Rushing thru London, Paris and Rome
Mar 25th, 2009, 09:38 PM
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Nicbur,
We tend to cram a lot into our trips as well...never quite sure if we'll be fortunate enough to return. We have toned it down a bit since our earlier travel days and, while we still do and see a lot on our vacations, we have found a happy medium between seeing a city and absorbing it.
We have four days in London and three days in Paris on our European trip in May. This is our itinerary:
London Day 1- Try to recover from jet lag with a walk through Hyde Park. Marble arch, speakers corner, down park lane into Green Park and eventually to Buckingham Palace. Have dinner and if we have any energy left spend a couple of hours at Harrod's (have to go to the food hall).
London Day 2- Westminster Abbey, Parliament/Big Ben, Downing Street, Covent Garden, Trafalger Square
London Day 3- Tower of London, Tower Bridge, walk along the Thames down to Tate Modern, over Millennium Bridge to St Pauls.
London Day 3- Beatles walking tour ending at Abbey Road, afternoon tea, piccadilly circus/soho area, see a show (not sure which one yet).
Paris Day 1- Notre Dame, Ste Chapelle, explore Latin Quarter including Jardin du Luxembourg and Rue Mouffetard.
Paris Day 2- Louve, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Montmarte area including Sacre Coeur.
Paris Day 3- Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler, Les Invalides, Musee D'Orsay, Seine cruise.
This is also probably way to much for most people but its a pace that works for us and, while it only scratches the surface in each city, it will allow to see most of the major sites.
Have a great time,
Bill
We tend to cram a lot into our trips as well...never quite sure if we'll be fortunate enough to return. We have toned it down a bit since our earlier travel days and, while we still do and see a lot on our vacations, we have found a happy medium between seeing a city and absorbing it.
We have four days in London and three days in Paris on our European trip in May. This is our itinerary:
London Day 1- Try to recover from jet lag with a walk through Hyde Park. Marble arch, speakers corner, down park lane into Green Park and eventually to Buckingham Palace. Have dinner and if we have any energy left spend a couple of hours at Harrod's (have to go to the food hall).
London Day 2- Westminster Abbey, Parliament/Big Ben, Downing Street, Covent Garden, Trafalger Square
London Day 3- Tower of London, Tower Bridge, walk along the Thames down to Tate Modern, over Millennium Bridge to St Pauls.
London Day 3- Beatles walking tour ending at Abbey Road, afternoon tea, piccadilly circus/soho area, see a show (not sure which one yet).
Paris Day 1- Notre Dame, Ste Chapelle, explore Latin Quarter including Jardin du Luxembourg and Rue Mouffetard.
Paris Day 2- Louve, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Montmarte area including Sacre Coeur.
Paris Day 3- Eiffel Tower, Rue Cler, Les Invalides, Musee D'Orsay, Seine cruise.
This is also probably way to much for most people but its a pace that works for us and, while it only scratches the surface in each city, it will allow to see most of the major sites.
Have a great time,
Bill
Mar 26th, 2009, 01:51 AM
#42
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nicbur,
Yes, St James Park would be my pick and it fits well into a London itinerary that has a yen for the changing of the guard and Buckingham Palace.
It's your trip! Go to Disneyland.
I'm looking at other people's itinerary suggestions and wondering why they are recommending these things to you without knowing you. I now live in Italy, and have lived in both London and Paris. Among the most uninteresting things I have done while traveling have been spending time at Castel Sant'Angelo, Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Couer and you couldn't drag me to Abbey Road or anything having to do with the Beatles.
You might adore every single one of them, but I recommend sitting down with a good fat guidebook and picking what most interests you.
One tip about the Louvre: A night visit can be very rewarding with far fewer crowds. Also, try to leave some time to just wander a bit without trying to "hit" the major most famous artworks. It can be fantastic to wander through the Louvre's tremendous collections in unusual objects.
Yes, St James Park would be my pick and it fits well into a London itinerary that has a yen for the changing of the guard and Buckingham Palace.
It's your trip! Go to Disneyland.
I'm looking at other people's itinerary suggestions and wondering why they are recommending these things to you without knowing you. I now live in Italy, and have lived in both London and Paris. Among the most uninteresting things I have done while traveling have been spending time at Castel Sant'Angelo, Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, Sacre Couer and you couldn't drag me to Abbey Road or anything having to do with the Beatles.
You might adore every single one of them, but I recommend sitting down with a good fat guidebook and picking what most interests you.
One tip about the Louvre: A night visit can be very rewarding with far fewer crowds. Also, try to leave some time to just wander a bit without trying to "hit" the major most famous artworks. It can be fantastic to wander through the Louvre's tremendous collections in unusual objects.
Mar 26th, 2009, 02:31 AM
#43
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to each his own i reckon,
my problem with a short stay and too much running is what if you are delayed somewhere, lose something or fall ill (hope none of that happens to ya) it does not leave you with much time to do anything then.
i was in London on a break and had a few hours before meeting friends. So to kill time i entered the British Museum and within seconds both my feet gave way (I am very susceptible to tendinitis) one of my most painful memories, though the only that scared me more was that my entire break would now be ruined... (it wasn't, a bottle of wine, some painkillers, anti inflammatory drugs and a night of rest had me running the next evening)
make of that what you will.
my problem with a short stay and too much running is what if you are delayed somewhere, lose something or fall ill (hope none of that happens to ya) it does not leave you with much time to do anything then.
i was in London on a break and had a few hours before meeting friends. So to kill time i entered the British Museum and within seconds both my feet gave way (I am very susceptible to tendinitis) one of my most painful memories, though the only that scared me more was that my entire break would now be ruined... (it wasn't, a bottle of wine, some painkillers, anti inflammatory drugs and a night of rest had me running the next evening)
make of that what you will.
Mar 26th, 2009, 06:15 AM
#44
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nicbur - one of the posters here, CAPH52, will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express Earls Court this June. Look for her trip report when she gets back so you can find out more about the hotel. It's not the most convenient, but since you'll be out all day every day anyway, it's not a big deal. Also, did you read the reviews of the hotel on tripadvisor? My understanding is some of the reviews are quite helpful in terms of nearby supermarkets and transportation options.
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:23 AM
#45
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I'll deinitely check out Trip advisor to see what people say, great idea. Does anyone have a suggestion for a more convenient London hotel that's decent but cheap. I don't want something dirty or loud. We are paying $108 CAD/night for Holiday Inn (last I checked I think that was roughly $80US/night).
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:30 AM
#46
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yk is right, I found some of the Trip Advisor reviews to be quite helpful. And I certainly hope to have my trip report done by the time you leave!
I haven't jumped into this because I know that we, too, are trying to cram too much in to our time in London! But it's making me nervous! We're working on it, trying to weed things out. And, outside of London and York, the rest of our 21 days in Europe will be slower paced.
Anyway, I'll let you know how all of that works in my trip report too!
I haven't jumped into this because I know that we, too, are trying to cram too much in to our time in London! But it's making me nervous! We're working on it, trying to weed things out. And, outside of London and York, the rest of our 21 days in Europe will be slower paced.
Anyway, I'll let you know how all of that works in my trip report too!
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:43 AM
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nicbur- since you're not going until August, I'd just keep checking for deals. Have you looked at (or familiar with) Hotwire? CAPH52 got a very good rate thru Hotwire for the HI Express Earls Court; but once you book on Hotwire you are charged immediately and is non-cancellable. One benefit of the HI Express is that breakfast is included in your rate.
As I said earlier, if you're going to be out and about all day long in London, the HI Express location is not a big deal. But if you're the kind of person who wants to go back to your hotel for a rest (or drop off stuff, or freshen up before a show/dinner), then the HI Express is not ideal. Given the fact that you're "rushing" through London, it doesn't sound like you plan on returning to the hotel until end of the day anyway.
As I said earlier, if you're going to be out and about all day long in London, the HI Express location is not a big deal. But if you're the kind of person who wants to go back to your hotel for a rest (or drop off stuff, or freshen up before a show/dinner), then the HI Express is not ideal. Given the fact that you're "rushing" through London, it doesn't sound like you plan on returning to the hotel until end of the day anyway.
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:50 AM
#48
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nicbur, didn't see your last post until now (you must have posted as I was "composing"!). As yk said, we got the HI through Hotwire for $49 a night. And you could get something more central through them for less than/about the same as you're paying now.
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:56 AM
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Just a thought, you can look at travelodge.co.uk and see if there are cheaper options that are more central. But the advance discount rates available on travelodge.co.uk are also non-cancelable and non-refundable, I think (double check for sure).
Mar 26th, 2009, 07:58 AM
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Sorry, one more thought. Since you're visiting in August, if you don't need much luxury, look into the LSE dorms. Some of them have ensuite bathrooms; and most of the dorms are pretty centrally located. But I think they have twin rooms only, not "doubles".
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/
Mar 26th, 2009, 08:17 AM
#51
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I agree with zappole, it's difficult to advise you without knowing your interests. That is why I didn't attempt a day by day sightseeing list in my last post.
If Euro Disney appeals to you, go. It's your holiday.
I would read a good guide book and organize sights in three catergories, the I really want to see this catergory, I'd like to get here if I can, and the time permitting I'll do this catergory. Make lists for all three cities.
I'm sure if you post your must sees, like to see and time permitting will see lists, people on this forum will help you organize your days.
One thing that nobody has mentioned is the crowds at the tourist sights an the heat (especially in Rome). Long lines, long waits, etc at tourist sights will mean that you may spend more time somewhere then you had planned.
It's hard to say what the weather will be like in London or Paris, but Rome will be hot, very very hot, which can be exhausting.
Also, you are assuming that you will not be delayed travelling from place to place, I cetainly hope this doesn't happen to you. Once when I took a Eurostar from Paris to London the train broke down in France, we arrived in London much later than scheduled. I had to change my plans when I arrived in London. I do not want to scare you, I have taken the Eurostar a few times and only once I have had a breakdown en route.
You really should allow a little free time in each city to go back somewhere where you'd like to spend more time, or go to a sight that you couldn't see the first time you where there, like to Panthenon for instance is closed when there is a service in the Church. When I was in Italy last year, I met two American toursits that went to the Panthenon twice and couldn't get in, they were dissappointed.
If Euro Disney appeals to you, go. It's your holiday.
I would read a good guide book and organize sights in three catergories, the I really want to see this catergory, I'd like to get here if I can, and the time permitting I'll do this catergory. Make lists for all three cities.
I'm sure if you post your must sees, like to see and time permitting will see lists, people on this forum will help you organize your days.
One thing that nobody has mentioned is the crowds at the tourist sights an the heat (especially in Rome). Long lines, long waits, etc at tourist sights will mean that you may spend more time somewhere then you had planned.
It's hard to say what the weather will be like in London or Paris, but Rome will be hot, very very hot, which can be exhausting.
Also, you are assuming that you will not be delayed travelling from place to place, I cetainly hope this doesn't happen to you. Once when I took a Eurostar from Paris to London the train broke down in France, we arrived in London much later than scheduled. I had to change my plans when I arrived in London. I do not want to scare you, I have taken the Eurostar a few times and only once I have had a breakdown en route.
You really should allow a little free time in each city to go back somewhere where you'd like to spend more time, or go to a sight that you couldn't see the first time you where there, like to Panthenon for instance is closed when there is a service in the Church. When I was in Italy last year, I met two American toursits that went to the Panthenon twice and couldn't get in, they were dissappointed.
Mar 26th, 2009, 08:28 AM
#52
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nicbur,
I'm a very ambitious sightseer, but I would never do this trip. I've visited Italy 3 times and France just once and am nowhere near the expert that many Fodorites are.
My one comment is that my only disappointment in Paris was the Siene cruise. I had really been looking forward to it and it was awful in every way.
We spent 5 1/2 days in Paris and saw a lot, but didn't make it to Versailles. We did make it out to Giverny and loved it.
I'm a very ambitious sightseer, but I would never do this trip. I've visited Italy 3 times and France just once and am nowhere near the expert that many Fodorites are.
My one comment is that my only disappointment in Paris was the Siene cruise. I had really been looking forward to it and it was awful in every way.
We spent 5 1/2 days in Paris and saw a lot, but didn't make it to Versailles. We did make it out to Giverny and loved it.
Mar 26th, 2009, 08:31 AM
#53
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I'm working on weeding things out and creating our "must do's" as you've suggested. It's so hard not knowing what these places are like. I have a couple of questions for London. I've decided to do only one of either the British Museum or the Natural History museum...which one do you suggest has the most interesting bang for your buck as they say? Also, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's, and Westminster Abbey...which ones are not worth entering and just doing a walk by?
Mar 26th, 2009, 08:35 AM
#54
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Definitely the British Museum over the Nat History Museum, unless you have specific interests in Nat Hist.
Definitely Westminster Abbey - centuries of English history all there. Skip Kensington Palace unless you are a huge Diana fan.
Definitely Westminster Abbey - centuries of English history all there. Skip Kensington Palace unless you are a huge Diana fan.
Mar 26th, 2009, 08:46 AM
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nicbur, admission to both museums are free. Take a look a the websites for the museums and see which appeals to you more. If you choose the British Museum, I would take a London Walks walk when visiting the Museum, the museum is huge, and is often very crowded, let the tour guide show you the highlights of the museum instead of braving the crowds yourself. You will see more in less time this way.
I would say, if you choose to enter a palace, I'd visit Buckingham Palace, simply because Buckingham Palace is only open in summer when you are there. Kensington is open year round. Take this oppourtunity to go inside Buckingham Palace.
St Paul's and Westminister Abbey are both different, I would try and go inside both, time permitting.
I would say, if you choose to enter a palace, I'd visit Buckingham Palace, simply because Buckingham Palace is only open in summer when you are there. Kensington is open year round. Take this oppourtunity to go inside Buckingham Palace.
St Paul's and Westminister Abbey are both different, I would try and go inside both, time permitting.
Mar 26th, 2009, 10:08 AM
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I'm sorry, nicbur, but I'm going to highjack your thread a little bit here to ask about something RJames said.
We're planning to do several London Walks. But because there are two others we're hoping to do on the only day we're there that a British Museum tour is offered, I don't think that'll work for us. Are there "Highlights tours" given by the museum? I've tried to find out on their web site. But when I click on "tours" all I get is school tours, group tours, etc.
Thanks!
We're planning to do several London Walks. But because there are two others we're hoping to do on the only day we're there that a British Museum tour is offered, I don't think that'll work for us. Are there "Highlights tours" given by the museum? I've tried to find out on their web site. But when I click on "tours" all I get is school tours, group tours, etc.
Thanks!
Mar 26th, 2009, 10:18 AM
#57
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CAPH52-
http://www.britishmuseum.org/visitin...he_museum.aspx
Scroll half-way down to "Highlights Tour"
And further down is Free Tours and Free Talks
http://www.britishmuseum.org/visitin...he_museum.aspx
Scroll half-way down to "Highlights Tour"
And further down is Free Tours and Free Talks
Mar 26th, 2009, 10:54 AM
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Dayle on Mar 26, 09 at 12:28 PM
My one comment is that my only disappointment in Paris was the Siene cruise. I had really been looking forward to it and it was awful in every way.
********
What company was it? What went wrong?
My one comment is that my only disappointment in Paris was the Siene cruise. I had really been looking forward to it and it was awful in every way.
********
What company was it? What went wrong?
Mar 26th, 2009, 01:24 PM
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I think it was the Bateau Mouche something? We boarded near the Eifel Tower. We were in Paris 5 days in early Oct, but hit really bad weather. Didn't really affect us, we just took a lot of taxis. Very heavy rain 4 out of 5 days and wind that turned your umbrella insideout. One day it didn't pour rain and we did walk everywhere!
But, back to the cruise. We went at night, which was supposed to be nice with the buildings lit up. Ugh. The boat was huge, the engines very loud, the floors all wet and muddy. the seats were those horrid rounded, 1960's plastic things that are quite uncomfortable. The LOUD speakers screamed non-stop in 5 languages about each "highlight" and echoed around the damp boat. You couldn't really see anything unless you were outside. All the "sights" were far above river level so I just gave up and went outside, got away from the loudspeakers and gazed upwards. It was freezng, but beter than inside. So much for the cruise.
But, back to the cruise. We went at night, which was supposed to be nice with the buildings lit up. Ugh. The boat was huge, the engines very loud, the floors all wet and muddy. the seats were those horrid rounded, 1960's plastic things that are quite uncomfortable. The LOUD speakers screamed non-stop in 5 languages about each "highlight" and echoed around the damp boat. You couldn't really see anything unless you were outside. All the "sights" were far above river level so I just gave up and went outside, got away from the loudspeakers and gazed upwards. It was freezng, but beter than inside. So much for the cruise.
