Wife's first trip to Europe. Set on Paris & Rome, Need 3rd destination?
May 22nd, 2013, 09:09 PM
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Wife's first trip to Europe. Set on Paris & Rome, Need 3rd destination?
Planning a trip to Western Europe for early September, and traveling with my wife and our 18 month old daughter (11 days). It's my wife's first trip to Europe, i've been a handful of times. I know, I know, we should have fit Europe in before we had the baby.
We are set on Paris & Rome. We need recommendations for the 3rd spot. Since the first two are big cities, it would be nice to make the 3rd destination a smaller city, less mainstream, slower pace, with good scenery, good cafes and pastries.
We'll visit 3 destinations and stay a full 3 days in each place, to avoid to much moving around, checking in, checking out, transit. We'll leave a day of travel on the first and last day of the trip, for a total of 11 days. Traveling with a toddler is challenging enough, even if you're relaxing in one spot. The idea is to make the trip now, while the toddler flies for free, and I can carry her on a baby carrier and/or light-weight stroller.
Recommendations for the 3rd spot and advice is much appreciated. again, a smaller city, less mainstream, slower pace, with good scenery, good cafes and pastries.
Todd
We are set on Paris & Rome. We need recommendations for the 3rd spot. Since the first two are big cities, it would be nice to make the 3rd destination a smaller city, less mainstream, slower pace, with good scenery, good cafes and pastries.
We'll visit 3 destinations and stay a full 3 days in each place, to avoid to much moving around, checking in, checking out, transit. We'll leave a day of travel on the first and last day of the trip, for a total of 11 days. Traveling with a toddler is challenging enough, even if you're relaxing in one spot. The idea is to make the trip now, while the toddler flies for free, and I can carry her on a baby carrier and/or light-weight stroller.
Recommendations for the 3rd spot and advice is much appreciated. again, a smaller city, less mainstream, slower pace, with good scenery, good cafes and pastries.
Todd
May 22nd, 2013, 09:17 PM
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If you add a 3rd destination you won't have 3 full days in each place since it will take you a good half day to go between places.
For someplace completely different than either Paris or Rome you could try Bruges, which I would classify as a large town. It set on canal with Flemish architecture (narrow, brick/stone buildings). Very charming and relaxing if you go during the week.
You could fly into Rome, fly to Bruges, take the train to Paris and return home from there. You would have 3 days in Rome and Paris and 2 days in Bruges.
For someplace completely different than either Paris or Rome you could try Bruges, which I would classify as a large town. It set on canal with Flemish architecture (narrow, brick/stone buildings). Very charming and relaxing if you go during the week.
You could fly into Rome, fly to Bruges, take the train to Paris and return home from there. You would have 3 days in Rome and Paris and 2 days in Bruges.
May 22nd, 2013, 10:16 PM
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Well I think ( having had three kids and travelled with them) you should stick to two places period . This is your wifes first trip to Europe, and both of yours first trip to Europe with a toddler. So why make it overwhelming,, relax, have a picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens while toddler runs about and plays on equipment ( they have a great section for little ones) .
Travel between Rome and Paris will use most of a day, getting to airport takes 45 minutes, arriving 1.5 in advance, then flight is just under 1.5 hours , then getting into Rome, so there is 5 hours of travel, with a toddler, you will likely arrive later in afternoon so now you have used up one day really, cause now toddler is tired and cranky and just needs some downtime , so its nap time, so you get out later and have a later dinner and bed,, there, one day gone with minimal sightseeing done( in the taxi going to hotel basically, lol )
A nice side trip to take from Paris is a visit to Fontainebleau, the town is small so its nice to wander and find a place for lunch, and best of all the place is never crowded,, much nicer when you are with a tot, no lines etc
In that same vein I can suggest Chantilly , which is a personal favorite .
Travel between Rome and Paris will use most of a day, getting to airport takes 45 minutes, arriving 1.5 in advance, then flight is just under 1.5 hours , then getting into Rome, so there is 5 hours of travel, with a toddler, you will likely arrive later in afternoon so now you have used up one day really, cause now toddler is tired and cranky and just needs some downtime , so its nap time, so you get out later and have a later dinner and bed,, there, one day gone with minimal sightseeing done( in the taxi going to hotel basically, lol )
A nice side trip to take from Paris is a visit to Fontainebleau, the town is small so its nice to wander and find a place for lunch, and best of all the place is never crowded,, much nicer when you are with a tot, no lines etc
In that same vein I can suggest Chantilly , which is a personal favorite .
May 23rd, 2013, 12:43 AM
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I agree with the other posters. Limit yourself to 2 cities,there is enough to see and do in both Paris and ROME.
While in Rome, a short train ride to ORVIETO would be a lovely way to see a bit of Umbria.
There is a beautiful cathedral in the town and great restaurants.
While in Rome, a short train ride to ORVIETO would be a lovely way to see a bit of Umbria.
There is a beautiful cathedral in the town and great restaurants.
May 23rd, 2013, 01:01 AM
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Here's another huge recommendation to keep to two major destinations with only 11 days, which is nine not counting day of arrival and day of departure home. Another day will be consumed getting from one to the next (with little one and all your belongings in tow), leaving you only 8 days to split between two cities. With a third (unnecessary, especially since you haven't chosen one) city, you'd have to deduct another day for logistics (check out, get to next city, check in, get settled).
Having your 11-month old is going to slow you down. You'll be hauling luggage, "accessories" (stroller, car seat, etc.) for the little one and will likely want to stock up in each destination for food, milk and other beverages, for the little one, who will have her own schedule for eating, sleeping, etc.
Keep in mind that a child that age may or may not be content to be contained in a stroller all the while you're out and about. She'll probably want to escape regularly to run, climb, and engage in other more interesting and energetic activities than being confined strapped into a stroller. And, it would be best to indulge her.
Four nights in each destination will not really leave time for day trips, unless you'd prefer to leave those places you've chosen, even with so few days to spend in them.
It may be beter to stay in one place than plan excursions requiring much equipment, food/drink, accessories, for the little one.
Not sure if you've traveled distances much with the little one, but, if you have, you know that will slow you down considerably, so it probably not the best idea to add more logistics to the plan.
Having your 11-month old is going to slow you down. You'll be hauling luggage, "accessories" (stroller, car seat, etc.) for the little one and will likely want to stock up in each destination for food, milk and other beverages, for the little one, who will have her own schedule for eating, sleeping, etc.
Keep in mind that a child that age may or may not be content to be contained in a stroller all the while you're out and about. She'll probably want to escape regularly to run, climb, and engage in other more interesting and energetic activities than being confined strapped into a stroller. And, it would be best to indulge her.
Four nights in each destination will not really leave time for day trips, unless you'd prefer to leave those places you've chosen, even with so few days to spend in them.
It may be beter to stay in one place than plan excursions requiring much equipment, food/drink, accessories, for the little one.
Not sure if you've traveled distances much with the little one, but, if you have, you know that will slow you down considerably, so it probably not the best idea to add more logistics to the plan.
May 23rd, 2013, 01:54 AM
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I don't know what your interests are but there is so much to do in each city, that you won't have time or the need to travel outside. Each city has many different neighborhoods - each with its own character with plenty of cafes. Each city has beautiful parks and gardens where your toddler can run free and you will get the variety that you are looking for.
For instance, Trastevere in Rome is a wonderful neighborhood to wander around, Villa Borghese is another great site - a beautiful park. There's no feeling of a"big city" in these sites. You'll find places like this in Paris.
There's so much to do and see in both cities that IMO it would be a shame to waste your time travelling outside of the city.
You don't write where you're travelling from. Take into account jet lag. That can also eat into your touring time.
No matter what you choose, enjoy yourselves!
For instance, Trastevere in Rome is a wonderful neighborhood to wander around, Villa Borghese is another great site - a beautiful park. There's no feeling of a"big city" in these sites. You'll find places like this in Paris.
There's so much to do and see in both cities that IMO it would be a shame to waste your time travelling outside of the city.
You don't write where you're travelling from. Take into account jet lag. That can also eat into your touring time.
No matter what you choose, enjoy yourselves!
May 23rd, 2013, 02:48 AM
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I've been to Paris multiple times, and just got back from my second visit to Rome. We spent a total of five days in Rome, checking in at around twelve and checking out late, departing at night. I really suggest you to do some planing as to how you want to visit each city. As to Rome, I can tell that five days is enough time to do the most important stuff. That said, I'd not even think about spending a day for a trip somewhere.
You could possibly go like this:
D1: Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spagna and Via del Corso for shopping
D2: Old Town including San Giovani, Colosseum, Foro Romano and Piazza Venezia/Capitlona
D3: Vatican probably the full-set? (Museum, St. Pietro and I recommend Piazza Cavour to relax afterwards after grabbing some gelato)
D4: City centre with Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, add a Museum if you like or simply go shopping
D5: Jewish Ghetto with an audio guide on your smartphone, cross Tiber Island, experience Trastevere, grab some nice food and return via Piazza Farnse to Campo de Fiori. You may well start the other way around if you feel like having fresh fruits at the local market on Campo de Fiori.
As you see, this is five action packed days without hurrying too much, taking into consideration you got a little baby. But hey, you're not repeating a single sight and believe me, that's only the basics that Rome offers. Now, I think Paris is probably as time consuming, so I'd really stick to what the cities offer in general in order to avoid losing time on travelling.
You could possibly go like this:
D1: Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spagna and Via del Corso for shopping
D2: Old Town including San Giovani, Colosseum, Foro Romano and Piazza Venezia/Capitlona
D3: Vatican probably the full-set? (Museum, St. Pietro and I recommend Piazza Cavour to relax afterwards after grabbing some gelato)
D4: City centre with Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, add a Museum if you like or simply go shopping
D5: Jewish Ghetto with an audio guide on your smartphone, cross Tiber Island, experience Trastevere, grab some nice food and return via Piazza Farnse to Campo de Fiori. You may well start the other way around if you feel like having fresh fruits at the local market on Campo de Fiori.
As you see, this is five action packed days without hurrying too much, taking into consideration you got a little baby. But hey, you're not repeating a single sight and believe me, that's only the basics that Rome offers. Now, I think Paris is probably as time consuming, so I'd really stick to what the cities offer in general in order to avoid losing time on travelling.
May 23rd, 2013, 04:02 AM
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You don't pay for the toddler but then she also doesn't get a seat unless there are extras (rare and cannot be relied upon). I've only done that once and for a short domestic flight. Even then, NOT that easy. For an overnight flight, I'm sure that could be pretty tough, even passing her back and forth between you all night long. Any turbulence, and your child could become a projectile. I'd probably scrap the Europe idea altogether and do a car trip to a child friendly domestic destination.
If you have your heart set on Europe, maybe consider one destination, renting an apartment, and giving yourselves a chance to become acclimated, enjoy the parks, the lower key destinations in Paris OR Rome. I'd still be a little nervous about the long flights, but people do it when they must (international moves, family emergencies, etc) Just allow for plenty of recovery time when you arrive, maybe think of it as an experience to "immerse" yourself in one of the cultures rather than a traditional, see-all-the-must-see-sights trip. Children are blessings and can be a lot of fun to travel with but some accommodation in your travel style might be necessary.
If you have your heart set on Europe, maybe consider one destination, renting an apartment, and giving yourselves a chance to become acclimated, enjoy the parks, the lower key destinations in Paris OR Rome. I'd still be a little nervous about the long flights, but people do it when they must (international moves, family emergencies, etc) Just allow for plenty of recovery time when you arrive, maybe think of it as an experience to "immerse" yourself in one of the cultures rather than a traditional, see-all-the-must-see-sights trip. Children are blessings and can be a lot of fun to travel with but some accommodation in your travel style might be necessary.
May 23rd, 2013, 04:19 AM
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Reims is a nice day trip from Paris and is only a 45 min train ride away. The frequent daily train service makes it very convenient as well.
Highlights : An easy short walk from the station to the pretty town square if you have your baby in a stroller; lots of outdoor restaurant space to sit, chill and refresh; an 800 year old cathedral to explore and lots to experience in this modern-but-with-a-quaint-feeling town/city without the need of a vehicle. You can see a lot within a very small walking area.
However, being the capital of the champagne region, a short 5 minute cab ride can also get you to several champagne houses for a 90 min tour (some better accommodated to visiting with an infant than others, so check first).
Highlights : An easy short walk from the station to the pretty town square if you have your baby in a stroller; lots of outdoor restaurant space to sit, chill and refresh; an 800 year old cathedral to explore and lots to experience in this modern-but-with-a-quaint-feeling town/city without the need of a vehicle. You can see a lot within a very small walking area.
However, being the capital of the champagne region, a short 5 minute cab ride can also get you to several champagne houses for a 90 min tour (some better accommodated to visiting with an infant than others, so check first).
May 23rd, 2013, 04:52 AM
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I second the idea of heading into Belgium for a day while you are in Paris. The train connections are great and the food is marvelous, especially the chocolates and waffles and other pastries. Plus, you get the feeling of visiting another country. My personal pick would be Antwerp or Ghent, but Bruges might be simplest all around since you are coming from Paris.
