Hi,
I am in my preliminary planning stages so I know my plan/how much I need to save but I am planning to study abroad next Spring in London and the plan for 2 years now has been to go to Italy with my aunt and a few friends next May. As it is, I will be done in London 2 weeks before everyone else will be able to fly to London because of the difference of school schedules. I have come to the conclusion that it would make more sense the stay in Europe for the 2 weeks and work my way from London to Venice with a friend rather than fly home to Maine just to fly back to Europe in 2 weeks. With that beings said I am looking on advice for destinations. My approximate travel dates would be leaving London Sunday April 22 (2012) and I would be meeting with my aunt and friends in Venice on Monday May 7. The destinations I am most interested in are Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Salzburg, and Zurich. Berlin being the one I am determined to go to the most. We are interested in history, architecture, different cultures, and just walking around, seeing and taking everything in. Which cities would you choose and why and for how long in each? Which ones would you skip? Are there any you would suggest instead? I am a student, while I realize it will be expensive I'm looking to not go too crazy. After these 2 weeks I am going to be in Italy for 2 weeks going to Venice, Florence, and Rome. Thank you so much!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17400 posts
What a wonderful opportunity! I spent an early May week in Berlin as a college student years ago, and it was fantastic. I would suggest you fly to Berlin, spend 5 nights there, and then train to Prague (3 nights), Salzburg (2), and Munich (3). From Munich it is an easy train trip to Venice, via Verona. I'd spend a night in Verona before meeting up with your friends in Venice---it is a lovely city rich in history, including the Roman arena which is still in use.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Lola skipped Zurich. you could spend a day in Zurich and see all thats important. The central city is mostly large (but old) bus
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17400 posts
Yes, I did skip Zürich (and Vienna). If she is on a limited budget and short on time, it is not only out of the way but an expensive stop. (I have run out of ideas for people who ask for inespensive places to sty in Zürich!) I love Zürich-we intentionally fly into and out of Zürich even when we are going elsewhere, like Italy. But unless one has a particular interest in Swiss history or culture, it does not offer as much in the way of architecture and art as the other cities. Also, it puts one well out of the way for getting to Venice, unless you go via Milan. I'd add Vienna before Zürich if you want another stop. I was just trying to keep it to a realistic path and minimize backtracking.
Posted by
OP
Falmouth
3 posts
Thank you so much for your responses. I clearly have a long time to really know where I am going, but Lola thank you for the great suggestion. I was always a little scared to cut out Vienna but the day/night in Verona seems like a good first stop in Italy and I definitely want the days in Salzburg! And thanks for considering the financial aspect, I am definitely going to return to Europe so I can wait to go to the expensive spots :)
But I am still open to suggestions. I am very indecisive and any input and advise is beyond valuable.
Posted by
OP
Falmouth
3 posts
Also, about how much would each place be daily? I do not intend to really shop so money will just go towards the sites, food, and accommodations (which I'm thinking hostel-like). Thanks again!