Short Europe Itinerary
 

Hello,
Possibly (hoping) to plan a short trip to Europe in Jan. We would have max 18 full days (excluding arrival and departure days) of travel time. I am trying to decide if this amount of time would be worth it. We would want to see as much of Europe as possible, but obviously in 18 days you cant see it all. Also, I prefer to visit places for 4 or 5 days each rather than rush around to try to see too many places for only 2 or 3 days each. The possible itinerary would be something like: Paris 5 days, Somewhere a little different like Copenhagen, Prague or Budapest for 4 days (we would only visit one of these places), Italy (Venice and Florence maybe) for 5 days, Barcelona for 4 days. I know travelling to and from places can take up to a full day, but we don't want to travel all the way to Europe and see only 1 or 2 cities. The other option is to stay in Paris and one other place for 8/9 days each and take day trips to nearby towns. I guess we are hoping to have an itinerary that will give a (very) small taste of all Europe has to offer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Well, first things first. Where are you flying from? If it's from the US or Australia or Asia anywhere you will be jetlagged. Jetlag seems to be particularly bad for those travelling from the US.

I know you say you realise that travelling from one country to another can take up one entire day which means that with your current plan you will lose the best part of 3 days so that brings your available days down to 15 days.

If you stayed in Paris for 6 days and then Venice for 3 days and Florence for 4 days (or something along those lines) you could have a fabulous time exploring those cities and exploring parts of Tuscany from Florence. It will be more relaxing and you will see those areas in more depth rather than dashing from one place to the other.

I think you have the right idea, it just needs to be tweaked a little. Another thing to keep in mind is that in January the days will be quite short, rather than in the summer when lots of places enjoy twilight until about 10-11pm. If it was me I would definitely drop Copenhagen etc or Barcelona and save those for another time.

In theory you could visit Venice as a day trip from Florence, but everyone I know who has done that has reported back that they hated Venice. So, don't do that!!!

I think Paris and Prague would be a good combination. A taste of Western and Central/Eastern Europe and not spend too much time travelling. My sister is travelling from Paris to Cologne and then a night train (luxury sleeper) to Prague, arriving about 9.20 in the morning. Seems like a good way though there are also flights.
http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/prague_photos.html

Hi All,

So, 5 countries in 18 days is your idea of slow travel? :)

>The other option is to stay in Paris and one other place for 8/9 days each ....<

Excellent idea. You have the rest of your life to see the rest.

"Paris for 6 days and then Venice for 3 days and Florence for 4 days
Good idea

Also Fly into London 6 days, Paris 6 days, Rome 6 days.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

Cathies -- I'm thinking the OP is an aussie (allyAUS). Their school holidays are in January.

In January forget northern Europe. There are some lovely bright days with snow but there are far too many that are dismal and cold.

I think southern Spain has a lot to commend it at that time of year - I've been more in December myself but January should be just as good. Google Andalucia.Paris, Andalucia and Sicily would make a good winter triangle.