Where to go from London?
Jan 31st, 2010, 07:41 AM
#1
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Where to go from London?
First timers in Europe...mature American adults visiting daughter in London in June. Where to go from there is the big question. We want to see something of Europe...maybe a bit of France/Italy. Have looked at cruising...a different city every day... and bus tours...a different city every day...also thought about self-driving or rail. Not awfully comfortable with trying it completely on our own...that's why we thought we'd give a bus tour a try. Or stay in the UK and language won't be a problem for us. Thoughts, suggestions?
Jan 31st, 2010, 07:50 AM
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I've done a London Paris Amsterdam combo. All of those cities are easily done and language won't be an issue. You could rent an appartment in those places and just settle in. Would not need a car.
Ireland would be nice also. I've rented a car and done a loop leaving Dubling and going clockwise around the country.
What are your interests? What have you always longed to see?
HAve you taken tours before?
Ireland would be nice also. I've rented a car and done a loop leaving Dubling and going clockwise around the country.
What are your interests? What have you always longed to see?
HAve you taken tours before?
Jan 31st, 2010, 07:54 AM
#4
No one can give useful advice w/o more info from you.
What sorts of things do you want to see? Are there any places you've always dreamed of seeing (a bucket list
)? How long do you have all together? How much time do you want to spend in London w/ your daughter?
All this will help us help you. You'd literally have hundreds of choices.
What sorts of things do you want to see? Are there any places you've always dreamed of seeing (a bucket list
)? How long do you have all together? How much time do you want to spend in London w/ your daughter?All this will help us help you. You'd literally have hundreds of choices.
Jan 31st, 2010, 08:13 AM
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I know my thoughts are too broad. I'm thinking 4-5 days in London at both ends of 2 weeks traveling. We don't have "deep pockets" but do prefer a private bath. I think we'd like to see a bit of Italy and France...a couple of "must sees"...but we also enjoy coastlines and mountains. We've done self-catering on several caribbean islands with and without a car and we RV'd the US seveal summers. We're just a bit unsure of trying to drive/rail our way around without focus and planning...which is why I looked at the cruise and bus tour idea...we have cruised...but not ever done a bus tour. Thanks for any help.
Jan 31st, 2010, 08:23 AM
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I did a tour for my first visit to Europe. It worked out well because I had no idea of how things worked, how to organize, worried about languages,etc..Now, I would do it on my own.
Globus, Trafalgar are a couple I've heard of, but I'll let the experts speak on this one.
With a tour, you are on their schedule. Up at a certain time, so much time at the sites, stop when they want to stop, and the hotelswill in all likelyhood be away from the centre of cities. But, you will have someone take care of all of the details...you just need to not miss the bus
I like idea of at least starting in London. You can get your bearings, then off you go.
So you have...3-4 weeks? That is a good period of time. People here have a lot of experience of doing trips on their own.
I guess the best question is to first compare the bus versus solo..and then decide what makes you feel comfortable.
Globus, Trafalgar are a couple I've heard of, but I'll let the experts speak on this one.
With a tour, you are on their schedule. Up at a certain time, so much time at the sites, stop when they want to stop, and the hotelswill in all likelyhood be away from the centre of cities. But, you will have someone take care of all of the details...you just need to not miss the bus
I like idea of at least starting in London. You can get your bearings, then off you go.
So you have...3-4 weeks? That is a good period of time. People here have a lot of experience of doing trips on their own.
I guess the best question is to first compare the bus versus solo..and then decide what makes you feel comfortable.
Jan 31st, 2010, 08:34 AM
#8
I'm a little confused by what the OP wants. I think you want to basically do a coach trip to Italy and France.
There are different types, some just do the usual drag while others will say specialise in museums or art works. Trouble is most of the people on this site are going to recommend self tours because that is what we do.
Language stuff. Uk/Ireland Holland and Denmark you are going to get English just abot every where. Why mention all these Northern European countries, well June is begining to get warm.
My own view is you are going to see a lot of motorway and very little country. If you must do France and Italy I would recommend cheap flights to Paris and Rome/Venice/Florence then book into a hotel and finally book walking tours of each city (or as often say Segway Paris).
There are different types, some just do the usual drag while others will say specialise in museums or art works. Trouble is most of the people on this site are going to recommend self tours because that is what we do.
Language stuff. Uk/Ireland Holland and Denmark you are going to get English just abot every where. Why mention all these Northern European countries, well June is begining to get warm.
My own view is you are going to see a lot of motorway and very little country. If you must do France and Italy I would recommend cheap flights to Paris and Rome/Venice/Florence then book into a hotel and finally book walking tours of each city (or as often say Segway Paris).
Jan 31st, 2010, 08:51 AM
#9
I don't know your age, but you might consider one of the elderhostel tours (now called Explorita) -- great traveling and education mostly for those over 50 (I finally qualify!). I haven't taken their tours (yet), but my neighbors -- one just turned 80 last year (his wife's a bit younger) -- have been doing their programs around the globe for well over 20 years. Usually involves a theme, but with a guide, travel all worked out for you, and not hard on the pocketbook.
Alternatively, there also basic (college-style) If It's Tuesday This Must Be Belgium tours, that can be as few as one city, the so-called "Big 3" (London/Paris/Rome).
Finally, don't sell yourself short on DIY -- the devil is in the details, but if I could plan my own future European trip at the age of 16 (which I finally went on at 20), you could most certainly do it with a little assistance from us Fodorites.
If you are at all comfortable trying the DIY approach, take a look at a map of Western Europe and start thinking about a "bucket list". Consider what you'd really like to see and what you'll end up kicking yourself for if you miss. That should narrow things down for you (or maybe not!). Once you've got a short list, come back to us with the "how to"s.
Alternatively, there also basic (college-style) If It's Tuesday This Must Be Belgium tours, that can be as few as one city, the so-called "Big 3" (London/Paris/Rome).
Finally, don't sell yourself short on DIY -- the devil is in the details, but if I could plan my own future European trip at the age of 16 (which I finally went on at 20), you could most certainly do it with a little assistance from us Fodorites.
If you are at all comfortable trying the DIY approach, take a look at a map of Western Europe and start thinking about a "bucket list". Consider what you'd really like to see and what you'll end up kicking yourself for if you miss. That should narrow things down for you (or maybe not!). Once you've got a short list, come back to us with the "how to"s.
Jan 31st, 2010, 09:00 AM
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I love London, but it is hardly representative of typical British life. You might consider visiting places outside of London such as Brighton or Rye, both are touristy, admittedly. We love the Lake District. You'll get plenty of ideas for trips outside of London here, I'm sure. I'd take some time to consider them. If you're at all adventurous, you really can manage driving on the other side of the car and road (I don't want to say the 'wrong' side!). You'll soon adjust, I promise!
You could also take the Eurostar to Paris for a few days. Also, it's not a bad trip to Mont St. Michel by car or bus and it's a stunning destination.
London is a great base from which to explore Europe. I agree with those who suggest you identify your hearts desire. There is lodging to meet all budgets throughout Europe.
Have fun planning! (will you be taking your daughter with you?)
You could also take the Eurostar to Paris for a few days. Also, it's not a bad trip to Mont St. Michel by car or bus and it's a stunning destination.
London is a great base from which to explore Europe. I agree with those who suggest you identify your hearts desire. There is lodging to meet all budgets throughout Europe.
Have fun planning! (will you be taking your daughter with you?)
Feb 1st, 2010, 05:26 PM
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Wow.
But back to your trip. It almost sounds like a bus tour is under consideration for two reasons:
1) you've already cruised
2) you can possibly get in a bit of France and Italy.
Me? I'd pick the cruise if I was forced to pick between the two.
When you say a bit of France and Italy, which bit(s) are you interested in?
But back to your trip. It almost sounds like a bus tour is under consideration for two reasons:
1) you've already cruised
2) you can possibly get in a bit of France and Italy.
Me? I'd pick the cruise if I was forced to pick between the two.
When you say a bit of France and Italy, which bit(s) are you interested in?
