Three Weeks in Europe, but clueless
Jan 2nd, 2007, 08:38 AM
#41
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For clueless type posts about planning a first European trip, especially if by rail, i always refer folks to two great and free sources: www.ricksteves.com where you'll find lots of travel tips and especially good look at railpasses and cheap flights...and Budget Europe Travel Service's free European Planning & Rail Guide, chock full of tips from itineraries to changing money to packing and lots of maps - free at www.budgeteuropetravel.com. Of course the very best planning tool i've seen is right here on Fodors - somebody is an expert on no matter question you pose, so pose on. Happy travels.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 04:50 AM
#42
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I'll be sure to check out those websites, so thanks.
Here is a completely off the wall idea, but I think I want to add another country. I realize there isn't really time to do this, so I think we may skip venice, as although it looks like an interesting city, I think I would rather go to Vienna for 3 days. My reasoning for this is that I've never been to Europe before (or even outside North America), and I would like to see a city with more of a baroque and gothic culture, something more eastern European. The plan would be to fly out of Florence to Vienna, then fly to Paris from Vienna, although I'd like to take a train if its not too expensive or time consuming.
Ideas?
Here is a completely off the wall idea, but I think I want to add another country. I realize there isn't really time to do this, so I think we may skip venice, as although it looks like an interesting city, I think I would rather go to Vienna for 3 days. My reasoning for this is that I've never been to Europe before (or even outside North America), and I would like to see a city with more of a baroque and gothic culture, something more eastern European. The plan would be to fly out of Florence to Vienna, then fly to Paris from Vienna, although I'd like to take a train if its not too expensive or time consuming.
Ideas?
Jan 3rd, 2007, 05:10 AM
#43
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Alright, I seem to have gotten ahead of myself in this case. First of all, to fly to Vienna from Florence, then to Paris is unfortuately very expensive, while it is also expensive to fly from Florence to Paris. Therefore I am almost stuck going to Venice, as flights from there are much cheaper. Anyone have any ideas how I can get around this, as although I'm sure Venice is beautiful, I would like to get a total European experience if possible.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 05:29 AM
#44
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..re laundry...If you pack smart and are not adverse to doing some hand laundry in the sink, there is no need for a laundry mat. I travelled for 4 mo with only 1 laundry mat stop and had another dress dry cleaned twice (a totally impractical white dress). Dark trousers, color coordinate everything ect. I still am unsure why the fixation on the board with laundromats unless small kids or hiking/ adventure..I hiked but wsa not muddy. Just pack coldwater soap and you will be fine.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 02:39 PM
#45
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SB:
Did you check www.skyeurope.com?
They fly Florence-Vienna and I got a total fare of 18 euros (April 19). The times aren't great and they don't fly everyday, but the fare's right.
Did you check www.skyeurope.com?
They fly Florence-Vienna and I got a total fare of 18 euros (April 19). The times aren't great and they don't fly everyday, but the fare's right.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 03:02 PM
#47
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My husband and I spent 10 days in and around Rome. We also spent 8 days in and around London. I must say that Rome rates much higher for us and my husband is also a huge history buff. There's some great places outside of Rome as well, Pompeii Osita. Have fun and safe trip. You'll love Europe!!
Jan 3rd, 2007, 03:42 PM
#48
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Alright, I have what I think is a final draft itinery, which syncs up with possible flights.
-Leave late April 24 for Rome, arrive the afternoon of the 25th
-Leave Rome early for Florence on the 30th
-Leave Florence after supper time on the 3rd of May for Vienna
-Leave Vienna supper time of 7th for Paris.
-Arrive in London on the afternoon of May 12th. Transportation not yet arranged
-Leave late April 24 for Rome, arrive the afternoon of the 25th
-Leave Rome early for Florence on the 30th
-Leave Florence after supper time on the 3rd of May for Vienna
-Leave Vienna supper time of 7th for Paris.
-Arrive in London on the afternoon of May 12th. Transportation not yet arranged
Jan 3rd, 2007, 08:15 PM
#51
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We did a similar trip last fall, taking the overnight train from Paris to Florence. We arrived in Florence on a Sunday morning, and only had 2 days to spend there. Unfortunately, many of the sites and stores were closed on Sunday and Monday, so we really didn't get to experience as much of Florence as we would have liked. Although this gives us a good excuse to go back, I wish I had planned our travel days more wisely. My advice is to do your research, and make sure you travel between cities on days when most museums/sites/shops are closed.
Also, I highly recommend doing the guided tours when possible. While in Rome, we lucked into an American college student (art history major) giving tours of the Vatican and it was my favorite day of our trip. It is so interesting to hear the information, rather than try to read in a guide book.
Best of luck to you!
Also, I highly recommend doing the guided tours when possible. While in Rome, we lucked into an American college student (art history major) giving tours of the Vatican and it was my favorite day of our trip. It is so interesting to hear the information, rather than try to read in a guide book.
Best of luck to you!
Jan 8th, 2007, 12:02 AM
#54
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I would not add the other country, and you underestimate the amount to enjoy in each of the big cities -- ie, your friend who loves architecture would surely love a day trip from Paris to Chartres, just as an example. Or maybe you would like a daytrip to Pompeii or Ostia Antica outside Rome.
Speaking of winery, there are daytrips available from Rome to the Frascati area I believe. Another daytrip we did from Rome was to a castle at Bracciano.
I also have traveled with friends. Remember that you two may want to part ways some days to do your own thing.
Rick Steves also has a program on PBS, and his videos are available at local libraries or for purchase from his website, I believe.
Speaking of winery, there are daytrips available from Rome to the Frascati area I believe. Another daytrip we did from Rome was to a castle at Bracciano.
I also have traveled with friends. Remember that you two may want to part ways some days to do your own thing.
Rick Steves also has a program on PBS, and his videos are available at local libraries or for purchase from his website, I believe.
Jan 9th, 2007, 04:57 PM
#56
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I just want to make the point that getting rid of Venice for Vienna is a choice where we want to see more of Europe than just three countries. Vienna offers a totally different atmosphere and culture, which I would like to see. As for leaving it for another trip, that is unlikely as this will likely be our only trip to Europe for quite some time, if ever.
Jan 9th, 2007, 05:00 PM
#57
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sb,
Good choice. Vienna is divine! I've only been once, but hope I will be able to visit again one day.
Be prepared, though; it is expensive.
It looks like your trip is really shaping up. You will have a wonderful time!
Good choice. Vienna is divine! I've only been once, but hope I will be able to visit again one day.
Be prepared, though; it is expensive.
It looks like your trip is really shaping up. You will have a wonderful time!
Jan 9th, 2007, 05:27 PM
#58
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yes, its coming together well, and I'm enjoying putting it together. I made a post for this, but its much better put here:
We're almost done the planning stage, and it is more economical to fly from Halifax to London roundtrip, than it is to open jaw it. Round trip also offers direct flights instead of a 6 hour stopover in Montreal. We plan to stay in Paris at the end, then the night before our flight we will fly to London on a 10pm flight, stay in a hotel at/near Heathrow, then fly out at noon London time. Our questions are:
1. How much is a cab to CDG or Orly from Paris and vice versa, or are there other routes available, such as shuttles. I realize different parts of the city have different rates, and keep in mind we will have all of our baggage.
2. Are there any economical hotels near Heathrow that you can suggest? All we need is a soft bed.
We're almost done the planning stage, and it is more economical to fly from Halifax to London roundtrip, than it is to open jaw it. Round trip also offers direct flights instead of a 6 hour stopover in Montreal. We plan to stay in Paris at the end, then the night before our flight we will fly to London on a 10pm flight, stay in a hotel at/near Heathrow, then fly out at noon London time. Our questions are:
1. How much is a cab to CDG or Orly from Paris and vice versa, or are there other routes available, such as shuttles. I realize different parts of the city have different rates, and keep in mind we will have all of our baggage.
2. Are there any economical hotels near Heathrow that you can suggest? All we need is a soft bed.
Jan 15th, 2007, 05:42 AM
#59
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Alright, we've completely changed our trip itinerary, and if its for better or worse who knows. I like the idea of it personally, as I feel I'll get to see a lot.
April 24: Fly to London overnight
April 25: Fly to Rome, sight see a bit at night
April 26- May 6: Join the Italy at leisure guided tour and see Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan
May 6- May 11: Paris
May 12 - May 17: London
I've attached a link for the tour at the bottom, but I really like their itinerary, especially the optional trip to Pompeii. I don't feel it spends enough time in Rome, so we'll go a day early and see a few things it misses. Plus this takes away a lot of the planning, and the uncertainty of knowing no Italian.
http://www.globusjourneys.ca/gl/temp...ate=2007-01-01
April 24: Fly to London overnight
April 25: Fly to Rome, sight see a bit at night
April 26- May 6: Join the Italy at leisure guided tour and see Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan
May 6- May 11: Paris
May 12 - May 17: London
I've attached a link for the tour at the bottom, but I really like their itinerary, especially the optional trip to Pompeii. I don't feel it spends enough time in Rome, so we'll go a day early and see a few things it misses. Plus this takes away a lot of the planning, and the uncertainty of knowing no Italian.
http://www.globusjourneys.ca/gl/temp...ate=2007-01-01
Jan 15th, 2007, 05:56 AM
#60
I think this is totally doable - I (just me personally) wouldn't do a guided, group tour. But this one fits your wish list pretty well and simplifies your Italy logistics. Be sure to carefully read the descriptions - "sightseeing" means seeing not visiting. There are several "visits" listed though. "Visit" in tour-speak means you get out of the bus and go inside. "See" means you see it from the outside - usually from inside the bus.
Your new itinerary gives a reasonable time in both London and Paris - so all-in-all probably a goos plan.
Your new itinerary gives a reasonable time in both London and Paris - so all-in-all probably a goos plan.
