I must admit that Heidelberg is quite out of the way for us. <BR> <BR>We end our rhine cruise in bacharac and the next day, we're taking the train from bacharac to Berlin. <BR> <BR>I doubt we can add anymore travel time. I'm sure we'll return though and will put heidelberg as one of our must-see list for the 2nd round. <BR> <BR>It helps so much when you start thinking that you will return.

After reading the initial schedule, I was struck by the similarity of that trip plan and the ones my father used to make. His modus operandi was something like this: <BR>Ok, an hour is enough for the Grand Canyon, you can look at the pictures when we get home. We have to get to Yosemite before dark. The problem was that he did not have a camera. <BR> <BR>If you are in real good shape, and can run to all of the places along the way, <BR>or take taxis, and see no more than two attactions in the Louvre I think you might be able to get in Moscow on this trip, too. <BR> <BR>Seriously, do you measure the success of your trips in miles traveled per day and the number of attractions seen out of a car window?? If so, hang in there. You might not remember what you saw, but you will have seen it!! <BR>

Amanda: It sounds like you travel like us with 2 and 3 night stays. We were last there in 1997 and our daughter stayed at the Hostel in Bacharach and loved it. It is a hike up the hill and it fills up fast, but they got the last room which was like a double and the view was fantastic. We also use Rick Steves for alot of our walking tours and reservations. Yes, as mentioned above some of his recommendations may be in noisy areas, but he usually lets you know this and it is your choice if you want to pick a quieter recommendation, which we are doing for our trip this fall. If you spend the night in Brugge, consider one of the Beer pubs, it was amazing that they had all the different glasses for the different beers. In Amsterdam, if you want a diversion, try the Heineken brewery tour, within walking distance of the Riks museum. You can buy tickets ahead of time (it was like $2 a person (US)). It sounds like a fantastic trip, fast paced but you seem to have cafes, etc. built in. In Amsterdam a canal cruise is also nice, it covers a lot of ground and you learn about the Architecture and the lay out of the city. We did Ricks suggestion and had breakfast at the Schilthorn and it was truly a memorable day. Have a great trip.

Amanda, <BR> <BR>I have travelled to Europe many times. However, on my first trip at 18, I did a trip such as yours, commonly called, "If It's Tuesday, It Must be Belgium." I don't regret it a bit! I saw a lot of things; those I did and didn't like. <BR> <BR>Now on subsequent trips I make the point to concentrate on one particular area or country. I personally feel an "overview" trip is great for the first time. <BR> <BR>Enjoy--you've picked some wonderful places. Personally since you are going to Schloss Schonbrunn, I would skip Versailles. Schonbrunn is full of period furniture and every bit as nice as Versailles which has relatively no furniture. <BR> <BR>Also make sure you get your tickets online for Uffizi before you go--then you don't have to wait in line for 2 hours before you get in (believe me, I'm telling you from personal experience). <BR> <BR>Deb

Re: Amsterdam. There's a lot to read here so I'm assuming that nobody has mentioned this: I would take the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh in on the same day since they're close to one another. If the Rijksmuseum is overwhelming I think it's due to the number of same-style paintings. Most aren't my cup of tea, but they might be yours. You might as well see the famous Night Watch while you're there. Some surprises can be found though, like a lovely little painting by the gift shop called Morning Ride on the Beach by Anton Mauve. The building itself is rather grand (unlike the Van Gogh museum). I hope the Van Goghs are back by the time you go, although there are other great works by other artists. Out of the two museums I would spend most of my time there. Afterwards if you want a break from being inside, take a wander through Vondelpark. <BR>

Re Brugge at night: The Belgians (or at least the ines in Brugge) are real nightowls. We usually started dinner at 9 or so. By the time we finished, it was often after midnight. We aren't nightclubbers, so I don't know if anything was happening after that, but by then I was ready for bed. <BR>

Hi everyone, <BR> <BR>April, thanks for your posts for Amsterdam. It does seem like one whole day for the Rijks Museum is sufficient for a first visit. Would I need to pre-book tickets there? <BR> <BR>By prebooking tickets, do you pick them up at the door of the museum or does the museum send the tickets to you? <BR> <BR>Would I need to book for the Accademia as well? <BR> <BR>Oh, another question - has anyone stayed at Hotel Leveque? On the map it looks really close to the Eifel tower and notre dame. <BR> <BR>

I think you are absolutely SMART to lay out the itinerary and get the feedback you are getting. I was tired after I got past your Paris itinerary in 2.5 days. I'm gonna be one of those who say: try a week in Paris and just stroll around a little bit every day. <BR> <BR>Just a couple of major questions: How many bags will you be schlepping? Better be some ONE THING on wheels and a backpack. If either one of you takes any more than that, you will be separating about two weeks into the trip. <BR> <BR>Second question: Have you taken JET LAG into consideration? How long is your flight? Mine is from Chicago. When we get to Paris, we immediately take a 3 hour nap, then get up and roam around, have an evening meal, some night life, then to bed at a reasonable hour. <BR> <BR>Do one major thing each day, then stroll, stop at sidewalk cafes, etc. Perhaps in the Louvre you can just go to the most famous sights, but when you go back next time, you'll have to take at least a half day for exploring. I found my most favorite paintings by just exploring. Take a day trip to Giverny or go to Chartres if you can. <BR> <BR>I'll also comment that your day in Brugges will be a fine one. You can walk into the town from the train and see everything you want, but still take the time to stroll around.Do not miss the two major plazas there: Market Square and then the other square just next to it. There is a Michelangelo in the cathedral, but there are only CERTAIN hours you can go in to see it. We've missed it both times, darn it, just keep forgetting about the times. Then go across the park to the Michelangelo restaurant for cappucino and chocolate. The Belgians know how to serve chocolate! <BR> <BR>Venice? not nearly enough time on your schedule. From the train to St. Mark's Square, where I hope you'll be staying in a 4 star hotel, you can see a lot of the canal on your water taxi ride. <BR>Spring for the cost, skip the vaporetto. You'll save time and you won't be jostled by the crowds. <BR> <BR>Go VERY EARLY to the Basilica and DO NOT MISS going up the very steep steps to the second story, see the original horses that are inside, then go outside where the fake horses are and walk around and see Venice from above . . . you will want a panoramic camera. <BR>You will want to be strolling around after that to shop, and you'll want to go walking over the Rialto, all around that area. <BR> <BR>You want to go to the Doges the next day, then walk around Venice some more. It is magical. There is nothing else in the world like it. And you will return. <BR> <BR>I've found in my travelling that I need some time to rest about every four days of hard traveling/sightseeing. It's like I need a weekend or some time off. If you can build into the itinerary that down time that some of the other contributors mentioned, you'll be able to recharge. <BR> <BR>Only one other comment: Bavaria and the castles are worth much more time than you have on the list. Neuschwanstein will be at least a half day. Then you'll want to see Linderhof, then up to Weis church. You need a couple of days there. <BR> <BR>Just one final query: could you add Rothenburg to your list in Germany. It is a beautiful medieval untouched walled city. You need an overnight there. <BR> <BR>Okay! Don't go crazy over this. <BR> <BR>

Donna - we're spending one whole day going to nachweinstein and the two other castles. Is taht still not sufficient? <BR> <BR>With regards to Paris, it's actually the last destination we added on our itenerary - cause my boyfriend had to see the Louvre. We've allocated a whole day there and the next whole day - which is a Sunday, will be at Versailles. There rest of the sites will have to wait when we return. <BR> <BR>We're spending all day on the cruise from Koblenz to Bacharac and will be spending 2 hours at the rheinfels castle in St. Goar. I guess that's not really enough time is it? I absolutely love castles... but I am a little concern that I will be dragging my boyfriend along, if we do add anymore. This is the first time either of us is going to Europe and the first time travelling together. <BR> <BR>Oh, as to luggage, we'll both be having our very own backpacks/travelpacks. So we'll be travelling light. <BR> <BR

Amanda, my experience is limited to a 2 week trip to Italy and another 2 weeks in France. I would just make a couple comments: personally, I would cut the number of destinations and give myself a good mix of cities and countryside/small villages. Also, If you stick to your ambitious itinerary, stay flexible. Allow time for the unexpected, both good and bad. A strike or really bad weather might mean going on to the next city or sight. You may pass by a place that looks interesting and regret it later if you feel you HAVE to get somewhere else. Lucky you to have 6 weeks. Have a great time!

Re: Rijksmuseum. 2 or 3 hours there was enough for me. I don't know if they have pre-booked tickets - we just showed up. If there's a crowd at the front entrance, there may also be a door at the back. I would go to the art museums as early in the day as possible, and the same for the Ann Frank house. A canal cruise is a quick way to orient yourself to the city. <BR>

Amanda, about the Bavarian castles. A full day seeing the castles would work if you have no lines and no tour buses and no masses of foreign tourists pouring out just in line in front of you. What about just spending the night in Fussen and breaking it up a bit . . . <BR> <BR>I love the castles, too. I always enter with the belief that I could move in and live there. Servants and all. I never get enough looking-around time there. The only exception was Leap Castle, the most haunted castle in Ireland. <BR> <BR>Did you say you've never traveled with this boyfriend before? At the risk of getting slaughtered, may I just ask if you are students? career-minded lucky people to get 6 weeks off? and would there be an endless supply of money? (don't kill me, I'm a financial planner, asking these questions to help my clients reach their goals is just a part of it) <BR> <BR>Have a great time, anyway! Roll with it, good luck! Donna

Amanda, I too think your itinery is very challenging. You need to answer the question "why am I going to Europe". If its for the 'classical' architecture and art, then you've got the right sights; if its to see how people live (vastly different from Aust/NZ/UK/USA), then you have the wrong itinery. <BR> <BR>You have to seriously appreciate classical art to get value from the Louvre, Rijksmuseum, Accademia, etc - these are all great; but in my opinion you definitely need to view them in the context of a relaxed view of local life. If you rush rush rush you are not doing adequate service to the art. <BR> <BR>I've been to Paris 6-7 times; I've probably spent 40-50 days there; and it is a fabulous fabulous major city. Fantastic cafes which you must visit; great markets (as in all of France); but its the lifestyle of the Parisians that make it great; the sights, though awesome, are secondary. I'd forget the Louvre (unless you're a serious classicist); but the D'orsay, Picasso, Rodin are all great. <BR> <BR>I was vaguely disappointed with Versaille; spend that day in Paris; or what about Chartre? Very famous and interesting cathedral in a nice old town. <BR> <BR>I would go for Heidelburg; the old section is one of the few major cities not flattened suring the war. Also the largest beer-barrel in the world! <BR> <BR>Too little time in Berlin, but once again I'd just hang out and watch people live. Excellent clubs etc after dark. I need to go back because I haven't been since before the wall came down. <BR> <BR>You can't go wrong in Italy; but I guarantee you won't get your itinery done. I'd stay longer in Rome and forget Naples (though it IS worth seeing); but Rome is just a lot better. <BR> <BR>Amanda; I've done everything you've done, but it took me six months (multiple journeys); and I still feel like I worked too hard at it. But I do feel like I know how the Europeans live; and that is more important to me. <BR> <BR>Can't you move to UK on a Working Holiday (under 26) thing? <BR> <BR>Good luck.

Wow... great comments people. Thank you sooo much. <BR> <BR>That's a good question - why am I going to Europe? Hmmm... to see some great art, historical stuff - includes historical science. Experience the food. I know we won't have time for the culture - unfortunately, not this trip. I fully agree, that we would need to relax and absorb the atmosphere and its people to do that. <BR> <BR>After reading various posts, I reallize taht we have fallen into the first-time-europe trap, which is to see as much as possible. <BR> <BR>But we are flexible. If we find we're not absorbing as much as we want to, then we'll slow down and start cutting destinations out towards the later of the trip. But this trip is meant to give us a general appreciation of what's there in Europe, what we'd like to see again and whatever was lacking int this trip, to make up for it the next time. <BR> <BR>Nothing like learning through your mistakes I suppose. <BR> <BR>I do thank everyone for their wonderful comments. We haven't yet had the time to sit down and start stream-lining. <BR> <BR>Andrew - I'd love to work in Europe. Maybe one day - need to job hunt first. <BR> <BR>Donna, we're first year out of uni, working people. So we do ahve a little bit more money to do jungfrau but not enough to sleep in 4 star hotels. <BR> <BR>Hope that has answered most queries. <BR> <BR>*sigh* Don't know if anyone has ever felt this way.. but sometimes you think that your itenerary is fine, and other times, you feel that it's too rushed. It's a very confusing yoyo effect.

Hi Amanda, <BR>I think you should just do what you want to do. On the plus side, you'll find out where you want to return to for a longer visit. The downside is that you might find yourself, near the end of the trip, too tired to care about what you're seeing. Any kind of trip is a good trip as far as I'm concerned.