I have some thoughts, but could use some input on feasibility. Will be in Europe 13 nights in June, starting in Brussels (two people). <BR> <BR>Will fly into Brussels early am. Plan to catch train to Brugge, stay four nights (Wed-Sun). It will probably be difficult to stay Friday night without Saturday, hence the four nights. <BR> <BR>On Sunday take train to (?) and rent a car for the remainder of the trip. Would like to see Alsace region of France for a couple of nights but not required. <BR> <BR>Then on to Southern Germany to see some of the charming towns mentioned on this board basing ourselves in one spot and taking day trips. <BR> <BR>Would like to also go to either Salzburg or Italian Lakes. Do you think we can fit this in without much running around? I can't judge driving times well here. <BR> <BR>Will be flying out of Frankfurt on morning of last day, spending the night before at an airport property. <BR> <BR>Last minute (meaning this week), the only flights we were able to get with frequent flyer miles was into Brussels and out of Frankfurt, so no flexibility there -- I would have preferred flying out of Munich. <BR> <BR>Any help would be appreciated.

I can't help much, but I'd be surprised if you were forced to take the Sat night in Brugge. I would think a 3-night stay would be plenty to make them happy. I could be wrong. And as nice as Brugge is, 4 nights would be a lot (unless you were planning a couple of day trips).

I think a train to Brugges for a stay of 2 nights and then a car and head for the Ardennes. Then Luxembourg City, Strasbourg, Colmar,(side trip to Titisee) north to Freiburg, east to Fussen, north to Nürnberg and then on to Frankfurt. Austria and the Italian lake district, no way. SEE Europe.

Sounds nice. If your only plan for France is Alsace, consider training from Brugge into Germany (Aachen?) and picking up a car there, since you'll probably incur a charge for dropping off in a country you didn't pick up in otherwise. You could then pop into Alsace from southern Germany.

You mean you're not even going to check out Brussels?

Russ, that's a great idea about renting the car in Germany and heading back into France. <BR> <BR>StCirq, I've been to Brussels and so has my friend, otherwise I would definitely be stopping there. <BR> <BR>Brian, I think I'll try to get three nights in Brugge and see what happens. Three nights is really enough. I've been there and am looking forward to returning. I was enchanted with the city, but did not have enough time to do all the things there I wanted. This time we should have time to "do" Brugge and also have some down time we both desparately need. <BR> <BR>Thanks much for the advice. Any other comments? <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Hello Diane, <BR> <BR>the suggestion of renting the car in <BR>Germany is a good one. I`ve often paid an equal of the rental costs for dropping off the car at a different location (another country). <BR>Regarding your last night at the Airport-if you don`t want to spend $$$ at the Sheraton Airport, I strongly recommend the Astron Hotels around the Airport. There are three: Moerfelden, Raunheim and Kelsterbach. All offer free shuttle-service to the Airport every thirty min. Prices range from 100-250 DM, depending on if there`s an event in Frankfurt or weekend/midweek. All are nice, new and clean. The most expensive one is Astron Kelsterbach, because it`s the closest to the Airport. <BR> <BR>Have fun <BR> <BR>Miriam

With your limited time available, I think Salzburg is a no no, being way too far East. From the Alsace and the Black Forest region of Southern Germany you will only have time (if that) to drive through Switzerland to the Italian lakes of Como and Locarno at best. You should probably leave Salzburg and Bavaria for another trip.