Greetings all, and Merry Christmas. In late May through mid June, I'm staying three nights in these cities: Paris, Colmar, Luzern, Genova, and 6 nights in Antibes. I have my hotels selected (although suggestions are always welcome). My wife and I like to see some sites, and generally enjoy good food and take in the atmosphere of Europe (we're from California). I'm thinking of one day trip from Colmar, Luzern, and Genova (Portofino or something similar?), and maybe a couple of day trips from Antibes - but we especially want beach time when in the Antibes area. And I'm also thinking we'll take trains for everything, and maybe rent a car when in Colmar to visit the Alsace wine region and other villages. I'd appreciate any ideas you might present about must see sights and restaurants in these places, and what you think about the visit to the wineries/villages in the Alsace - especially should I drive or find a guide. Plus, we work part time at a winery in Paso Robles, so we don't really want to go to a vineyard in Alsace that's going to spend a lot of time talking about the wine making process, etc. We'd rather visit some really good smaller places, rather than the touristy vineyards. I know that's a lot to ask, but I would really appreciate your insight. Thank you!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
2766 posts
maestrojohnny,
You have chosen some good places to visit, but I want to mention that your 18 nights and 5 locations itinerary doesn't factor in the time you will spend in transit. Assuming the train routes offer you good departure times and short train rides, you will still spend, on average, a minimum of a half day in transit. (Time to check out of lodging, get to the station, travel time, getting to new lodgings in the next city, and checking in. Orienting yourself in each new place could trake a very brief time or it could take longer.) Thus three nights gives you just two full days in a city. A day trip from one of them will likely use up one of those two days. My suggestion is to research the train situation for each leg of the trip and to review what is important to you to see and do in each place. That will help you see if what you propose is feasible and to lay your plans for your itinerary.
To your particulars, although we usually have a car, I have read here that there are various winery tours available from Colmar or Strasbourg. You may not have to pay for a private driver and tour, as there are options for small groups (I have heard.) There are also options of bus rides to the smaller towns and villages. I would use the search bar and enter "wines tours in Alsace", or something like that. Then filter for forum, then 1 year or less.
Being a Californian for 68 of my 82 years, I relish road trips, especially in our wonderful state, and we have driven throughout most of Europe, but your visit to France and Switzerland using public transportation is a good one. A one day car rental could give you more range, but for your day trip from Colmar, I think taking one of the winery/village tours is a good idea...saving the time to go through the rental process and return, familiarizing yourself with some French driving rules, and navigating. It's not hard, just a bit time-consuming for your one day trip.
(By the way, does Genova refer to Geneva Switzerland or Genoa Italy?)
Just one more thought, three nights in Paris...two full days after your arrival day...it is waaaay too short a time. Paris is in a class by itself. If this is your first trip to Europe, I would seriously consider giving more time to Paris, taking 3 days from your 6 days in Antibes.
Of course, you know what your goal is for this trip, so I could be way off base, but do figure that in your 18 nights/days, 5 will be spent partly or wholly moving from one city to another, leaving you 13 days (plus a couple of half-days) to actually "tourist".
P.S. Just reread your post. Be aware that beaches in the Riviera are mostly small pebble beaches. Sand beaches exist. Just do your research to find them. Try a search here again for Riviera sand beaches, or something like that, for comments by those who have been there.
Sorry to be so loquacious. Best of luck and have fun in your planning!
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
773 posts
I was also going to ask if you mean Genova/Genoa Italy or Geneva Switzerland. Either way, that is the one I might drop, especially if it is Italy because of the travel time. If Antibes is at the end of your trip, and you haven't booked unchangeable airline tickets, I suggest flying open jaw, leaving (or arriving) at Nice so you don't spend time backtracking. Regarding oyet bne of Judy's comments, Antibes does have sandy beaches.
I have not yet been to Alsace but I have been looking into it. Tjhe Kutzig bus seems like a useful way to visit a number of Alsace wine area villages.
Posted by
13 posts
I'd recommend renting a car in Colmar for the smaller Alsace villages. In Genova, a quick visit to Portofino is also worth it.