NEED HELP BIG TIME!!
Jul 26th, 2010, 07:00 PM
#41
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You asked what to remove. On first glance, Barcelona, it is not located next to anything else you plan on seeing.
Then Prague and Vienna. Amsterdam to Munich to Switzerland will make more logical train connections.
Also Milan really only needs about 4 hours so you could stop there on your way to Venice to break up the train ride.
If you remove those you could have a decent, but still hectic, trip.
Then Prague and Vienna. Amsterdam to Munich to Switzerland will make more logical train connections.
Also Milan really only needs about 4 hours so you could stop there on your way to Venice to break up the train ride.
If you remove those you could have a decent, but still hectic, trip.
Jul 26th, 2010, 07:57 PM
#42
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ok guys.. me n my friends are trying to take out the cities one by one..
first.. drop prague or vienna? so we can have 2 nights either at prague / vienna.. which one is more efficient (travel wise) if say, we r gonna keep the rest of the itinery.. so cologne - prague - munich or colonge - vienna - munich?
first.. drop prague or vienna? so we can have 2 nights either at prague / vienna.. which one is more efficient (travel wise) if say, we r gonna keep the rest of the itinery.. so cologne - prague - munich or colonge - vienna - munich?
Jul 26th, 2010, 11:22 PM
#44
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Meihan83: CaseyMorgan's suggestion of Amsterdam/Paris/Venice/Rome is a good one. That's doable. And of course there are other doable itineraries. But, your original one just made me beyond dizzy.
I've been doing Europe, almost annually, since 73, when I was first in my teens and although for over a decade I would be away for 11 weeks straight, I never even did an itinerary like your original one. I like to "absorb" the experience or just slow down enough to even have an "experience". Smiles. Happy Travels!
I've been doing Europe, almost annually, since 73, when I was first in my teens and although for over a decade I would be away for 11 weeks straight, I never even did an itinerary like your original one. I like to "absorb" the experience or just slow down enough to even have an "experience". Smiles. Happy Travels!
Jul 26th, 2010, 11:42 PM
#45
There are a number of cities that I would drop, same as everyone here, either out of personal preference or because it's not worth covering the distance for such a short stay. On the other hand, I am not against the idea of a whirlwind tour, but only if it is part one of two (or more) different trips. A first trip can give you a brief overview of where you want to spend more time in the future.
Nobody should look upon a trip to Europe as the trip of a lifetime anymore, but just one of many.
Nobody should look upon a trip to Europe as the trip of a lifetime anymore, but just one of many.
Jul 27th, 2010, 01:49 AM
#46
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"Also Milan really only needs about 4 hours so you could stop there on your way to Venice to break up the train ride."
Having spent weeks there over the year, I heartily disagree but I do find Milan an odd choice for a first timer's itinerary,
Have you looked at a map and consulted a train schedule? It would be quite easy to determine which cities are the most logical to include if you have these at your fingertips.
Book an open jaw ticket and move in a logical direction, using your map and train schedule as a guide.
This statement: "Munich - Neuschwenstein castle - Interlaken detailed would be : arrive at munich 6am then take bike city tour (approx 4 hours) then train ride to Fussen, arrive at Fussen around 3, go to Neutswnechtein castle - then castle tour approx 2 hours, then go back to Fussen to catch train or bus to interlaken" is pretty much impossible. Bike tours are not going to start at 6am and a day like this leaves no time for lunch, let alone the time needed to travel, which is more than just the train ride itself.
I would pick a maximum of 5 destinations, preferably 4, and choose those that are either logical or the most important to you. Instead of running all over the place, choose base locations that allow for lots of day trip options as I suspect you will all need a break from each other and this will give each person some independence.
Night trains are not famous for providing a good night's sleep and your use of them - primarily as hotels to get you to the next major city where you plan a "day tour" - is simply not feasible.
Having spent weeks there over the year, I heartily disagree but I do find Milan an odd choice for a first timer's itinerary,
Have you looked at a map and consulted a train schedule? It would be quite easy to determine which cities are the most logical to include if you have these at your fingertips.
Book an open jaw ticket and move in a logical direction, using your map and train schedule as a guide.
This statement: "Munich - Neuschwenstein castle - Interlaken detailed would be : arrive at munich 6am then take bike city tour (approx 4 hours) then train ride to Fussen, arrive at Fussen around 3, go to Neutswnechtein castle - then castle tour approx 2 hours, then go back to Fussen to catch train or bus to interlaken" is pretty much impossible. Bike tours are not going to start at 6am and a day like this leaves no time for lunch, let alone the time needed to travel, which is more than just the train ride itself.
I would pick a maximum of 5 destinations, preferably 4, and choose those that are either logical or the most important to you. Instead of running all over the place, choose base locations that allow for lots of day trip options as I suspect you will all need a break from each other and this will give each person some independence.
Night trains are not famous for providing a good night's sleep and your use of them - primarily as hotels to get you to the next major city where you plan a "day tour" - is simply not feasible.
Jul 27th, 2010, 03:47 AM
#47
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Night trains are not famous for providing a good night's sleep and your use of them - primarily as hotels to get you to the next major city where you plan a "day tour" - is simply not feasible.>
this is a value judgment - how many overnight trains have you taken - i've taken literally hundreds and have always arrived bright and fresh after a good night's sleep and yes i use them as hotels to get to the next city - great use of time and saves money as well - i have taken subsequent night trains and again it is whether the person can sleep well or not - the mantra on Fodor's seems to be that no one can ever sleep well on night trains - well i can tell you that many of my fellow couchette passengers certainly seem to do.
this is a value judgment - how many overnight trains have you taken - i've taken literally hundreds and have always arrived bright and fresh after a good night's sleep and yes i use them as hotels to get to the next city - great use of time and saves money as well - i have taken subsequent night trains and again it is whether the person can sleep well or not - the mantra on Fodor's seems to be that no one can ever sleep well on night trains - well i can tell you that many of my fellow couchette passengers certainly seem to do.
Jul 27th, 2010, 03:48 AM
#48
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Meihan83,
I'd also add my recommendation to the Amsterdam/Paris/Venice/Rome suggestion. We did Paris-Venice-Florence-Rome-Amsterdam 7-3-8-3-3 (days) but obviously we had almost a week more to play with. Given your schedule, I'd recommend
Amsterdam - 3 days (allowing for jet-lag recovery)
Paris - 4 days
Venice - 3 days
Florence - 4 days (surprised it hadn't popped up here earlier; depending how you feel about Florence, you may want to just day trip it from Rome and apply the extra time elsewhere [I'm a Firenzephile so you can't trust my bias that way
])
Rome - 4 days
The suggestion of flying open-jaw is good one. Good luck on getting everything tied together in time.
K
I'd also add my recommendation to the Amsterdam/Paris/Venice/Rome suggestion. We did Paris-Venice-Florence-Rome-Amsterdam 7-3-8-3-3 (days) but obviously we had almost a week more to play with. Given your schedule, I'd recommend
Amsterdam - 3 days (allowing for jet-lag recovery)
Paris - 4 days
Venice - 3 days
Florence - 4 days (surprised it hadn't popped up here earlier; depending how you feel about Florence, you may want to just day trip it from Rome and apply the extra time elsewhere [I'm a Firenzephile so you can't trust my bias that way
])Rome - 4 days
The suggestion of flying open-jaw is good one. Good luck on getting everything tied together in time.
K
Jul 27th, 2010, 04:51 AM
#49
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<i>Meihan83, ok guys.. me n my friends are trying to take out the cities one by one..
first.. drop prague or vienna? so we can have 2 nights either at prague / vienna.. which one is more efficient (travel wise) if say, we r gonna keep the rest of the itinery.. so cologne - prague - munich or colonge - vienna - munich?</i>
Prague vs. Vienna: I think Prague is much more suitable for young travelers. They are about equal in terms efficient travel. Prague.
I am still unclear however about what remains.
Is the new itinerary:
1)Cologne - Prague - Munich?
or
2)Amsterdam - Cologne - Prague - Munich - Interlaken - Lucerne - Milan - Venice - Pisa - Florence - Rome - Barcelona - Lourdes - Paris?
If it's #1, you can add one (I would suggest Paris or Venice).
If it's #2, you still need to do some serious cutting
first.. drop prague or vienna? so we can have 2 nights either at prague / vienna.. which one is more efficient (travel wise) if say, we r gonna keep the rest of the itinery.. so cologne - prague - munich or colonge - vienna - munich?</i>
Prague vs. Vienna: I think Prague is much more suitable for young travelers. They are about equal in terms efficient travel. Prague.
I am still unclear however about what remains.
Is the new itinerary:
1)Cologne - Prague - Munich?
or
2)Amsterdam - Cologne - Prague - Munich - Interlaken - Lucerne - Milan - Venice - Pisa - Florence - Rome - Barcelona - Lourdes - Paris?
If it's #1, you can add one (I would suggest Paris or Venice).
If it's #2, you still need to do some serious cutting
Jul 27th, 2010, 05:08 AM
#50
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I think people suggesting itineraries here are overlooking that the group seems to put beautiful scenery just as high on their wish list as "iconic" sights. They might enjoy some time, I would think, in Switzerland or Bavaria or scenic Italy.
I've never done a train journey from Northern Europe into Italy, so I can't offer a route. But I don't think you need to give that up --- and personally, just for myself, I'd sooner give up Venice for days in Switzerland and the Italian lakes than vice versa.
I've never done a train journey from Northern Europe into Italy, so I can't offer a route. But I don't think you need to give that up --- and personally, just for myself, I'd sooner give up Venice for days in Switzerland and the Italian lakes than vice versa.
Jul 27th, 2010, 05:20 AM
#51
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I just looked at a map of Europe and looked at the wish list and need to cut it down.
Were it me, I think I would want to go from Amsterdam into Germany, spend some time in scenic Germany or Austria before heading into Italy, probably Venice and Lago di Como, back up through Switzerland to Paris.
I would not try to include Rome in this trip UNLESS I was thinking of taking the overnight train from Rome to Munich. But even then, I'd feel like I had to cut out most of my scenic time. I can't see a good route that wouldn't be rushed. Rome is too far south.
Were it me, I think I would want to go from Amsterdam into Germany, spend some time in scenic Germany or Austria before heading into Italy, probably Venice and Lago di Como, back up through Switzerland to Paris.
I would not try to include Rome in this trip UNLESS I was thinking of taking the overnight train from Rome to Munich. But even then, I'd feel like I had to cut out most of my scenic time. I can't see a good route that wouldn't be rushed. Rome is too far south.
Jul 27th, 2010, 05:25 AM
#52
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"this is a value judgment - how many overnight trains have you taken"
It certainly is and I have taken only three and would never do so again. It is an opinion based on my personal experiences. One was downright dangerous, traveling to Palermo when I was younger and we were harassed continuously by soldiers traveling on the same train. The others were simply too noisy to get any sleep.
To each his own...
It certainly is and I have taken only three and would never do so again. It is an opinion based on my personal experiences. One was downright dangerous, traveling to Palermo when I was younger and we were harassed continuously by soldiers traveling on the same train. The others were simply too noisy to get any sleep.
To each his own...
Jul 27th, 2010, 10:39 AM
#53
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Night trains are not famous for providing a good night's sleep and your use of them - primarily as hotels to get you to the next major city where you plan a "day tour" - is simply not feasible.>
Yes to each his own, i agree but your statement does not allow for the possibility that that cannot be a good strategy - and one that i use continually, even now as an oldster
I recently hopped a night train from Amsterdam to Munich - spent a nice day there bopping about - just threw my luggage in a station locker and around 8 or 9 if i recall i boarded the train, laid down on a comfy enough couchette bed - read - drank some wine and went to sleep.
Woke up fresh in Rome where i stayed some days - but the night trains were one way to quickly relocated from one end of europe to the other - and yes saving two night hotel charges en route - couchettes cost me - with a railpass - about $25-30 a night.
Yes it depends on the person - for me it works and it could well for the OP and i do not take kindly for you to say my travel style <is simply not feasible.>
It is very feasible for me at least.
Yes to each his own, i agree but your statement does not allow for the possibility that that cannot be a good strategy - and one that i use continually, even now as an oldster
I recently hopped a night train from Amsterdam to Munich - spent a nice day there bopping about - just threw my luggage in a station locker and around 8 or 9 if i recall i boarded the train, laid down on a comfy enough couchette bed - read - drank some wine and went to sleep.
Woke up fresh in Rome where i stayed some days - but the night trains were one way to quickly relocated from one end of europe to the other - and yes saving two night hotel charges en route - couchettes cost me - with a railpass - about $25-30 a night.
Yes it depends on the person - for me it works and it could well for the OP and i do not take kindly for you to say my travel style <is simply not feasible.>
It is very feasible for me at least.
Jul 27th, 2010, 10:50 AM
#54
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Meihan83 - I'm thinking you were born in 1983 - not a graduate in 1983, so you likely have more energy than 75% of the posters on this board.
However, trust those here who are recommending that you pick 3 or 4 cities and then factor in a full day (or night) for travel between them.
I disagree with those saying that you can't get good sleep on a train, but take into account your own sleep patterns and whether you will feel secure, whether you mind sleeping in a shared pullman with the other couple, and be cautious about your passport and money while sleeping on a train. Mischief abounds in the late night hours!
My one suggestion that you will not regret?
Stop. Sit. Sip.
However, trust those here who are recommending that you pick 3 or 4 cities and then factor in a full day (or night) for travel between them.
I disagree with those saying that you can't get good sleep on a train, but take into account your own sleep patterns and whether you will feel secure, whether you mind sleeping in a shared pullman with the other couple, and be cautious about your passport and money while sleeping on a train. Mischief abounds in the late night hours!
My one suggestion that you will not regret?
Stop. Sit. Sip.
Jul 27th, 2010, 11:43 AM
#55
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Pick two countries, enjoy two countries.
You know there is a tour that someone posted a while back that sounded a lot like this, except they included london.
Seriously, unless you are just checking off a list of places you've been and you're happy with that, reconsider this trip.
What are you really interested in doing? What do you think of when you think of going to Europe?
Answer those questions, and we can help you.
You know there is a tour that someone posted a while back that sounded a lot like this, except they included london.
Seriously, unless you are just checking off a list of places you've been and you're happy with that, reconsider this trip.
What are you really interested in doing? What do you think of when you think of going to Europe?
Answer those questions, and we can help you.
Jul 27th, 2010, 02:10 PM
#56
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My first trip to Europe was a one week stay in Prague and Prague only. I easily could have stayed longer. My second trip to Europe was 2 weeks with 3 days in Paris and the rest in Greece. I barely scratched the surface of exploring Greece in that time frame. This fall I'm going to Germany for two weeks and my itinerary covers about 1/8 of the country and I'd consider it VERY aggressive for that time frame.
As others have said, you'd be better served to narrow your trip down to 3-4 cities. Once you've done that start doing your research on all the things to see and do in those cities. I'm betting you'll realize you're better off with just 3 cities. Good luck and have fun!
As others have said, you'd be better served to narrow your trip down to 3-4 cities. Once you've done that start doing your research on all the things to see and do in those cities. I'm betting you'll realize you're better off with just 3 cities. Good luck and have fun!
Jul 27th, 2010, 02:32 PM
#57
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Meihan83 Looking at your list, if I had to pick four iconic cities to visit I would go for Amsterdam, Paris, Venice and Rome. Each has its individual character, its place in history and unique feel.
When you get to each one you will not want to leave.
The advice you have been given is really sound. I live in Europe and have spent years working my way around the place and would typically spend a week in a city. Some I go back to again and again and still have not seen everything.
There are so many layers to European cities
What ever you decide to do, let us know how you get on.
When you get to each one you will not want to leave.
The advice you have been given is really sound. I live in Europe and have spent years working my way around the place and would typically spend a week in a city. Some I go back to again and again and still have not seen everything.
There are so many layers to European cities
What ever you decide to do, let us know how you get on.
Jul 27th, 2010, 03:49 PM
#58
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Again, I think meihan83's wish-list prominently included scenic, non-city destinations, and that's what she emphasized in her posts.
It's often true that trains mainly connect cities, but can any of the train mavens offer the foursome some scenic destinations available by train -- like maybe in Switzerland, Austria or Italy's Dolomiti? They are traveling in mid-September
It's often true that trains mainly connect cities, but can any of the train mavens offer the foursome some scenic destinations available by train -- like maybe in Switzerland, Austria or Italy's Dolomiti? They are traveling in mid-September
Jul 27th, 2010, 05:17 PM
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<<Again, I think meihan83's wish-list prominently included scenic, non-city destinations, and that's what she emphasized in her posts.>>
I don't see that she mentioned this. Did I just miss it?
"would like to visit these cities "
"we r totally blind in this!! We need some serious insights n advices!!"
"we want to see lots n lots of Europe."
"We love sceneriess alott (we like photograhpy), never seen snow, n just want to enjoy Europe n get to see a lot of it (thats why i came out with itinery like that). Oh n we dont want too miss the iconic places too
(like eifell, cologne cathedral, coloseum jungfrau, etc)"
"ok guys.. me n my friends are trying to take out the cities one by one..
first.. drop prague or vienna? so we can have 2 nights either at prague / vienna.. which one is more efficient (travel wise) if say, we r gonna keep the rest of the itinery.. so cologne - prague - munich or colonge - vienna - munich?"
I don't see that she mentioned this. Did I just miss it?
"would like to visit these cities "
"we r totally blind in this!! We need some serious insights n advices!!"
"we want to see lots n lots of Europe."
"We love sceneriess alott (we like photograhpy), never seen snow, n just want to enjoy Europe n get to see a lot of it (thats why i came out with itinery like that). Oh n we dont want too miss the iconic places too
(like eifell, cologne cathedral, coloseum jungfrau, etc)"
"ok guys.. me n my friends are trying to take out the cities one by one..
first.. drop prague or vienna? so we can have 2 nights either at prague / vienna.. which one is more efficient (travel wise) if say, we r gonna keep the rest of the itinery.. so cologne - prague - munich or colonge - vienna - munich?"
