our first trip
 

First let me say that this is the first time I have used this site. You guys are awesome! What seems like such a daunting task now feels at least a bit doable. So here is my question. My wife, 2- 20+ year old daughters and I want to start our trip In Barcelona on June 26th , head to Provence, Paris and ultimately end up in London on July 5th. We are open to your suggestions for mode of transportation, ideas for areas within the cities mentioned, length of time in each city and otherwise eager to get your feedback. Budget is as always a consideration but not an overriding factor. Meaning, no hostels but don't need 5 star either. Thank you in advance for your time, I look forward to the day when i can be of assistance to others!

Not much time for what you are outlining. In fact, not nearly enough. so.

I'm not sure how many days you have total. It appears that you have 10 days from Barcelona to get to London (or maybe you lave London on the 5th).

In any case, 10 days for Barcelona, Provence (where?) and Paris, then on to London (so really 9 days) is definitely cutting thieng very tight.

You could have
26, 27 Barcelona - 1.5 days
28 travel to Provence
29, 30 Provence (where?) - 2 days
1 travel to Paris
2-4 Paris - 3 days
5 travel to London

So a whole lot of traveling versus acturally seeing/doing things. Also - if you had intended to include time in London in that schedule - it would mean practically no time anywhere.

Unless you have been these places before and don't need to see major sights I would cut back - just do Barcelona/Paris/London and fly between.

You are only talking 9 days plus one day to travel to London - that really isn't long enough for Barcelona, Provence and Paris. What sorts of things do you want to see/do.

As for transport - in Barcelona and Paris public transport is the way to go. But in Provence it is best to have a car. But w/ just 9 days you'd really do better to limit yourselves to Barcelona and Paris. (I assume that any time in London is not included in your '10 days')

>>Meaning, no hostels but don't need 5 star either.<< That covers a HUGE range. What is your actual budget per night for accommodations?

we were all posting at the same time . . . .

Transportation - train. High speed TGV from Barca to Avignon - base your time in Provence around there. then TGV to Paris and then Eurostar to London. In Provence the Roman amphitheatre in Orange, Pont-du-Gard and the walled city and Palais du Papes in Avignon are all worth it. And do some wine tasting at Chateau Neuf du Pape. You could rent a car at the train stn in Avignon - most are there - I've used Avis. There's plenty of info on what to do in London, Paris and Barca in tour guides etc... but if you have more specific questions just ask

You don't have enough time for what you want to do, period. You'll need to scale back, and you'll only be able to see a very few things along the way. Sorry - reality kicks in.

I agree with janisj.

Personally I'd keep it simple. You have 10 days to start in Barcelona and end in London (where I assume you'll have at least 4 days). Assuming you are coming into Barcelona after a transatlantic or long flight your first day will likely be jetlagged. I'd divide my time between Barcelona and Paris. 5 days in each city will give you enough time for perhaps a daytrip or maybe 2. But you'll find plenty to occupy you in Barcelona and Paris. I'd fly between Barcelona and Paris as you can find inexpensive fares and it's a time saver.

You may consider renting apartments. With 4 adults you're going to need 2 hotel rooms. An apartment will likely be less expensive than 2 hotel rooms and you'll have more space. Of course, given this is your first trip to Europe you may not feel comfortable renting an apartment. If so, then it may help to get a feel for the amount you are willing to spend per night for lodging for all of you.

Hope this helps.