We're flying into Paris on the morning of Sept. 15 and flying out of Berlin the morning of Oct. 1st. Right now our plan is do Paris -> Ghent -> Amsterdam -> Berlin.

It's occurred to me that instead of considering this set in stone, I should leverage the collective knowledge of all the travelers on this forum to see if anyone has other itineraries. The thought had crossed my mind to go through Alsace/Loraine. Perhaps knock off Ghent. The train ride from Strasbourg to Amsterdam looks pretty long though. Obviously the goal is to minimize travel time, unless it's enjoyable/scenic travel time. I'm not opposed to renting a car in France, but of course I know it's a pain taking it out of France.
I'm a culture junkie and general europhile (or western civophile). My girlfriend is more down to earth and likes drinking and eating well, hanging out and walking around cool places. She could spend a day thrift store (or market) shopping, to give you some idea.

Anyway, if anyone has some alternative ideas they would like to run by me I'm totally open.

Train from Paris to Amsterdam makes sense, but instead of taking the train you could take low cost airlines from major cities to major cities. In other words, don't use the mode of transportation to limit your choices; almost any major European city is within a couple of hours of Paris and Berlin.

OK, stop with the jargon about leveraging stuff and simply TELL US what it is that you are actually interested IN. "Culture junkie" could be about anything.

NO, I am NOT trying to be snarky but rather actually trying to give you some useful information.

Let's start with the obvious: Why Ghent? Why Berlin? Anywhere in between? Museums? Music? Opera? Palaces?

I like your original plan but would substitute Bruges for Gent - go by train to Amsterdam then either by rail or fly to Berlin. For lots of info on trains check www.seat61.com- sage advice on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com (check out their free online European Rail & Travel Guide for ideas of train itineraries -and www.ricksteves.com.

Thanks. I guess I hadn't really thought about flying within Europe, but from what I understand the fares are pretty cheap. It's more of a hassle and not as relaxing as the train, but it opens up all sorts of possibilities.

@Dukey1,
Well, when I say I'm a culture junkie I just mean I'm not so interesting in going to the mountains or the beach near where I live and relaxing for a week. That's what most people around here do. Or travel down to Disney World.

We enjoy museums and walking around historic sites, trying new foods, and of course beer and wine, and just checking out new things. Anything that's different from the daily grind back here at home. Music is great. Festivals can be fun. I'm a big history buff, and I've always been interested in the Dutch Republic and so called "golden age". Early modern europe is of particular interest to me (anything from the Battle of Bosworth Field to Waterloo). That and the classical world, but that will have to wait for another trip.

Anyway, I just made this post thinking someone with more knowledge or someone thinking outside the box might throw up something I hadn't thought of.

Trains from Amsterdam to Berlin take about 5-6 hours- flying and all it entails may not be much quicker and with the 29-39 euro fares discounted on trains may cost more and you do not see the Europe in between A'dam and Berlin. There is also an overnight train possibility - not direct but about as well as.

"I'm a culture junkie and general europhile (or western civophile). My girlfriend is more down to earth and likes drinking and eating well, hanging out and walking around cool places."

It's harvest time. What about a small-town Weinfest on Germany's Rhine River? Boppard has its Fest from 22-25 Sept. with the renowned Rhine River Lights fireworks display on Sat. the 23rd.

https://www.boppard-tourismus.de/75-...es-Jahres.html

There's live music in the old town, wine stands and wine tasting, even a wine queen ceremony.

http://prath.welterbe-mittelrhein.de...esized_web.jpg

http://www.rhein-zeitung.de/cms_medi...weinfest06.jpg

Boppard, along with Bachararach, Oberwesel, St. Goar, Braubach (Marksburg Castle) and Rüdesheim, are all old-world wine villages worth visiting, all part of the Middle Rhine Valley, one of Europe's UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

Rhine towns: http://www.loreley-info.com/eng/rhei...ity-cities.php

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1066

Rhine Castles: http://www.loreley-info.com/eng/rhein-rhine/castles.php

Trains connect towns on both sides of the river; river cruising past castles and vineyards is popular here:

http://www.bingen-ruedesheimer.de/wp...t-Objekt-1.jpg

@Fussgaenger,

Awesome idea! I'll definitely check into this.