I would like assistance in planning my 1st trip to Europe. Would like to travel from London to France, Italy, and Greece over a span of 3 to 4 weeks. I am a pretty adventurous traveler and would like to experience as much as possible the cultural and native life as well as the Riverias. Also, will plan a follow up trip to have a "deeper" experience. Any HELP in planning this 1st trip would be most appreciated. Is the Euro pass the way to go? Should I take tours? If so, which ones? What are the best beaches? Am I approaching this the right way???? Oh, would like to travel end of May to end of June....Thanks so much!

Apart from beaches, what else do you want to see in France, Italy and Greece -- and why?

For the Italian Riviera, you should buy a copy of David Downie's "Food and Wine of Genova and the Italian Riviera." It is not just a food book. It has extremely good descriptions of the many small towns of Liguria, both on the coast and in the hills above the coast, and it will provide you with an extremely good insight into this region of Italy, and how to keep it budget friendly.

In addition to the beaches I would like to experience the cultural sites, authentic foods and make new acquaintances.

Europass? No idea what that is. If it's a train pass it's unlikely to be any good... for years now point to point tickets in Europe are usually much cheaper. Buy tickets as far ahead as possible for UK/France to save money. In Italy buying on the spot is fine.

A month sounds like a long time but it's not with your schedule. London really deserves a week for a first timer... perhaps one day trip out of the city to Oxford or Bath.

Take the Eurostar train to Paris and spend a week... again, perhaps a day trip to Giverny or Versailles.

Fly to Greece and go straight to an island or 2 of your choice for 3 or 4 days. Return to Athens and spend at least a couple of days plus a tour to Naflion or Delphi.

Fly to Italy and split your time between
Venice and Rome taking a train between them and fly home from Rome.

Now you need to figure out where to stay and what to see at each place. I wouldn't recommend taking any organized tours aside from one in Greece.

The only spot for beaches will be the islands in Greece... why would you want to fly all the way to Europe to lie on a beach when you can do that at home, assuming you live south of the arctic circle? ;^)

Hope this helps,

Rob

Obviously, you nee to stsrt reading some guidebooks. I get everything the public library can supply. And more from Interlibrary Loan. If you're an American, read Rick Steves, Europe Through the Back Door.

Then, for itinerary advice, you could look at some guided tours. There aren't many month-long tours, but you can look at their stops and extend the time.

Re; the Euro pass. In addition to the various rail passes, there's the Eurolines buspass if you want to use buses to get around.

CAPDV8N,

I'm going to agree with the general advice that you start by looking at guidebooks to Europe, although I think Rick Stever Europe Through the Back Door is a really misconceived guide for anybody looking for cultural sites and authentic food. The whole premise of the book is to avoid many of the most important cultural sites and destinations in Europe because they're too crowded or cost more. And his eating recommendations completely ignore the seasonal nature of European cuisine, especially in Italy. So don't waste your money on it.

I think a tour would prevent you from eating authentic food, but just in general it would undermine the spirit of adventure you want to bring to this trip.

I'm going to disagree with the idea that (a) beaches are only in Greece and (b) there's no point in coming to Europe to be on a beach when you can do that at home. Seaside towns with beaches in Europe are NOTHING like those in other places.

stepsbeyond,

Seaside towns and cities I agree (with the exception of Blackpool!) but to me a beach is a beach is a beach.

ParisAmsterdam gave you really good advice. I would follow his plan but would just tweak it a little. I'd shave off a few days from London and Paris (they each "deserve" many weeks, but as you said you'll go back). So I'd do 4-5 days in each. I'd do Greece as he said. That would add up to about 18 days. Then in Italy you'd have time for 3-4 days each in Venice and Rome plus another 3-4 days that you could choose Chinque Terre or Florence or small town Tuscany.

Probably check out Easyjet to fly between countries, also chech www.whichbudget,com

I think Rick Steeves is a great intro to Europe in general and to specific areas. You ALSO need other guidebooks, as well as internet sources but he's a great start. I don't use guidebooks to choose where to eat anyway.