cherylelise

Thank you everyone so very much for your input. I did not expect to get so many rapid and helpful responses. I definitely felt it was too many cities for 3 weeks. The only issue is, my boyfriend feels otherwise. He had several more on the list I made him remove. I personally feel okay with cutting out London, but he feels otherwise.

I like the idea of making a priority list. Thanks, indy_dad.

I can see how cutting out Italy would be the easiest way to make this a better, more relaxing (and cheaper) trip, but that is one of the places I most wish to see. That and Prague. I just keep hearing great things and my boyfriend and I are definitely beer lovers.

Hollywoodsc, what was the guided tour you used? I looked at them, and I just feared I would spend most of my time on a crowded bus. But if you found an enjoyable one, I would love to know.

Thank you, again!

cherylelise

Oh, and one more thing, assuming we cut out a city (or 2 if need be), do you think a total budget of $8000 is possible for 3/3.5 weeks?

Hez

does that include flights?

dutyfree

As someone who biked Europe in 3 weeks In the 70's, I think it would be easier and faster to either train or use low cost carriers to see Europe these days.
I think that most travelers will tell you that Italy is fabulous and shouldn't be missed. As an international flight attendant, Rome and Venice are two of the more senior trips because of the cities.One can see all the tourist sites on foot or using a 1.50 euro bus ticket in Rome.

I would highly recommend getting a general Europe book out of the library and look at all of the big cities you want to visit to decide their importance on your trip. I think that you have too many to enjoy for your itinerary.
Trust me,you will go back many times to Europe in your lifetime so this doesn't have to be so rushed and stressful event.

PalenQ

Pal - I wasn't suggesting that they cycle the entire trip. But a few days in Holland or along the Elbe might be fun and as you say, a good way of meeting people and seeing the country from another angle.>

Yes I agree - renting a bike for a day trip or so but not having to carry luggage - a real pain, especially for novice bikers - but yes along the Mosel or Rhine or Elbe or Danube for a day trip - returning bike to base then taking train on - could so several days of biking in the best venues in Europe that way and have no hassle of carrying bags on bikes.

KL467

The name of a GREAT private tour guide in Normandy is Ellwood von Siebold. www.ddaybattletours.com or [email protected].

If you decide to go on a guided tour, I recommend you taking the time to read the reviews. Tour companies vary quite a bit. Some buses are not crowded and some are.

hollywoodsc

The tour I took was 20 years ago and geared towards students (part of a graduation gift of 3 months in Europe)
Try a search for Europe tour, 3 weeks, $2000 (just an example)
Or search in tripadvisor.
I get a lot of offers from Gate 1 Travel, Globus Journeys.

drlaz

For cycling, run don't walk to http://www.biketoursdirect.com which aggregates many operators' tours. Note that there are one way trips where they will convey your luggage (for a price!).

FHurdle

Do a Google search for companies offering bike rental on the Mosel. There is a company in Koblenz that rents bikes at a reasonable rate and also will transport your luggage for something like 7 euros per bag per day. Far better than paying someone for an organized or independent tour.

PalenQ

for any Mosel trip again by bike go down river and not up what can be a wind tunnel with the winds blowing down the valley not up!