My husband and I are taking our first trip to Europe around the Thanksgiving holidays. I won this trip through my job. The airfare and hotels are paid for, with a little left over for spending money. We are wondering what those of you would think the best ways to spend these days to see the most fabulous sites - since we will probably never be able to afford to go again! Some of the things we've been interested in so far: Paris - Night cruise on the Seine, Eiffel Tower (of course), possibly a day trip to Versailles, or to Normandy. Rome - the Colliseum, Trevi fountain, maybe a day trip to the sea, possibly the Vatican. We are not really into museums that much - more just experiencing the 'feel'of the areas. Also, we don't have the hotels confirmed yet, but are looking at staying at the Villa St. Martin in Paris and the Aberdeen in Rome - any thoughts on these places?? Thanks so much for any info and suggestions!
Lynette
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
With only 3 days in Paris, trying to do Normandy as a day trip is probably not the best use of your time, for one thing, it's difficult to do Normandy (the D-Day Beaches, for example) as a day trip from Paris, due to transportation time.Rick has books on Paris and Rome--these would be a big help to you.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
Best thing I have learned in 20 years of visiting Europe is to research the web for sights to see in each town. Google "Paris sights" and "Rome sights" to learn what is of interest to you in each town.
Read descriptions of points of interest and study pictures to be sure you want to spend time at each location.
By all means take the night cruise on the Seine. And Eiffel Tower and Versailles. Visit Fontainebleau
Castle (Southeast of Paris) if you have time.
In Rome, the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, The Vatican and the Catacombs. Any others you find when you Google.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Yes--with so little time, on your first trip, I would just stay in Paris and Rome. And sleep near the sights.
To really get the most from your trip, buy a few guidebooks now and make a plan before you go.
Hit the highlights (whatever they are for you), don't try to do too much, and you will have a very memorable trip.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Is the airline ticket bought? And is it open jaws -- into Paris, home from Rome. Do you have six days on the ground in Europe or is it six days total including flight over and back? When time is short, I think it is best to spent it in one or two location but minimize the travel between -- i.e. Paris and London or Rome and Florence. You will lose nearly a full day traveling between Paris and Rome. The Aberdeen is an excellent hotel. Not familiar with St. Martin.
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
When in Rome, take a 1 hour train trip to Orvietto for the day. You will definitely get a feel for the area by visiting this quaint hilltop town. It's an easy commute from Rome. In Rome, do the Rick Steves' walk that is in his book. You will not only see the Trevi, but also the Pantheon, Piazza Navonna (sp?), etc. In Paris, I think your sightseeing ideas are great--Versailles is a nice, short trip out of Paris. It sounds like a great, easy-going trip. Have fun! By the way, I want to work for your company!
Posted by
OP
Blaine, WA, USA
9 posts
Thanks so much for all the thoughts so far! You all have great ideas. The trip is a package deal so I can't change the flights - the only thing I can change is the hotels if we want to.
This is pretty much a once-in-a-lifetime thing for us - I doubt we will ever be able to do this again unless we win another trip! I had gone to a sales show for my job and this was the grand prize - was so shocked, I'd never won anything like it before!
One other question - has anyone done tours through a company called Viator? Once I get Rick's books I will have to look and see what he recommends, but this was just one site I looked at on the internet. I'm sure there are tons out there!
Thanks again!
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Yes Lynette -- get & study Rick Steves' latest guidebooks for Paris and Rome and you will have virtually all the good information you need to decide what to see, where to eat, what great sight seeing walks to take, etc. I would probably skip the day trip to Versailles, wonderful though it is, and spend the 3 days in Paris -- there will be more than enough for you to see. My suggestions: don't miss the Eiffel Tower light show in the evening (taking the elevator up to the 2nd level is recommended too), Notre Dame, strolling the Seine & the Ile St. Louis, I wouldn't miss the Louve either -- at least see the building. In Rome tour the Colisseum, the Forum, Palantine Hill, see St. Peter's.