, the train trips are less than 3 hrs (actually I think Venice-Rome might be longer).

Also - not sure if I mentioned, I have a 6 yr old too :) ... so yeah, trying for relaxing, but getting to see everything we want to see.

Paris is pretty packed, and Milan is pretty packed in to, but the others should be relaxing enough.

Definitely looking at an apartment in Paris .. and with family in Milan, so that should be good.

Do Rome last---after the AC.

thank you. That makes heaps of sense ... gives me an extra day in Amalfi Coast :)

and will fly from Venice to Naples rather than train


One other question - I have been looking at a Eurail pass (I know, many advise against it, but it will suit us for some of the trips) ... anyway, the reservation fee - is that per person, per train trip? so for example we will go from Tours to Paris and then to Avignon, so will that be separate reservation fees for each trip? and for each person? (im assuming so, but just want to make sure)