Am taking two older energetic aunts to Europe. Lost my job so am moving trip up to May/June. (Planned to go in September). Since I've traveled several times to France and once to Italy, am somewhat familiar. They don't want to do much in the way of museums and art galleries, but are leaving the itinerary up to me. I plan to hit the highlights. They have been to Greece (wish to repeat a seven-day cruise of Athens and islands). I've never been to Greece.

Had planned three week trip until Greece trip was tacked on. Planning 4-5 days in Paris, 2 in Venice and 4-5 in Rome. Flying into Paris, out of Athens. I am unsure of time spent traveling between locations, am planning to go by train between Paris - Venice - Rome and fly to Greece. Is this doable in three weeks or would we need four weeks?

Furthermore, feel one aunt is getting cold feet. How do I respond to her concerns (from her friends) that it is the most expensive time to go to Europe and that four weeks is too long. (Flying with frequent flyer miles tickets so there is no real expense for airline). Plan to travel Paris to Venice, Venice to Rome, Rome to Greece.

Thanks for your help in advance. Any help/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi
I'm pretty sure there are Mediterranean cruises that leave from or end in Venice, and that include at least a couple of Greek islands.
If you want to keep the time down to, say, 2.5 weeks, due to time and expense, take a 7 day cruise, add on 2 days in Venice at the start or finish of the cruise, and then fly to Paris or Rome for another 5 days. I'd do both Paris and Rome only if time and money are no object. Venice to Rome is about 4.5 hours by train, an hour by plane.
Paris to Venice is a LONG train ride, that would be worth a flight rather than a train.
If you're going to Rome, you could take a day (or add one on)and even do a daytrip to Florence, (if they have interest) or Orvieto or Pisa.
On the other hand, Paris is also a wonderful alternative, and in 5 days you can see a lot.

Hi am,

>Planning 4-5 days in Paris, 2 in Venice and 4-5 in Rome. <

This is not a vacation. It is an expedition.

That's only 12 days. What are you doing with the other 9?

Thanks to you both for responding. Considering adding one week to go to Greece and islands. Nine days - building in travel and rest. As they have requested to see the countryside, thought train travel between Paris - Venice (~11~ hours), Venice - Rome (~4.5-6~ hours) would serve that purpose. How does flying compare with train cost-wise?

Had planned to fly into Paris and out of Athens.

Is it less expensive to travel in September than in June? (not concerned about airfare, just cost of lodging, etc.)

I appreciate your input.

Both June and September are considered "shoulder season" so prices aren't at their highest, but depending on where you go prices in September might be higher than in June since it's the tag-end of high season.

Hi -- If they have requested to see countryside, I'm not sure a train ride will suffice. To cut costs and time, could they do without the cruise (esp. considering they've done it before)? You could then add 3-4 nights to Italy and explore Tuscany. It's full of beautiful scenery and certainly constitutes countryside. Plus, it's conveniently located along the journey from Venice to Rome. Hotels and small inns in Tuscany can be pretty affordable, as well. It's all what you make of it... Good luck! -- h.

September has become a very popular month and I don't see bargains for travel then. I don't think it's shoulder season any more. Prices generally start to drop around October 15-November 1.

I'm not recommending rushing around in order to see this all in a shorter time, but 3-4 weeks total traveling with older relatives would be a little on the long side for me.

Costa Cruise is having a 30% off sale now on European cruises, and there's a senior discount on top of that to boot, in case you're thinking of a cruise. Have you gotten your plane tickets yet?

Thanks so much for all your suggestions. Am postponing trip until the fall.