Looking for Advice/itinerary help for Europe Trip
Jun 25th, 2015, 06:59 AM
#1
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Looking for Advice/itinerary help for Europe Trip
We are a family of 3 with our daughter being 1 year old and we need some suggestions and help with our first Europe trip itinerary. We will have about 15-16 days and plan to visit Europe in the middle of September. (Sept 15th - Oct 2nd).
We are planning to fly in and out of Frankfurt Airport.In terms of places we are planning to visit, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Paris, Rome and Zurich.We plan to stay around 3-4 days in each of these places.What I need help with is to decide how long in each city ,which reasonable yet nice places to stay, eat and places to visit, direct trains, Do’s and don’t’s etc
We would like to stay close to central area/train stations.Would you recommend trying to rent an apartment or stay in hotels?
We prefer to travel mostly by the TGV Direct train routes as we are travelling with the baby.Do we have TGV trains directly connecting to all the mentioned cities.If yes, what will be the ideal city to visit after Frankfurt and to return back to fly out from Frankfurt.
What is going to be the best way to do this trip, most cost effective and time traveled? We are open to all ideas of things to do and see! We are open to day trips as well.
Thank you so much for your time and your thoughts!
We are planning to fly in and out of Frankfurt Airport.In terms of places we are planning to visit, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Paris, Rome and Zurich.We plan to stay around 3-4 days in each of these places.What I need help with is to decide how long in each city ,which reasonable yet nice places to stay, eat and places to visit, direct trains, Do’s and don’t’s etc
We would like to stay close to central area/train stations.Would you recommend trying to rent an apartment or stay in hotels?
We prefer to travel mostly by the TGV Direct train routes as we are travelling with the baby.Do we have TGV trains directly connecting to all the mentioned cities.If yes, what will be the ideal city to visit after Frankfurt and to return back to fly out from Frankfurt.
What is going to be the best way to do this trip, most cost effective and time traveled? We are open to all ideas of things to do and see! We are open to day trips as well.
Thank you so much for your time and your thoughts!
Jun 25th, 2015, 07:10 AM
#2
The best way to do this is to fly into Frankfurt and out of Rome. Use the multi-city option on the airline booking sights.
I would skip Luxembourg. Not only is it out of the way, but you don't have all that much time, and traveling with a baby means you need to take things easy. You should be counting nights, not days. Two nights in a place nets you one full day.
For all the info you need on train travel in Europe, see seat61.com, and for schedules see bahn.de.
I would skip Luxembourg. Not only is it out of the way, but you don't have all that much time, and traveling with a baby means you need to take things easy. You should be counting nights, not days. Two nights in a place nets you one full day.
For all the info you need on train travel in Europe, see seat61.com, and for schedules see bahn.de.
Jun 25th, 2015, 07:35 AM
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You have listed 5 places and have 15-18 days. It would takes 4-5 nights in each place to yield 3-4 days, so you have 20-25 nights worth of places you want to see.
I agree with thursdays, skip Luxembourg this trip. And consider whether Zurich is a place to include this first trip. It is mostly a business city, and will be the most expensive destination on your itinerary.
Traveling with a 1 year old means you have to take the baby's schedule into consideration. Generally, people with small children do better to travel slowly, make fewer stops. And fewer stops will yield you more time to see/do/experience. Basically you lose half a day to most of a day each time you change locations (you have to figure from the time you check out of one place until you get settled in the next, so not only travel time via train, but also transport time to the station and waiting times, etc.).
If it were me - and it isn't - I'd opt for just three locations for this first trip which will give you time to settle in and experience a bit of each location.
As mentioned by thursdays, try to fly into one city and out of another (called open-jaw or multi-destination) as it will save you time and money (with your circular itinerary you'll pay to get back to Frankfort and it will take up a whole day of your trip.).
Apartment vs. hotel: on one hand, being in an apartment means you have more space and ideally, have kitchen and laundry facilities. Ideally, because the washer/dryer won't be what you are accustomed to and may turn out not to be that helpful (2-3 hours for a load of wash, and often the dryers don't work well - you end up hanging laundry all over the apartment). Also, with an apartment, you have to make arrangements to pick up the key from the owner, so you can't just get into the apartment when you arrive. With a cranky 1 year old, I'd want to be able to get into my accommodations when I arrive, not have to wander around and wait for the owner, etc. You might consider an aparthotel like the Citadines. For a first-timer, I think it makes sense to have the services of a hotel.
I agree with thursdays, skip Luxembourg this trip. And consider whether Zurich is a place to include this first trip. It is mostly a business city, and will be the most expensive destination on your itinerary.
Traveling with a 1 year old means you have to take the baby's schedule into consideration. Generally, people with small children do better to travel slowly, make fewer stops. And fewer stops will yield you more time to see/do/experience. Basically you lose half a day to most of a day each time you change locations (you have to figure from the time you check out of one place until you get settled in the next, so not only travel time via train, but also transport time to the station and waiting times, etc.).
If it were me - and it isn't - I'd opt for just three locations for this first trip which will give you time to settle in and experience a bit of each location.
As mentioned by thursdays, try to fly into one city and out of another (called open-jaw or multi-destination) as it will save you time and money (with your circular itinerary you'll pay to get back to Frankfort and it will take up a whole day of your trip.).
Apartment vs. hotel: on one hand, being in an apartment means you have more space and ideally, have kitchen and laundry facilities. Ideally, because the washer/dryer won't be what you are accustomed to and may turn out not to be that helpful (2-3 hours for a load of wash, and often the dryers don't work well - you end up hanging laundry all over the apartment). Also, with an apartment, you have to make arrangements to pick up the key from the owner, so you can't just get into the apartment when you arrive. With a cranky 1 year old, I'd want to be able to get into my accommodations when I arrive, not have to wander around and wait for the owner, etc. You might consider an aparthotel like the Citadines. For a first-timer, I think it makes sense to have the services of a hotel.
Jun 25th, 2015, 07:38 AM
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Some great sites IMO for planning a European rail trip - also check out railpasses like the Eurail Select Pass - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.
TGVs are French high-speed trains but similar trains operate in Germany and Italy.
TGVs are French high-speed trains but similar trains operate in Germany and Italy.
Jun 25th, 2015, 08:42 AM
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There are high speed trains on many routes but certainly not all of them.
For details on train schedules go to the german rail site - bahn.de - use the english version and you can see train schedules for all of europe. You can easily tell which are the express trains (different name in each country) by the time they take. Also look at the number of train changes - which you will want to avoid with a toddler.
Flying in and out of the same city is a waste of time and money - look at multi-destination flights - they are usually no more since you get half of the RT fare for each city.
And definitely agree to cut back on stops - would kill Luxembourg and Zurich - but perhaps consider a couple of days in the Swiss Alps (Zurich is really a business city, not a tourist mecca).
Finally exactly what do you mean by "reasonable" places to stay - a specific amount in $ or euros - and are you looking at cheap and cheerful, modest, moderate - and what amenities you expect. (Many place in europe do not have AC and B&Bs may well have stairs and no elevator.)
For details on train schedules go to the german rail site - bahn.de - use the english version and you can see train schedules for all of europe. You can easily tell which are the express trains (different name in each country) by the time they take. Also look at the number of train changes - which you will want to avoid with a toddler.
Flying in and out of the same city is a waste of time and money - look at multi-destination flights - they are usually no more since you get half of the RT fare for each city.
And definitely agree to cut back on stops - would kill Luxembourg and Zurich - but perhaps consider a couple of days in the Swiss Alps (Zurich is really a business city, not a tourist mecca).
Finally exactly what do you mean by "reasonable" places to stay - a specific amount in $ or euros - and are you looking at cheap and cheerful, modest, moderate - and what amenities you expect. (Many place in europe do not have AC and B&Bs may well have stairs and no elevator.)
Jun 25th, 2015, 10:07 AM
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s.If yes, what will be the ideal city to visit after Frankfurt and to return back to fly out from Frankfurt.>
Paris 1st from Frankfurt
Fly to Rome
Rome to Zurich
zurich to Luxemburg
Luxembourg to Frankfurt
Like said above maybe drip Zurich and head for the awesome Alpine Switzerland - like to me the best place for a first-timer the fabulous Jungfrau Region just south of Interlaken - ensconce yourself in a mountain village like Grindelwald or Wengen, both easily accessible by train from Interlaken or Wengen a favorite with families - swimming pool, kids play areas, etc. and just a very relaxing place. Take thrilling cable ways or aerial cable ways to several neat places - like to a glacier or to the Jungfraujoch station and a perpetual sea of ice and snow. Zurich is a nice modern city but one that leaves many underwhelmed - the essecence of Switzerland in most folks' minds eyes is an Alpine Wonderland like the Jungfrau region not glitzy modern and a very expensive Zurich or Swiss cities in general. You may want to stay in lovely Lucerne though, a smaller city that does exude old-world charm and sits on one of the prettiest Swiss lakes - take a lake boat cruise - a 3-year old would find so so exciting.
The Alpine Wonderland of Your Dreams:
https://www.google.com/search?q=jung...=1600&bih=1075
From there go via Zurich on high-speed ICE trains to Frankfurt (well high-speed in much of Germany but the nicest trains around.
for lots of great info on European trains check out www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com - the latter a font of great info on discounted tickets you may find cheaper than a pass for your rather limited train trips.
Paris 1st from Frankfurt
Fly to Rome
Rome to Zurich
zurich to Luxemburg
Luxembourg to Frankfurt
Like said above maybe drip Zurich and head for the awesome Alpine Switzerland - like to me the best place for a first-timer the fabulous Jungfrau Region just south of Interlaken - ensconce yourself in a mountain village like Grindelwald or Wengen, both easily accessible by train from Interlaken or Wengen a favorite with families - swimming pool, kids play areas, etc. and just a very relaxing place. Take thrilling cable ways or aerial cable ways to several neat places - like to a glacier or to the Jungfraujoch station and a perpetual sea of ice and snow. Zurich is a nice modern city but one that leaves many underwhelmed - the essecence of Switzerland in most folks' minds eyes is an Alpine Wonderland like the Jungfrau region not glitzy modern and a very expensive Zurich or Swiss cities in general. You may want to stay in lovely Lucerne though, a smaller city that does exude old-world charm and sits on one of the prettiest Swiss lakes - take a lake boat cruise - a 3-year old would find so so exciting.
The Alpine Wonderland of Your Dreams:
https://www.google.com/search?q=jung...=1600&bih=1075
From there go via Zurich on high-speed ICE trains to Frankfurt (well high-speed in much of Germany but the nicest trains around.
for lots of great info on European trains check out www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com - the latter a font of great info on discounted tickets you may find cheaper than a pass for your rather limited train trips.
Jun 25th, 2015, 11:11 AM
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Curious as to your choice of Frankfurt for a first trip to Europe.
I lived there for three years, and while it is of some interest, it is not usually the first place/city anyone chooses to visit in Europe. It sure would not be mine. Neither would Zurich.
What are your specific interests that lead you to choose these places?
With a one year old, apartments would be great. With two weeks, rather than moving so much, you could choose three places that also have possible interesting day trips.
Paris is wonderful, lots of parks, etc. for a child, good for at least four or five days. Also, nice day trips, or rent a car and explore the Loire Valley for two or three days.
Rome is also great with a child and has option of interesting day trips, even the beach. You could pair Rome for four days with Florence or Venice for three days.
So, just Paris and Rome and the environs could fill your two weeks. You would see a lot more, but move much less.
It looks to me as if your child is one, not three, so mostly parks or small playground for running around would be their primary interest.
Other cities or places might be of more interest to you than Paris or Rome. Choose and narrow your trip a bit to make it the least stressful for you and the little one, the fewest changes of hotels, trains, etc.
The thing to look for when booking is "multi-city." That is what it is called on the booking sites, not open jaw, and you certainly do not want one way. Do go into the first city you plan to visit and depart for home from the last city.
I lived there for three years, and while it is of some interest, it is not usually the first place/city anyone chooses to visit in Europe. It sure would not be mine. Neither would Zurich.
What are your specific interests that lead you to choose these places?
With a one year old, apartments would be great. With two weeks, rather than moving so much, you could choose three places that also have possible interesting day trips.
Paris is wonderful, lots of parks, etc. for a child, good for at least four or five days. Also, nice day trips, or rent a car and explore the Loire Valley for two or three days.
Rome is also great with a child and has option of interesting day trips, even the beach. You could pair Rome for four days with Florence or Venice for three days.
So, just Paris and Rome and the environs could fill your two weeks. You would see a lot more, but move much less.
It looks to me as if your child is one, not three, so mostly parks or small playground for running around would be their primary interest.
Other cities or places might be of more interest to you than Paris or Rome. Choose and narrow your trip a bit to make it the least stressful for you and the little one, the fewest changes of hotels, trains, etc.
The thing to look for when booking is "multi-city." That is what it is called on the booking sites, not open jaw, and you certainly do not want one way. Do go into the first city you plan to visit and depart for home from the last city.
Jun 25th, 2015, 11:39 AM
#8
Sept 15 - Oct 2 = 18 days. One day is spent flying to Europe, half a day is spent on arrival, one day os spent flying home. So you are down to 15.5 days w/o allowing for travel from place to place. You will lose another 2 days in your travel from place to place. Luxembourg is IMO Meh and me personally, I'd drop it. Also curious why Frankfurt and Zurich on a first visit?
Rome and Paris are no brainers -- but the other three could all be easily missed IMO. Maybe some other place(s) in Switzerland but not Zurich.
While re-thinking your plan -- not all cities are created equal. Instead of dividing your time equally, divide it up based on how much there is to see/do. For instance there are MANY more things to see/do in Paris or Rome than in smaller or less scenic cities. Paris would warrant 5 to 7 days -- Luxembourg one day max.
Rome and Paris are no brainers -- but the other three could all be easily missed IMO. Maybe some other place(s) in Switzerland but not Zurich.
While re-thinking your plan -- not all cities are created equal. Instead of dividing your time equally, divide it up based on how much there is to see/do. For instance there are MANY more things to see/do in Paris or Rome than in smaller or less scenic cities. Paris would warrant 5 to 7 days -- Luxembourg one day max.
Jul 14th, 2015, 12:54 PM
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Thank you! and to me Luxembourg is about a 4-hour stay IF you do the casement tour, less if not - a visual feast with a deep gorge bisecting it but otherwise an ordinary city but one with a unique status of being a European capital city in two ways - capital of the Grand Duchy and one of the EU's 3 headquarter cities with EU installations.
Jul 14th, 2015, 01:41 PM
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There are some basic facts involved when traveling with a wee one: getting ready to go anywhere is going to take longer, you can't pack light, going out to eat is less practical, and everything is going to be stickier and smellier.
For those reasons, I strongly suggest you shrink the geographic size of your trip considerably and rent a car for inter-city travel. A car will give you plenty of room to pack heavier and allow you to travel on your time schedule instead of rushing to catch a train.
For those reasons, I strongly suggest you shrink the geographic size of your trip considerably and rent a car for inter-city travel. A car will give you plenty of room to pack heavier and allow you to travel on your time schedule instead of rushing to catch a train.
Jul 14th, 2015, 01:49 PM
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don't take this wrong but perhaps grandparents would love taking care of the kid whilst you have a relaxing trip? edward2005 makes some salient points - narrow down scope and maybe rent a car even though in big tourist cities cars are fairly useless - conundrum for sure.
Jul 15th, 2015, 11:09 AM
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Do we have TGV trains directly connecting to all the mentioned cities.If yes, what will be the ideal city to visit after Frankfurt and to return back to fly out from Frankfurt.>
If not mentioned above TGV trains only operate in France and a bit of neighboring countries - like Paris to Zurich not Luceerne - in German you want ICE trains, the German equivalent of TGVs - Italy has their own high-speed trains- all are high-speed trains. Paris to Luxembourg a TGV.
If not mentioned above TGV trains only operate in France and a bit of neighboring countries - like Paris to Zurich not Luceerne - in German you want ICE trains, the German equivalent of TGVs - Italy has their own high-speed trains- all are high-speed trains. Paris to Luxembourg a TGV.
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