namitabakhru

Hello,

Need help in figuring my trip please.

I am travelling to Amsterdam with my family on 15th June. I'll be there for 15 days(my brother stays there, so that place is sorted) and then travel for another 15 days in some neighboring countries. Currently am thinking of going to France and then Italy and on my way back stop at Germany or Switzerland.

I would like to know in 15 days how much and what should I cover. I dont have any plans in my head as of now. I would like the trip to be more chilled and not just be those reach on a spot and then go ahead to the next spot (basic touristy trips). Looking forward to explore more of the culture and beauty of europe in this trip.

I know this is rather vague but any suggestions would be really appreciated. Also as to how i should travel. I found about Eurorail, it looks super expensive???

To give a little bit of my background: like coffee, love beer, compulsive reader, enjoy art, interested in history, beauty mesmerizes me, lazy as a cat!

Thanks in advance!!!!

Kathie

If I understand correctly, you will have 15 days in Amsterdam then 15 more days to travel in Europe. Is that correct?

If so, I would recommend not more than three stops in addition to Amsterdam. That would give you 5 nights in each of three places, which is 4 full days. Take a look at a map, and choose places that interest you that aren't too far away. So you could choose Paris or other cities in France, Germany or Italy. I expect you may take day trips or overnights to places in Belgium or Germany while staying in Amsterdam.

Trains are a good deal in Europe if you can buy tickets in advance. A rail pass would not be a good use of your money for this trip - it works best for people who are moving from place to place a lot, which you suggest is not what you are looking for. One of the advantages of taking trains is that trains stations are often in/near the city centers, so getting to your accommodations from the train station will be easier, faster and less expensive than getting to your lodgings from an airport. Awhile there are some budget airlines in Europe with great prices, they often fly to/from airports that are far from the cities they purport to serve.

PalenQ

Currently am thinking of going to France and then Italy and on my way back stop at Germany or Switzerland.>

15 days yes too far - travel time in between would consume three days or so - so narrow it down.

Let's say Amsterdam to Bruges, Belgium - lovely lovely Bruges - to me one of the most romantic nicest old-worldish towns in Europe - but a day and a half there is enough -

onto Paris - 4 days

then option 1:

Paris to Switzerland - head to the Jungfrau Regions for the Swiss Alpine dreamland of your dreams - say 3 days there and then go up thru Germany for the rest of the time and back to Amsterdam if you must.

or Option 2 Paris to Italy - fly or take the overnight train Paris to Venice - 3 days Venice

Then down via Florence - 3 days

and end in Rome - 3 days

fly into Amsterdam and out of Rome

anyways trains are great - for lots of great info on European trains check www.seat61.com - good info on discounted train tickets; www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - download the latter's free online European Planning & Rail Guide for lots of suggested rail itineraries in those areas.

and depending on what you decide a railpass may or may not be a good deal - railpasses if over 25 are first class and that has definite benefits in my decades of European rail travel - especially for those with 'too much luggage' - discounted tickets in 2nd class must be booked weeks/months in advance as they are sold in limited numbers and typically are non-changeable non-refundable - if you want flexibility to chose which trains to take once there then such full fare tickets can cost a ton and make a railpass - if you want first class travel (and on the trip of a lifetime don't skimp IMO - first class is a much more relaxed ride - often a lot of empty seats to spread out on and easily stow luggage, etc.) - anyway a pass if you want flexibility and first class travel indeed could be a good deal.

nytraveler

Agree in 15 days to do o more than 3 cities (NOT countries) so you have a chance to do more than trot from one sight to another - and none to see the insides, appreciate the local culture, see the art etc.

A pass does not make sense for you. Get individual tickets from one place to another and you may still have time to get some discounted (but nonchangeable) tickets.

Have a look at the Let' Go guides to determine where to go. If you are interested in art - what type? Modern? 19th century? renaissance? old master? Just paintings or also sculpture, architecture, etc/ This can help you pick places to go.

namitabakhru

hey guys, thanks so much... Haven't been around so couldnt check this!

I guess am doing, France (paris and maybe another stop with that.. suggestions most welcome) and then belguim and a 3 day road trip to germany (that brother is planning) . and ofourse i have amsterdam

So i guess italy is out of the picture. next trip maybe!!!

Lots of love and happy travelling to all of you!

suze

Paris, Belgium and Germany is plenty for your additional two weeks. YOu don't need to add "another stop".