Three months in Europe
 

Hi, I'm back with a (rough) updated itinerary. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Background: daughter is planning a master's degree in Manchester, England, which coincides with the time that we're planning to sell our farm and take a year off while husband's health is reasonably good. I thought it would make sense for all three of us to fly over at the same time, and then once she's moved into her dorm, husband and I can take some time to travel at a more relaxed pace than what's been possible the last 30 years.

About us: We like photography, farmers' markets, country fairs, museums and (several of the) UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I'm an environmentalist and horseperson, so there is a nature/equestrian slant to some of these plans. We are not into cathedrals, gourmet food or expensive accommodations; we're very comfortable hosteling. Husband has some small mobility issues so we can't do a lot of hiking or steep climbing -- thus the slower pace for this trip.

We are also hoping to return to Europe when daughter graduates, so this is not a "one and only" trip. I have a small window of time where I can take a year off work before we relocate to our retirement location and I go back to work. Honestly, I'd love to retire in Europe, but husband is reluctant to make that big of a change just yet. I'll keep working on him. :-)

UNITED KINGDOM
Day 1: arrive in Manchester
6 days: Manchester, with day trips to York and maybe Blackpool Illuminations
Day 8: fly to Aberdeen and catch connecting flight to Shetland
12 days: Shetland (bird-watching, nature walks, photography)...side trips?
Day 21: fly to Glasgow and catch connecting flight to Berlin
Note: when we return for daughter's graduation, we're planning to devote more time to Scotland.

GERMANY
Day 1: arrive in Berlin
7 days: Berlin
Day 9: on to Munich (in time for Oktoberfest)
7 days: Munich (or maybe Augsberg?)
Day 17: on to Fuessen
7 days: Fuessen, with day trips to Germisch-Partenirchen and Innsbruck
Day 25: on to Innsbruck

AUSTRIA
Day 1: arrive in Salzburg
10 days: Salzburg, with side trips to Hallstatt and Mondsee
Day 11: on to Vienna
12 days: Vienna, with side trips to Graz, Bratislava and Wachau Valley (and as much time at the Spanish Riding School as they'll allow before kicking me out ;-) )
Day 25: on to London

UNITED KINGDOM
Day 1: arrive in London
8 days: London
Day 10: back to Manchester
8 days: Manchester (last chance to see daughter for several months)
Day 19: fly home

Just be sure you understand how the Schengen zone visa works. With that schedule you are OK but you will have burned about 50 days of the allowed 90 days so you may have to be a little careful when you return for her graduate if your return is within the year. If more than year program you will be OK.

Thanks. The Schengen rule is 90 days out of 180 days, correct, with UK not included? I counted 40 days in UK and 49 days in Europe (counting some travel days between UK and Europe "double" to be safe).

If daughter finishes her degree in one year, there will be at least 6 months and two weeks between the time we leave Europe and the time we return. If she finishes in two years, as you mentioned, it's no trouble at all.

I'll research it more to be sure I've got it right.

Did I calculate right that this is a Sept., Oct. & Nov. trip? If so, and you ae planning to return and want to see other southerly countries, I might slot them in this fall and keep these countries for better times of year.

Going by public transports like trains?

Or by car as I assume?

Seems like a long time in Salzburg itself - be sure to trek over to the fabled Lake District (a k a Sound of Music Country) just east of Salzburg - can drive or bus thru it en route to Hallstatt where I hope you plan on staying a few days to fully appreciate this awesome area.

Zell-am-See is another gem not far from Salzburg that is a nice base too.

Thanks, this is exactly what I'm looking for!

@Julies, yep, this would be a Sep-Oct-Nov trip. I checked the weather and it looks like late Oct-early Nov temps are still in the upper 40s to low 50s in Vienna, which is warmer than we're used to at home. (Not much sunlight then, though, right?) We were hoping to do Camargue, Paris and maybe Rome later...hmmm...may need to do some 'ciphering...I can see the appeal of switching them around. The Spanish Riding School doesn't do summer performances, though, and SRS is a huge incentive for me to go to Vienna.

Right now we're planning on using public transit instead of getting a car. We've never rented a car overseas before - the train system has filled every need. Plus husband gets rattled driving in unfamiliar situations even in the states, and if I'm driving he's not the best co-pilot/navigator. I'm taking the easy way out. ;-)

Here's a handy calculator to keep track of your Schengen stays -

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/home-affairs...ulator_en.html

It takes some getting used to but once you get the hang of it, it is very helpful.

Hi Kandace York,

I live in Garmisch, and I think your plan for Germany sounds about right. I love Augsburg, so I can understand your desire to stay there instead of Munich. I did spend two weeks in Munich for a German language course, so I think either one would be terrific. The thing I most like about Augsburg are the small canals and winding streets that you find once you get past the old town and go downstairs. It's a neat little area.

Füssen is a bit out of the way, though it's one of my favorite spots to visit. I love the lake just outside of town as well as the river running through the edge of town. Every time I'm there, I see so many little lanes I'd love to bike down; I'm sure you'll have a nice time. You can also see Oberammergau & Ettal easily from Füssen.

However, it'll be tough to get from Füssen to Innsbruck -- you first have to get to Garmisch or even to Munich. It's awkward because the transportation runs north-south, with few east-west options. It will take 3h or 4h of transport in each direction, so it's not a good idea for a day-trip.

Have fun as you plan!

s

Good plan Kandace, you might prefer Orkney to Shetland.

While there is a bit of public transport (the odd bus and ferry) you may need to hire a car to get about, but the roads are relatively quiet.

Glad to see that DD made the right decision to go to University in Manchester! (-:

The pace of your trip seems very relaxed and gives you lots of time to wander about, but as you mentioned, the days will grow shorter as you move through the months, curtailing outdoor activities a little.

When you come back into Manchester, the Christmas Markets will be in full swing from 10th November up to 21st December, so lots to see and do. If you're staying in the same place that you did when you scoped out the University, then you're only a ten minute stroll away from Albert Square, where the largest of the markets will be.

By the time you come back here, then DD will have investigated the city and know all the best student places to eat and drink, so she should be a good guide. Otherwise ask for any info you'd like.

Thanks so much, everyone! I really appreciate it.

Yes, @Rubicund, we're excited and a little overwhelmed by this new chapter. Her master's degree will coincide with husband's full retirement so there will be changes for all of us.

We enjoyed the time we spent in Manchester this spring; it's like a much grander version of the city where DH and I were born, and it makes a great base to explore the whole region. We love the whole Deansgate area around our hostel - it's tempting to spend a lot more time there, except we don't want to be some of those weird helicopter parents.