So me and my boyfriend are talking about an 8 night Europe trip . This is our plan but not sure if its going to be to hectic . What do you think?
June 30 - Leave USA
July 1st - Arrive in Amsterdam 8:15am
July 3 - Leave Amsterdam 9:40pm arrive in Rome at 11:55pm
July 6 leave Rome 9:50am arrive in Barcelona at 11:40am
July 9 - Leave Barcelona to the USA arrive at 10:45pm
I think that my husband and I would find that itinerary too hectic, with too much time spent in travel. It's not just the flight time, but also time to get to the airport, go through security, wait for your flight, deplane, get from the airport to where you're staying, et cetera. If I only had ten days, I would go to one destination and just enjoy it thoroughly. Or if were going to two destinations (which I personally wouldn't, but many would) I would select two cities easily linked by (high-speed) rail. Also, if you choose more than one destination, be sure you do open jaw/muti-city/multiple destination tickets, so that you fly from the States to one city, and from the last city on your itinerary back to the States. Every time you change destinations, you spend time and money.
Ten days is just not a lot of time when you factor in jet lag, travel time, and travel hassles. I personally would want more than two days each in Rome, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. However, it's your trip, and your decision. Just make sure you are happy to spend that much vacation time on travel. If possible, I would add days to your trip, since usually getting to Europe is the hardest part, and you won't regret a longer vacation.
Hope you find a workable itinerary, and have a good trip!
You know, if you confined yourself to a smaller area...instead of 3 countries for 8 short days - you could see the sites in the places where you already ARE. When you talk about leave Rome at 9:50 and 2 hours later you're in Barcelona that tells me that you're flying so you'll have to spend time getting to/from the airport EVERY time you fly. You'll also have to be there in plenty of time to get checked in and through security. All of that is just wasted time and you're doing it more than once. Just stay put and enjoy the time you have and see the sites instead of spending that valuable time traveling from one place to another.
Of course it is hectic, but is it too hectic? You've got some 2,5 days per destination. It isn't much, but enough to get more than just a glimpse.
Be prepared for an early rise on each of your departing days. All three cities have a good rail and/or bus connection to the airport, but even then you should count on leaving your ho(s)tel some 2,5 hrs before departure time.
Enjoy!
If these three cities are the ones you most want to visit, and you like a whirlwind tour and can catnap on planes and trains, it looks okay. I would not do it this way, but I have lots more time to work with.
I agree that this schedule is too hectic. I would stick with 2 destinations and ones that are closer together.
Day 1 is likely to be a problem with jet lag.
Arriving Rome at midnight means you will be on the last flight rotation of the day, which stands a good chance of being delayed. You will be leaving the airport c 1 am and then have to find your way to your accommodation, so arrive c 2am. That wipes out the following morning.
Flights have been available for months and as you are travelling when Southern Europe's children are on school holidays, the best deals will have gone, so book asap.
If you really want to see all 3 places, and you have just the 8 nights, and you don't know when you may return, then by all means, go for it.
Can you make it at least 10 full days on the ground (which means 12 vacation days, since 2 will be spent just getting there and back)? The expense of getting to Europe and the jetlag are such that 8 days is really, really short unless you focus on one small area. I could easily spend 8 days in one large city (like London, Berlin, etc) or perhaps two. Three is a bit much (yes, way too hectic). My rule of thumb is at least 3 full days in large interesting cities, all of which you named - and then you have to allow for travel time between them (and then travel time just to get to/from Europe).
I personally don't think the amount of time you have planned per city is so bad. But something to consider in choosing three cities so far apart is the difference in weather. Italy and Spain are both very hot and sunny in July - in the Netherlands it's much cooler and much more likely to rain. It can be easier to pack lighter if you don't have to prepare for such a range of conditions.
Yes, it will be hectic. I'd spend this amount of time in just one of your cities, allowing for one or two day trips nearby. Maybe two cities if you like a faster pace and don't expect to return to Europe. Your flight times are set up to maximize your sightseeing time, which is smart, but I still think you'll feel rushed and won't get a real appreciation of any of your destinations. Get window seats so you can enjoy the views of Europe and the Mediterranean from 30,000 feet! ;-)
You certainly do not have 2.5 days in A'dam. Even what's left of the 1st day there will be hard to use effectively if you are jet-lagged. Way too much moving around. If your flights to/from the USA are booked, then omit Rome, which really requires 4 days; stay in the A'dam area 5/1-5 and get some tips from the very knowledgeable tonfromleiden on how to spend your time there. Fly as planned on 5/6 to B'lona.
