My girlfriend and I are thinking of traveling in Europe together for two weeks this summer. We are both 26, have an interest in art and architecture, but also would like to kick back and enjoy a little nightlife while we are there. I've never been to Europe and would therefor like to take in some of the usual standards of Europe (i.e. Rome and Paris). My girlfriend studied abroad for a semester and has seen most of the popular places with the exceptions of Berlin, Munich, and Prague, all of which she has a desire to see when she goes back. Does anyone have an itenerary suggestion that may suit both of us while still giving us time to enjoy the cities we visit... we're thinking 3 cities is plenty in 2 weeks time. Would a trip to Prague be to out of the way if Rome and Paris were considered must sees? What about replacing the the German and Czech stops with a trip to Barcelona or Madrid (2 other places we have an interest in)? Would one of those cities work better with a trip to Paris? Just trying to get advice from experienced travelers on realistic travel times, how much you can safely squeeze into a two week time frame, and what priority I should place on locations given my interests.

Forget Barcelona, it's a one night stand (see earlier post) of a city.

I'd tie in with Paris and Prague, simply because there are lots of cheap (relatively) flights between the two cities. However, a week in Prague is too long. A week to ten days in Paris will give you time to see a lot, which for a first time vistor will be no bad thing. Let's call that a week, then I'd advise three to four nights in Prague. That leaves you with up to four "free" nights. You could do Rome if that's what you really want, but if I was in your position I'd be tired of cities after Paris and Prague (which gives you a good taste of Eastern Europe, and it's very much like Paris in lots of ways - the feel of the place) so I'd advise spending some time by the sea. As for what sea...If you want something glitzy, a little naff and boring then you could do Cannes/Monaco/Nice, which is all perfectly pleasant, but desperately lacking. Instead, you could choose to do Biarritz/San Sebastian that way you'd get a flavour of a unique French seaside resort, as well as a Spanish one (they're about 60km apart). Of course you could simply do San Sebastian which would give you a more laidback affair as well as the opportunity to explore Bilbao.

Good ideas from m_k.

May I suggest splitting either London and Paris or London, Paris and Rome?

I can't imagine someone not wanting to return to Paris or Rome.

If you can work out flights while in Europe, two weeks would be enough to get a decent overview of Paris, Rome and Prague. However, they are quite farflung and you might consider London, Paris and Rome or Paris, Venice and Rome. I would include Venice before considering Madrid or Barcelona.

With your leanings toward art & architecture and (especially) this being your first trip I would suggest a simpler, classic option: 1 week in Rome and 1 week in Paris.

This should suit you both and also allow time to enjoy the cities you visit. An added benefit is less travel costs and time.

With budget flights, the actual distance doesn't matter much. Maybe Rome, Berlin, and Prague (or some other combo), with an open-jaw flight and low-cost flights between (see www.whichbudget.com)?