Europe itinerary (cathedral, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome)

[NYMTman]

I want to take a three week long trip to Europe in May and have the following in mind:

fly into London
2 days in London
5 days in Paris
2 days in Amsterdam
1 day on the train
4 days in Rome
1 day on the train
2 more days in London
fly out of London

This leaves me with two or three extra days and I don't know where to stick them. Right now I figure I have three options: either tack them onto the time spent in London/Paris/Rome, spend them in Florence, or spend them in a Swiss alpine village (not sure which one though). Suggestions welcome

[irman]

Your schedule does not seem realistic, taking into account that you only have 2 days *on a train* ...

One day between Amsterdam and Rome,
then one day between Rome and London.
How long do you think it takes to travel from London to Paris,
or from Paris to Amsterdam?

Make another schedule based on an hourly schedule, and you may find that those extra days you *think* you have, will be used for acclimatisation, travel and/or resting ...
Does the three week time include your flights ?

You speak of *alpine village*.
You only mention train. How will you get to the *alpine village* ?
Public transportation is rather well organised in Europe, but then we are only speaking of transportation within a city.
Intercity travel is not always that convenient.

[sponger42]

Originally Posted by irman

You speak of *alpine village*.
You only mention train. How will you get to the *alpine village* ?
Public transportation is rather well organised in Europe, but then we are only speaking of transportation within a city.
Intercity travel is not always that convenient.

Have you been to Europe since the end of WWII? Intercity travel is incredibly convenient in Europe. Western Europe is tiny and you can certainly get from any point to any other point within 24 hours of train travel. Especially the major cities listed.

Spanish trains are an exception as are--sorta--Italian trains. Then again, if you're willing to pay extra for high-speed expresses, you'll have no trouble.


For the OP:

Florence is my favorite Italian city. Naples is fun and beautiful with Mt. Vesuvius looming across the bay, but it's certainly different and some people don't like it.

Bern is an easy and pretty stop in Switzerland. If you're on a budget, Avoid Switzerland, though. Don't go to Interlaken unless you absolutely HAVE to climb the Jungfraujoch, it's a tourist trap. Still pretty, tho.

If you're going to be in Amsterdam, you can get to Berlin in a "cheap" overnight 8 hours by eurobus (less by train but more $$).

Berlin is a great place to party. I'd call it #1 club scene in Europe, but I like industrial music. Still, extensive all night busses when you drag your butt home at 4AM, all-night snack shops, great free walking tours during the day, impactful monuments and tons of history.

Brussels is a nice town if you want to stay in your triangle. Heidelburg is cozy. Spend some extra time in Amsterdam "coffeshops" and then take the short train (or a bike) to Haarlem to relax for a day/night and get some perfect munchies; a giant funnel of frites from a little shop near the cathedral. Rent a bike at the station and explore the countryside.

Barcelona is a must-see if you want to add another country to your list. Skip Vienna. Budapest is tons of fun if you can venture Eastward. Visit the Labyrinth at night!

[Sudcaro]

I would spend just 4 days in Paris instead of 5, and spend a couple of days in Brussels on the way to Amsterdam. And I would go to Florence on my way to Rome, which is a wonderful city. Spend at leats 2 days there.

[Off Topic]

I'm just starting to research a trip myself and most of my friends say there is a lot more to see in London than in Paris. Maybe add a day to London and subtract a day from Paris?

[MAK802]

I'd add Bruges as a destination, between Paris and Amsterdam. There is nothing to see in Brussels, so I would skip that, but Bruges is wonderful.

And I'm sure people will tell you that your itinerary is unrealistic, but I think it's great. Last year, we flew into Paris, spent a few days there, then rented a car and drove to Bruges, Amsterdam, Munich, Venice and Rome, all in 13 days and had a blast. We saw everything we wanted to see and felt we had ample time in each city. Different travel styles for different people. Enjoy your trip!

[yankinscotland]

I'd also skip Brussels and go to Brugge. And take a day from Paris and add to London. You can easily spend a week in London.

[lchoro]

You can take rail from Lyon into the French Alps. I believe it ends at the lakeside village of Annecy. It's a long but very scenic ride as is the ride through Cote d'Azur and the Italian Coast. Another option is to arrive in London and depart from Rome, or vice versa.

[SunsetBeachFL]

It is a perfectly acceptable itinerary. The first time we went, only had about 2 weeks and flew into London and out of Paris. We had very loose plans, defintely wanted to go Switzerland, Amsterdam and Italy. Well, naturally we didn't make Italy on that trip, but we had planned 3 days in Paris, stayed 5, planned more time in London, spent less. Well, you get the idea. Having the flexibility of hopping the train to our next destination but having no plan on where to get off, was really nice.

Of course it all depends on what is important for you to do or see in each location.

Bon Voyage!

[Davachka]

I loved Antwerp so I would vote for visiting Belgium. I too would take a day off Paris and add Florence to the list.