ke4

I set-up an account just to reply to your post. Yes you would regret going to Paris!!! It is very different than London or Rome. My first trip to Europe was almost 20 years ago and Paris was our last stop. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it since we didn't speak French and due to all of the rumors about Parisians being "rude". Well, my husband and I both loved Paris and would love to go back every year if I could. We've been back 3 times since (the last 2 times with our kids). IMO what makes Paris so unique is the architecture and the way the city it laid out. Most building in the city are no more that 7-8 stories high and the avenues are very wide, lots of views of monuments, parks,... I would suggest to spend as little time as possible inside museums and instead walk around the city and take in the architecture. (Luxembourg gardens a must! Walk/picnic along the Seine!) I wouldn't waste time going to top of Eiffel Tower, its very touristy too. You don't need to be a foodie, we've always traveled on a budget and still haven't experienced "fine dining" in Paris. Instead we love eating crepes, baguette, croissants, pastries, cheeses, wine. Have a picnic lunch.

You can easily take the high speed train from London to Paris. Not sure how you plan on getting to Rome after that? Your itinerary does sound like too many stops. You might spend too much time getting to all of these locations. would you consider having rome be your final stop and not traveling further south? Or would you save Italy for a separate trip altogether and instead see other parts of France or to to Belgium/Amsterdam? We went to Normandy 2 years ago to tour the WWII sights and loved that trip-the coast was so beautiful.

Whatever you do, I would go to Paris!

330east

Venice, jeesh, add Venice to your itinerary. Never mind adding. Just drop the other places and concentrate on Venice. Breathtaking.

Bedar

What you want to drop are:- Cotswolds, Kent, Amalfi, and Capri.

Keep London, Paris, and Rome plus add Venice.

gardendiva

I have been to London and some of the more northern areas of England and I have been to Paris and some of the surrounding areas. Both are wonderful.

We spent 10 days on our Paris trip. We only went into 2 museums. We are notfoodies but found some really good food. My sister likes Italian so we ate at almost every Italian place in the city. A beautiful city that I would like to return to. In September the gardens would be beautiful. We went in late April, just after the bulb flowers were fading but others had not arrived.

London was just as enjoyable although it was about 25 years prior. There is a lot to see in London.

I would suggest skipping Paris and putting it on your bucket list. 18 days is a long time but you want to have enough time to just wonder around the city you are visiting instead of rushing from place to place. Your time in Cotswold and Kent sound wonderful.

fables

Thank you janisj for your input. Your logic of a first timer to do England and Paris together makes total sense.

I just can't forget years ago seeing those famous Sardinia pictures of the boats in the cove looking like they were floating because the water was so clear. Well, I went from those pictures to seeing pictures of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello and I kinda promised myself when I ever did take this trip ( like 10 years in the procrastinating ) that I would see the Amalfi Coast. I thought what would be better after the frenetic pace of Rome than to enjoy the views of the AC.

That being said my hotel location in Paris is perfect access wise and I could see myself really enjoying the city at night, observing the Parisians in Luxembourg Gardens and milling around in the Latin Quarter.

Maybe before this September's trip I should buy the plane ticket for 2015's trip and then I will know I will see then what I miss now. Thanks again.

Gretchen

just can't forget years ago seeing those famous Sardinia pictures of the boats in the cove looking like they were floating because the water was so clear. Well, I went from those pictures to seeing pictures of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello and I kinda promised myself when I ever did take this trip ( like 10 years in the procrastinating ) that I would see the Amalfi Coast. I thought what would be better after the frenetic pace of Rome than to enjoy the views of the AC.

Ummm, Puhleeze. We have ALL chased those pictures that the National Geographic photographer/CondeNast photographer took. Please be real.
If this is your first trip there are many things you will have to just "deal with" --they're called "glitches".
simplify your trip and TOTALLY enjoy being wherever it is you are and decide to be. You will be SO happy if you do. You'll be amazed when you think back on it.

fables

Hello StCirq. I read someone's trip report on some site, I forget where, talking about how they were in London for 5 days and each day had a different ethnic food. One being polish. It was either Mamuska or Malina Restaurant I'm not sure which one. Both look good to me.

Point taken on Paris food. I was very hasty in my generalizations and stereotypes. Apologies.

fables

adrienne, you are totally correct. I should have asked people to please compare and contrast London, Paris and Rome for me. Thank you for doing that and thank you for the pictures.

The Montparnasse cemetery looks very interesting. Have you ever seen the Bonaventure cemetery in Savannah, GA. It is amazing!

Thanks for coming back and posting again.

fables

I agree Leely2 and StCirq. I am beginning to learn 2 major things. Everyone has their favorites and I can't see everything in one trip. Thanks.

justineparis

Fables.. the best "ethnic" food in Paris is the East Indian.. for obvious reasons.. I don't really like the traditional english food ( meat pies, pasties, fish n' chips, sausages.. all too heavy and bland for me) but the East Indian food is delish .. try it while there.

fables

Steve10988, I enjoy your selection of the word stampede. I kinda felt last night like I was driving on the wrong side of the road and everyone was trying to tell me to get over.

I'm growing weary from blaming myself so can I just blame Rick Steves instead

fables

justineparis, if you count soccer stadiums as museums then I will definitely visit a couple during my London time

Thank you for the trip advice. I am definitely stretching it too thin.

fables

Thank you Rhea58. It would be a very expensive blur that's for certain.

fables

Unfortunately kerouac, there are no English Premier League soccer/football teams in the Cotswolds. Somebody needs to fix that.

fables

Thank you Gretchen. I have appreciation for everything. Just nervous because the stakes are so high.

Nice Capri dis by the way...

ruedebuci

Skipping Paris would be a crime! Paris has something for just about everyone. In September the weather should be fabulous.

fables

Hi isabel. My trip idea did start out as a sampling of England, Italy and Paris. They just all seem so different and I'm not sure which one I will like the most so I thought this would enable me to learn which I wanted to visit more in depth next time around. Thank you for the pictures. I will be traveling alone, with only one carry-on(backpack) so the moving around wouldn't be a hassle to me but it would eat up valuable time I see that more clearly now. Thanks for your comments and pics.

fables

Thank you TPAYT. I probably deserve a little snarky but I am doing my best to take the advice. London, Paris and the AC is an enticing combo.

orangetravelcat1

I haven't read all the responses, but I never had a big desire to go to Paris. Then I went on a work-related trip. I loved it! Went back twice with my husband. Just walking around and looking at the architecture is special. If I had the chance, I would go again, in a heartbeat.

fables

I've never been to Italy dwdvagamundo. The AC and Capri just strike me as majestic places. They seem to be the perfect dessert after the main course that is Rome

Look at me, making a food metaphor. See, I am trying people