What is the best route, leaving from London to see:<BR><BR>Amsterdam<BR>Paris<BR>Venice<BR>Floren ce<BR>Rome<BR>...and returning to London.<BR><BR>I am opened to traveling by train and air. I am also on a modest budget.<BR>(and is it too ambitious to sneak in Bern?)

I think 5-6 cities in 12 days is too ambitious! Try to see just one or two of them if you want to enjoy the experience. How about Amsterdam and Paris, OR Venice, Florence and Rome? Don't forget, traveling takes time, lots of time. Not only the train or plane ride, but standing in line for train tickets, getting to your hotel, changing money, going to the Tourist Office for maps and info - all these details take time away from sightseeing.

I totally agree with Brooke. 5 or 6 cities in 12 days is too much. And her two suggested options make a lot of sense.

When I was young, my friends and I did 6 cities in 4 countries in 14 days. We often traveled at night to avoid paying for a hotel. As I have matured, I find that I prefer to spend more time in fewer places so that I have an opportunity to see the sights and experience the culture of the places I visit. Reconsider your travel plans.

Hi robby,<BR> I did something like NJJ when I was young. After the 8th day people thought I was either a wino or on drugs.<BR><BR> It took 3 weeks to recover.<BR><BR> Twelve days is perfect for 2 -3 places.

I actually think this is a great trip for someone interested in airplanes, airports, trains, train stations and possibly bus and bus stations.

The folks over on flyertalk would LOVE this itinerary. But their trip reports only mention the airplane model, seat location, in-flight menu and whether they got into the airport lounges. Not a word about any sites, food, cathedrals, museums or anything about WHERE they went, only about HOW they got there.<BR><BR>robbydigi - you have 12 days - pick one country or three cities and concentrate on them. remember - the first and last days are pretty much eaten up with travel to/from London. True - it doesn't take a whole day to get to any of those cities from London, but when you add up getting to the station or airport, checking in, travel time, transfers on arrival, checking in - you have used up much of a day.