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European Trip

Hey,

I’ve never been to Europe before and am planning to go w family in 2 summers. We recently decided to go to Paris and Rome for 4 nights each. Would this be enough time in each city or would it make more sense stay in one for 8 days and take day trips and maybe a night in a close city e.g. Florence if in Rome.

Let’s hear some feedback!

Posted by
2013 posts

If you are counting arrival day and departure day that leaves you just 6 days to explore and don't forget jet lag. Try to stay outside and active on arrival day. Rather than dividing these 6 days up in 2 cities, I would recommend you choose just one city (and don't forget the time it would take to leave the hotel, travel to new destination, since probably by air you must include the time to get to and from the airports, then you have to get to your new hotel and check in.) That will probably use up one of your days. As to which city, I've been to both several times and enjoy them both. In the summer though Rome can be really hot. I remember a June day at the Colosseum that was over 90 degrees. I suggest the family get a good guidebook from the library and explore the major sites in both cities. I would recommend Rick's books as they always include a 2 page chart of major sights at a glance with short description & his star rating.

Posted by
176 posts

Laurie Beth makes excellent points!!!! Yes to everything she said.

I would also recommend Paris. It can get insanely hot in summer, too… but probably not as hot as Rome, which is often a whole ‘nother level.

Rome is also sort of… mad… and can be chaotic and overwhelming. Paris is much more chill. That’s another reason I’d pick Paris.

As for day trips, there are several AMAZING chateaux you could easily visit. Fairytale European charm galore! https://thegoodlifefrance.com/castles-you-can-visit-on-a-day-trip-from-paris/

Posted by
1380 posts

jnugent357,
Both Laurie Beth and Volva are on the money. In your time frame, pick one city. Both have enough to do for a month at least. Paris should be cooler than Rome. Have a great trip!

Posted by
2013 posts

For a day trip from Paris, I enjoyed last year, I recommend Chartres. The cathedral is fantastic & the village (both upper & the 'old town' lower parts) are great. Good restaurants and a market on Saturday. It's a short train ride from Montparnasse station.

Posted by
3008 posts

I agree with the others that for a first-time family trip and with so little time I'd stick to one place in order to simplify the logistics. You can't go wrong with either city but my suggestion would be Paris as well.
There are any number of possible day trips outside the city, including Chartres, Giverny and maybe an overnight or two in Bayeux. Aside from all of the nearby D-Day sites the medieval city itself is quite pretty and is worth a day just walking around and soaking it all in. Bayeux is only about 3 hours by train from Paris, and there are a host of local day trip and tour providers to choose from according to your particular interests.

Posted by
1237 posts

I'll pile on. Totally discount your arrival and departure days as far as seeing any significant sight-seeing. And if you plan to travel between major cities, you lose a whole day there too. Decide on your priorities and plan accordingly. Then again, I am going to four major European cities in March in eight days total (including arrival and departure), so who am I to say? But I will be doing two overnight trains on this trip (part of the attraction), and have been to Europe many times before.

Posted by
32 posts

I agree with the other posted replies. Great suggestions. You say "planning to go with family" : what ages? interests? If they have special interests such as art or architecture or historical time periods that may assist you in the planning. Always nice to have a "say" (esp. if they are teenagers) or if family members can get involved in the research on places and types of activities you plan.