Vacation to Europe - Anyone done this? (1 Viewer)

[chet]

My family has spent two summers in Europe.

Consider leasing a car instead of renting one if you will have it for over 30 days. It's very common and you can customize the start/end dates and pick-up/drop-off locations. My wife handled all of the details--let me know if you have any specific questions.

Last summer, they started in Barcelona went north through the Pyrenees which they enjoyed immensely. I met them in Southern France for the last 12 days.

 

[jamny]

My family has spent two summers in Europe.

Consider leasing a car instead of renting one if you will have it for over 30 days. It's very common and you can customize the start/end dates and pick-up/drop-off locations. My wife handled all of the details--let me know if you have any specific questions.

Last summer, they started in Barcelona went north through the Pyrenees which they enjoyed immensely. I met them in Southern France for the last 12 days.

Interesting.

We're planning on doing a month in Italy in a few years and expect to do a lot of driving. Will definitely look into leasing.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

love the idea kutta!

i'm debating taking my 8 year old with us next summer. the wife and i are going for sure, 10th anniversary.

10 days is not a lot of time for a lot of cities. when we went a couple years ago, we did 2.5 days in paris with a day trip to epernay on the bullet train., then sleeper car to toulouse.

rental car in toulouse, they only rent stick shift. camping in the pyrenees for 3 days, visited some friends for 2 days, flew from toulouse back to paris and then home.

i would have liked more time or less travel days, but the wife had never seen paris

 

[Judge Smails]

Went for 18 days 2 summers ago. Paris/Florence/Venice/Rome. Used United miles for outbound to Paris and return from Rome. Got cheap flights from Paris to Pisa. Took trains throughout Italy (to Venice, to Rome). Never rented a car. Stayed at a hotel in Paris and an overnight in Venice but rented apartments in base stations of Florence and Rome. PM if you choose any of these cities. Did some extensive planning, got a lot of advice from friends and people on TripAdvisor and other Forums. Here was our itin if helpful. And yes, as my daughter says, "we eat like Champions". LOL. Walked so much didn't gain an ounce.

Judge Smails Family 2012 Europe Trip Itinerary

Tuesday, June 26th

Fly from LAX to Munich

Lunch – German sausage, potato salad, beer

Fly from Munich to Charles de Gaulle Paris

Check in to Hilton Arc De Triomphe Paris Hotel

Dinner

Champs-Elysees – Euro Cup 2012 semifinal celebration by Spain

Wednesday, June 27th

Breakfast

Arc De Triomphe – climbed to the top

Lunch – Chef Salad, outdoor bistro

Louvre Museum

Pont Des Arts Bridge (Love Locks)

Tullieries Gardens

Orangerie Museum

Dinner – Le Relais de l’ Entrecote – Steak and Frittes, Crème Brule

Thursday, June 28th

Breakfast

Notre Dame

Nutella Crepes

Sainte Chapelle

Lunch – Panini’s near Notre Dame

Seine River Cruise

Berthillon ice cream

Walk in Latin Quarter

Musee De Orsay

Dinner – Duck Confit, Roasted Chicken

Friday, June 29th

Breakfast

Food shopping at Place de la Madeleine outdoor market

Lunch on the grass of Champs De Mar in front of the Eiffel Tower – sandwiches, pasta salad, tomato/mozzarella, macaroons from market)

Eiffel Tower

Dinner

Champs-Elysee – Euro Cup 2012 semifinal celebration by Italy

Saturday, June 30th

Breakfast

Lunch

Musee De Army

Hotel De Invalides

Dinner – Pizza

Midnight Champagne at Eiffel Tower

 

Sunday, July 1st

Check out of Hilton Arc De Triomphe Paris Hotel

Montmartre

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Brunch –Creperie Broceliande

25th Wedding Anniversary Lock Pont Des Arts Bridge

Flight from Paris Orly airport to Pisa Airport

Bus from Airport to Santa Maria Novell train station in Florence

Check in at Dei Neri apartment in Florence

Watch Eurocup 2012 Final (Spain 4, Italy 0)

Dinner – Takeaway pizza in apartment

Monday, July 2nd

Breakfast

Walked around Florence to get acclimated, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Croce, Piazza del Duomo

Lunch – (get name of Panini place opposite our apartment)

San Lorenzo market (ties, leather purses)

Dinner – Trattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi w/ Mama – Linguine with clams, Steak, Tiramisu

Tuesday, July 3rd

Breakfast

Walkabout Tours – “Best of Tuscany” (Chris)

- Siena (day after Palio horse race)

o Duomo (get name)

- Lunch at organic farm/winery in Chianti (chianti, vernaccia, tuscan dessert wine)

- San Gemingnano

o Gelato – Gelateria Di Piazza

- Pisa – Leaning Tower

Dinner – Osteria Pepo - Lasagna

Wednesday, July 4th

Breakfast

Uffizi Gallery

Pitti Palace

Lunch – Gusta Pizza

Dinner – Sostanza – Butter Chicken, Bisteca Fiorentina & Strawberry Meringue Cake

Met Kristin’s friends who were touring Europe

Gelato

Thursday, July 5th

Breakfast

Train from Florence to Venice

Check in at Hilton Stucky Molino

Lunch

Swimming on rooftop pool

Dinner – Da Mamo’s, Seafood linguine, spicy shrimp pasta, calamari

Walk through Venice – Piazza San Marco

Vaporetto water tour through Grand Canal

Friday, July 6th

Breakfast

Swim, workout and Steamroom at Hilton Spa

Check out of Hilton Stucky Molino

Lunch

Train from Venice to Florence

Dinner – Gusta Pizza

Gelato – Gelateria Dei Neri

Saturday, July 7th

Breakfast

San Lorenzo Market

Central Market

Lunch – Panini at Central Market

Accademia Gallery – Statue of David

Duomo

Dinner – Antica Trattoria “da Tito” dal 1913, Florentine Steak, Wine, Limoncello, Orangecello

Sunday, July 8th

Check out of De Neri apartment in Florence

Breakfast

Train from Santa Maria Novella to Rome Termini

Check in at Apartment Rotundo, 38 Via Del Palombella 38

Dinner at Miscellanea (grilled chicken, mushroom risotto, antipasti salad)

Gelato (find name of place in Pantheon square)

Piazza Navona

Monday, July 9th

Campo Fiori (fresh fruit cups for breakfast)

Saint ‘Andrea della Valle Basilica

Piazza Venezia, Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Trevi Fountain – threw coins guaranteeing return to Rome

Parthenon – free 7pm tour from Angel Tours

Dinner at Il Chianti (charcuterie, various pastas, veal chop, wine)

Gelato at Giolotti’s

Tuesday, July 10th

Shopping at Campo de Fiori (fruit, vegetables, pasta, sauce)

Breakfast

Vatican City

Vatican Museum

Sistine Chapel

St. Peter’s Basilica

Dinner in apartment (pasta, sauce, sausage, salad, chianti)

Wednesday, July 11th

Breakfast – Gran Cappuccino and croissants at Sant’ Eustachio and coffee at La Tazza de Oro

Borghese Gallery

Lunch – Lima Polleria – Peruvian chicken

Santa Maria del Popolo Church

Spanish Steps

Dinner – Ciro & Ciro – Pizza & Salad

Gelato – Della Palma

Thursday, July 12th

Breakfast

Angel Tours of Ancient Rome

- Palantine Hill

- Roman Forum

- Colloseum

Lunch – Brunch at Il Chianti

Dinner

Gelato – Della Palma

Friday, July 13th

Check out of Apartment Rotundo

Flight from Rome FCO/Munich/Chicago

Check in at Hilton O’Hare

Lunch – Hilton Sports Edition Sports Bar - burgers, fries and pitchers of Iced Tea (with ICE)

Blue train to Downtown

Michigan Avenue

Millennium Park – The Bean sculpture, free summer concert series

Dinner – Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Pizza on Rush Street

 

Saturday, July 14th

Breakfast

Check out of Hilton O’Hare

Lunch – America’s Dog - Chicago Dogs/Italian Beef sandwich

Fly home O’Hare to LAX

 

[jon_mx]

Seville is a beautiful town if you can make it that way. Barcelona might be my favorite.

 

[msommer]

Seville is a beautiful town if you can make it that way. Barcelona might be my favorite.

Seville to Barcelona (or v.v) would be an awesome trip. Mandatory stop in Granada to see the Alhambra. Maybe Ronda as well. Valencia/Alicante. Beaches, white wall villages, Seafood, drinks with umbrellas. Not too many tea shops though.

 

[kutta]

I still cannot believe you have never been to Europe.

What am I missing? Why is it so hard to believe?

 

[kutta]

Went for 18 days 2 summers ago. Paris/Florence/Venice/Rome. Used United miles for outbound to Paris and return from Rome. Got cheap flights from Paris to Pisa. Took trains throughout Italy (to Venice, to Rome). Never rented a car. Stayed at a hotel in Paris and an overnight in Venice but rented apartments in base stations of Florence and Rome. PM if you choose any of these cities. Did some extensive planning, got a lot of advice from friends and people on TripAdvisor and other Forums. Here was our itin if helpful. And yes, as my daughter says, "we eat like Champions". LOL. Walked so much didn't gain an ounce.

Judge Smails Family 2012 Europe Trip Itinerary

Tuesday, June 26th

Fly from LAX to Munich

Lunch German sausage, potato salad, beer

Fly from Munich to Charles de Gaulle Paris

Check in to Hilton Arc De Triomphe Paris Hotel

Dinner

Champs-Elysees Euro Cup 2012 semifinal celebration by Spain

Wednesday, June 27th

Breakfast

Arc De Triomphe climbed to the top

Lunch Chef Salad, outdoor bistro

Louvre Museum

Pont Des Arts Bridge (Love Locks)

Tullieries Gardens

Orangerie Museum

Dinner Le Relais de l Entrecote Steak and Frittes, Crème Brule

Thursday, June 28th

Breakfast

Notre Dame

Nutella Crepes

Sainte Chapelle

Lunch Paninis near Notre Dame

Seine River Cruise

Berthillon ice cream

Walk in Latin Quarter

Musee De Orsay

Dinner Duck Confit, Roasted Chicken

Friday, June 29th

Breakfast

Food shopping at Place de la Madeleine outdoor market

Lunch on the grass of Champs De Mar in front of the Eiffel Tower sandwiches, pasta salad, tomato/mozzarella, macaroons from market)

Eiffel Tower

Dinner

Champs-Elysee Euro Cup 2012 semifinal celebration by Italy

Saturday, June 30th

Breakfast

Lunch

Musee De Army

Hotel De Invalides

Dinner Pizza

Midnight Champagne at Eiffel Tower

 

Sunday, July 1st

Check out of Hilton Arc De Triomphe Paris Hotel

Montmartre

Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Brunch Creperie Broceliande

25th Wedding Anniversary Lock Pont Des Arts Bridge

Flight from Paris Orly airport to Pisa Airport

Bus from Airport to Santa Maria Novell train station in Florence

Check in at Dei Neri apartment in Florence

Watch Eurocup 2012 Final (Spain 4, Italy 0)

Dinner Takeaway pizza in apartment

Monday, July 2nd

Breakfast

Walked around Florence to get acclimated, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza San Croce, Piazza del Duomo

Lunch (get name of Panini place opposite our apartment)

San Lorenzo market (ties, leather purses)

Dinner Trattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi w/ Mama Linguine with clams, Steak, Tiramisu

Tuesday, July 3rd

Breakfast

Walkabout Tours Best of Tuscany (Chris)

- Siena (day after Palio horse race)

o Duomo (get name)

- Lunch at organic farm/winery in Chianti (chianti, vernaccia, tuscan dessert wine)

- San Gemingnano

o Gelato Gelateria Di Piazza

- Pisa Leaning Tower

Dinner Osteria Pepo - Lasagna

Wednesday, July 4th

Breakfast

Uffizi Gallery

Pitti Palace

Lunch Gusta Pizza

Dinner Sostanza Butter Chicken, Bisteca Fiorentina & Strawberry Meringue Cake

Met Kristins friends who were touring Europe

Gelato

Thursday, July 5th

Breakfast

Train from Florence to Venice

Check in at Hilton Stucky Molino

Lunch

Swimming on rooftop pool

Dinner Da Mamos, Seafood linguine, spicy shrimp pasta, calamari

Walk through Venice Piazza San Marco

Vaporetto water tour through Grand Canal

Friday, July 6th

Breakfast

Swim, workout and Steamroom at Hilton Spa

Check out of Hilton Stucky Molino

Lunch

Train from Venice to Florence

Dinner Gusta Pizza

Gelato Gelateria Dei Neri

Saturday, July 7th

Breakfast

San Lorenzo Market

Central Market

Lunch Panini at Central Market

Accademia Gallery Statue of David

Duomo

Dinner Antica Trattoria da Tito dal 1913, Florentine Steak, Wine, Limoncello, Orangecello

Sunday, July 8th

Check out of De Neri apartment in Florence

Breakfast

Train from Santa Maria Novella to Rome Termini

Check in at Apartment Rotundo, 38 Via Del Palombella 38

Dinner at Miscellanea (grilled chicken, mushroom risotto, antipasti salad)

Gelato (find name of place in Pantheon square)

Piazza Navona

Monday, July 9th

Campo Fiori (fresh fruit cups for breakfast)

Saint Andrea della Valle Basilica

Piazza Venezia, Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Trevi Fountain threw coins guaranteeing return to Rome

Parthenon free 7pm tour from Angel Tours

Dinner at Il Chianti (charcuterie, various pastas, veal chop, wine)

Gelato at Giolottis

Tuesday, July 10th

Shopping at Campo de Fiori (fruit, vegetables, pasta, sauce)

Breakfast

Vatican City

Vatican Museum

Sistine Chapel

St. Peters Basilica

Dinner in apartment (pasta, sauce, sausage, salad, chianti)

Wednesday, July 11th

Breakfast Gran Cappuccino and croissants at Sant Eustachio and coffee at La Tazza de Oro

Borghese Gallery

Lunch Lima Polleria Peruvian chicken

Santa Maria del Popolo Church

Spanish Steps

Dinner Ciro & Ciro Pizza & Salad

Gelato Della Palma

Thursday, July 12th

Breakfast

Angel Tours of Ancient Rome

- Palantine Hill

- Roman Forum

- Colloseum

Lunch Brunch at Il Chianti

Dinner

Gelato Della Palma

Friday, July 13th

Check out of Apartment Rotundo

Flight from Rome FCO/Munich/Chicago

Check in at Hilton OHare

Lunch Hilton Sports Edition Sports Bar - burgers, fries and pitchers of Iced Tea (with ICE)

Blue train to Downtown

Michigan Avenue

Millennium Park The Bean sculpture, free summer concert series

Dinner Lou Malnatis Deep Dish Pizza on Rush Street

 

Saturday, July 14th

Breakfast

Check out of Hilton OHare

Lunch Americas Dog - Chicago Dogs/Italian Beef sandwich

Fly home OHare to LAX

Awesome! Looks like an amazing trip. Thanks for positing it.

 

[thecatch]

Also, Italy is another country where I think you can easily spend a month and still not see everything you want to see. Beautiful and very fun country with so many layers of history that you just can't get in the Americas.

Italy is #1 on my list because of my family history. I actually have a great uncle who runs a bed and breakfast in Sicily. That would be really awesome to check out.

If you like this kind of thing and are going to be in Rome or Naples, I highly recommend spending a day at Pompeii. Not only was it really well preserved because of the volcano ash, but the archaeological excavation began in the 1700s so basically the entire city has been dug out at this point. There is so much to explore and I think kids would really love it. That is another thing you can never find here, or most other places in the world. It's a few hours outside of Rome so it's a long day if you are going from Rome and then back the same day, but I still thought it was well worth it.

I spent about 8-9 days in Rome & Florence a few years ago, and the day trip to Pompeii was one of the top 3 coolest things I did/saw. Highly recommended.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

if italy is your main focal point, i would stay in italy the whole time. i flew into rome, spent 2 days and then drove to naples. did pompeii, amalfi coast and capri. add in your sicily trip and that's an unreal vacation.

 

[kutta]

if italy is your main focal point, i would stay in italy the whole time. i flew into rome, spent 2 days and then drove to naples. did pompeii, amalfi coast and capri. add in your sicily trip and that's an unreal vacation.

That sounds awesome, but the rest of the fam wants to see London and Paris, so I think we are kind of stuck doing a lot of hopping around. Nothing is set in stone though, so we'll see how this thing plays out.

 

[msommer]

Paris is cool, but the French live up to their reputation there. Never been a fan of London for anything else than hanging out in pubs after work.

 

[Scoresman]

honeymooned in Italy, Paris, Belgium, and London two years ago for about a month.

- the train system in Europe is awesome.

- if you are foodies, Italy and France should be priorities for you.

- Belgium is beautiful and a very underrated travel destination. The beer is the best in the world and if you think you've experienced all there is about Belgian Waffles at your local breakfast diner, think again.

- Absolutely agree with the travel philosophy of hitting fewer cities and spending more time in each, especially with only 10 days.

- of the places I've been, London would probably be the biggest hit with kids.

 

[mon]

Been all over Europe and Germany is my favorite, especially Bavaria. Best food, best beer, best wine (white).

 

[17seconds]

Been all over Europe and Germany is my favorite, especially Bavaria. Best food, best beer, best wine (white).

Same here. Love the food, beer, and laid back lifestyle. A plus with Germany is it is very similar to the US really, you don't feel out of sorts like you would in rural France. Nearly everyone speaks english and they don't mind speaking english.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

if italy is your main focal point, i would stay in italy the whole time. i flew into rome, spent 2 days and then drove to naples. did pompeii, amalfi coast and capri. add in your sicily trip and that's an unreal vacation.

That sounds awesome, but the rest of the fam wants to see London and Paris, so I think we are kind of stuck doing a lot of hopping around. Nothing is set in stone though, so we'll see how this thing plays out.

I'd do London for 3-4days train to Paris for 3-4 days and then fly somewhere in Italy for another week. If you have more time then add to the previous 2 cities, or add another city in Italy

for some reason, i've never gone to the british isles. but that's probably your best bet, london/paris/sicily. 10 days will not allow for more and even then, you're gonna be wishing for more time.

i'd try to sell them on rome/pisa and then 5 days or so on sicily. especially with family there. will they be showing you around? because if so, it will be the time of your life. my above described trip was with a naples native. having your own native guide is the shiznit!

 

[elguapo07]

When I was growing up my parents won the Pig in a Poke contest and we got a free vacation to western Europe.

Man that trip sucked.

The hotel in London sucked, my dad drove us around the Parliament building and Big Ben like a million times because the London traffic was so bad.

My sister ate like a fatty the whole time because Johnny Lawrence broke up with her via a letter.

Dad filmed mom in a nude scene and when our camera got stolen, mom ended up as a star in a porno.

The only entertaining time I had was picking up a girl in Paris... but come to find out she was a prostitute.

We stayed with some family in Germany, then mom got kidnapped, but Dad saved her.

All in all it was like something out of one of those National Lampoon's movies.

Oink oink my good man.

 

[Klimtology]

Bump

 

[kutta]

OK. This is getting closer and more real, and actually a little late now for the planning. I was going to call a travel agent to help me out, but I figured maybe I could come back in here and get some more tips from you guys.

We still want to hit London, Paris, and Rome. We will need to head to Sicily too, because there is a town in Sicily where my grandparents came from that is my last name's namesake. So that would be really cool.

I'm thinking we can do anywhere from 10-14 days, probably starting sometime around July 12th or so. My daughter wants to be in Paris for her 18th birthday which is July 16th, so we will have to plan for that.

Some questions:

1. How do I know where nice parts of town are, and what hotels are good? Should I just use Trip Adviser and check ratings?

2. Is there a cheaper/better day to fly?

3. How do I arrange for train travel? I think it would be really cool to take trains for our longer trips. We can probably just walk when we get to our big city.

4. We will want to rent a car in Italy because I really want to spend some time there and see Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily.

Any specific hotel/travel suggestion would be awesome. I am going into this totally blind, so please, fire away,.

 

[jon_mx]

Usually Tuesday and Wednesday are cheapest day to fly, but the best way to tell is use a search like Kayak which will get prices for all major airlines +/- 3 days to find when the best deal for your flight is.

 

[thecatch]

OK. This is getting closer and more real, and actually a little late now for the planning. I was going to call a travel agent to help me out, but I figured maybe I could come back in here and get some more tips from you guys.

We still want to hit London, Paris, and Rome. We will need to head to Sicily too, because there is a town in Sicily where my grandparents came from that is my last name's namesake. So that would be really cool.

I'm thinking we can do anywhere from 10-14 days, probably starting sometime around July 12th or so. My daughter wants to be in Paris for her 18th birthday which is July 16th, so we will have to plan for that.

Some questions:

1. How do I know where nice parts of town are, and what hotels are good? Should I just use Trip Adviser and check ratings?

2. Is there a cheaper/better day to fly?

3. How do I arrange for train travel? I think it would be really cool to take trains for our longer trips. We can probably just walk when we get to our big city.

4. We will want to rent a car in Italy because I really want to spend some time there and see Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily.

Any specific hotel/travel suggestion would be awesome. I am going into this totally blind, so please, fire away,.

6+ cities in 10-14 days is pretty ridiculous. But if you insist on that schedule, I'd just hit up the travel agent because you are going to need help coordinating your trip so you get to see the stuff you want to see.If you have time to plan it out yourself, trip advisor comes in handy. I really like the Rick Steves books as well - they have a lot of info on neighborhoods, transportation, etc.

 

[Bucky86]

OK. This is getting closer and more real, and actually a little late now for the planning. I was going to call a travel agent to help me out, but I figured maybe I could come back in here and get some more tips from you guys.

We still want to hit London, Paris, and Rome. We will need to head to Sicily too, because there is a town in Sicily where my grandparents came from that is my last name's namesake. So that would be really cool.

I'm thinking we can do anywhere from 10-14 days, probably starting sometime around July 12th or so. My daughter wants to be in Paris for her 18th birthday which is July 16th, so we will have to plan for that.

Some questions:

1. How do I know where nice parts of town are, and what hotels are good? Should I just use Trip Adviser and check ratings?

2. Is there a cheaper/better day to fly?

3. How do I arrange for train travel? I think it would be really cool to take trains for our longer trips. We can probably just walk when we get to our big city.

4. We will want to rent a car in Italy because I really want to spend some time there and see Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily.

Any specific hotel/travel suggestion would be awesome. I am going into this totally blind, so please, fire away,.

6+ cities in 10-14 days is pretty ridiculous. But if you insist on that schedule, I'd just hit up the travel agent because you are going to need help coordinating your trip so you get to see the stuff you want to see.

This.

subtract 1 day getting to the UK as well.

 

[Don Quixote]

OK. This is getting closer and more real, and actually a little late now for the planning. I was going to call a travel agent to help me out, but I figured maybe I could come back in here and get some more tips from you guys.

We still want to hit London, Paris, and Rome. We will need to head to Sicily too, because there is a town in Sicily where my grandparents came from that is my last name's namesake. So that would be really cool.

I'm thinking we can do anywhere from 10-14 days, probably starting sometime around July 12th or so. My daughter wants to be in Paris for her 18th birthday which is July 16th, so we will have to plan for that.

Some questions:

1. How do I know where nice parts of town are, and what hotels are good? Should I just use Trip Adviser and check ratings?

2. Is there a cheaper/better day to fly?

3. How do I arrange for train travel? I think it would be really cool to take trains for our longer trips. We can probably just walk when we get to our big city.

4. We will want to rent a car in Italy because I really want to spend some time there and see Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily.

Any specific hotel/travel suggestion would be awesome. I am going into this totally blind, so please, fire away,.

6+ cities in 10-14 days is pretty ridiculous. But if you insist on that schedule, I'd just hit up the travel agent because you are going to need help coordinating your trip so you get to see the stuff you want to see.If you have time to plan it out yourself, trip advisor comes in handy. I really like the Rick Steves books as well - they have a lot of info on neighborhoods, transportation, etc.

Yeah, I'd probably hit up a travel agent too with that schedule. I realize a lot of people here hate group tours, but that may not be a bad option either. I've seen tour companies offer a week tour of London, Paris, and Rome; you can then add on a few days at the end in Italy to go to Venice/Sicily/Naples. I realize part of the appeal is getting "lost" and enjoying the local flavor, but you are not leaving yourself a lot of time for that. A group tour can also get you to skip the line at all of the sites/museums to further save time. And it's pre-set with all of the hotels and travel arrangements, so you don't have to worry about planning that all out, since you mentioned you are a bit late on a lot of that.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

OK. This is getting closer and more real, and actually a little late now for the planning. I was going to call a travel agent to help me out, but I figured maybe I could come back in here and get some more tips from you guys.

We still want to hit London, Paris, and Rome. We will need to head to Sicily too, because there is a town in Sicily where my grandparents came from that is my last name's namesake. So that would be really cool.

I'm thinking we can do anywhere from 10-14 days, probably starting sometime around July 12th or so. My daughter wants to be in Paris for her 18th birthday which is July 16th, so we will have to plan for that.

Some questions:

1. How do I know where nice parts of town are, and what hotels are good? Should I just use Trip Adviser and check ratings?

2. Is there a cheaper/better day to fly?

3. How do I arrange for train travel? I think it would be really cool to take trains for our longer trips. We can probably just walk when we get to our big city.

4. We will want to rent a car in Italy because I really want to spend some time there and see Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily.

Any specific hotel/travel suggestion would be awesome. I am going into this totally blind, so please, fire away,.

You don't have nearly enough time for that itinerary. You don't have time for half of it IMHO.

1) inner webs, this is pretty easy

2) not really

3) you can obtain tickets online or while there at the train stations. You could also get a pass, but it'll be pricey for just a couple trips.

4) easily done online and they're pretty cheap. Don't know about Italy, but France does not rent automatics.

Drop either London or Paris. Since Italy is a focal point, why not fly in and out of there? Take 3 days and fly to Paris, for your daughter, 3 days for Sicily and the rest for Italy. If you did this, a eurail pass might be cost efficient for just Italy.

But I would seriously suggest curtailing that itinerary or extending the trip.

 

[kutta]

I'm sure I'm just being optimistic time-wise, but if we spent 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris, that's only 6-7 days. If it takes us another day to get to Italy, that leaves us 6 days in Italy if we spend the whole 14. Is that unreasonable? Maybe we can do without Naples, and just hit Rome, Venice, and Sicily?

Also, maybe we can just spend 2 days in London and Paris. We really just want to see the highlights. If we see Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower we will probably be pretty happy. We could make Italy our main "take it slow" place.

 

[Bucky86]

I'm sure I'm just being optimistic time-wise, but if we spent 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris, that's only 6-7 days. If it takes us another day to get to Italy, that leaves us 6 days in Italy if we spend the whole 14. Is that unreasonable? Maybe we can do without Naples, and just hit Rome, Venice, and Sicily?

Also, maybe we can just spend 2 days in London and Paris. We really just want to see the highlights. If we see Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower we will probably be pretty happy. We could make Italy our main "take it slow" place.

Are you counting those 3 days inclusive of travel days? This is where most people make mistakes when scheduling their vacations. 3 full days not including your arrival/departure day makes sense...

 

[jamny]

I'm sure I'm just being optimistic time-wise, but if we spent 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris, that's only 6-7 days. If it takes us another day to get to Italy, that leaves us 6 days in Italy if we spend the whole 14. Is that unreasonable? Maybe we can do without Naples, and just hit Rome, Venice, and Sicily?

Also, maybe we can just spend 2 days in London and Paris. We really just want to see the highlights. If we see Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower we will probably be pretty happy. We could make Italy our main "take it slow" place.

For me it's just about soaking it in a little. We go through cities at a quick pace but you aren't leaving much time to catch your breath. Venice, Rome and Sicily are the extreme distances in Italy. Personally, I would take Sicily out. And you can definitely take Naples out.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

You can do it. I just don't think it'll be enjoyable. Shave a half day of site seeing off all those stops due to travel.

Rome to Venice takes longer than it looks like it should. Naples is pretty meh, Capri and the coastal towns south of Naples are magnificent, includes Pompeii.

 

[kutta]

I'm sure I'm just being optimistic time-wise, but if we spent 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris, that's only 6-7 days. If it takes us another day to get to Italy, that leaves us 6 days in Italy if we spend the whole 14. Is that unreasonable? Maybe we can do without Naples, and just hit Rome, Venice, and Sicily?

Also, maybe we can just spend 2 days in London and Paris. We really just want to see the highlights. If we see Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower we will probably be pretty happy. We could make Italy our main "take it slow" place.

For me it's just about soaking it in a little. We go through cities at a quick pace but you aren't leaving much time to catch your breath. Venice, Rome and Sicily are the extreme distances in Italy. Personally, I would take Sicily out. And you can definitely take Naples out.

Sicily is the one must-see place for me. Lots of family history. I have a great uncle who owns a bed and breakfast there and that's where my dad's family is from.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Ferry or fly to Sicily?

 

[butcher boy]

Go to Florence. It's my favorite city in Italy, and is just all kinds of awesome.​

 

[Bucky86]

You can do it. I just don't think it'll be enjoyable. Shave a half day of site seeing off all those stops due to travel.

Rome to Venice takes longer than it looks like it should. Naples is pretty meh, Capri and the coastal towns south of Naples are magnificent, includes Pompeii.

This, again.

Pick your stops and enjoy where you are. No sense in cramming too much in a short amount of time. I've only been to Paris once and it was far too short. I was there for 3 days and one day was spent on a tour to the beaches of Normandy. I haven't been back since and wish I had spent longer there instead of trying to fit another city which I am dying to go back to. Barcelona.

 

[jamny]

I'm sure I'm just being optimistic time-wise, but if we spent 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris, that's only 6-7 days. If it takes us another day to get to Italy, that leaves us 6 days in Italy if we spend the whole 14. Is that unreasonable? Maybe we can do without Naples, and just hit Rome, Venice, and Sicily?

Also, maybe we can just spend 2 days in London and Paris. We really just want to see the highlights. If we see Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower we will probably be pretty happy. We could make Italy our main "take it slow" place.

For me it's just about soaking it in a little. We go through cities at a quick pace but you aren't leaving much time to catch your breath. Venice, Rome and Sicily are the extreme distances in Italy. Personally, I would take Sicily out. And you can definitely take Naples out.

Sicily is the one must-see place for me. Lots of family history. I have a great uncle who owns a bed and breakfast there and that's where my dad's family is from.

I understand that. It's all about priorities and it's clearly important to you. I'm not a sentimental guy so going that far out of the way to visit a great uncle at the expense of a more enjoyable trip doesn't make sense to me.

 

[thecatch]

I'm sure I'm just being optimistic time-wise, but if we spent 3 days in London and 3 days in Paris, that's only 6-7 days. If it takes us another day to get to Italy, that leaves us 6 days in Italy if we spend the whole 14. Is that unreasonable? Maybe we can do without Naples, and just hit Rome, Venice, and Sicily?

Also, maybe we can just spend 2 days in London and Paris. We really just want to see the highlights. If we see Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower we will probably be pretty happy. We could make Italy our main "take it slow" place.

For me it's just about soaking it in a little. We go through cities at a quick pace but you aren't leaving much time to catch your breath. Venice, Rome and Sicily are the extreme distances in Italy. Personally, I would take Sicily out. And you can definitely take Naples out.

Sicily is the one must-see place for me. Lots of family history. I have a great uncle who owns a bed and breakfast there and that's where my dad's family is from.

I understand that. It's all about priorities and it's clearly important to you. I'm not a sentimental guy so going that far out of the way to visit a great uncle at the expense of a more enjoyable trip doesn't make sense to me.

10-14 days can work if it's just a Sicily-Italy trip. I don't think it's going to be worth the money or hassle to detour across the continent to see Paris and London for just a couple days just to basically say you've been there.

 

[Major]

I echo the other FBGs sentiments on being short for time. I'd scrap the UK and do that another time. Make France and Italy/Sicily your focal points. And Naples is awful, dont go.

 

[Bucky86]

If I were you. I'd do 4-5 days in Paris. Skip London and then do 8-10 days in Rome/Sicily. Pompei CAN be a day trip from Rome. Maybe 3-4 days in Rome? Maybe drive to Naples(drivers in Italy are ####### insane) and do Pompei from there? Ferry or fly to Sicily and then go home.

 

[jamny]

I echo the other FBGs sentiments on being short for time. I'd scrap the UK and do that another time. Make France and Italy/Sicily your focal points. And Naples is awful, dont go.

 

[butcher boy]

I've been to Florence, Bologna, and Venice and never needed a car. I cant speak for Rome but I cant imagine anyone wanting to drive there. The train system in Italy is awesome and day trips to smaller, yet interesting places are all available via bus.

 

[jamny]

I've been to Florence, Bologna, and Venice and never needed a car. I cant speak for Rome but I cant imagine anyone wanting to drive there. The train system in Italy is awesome and day trips to smaller, yet interesting places are all available via bus.

Loved having a car in Italy. Amazing day trips on your own, especially through Tuscany.

 

[Sand]

I echo the other FBGs sentiments on being short for time. I'd scrap the UK and do that another time. Make France and Italy/Sicily your focal points. And Naples is awful, dont go.

Agree on Naples, though the Pompeii antiquities museum there is worth the visit. Also thought Amalfi (the town) was awesome, as was Capri.

Rome could easily be a week.

 

[jamny]

I echo the other FBGs sentiments on being short for time. I'd scrap the UK and do that another time. Make France and Italy/Sicily your focal points. And Naples is awful, dont go.

Agree on Naples, though the Pompeii antiquities museum there is worth the visit. Also thought Amalfi (the town) was awesome, as was Capri.

Rome could easily be a week.

We stayed on Capri for one trip for a few days. Although it's a pain in the ### to day trip from with the ferry, it is an amazing place at night when the crowd is gone.

I liked Rome and Venice more than Florence.

 

[Underachievers]

OK. This is getting closer and more real, and actually a little late now for the planning. I was going to call a travel agent to help me out, but I figured maybe I could come back in here and get some more tips from you guys.

We still want to hit London, Paris, and Rome. We will need to head to Sicily too, because there is a town in Sicily where my grandparents came from that is my last name's namesake. So that would be really cool.

I'm thinking we can do anywhere from 10-14 days, probably starting sometime around July 12th or so. My daughter wants to be in Paris for her 18th birthday which is July 16th, so we will have to plan for that.

Some questions:

1. How do I know where nice parts of town are, and what hotels are good? Should I just use Trip Adviser and check ratings?

2. Is there a cheaper/better day to fly?

3. How do I arrange for train travel? I think it would be really cool to take trains for our longer trips. We can probably just walk when we get to our big city.

4. We will want to rent a car in Italy because I really want to spend some time there and see Venice, Rome, Naples, and Sicily.

Any specific hotel/travel suggestion would be awesome. I am going into this totally blind, so please, fire away,

July in France can be a mess. Tour De France is in full swing.

 

[Native]

I echo the other FBGs sentiments on being short for time. I'd scrap the UK and do that another time. Make France and Italy/Sicily your focal points.

IMO I would do England/Ireland another time. Its more of a logisitical challenge than you realize.

My two cents: France/Italy is a great trip but make sure to focus on both the big cities as well as some of the more pastoral areas of those countries. The best part of Europe is not always in the metropolises, but in the smaller towns and villages along the way (espcially in the countries youre targeting). Now If you want to add a 3rd major destination (which I completely understand), I would try to find something along the way. Given your itinerary, Switzerland makes a ton of sense given its location. Something like this:

1. Paris - 3 days. No need for a car here. Take the Metro to the different parts of the city and walk around. If you spend less than three days, youre just hitting the major monuments and missing what the city is all about

2. Travel south through French Wine country - Castles, Wine, Pristine backdrops, etc - 2 days.

3. Cut through Switzerland on your way to Italy. Geneva is only 90 minutes from French Wine country and surrounded by the Alps (Zurich is also stunning). 1-2 days before heading south into Italy.

4. Italy - I concur with others who say Florence/Tuscany is breathtaking but I understand the aura of Rome (especially if youre Catholic). Can you do both? Maybe, if you travel for the full 14 days. Personally, I would prioritize Florence and then hit the major monuments in Rome while on your way to Sicily.

Whatever you decide remember this: Europe is MUCH older than the United States in terms of culture, food, architecture, language, etc. Every place you travel along the way will have something special to see. You of course want to take in the major cities, but youll probably be happiest mixing the two throughout your vacation.

Good luck!

 

[Rick James]

Flying to Spain on Friday for 7 days in Madrid. Will venture out to Barcelona and other cities as well. Pumped.

 

[FinHead]

We spent 3 days in London took the Chunnel and 4 in Paris. 3 days was too much for London and 4 days was too little for Paris. London was okay, but I'd never go again. You need to account for at least 1 day over and 1 day back.

I can't recommend airbnb.com enough... we use it all the time for traveling and always pay half as much as a hotel but get a bigger place. We had a one bedroom apartment in the Marais area of Paris for less than $200/night.

 

[PinkydaPimp]

That itinerary is doable if its just you or one other person. But with a family i think its just headaches waiting to happen. Having all those moving parts increases the chance of something not working out right. Plus, on days that you travel, you really wont do much else as you run the risk of someone being too tired to go anywhere. I would dial it back slightly.

I did Paris in 3 days years ago and it was a great first experience, it was a whirlwind. People can spend an entire day just at the Louvre.

 

[jamny]

That itinerary is doable if its just you or one other person. But with a family i think its just headaches waiting to happen. Having all those moving parts increases the chance of something not working out right. Plus, on days that you travel, you really wont do much else as you run the risk of someone being too tired to go anywhere. I would dial it back slightly.

I did Paris in 3 days years ago and it was a great first experience, it was a whirlwind. People can spend an entire day just at the Louvre.

It's a really good point. Every once in a while my wife will have this massive headache that will wipe her out for the first day. We plan in that first day possibly being lost due to something like that. When it's a family, the odds increase. When you plan things so tight you risk missing even more if someone gets sick for a day. Gotta leave room for some flexibility. Even with weather. We'll plan like 3 day trips in 5 days and see when the weather cooperates once we're there. Putting such a strict timeline is just asking for problems.

 

[kutta]

Wow. Great stuff guys! Thanks. I'll digest and comment later.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

That itinerary is doable if its just you or one other person. But with a family i think its just headaches waiting to happen. Having all those moving parts increases the chance of something not working out right. Plus, on days that you travel, you really wont do much else as you run the risk of someone being too tired to go anywhere. I would dial it back slightly.

I did Paris in 3 days years ago and it was a great first experience, it was a whirlwind. People can spend an entire day just at the Louvre.

It's a really good point. Every once in a while my wife will have this massive headache that will wipe her out for the first day. We plan in that first day possibly being lost due to something like that. When it's a family, the odds increase. When you plan things so tight you risk missing even more if someone gets sick for a day. Gotta leave room for some flexibility. Even with weather. We'll plan like 3 day trips in 5 days and see when the weather cooperates once we're there. Putting such a strict timeline is just asking for problems.

This is my wife too. She suffered some CRAZY jet lag and was 100% out of commission for day 1 in Paris and was pretty useless day 2. I ended up going to dinner by myself, due to her being out of it. Fan####ingtastic dinner though.

 

[RC94]

If you rent a car in Italy just keep in mind that a red light doesn't actually mean to stop. It's just them saying "We are trying a red light now and soon we will try a green one, but it's not relevant to traffic flow."