England, France, Germany itinerary input

Christine, Your Itinerary looks reasonably good, however a few comments to add to the others. As someone else mentioned, you probably won't be up to full "touring speed" for the first day or so, depending on how well all members of your family handle jet lag. Especially for the London portion of your trip, it's important not to underestimate the time it will take to tour various sites. The Imperial War Museum especially seems to take longer than planned, but that's also true of the Tower of London, Churchill War Rooms and other sites. Given the interest in history, your group might also enjoy touring HMS Belfast, which is moored on the south bank of the Thames (near the Tower Bridge). I planned to only spend a few hours there, but that turned out to be half a day or more! The trip from London to Paris will be faster by train, and although the interest in Paris seems to be "lukewarm", there's a lot of history there and it's definitely worth a few days. The Invalides Museum has an extensive number of exhibits (the WW-I & WW-II portions are not as extensive as some others, but still interesting). Even with 4-nights in Normandy, you'll need to plan your touring carefully and allow adequate time for driving times between destinations. The landing sites covered a 50-mile front, so there's a huge area to cover. Again, don't underestimate the time it will take to see each location. It doesn't take long to visit the Church in St. Mere Eglise (the stained glass windows have images of Paratroopers, and Pvt. Steele is still hanging on the Bell Tower!). However, the two buildings of the adjacent Airborne Museum will take some time. continued.....

Part 2..... There are also important locations where the 101st ("Band of Brothers") fought, and one small but interesting site is the small Church at Angoville au Plain. The Bayeux Tapestry is also worth a visit, and there's also a WW-II Museum in Bayeux. You could also visit the Gun Batteries at Longues sur Mer, which are a short distance outside Bayeux (they were used in the filming of The Longest Day). There's also Pegasus Bridge where British Paratrooper's landed, which also has a Museum (as I recall, they take a "siesta" in the afternoon so allow for that). The original Pegasus Bridge is now on the Museum grounds, having been replaced by a similar, larger model. Given the fact that your husband and sons are "fanatics" about the D-Day history, you might also consider taking one of the D-Day tours in that area. While they're a bit "pricey", IMHO you'll learn far more about the D-Day events with an experienced Guide, especially some of the details that most people don't know. Previously, BattleBus used to be the most recommend service here, but unfortunately they're no longer operating under that name. There are two new options - have a look at This site or This site. I've toured with both of these Guides, and they're both outstanding! For driving around Normandy, I'd highly recommend a GPS unit along with a good Map (I normally use Michelin maps). continued.....

Part 3...... As you're planning to visit Burg Eltz, you'll definitely need a Car unless you're interested in the hike from Moselkern. A Taxi ride will be expensive (€25 each way, as I recall). While it's possible to hike down to the Castle from the parking lot, the Shuttle (about €1 PP) is a good value as it's a steep hill and of course not so pleasant on the way uphill. Were you planning to drop the car in the Mosel, and take the train to Frankfurt airport? It's an easy trip, especially as there's a station right in the airport. Good luck with your planning!

Hi, Christine. The first question that came to mind was: You're going all the way to Britain and you are "major Churchill fans" but you're not going to see Blenheim? Although perhaps I understand, as you are squeezing a lot into a limited period in London. (If you're as big history buffs as you've said, mark off a half day for the Imperial War Museum and another half day going to, touring, and returning from the RAF museum. Not much time left after that.) Although I've been to France, I've not yet toured Normandy but I have read previous posters' questions about it. I just get the feeling that the days in France are not proportioned well. Even the quickest visit to Paris probably needs two full days. You might want to give us an idea how you plan to spend the four days in Normandy for the experienced travelers to that area to comment on. Finally, I'm just curious if there is a specific reason you're adding the Germany leg at the end? Your reasons for going to Britain and France were clear, but I didn't understand specifically what you wanted to see after Verdun. EDIT: I know that Blenheim Palace is not in London, but given the Churchillian theme to much of your touring, I'm surprised you haven't looked into a day trip possibility to Oxfordshire.

Hi Christine. If you aren't very interested in Paris, just skip it and put the money towards another part of your trip. You seem more concerned about the expense than excited to see the city. Have you considered going to any World War II sites in Belgium? For a small country, it has a lot to offer.

I am not sure at all how this got in the new topic when it was supposed to be replied here: Well, we couldn't find frequent flier miles out of Paris or London for our dates, but we could find them from Frankfurt. ( It was a direct flight back to Dallas. The flights from London or Paris had overnight connections! Yuck!!!) Plus, last week my stepbrother and his wife arrived at their new duty station in Blaumholder.. ( not sure if I spelled that correctly.) Germany They are having their first kid in March and his wife is fluent in German and I thought would be a great resource. So that is why we are adding Germany. The original plan was just London, Paris and Normandy. I'm just not sure how to break the time up. The towns around Cochem looked quaint and we would do Berg Eltz. For Normandy we planned to see just about every single D-Day sight you can see, Caen museum, American, German and Canadian Beaches, St Marie Eglise ( too lazy to look it up right now) and then just enjoy French culture, going to a market or little bitty town bakery and just soaking it up. Walking on the beach. This would give us a little bit of a rest from London and Paris whirlwind. The other problem is the gites are either a week from friday to Friday or 4 days which are Monday to Friday... so we leave Tuesday, arrive in London on Wed, stay till Sunday. Spend Sunday and MOnday morning in Paris. Then Monday on to Normandy. Friday drive to Versaille, Saturday drive to Verdun and on to Germany. Wednesday morning we fly back. We didn't do Blenheim because he was only born there and it seemed like since he really LIVED and spent much time after the war at Chartwell that seemed a better choice. Don't they have his paintings there?

Thanks, Christine, for your follow up. The itinerary makes more sense now, especially Germany. Under the circumstances, I have to agree with Sarah, above, that Paris doesn't sound like a priority. Perhaps you can save it for another time. Maybe some of the regulars on this board will comment about your time in Normandy. Have a great time.
Matt

Christine: This sounds doable, and would be a lot of fun, though I hope you will include some sights that you yourself specially want to see, as it sounds as though most of the trip is geared toward husband and sons. That said, here are my comments for what they are worth.... Flying in jet lagged on the first day, you probably won't be ready to do things until after lunch. You might do Rick's South Bank walk, stopping by the Globe, finish across the river at St Paul's (let the boys climb to the top of the dome) and then dinner in Covent Garden before early to bed. The next day, be at the Tower of London early, when it opens. You'll be lucky to fit in the Tower and the War Rooms the next day. A 3rd day for the Imperial War Museum and RAF Museum. That leaves one day free...my top priorities would be the British Museum and Westminster Abbey. Are you SURE you have double checked what the car drop off in another country will cost? Don't under any circumstances assume it won't be too high, get it in writing. I like the idea of taking the ferry to Caen (Ouisterham), but be aware you'll have to take a taxi from the ferry dock to the car rental agency. While in Normandy, be sure to see Mont St Michel, the Bayeux Tapestry, and try to save a day to push west to St Malo and Dinan in Brittany. I haven't checked the road situation, but it sounds as though you might be able to see Bastogne, which few Americans get to, although the Battle of the Bulge is the largest American battle ever fought.

Believe me, we are seeing what I want to see. I have a secondary education degree in English and history, so I must admit I'm excited about seeing all of this as well. I was teaching Shakespeare the last time my husband and I went to England ( before kids). The Globe was supposed to open that year, but it was delayed and I only got to see the outside. I was SO disappointed!!! So maybe we should extend our time in London by a day and just travel over to Normandy on Monday. So maybe Sunday could be traveling to see Chartwell and spending the night at Portsmouth as I think the ferries leave really early to get to Caen. Or maybe an overnight ferry on Sunday night? The car rental on a travelocity quote had about 200 dollars in extra fees for the other country drop off. The total was around 850 dollars. Christine

I think the reason all of my children love history is that we actually go to the places and don't read textbooks. We read tons of real books. My 13yo has read every Jeff Shaara book ever written. I probably have 20 books each on the Civil War and WWII. I enjoyed studying WWI with them a month or so ago as that war seems to be glossed over on the way to WWII in traditional school. So Verdun looks interesting, but it may make sense to skip it and just take the train from Paris to Germany.

Christine, By all means you should include going to Germany but it doesn't look as though you will have time for Berlin, especially if you are interested in Prussian history. Are you referring to the RAF museum in London (Tube stop: Colindale) or the big one at Duxford? I went to Colindale last summer but have yet to see Duxford. If it's possible to squeeze in another day trip from London Waterloo to Bovington to see the Tank Museum, if you're interested in ordinance and armour...it's huge. If you're driving from Verdun to Frankfurt, you'll have a chance to see the military cemeteries outside of Metz, especially around the villages or Gravelotte, St.Privat,and Mars-la-Tours...I saw them in 1984, definitely helps having a car at your disposal. Spend an extra day in Portsmouth by skipping Paris this time...the D-Day Museum is in Portsmouth.

You're putting together a great trip! If you haven't yet done so, use viamichelin.com to get driving routes in France and estimated trip costs including gas and tolls. The driving times are on the optimistic side, though. I'm not sure what to tell you about Paris. One night isn't sufficient, but I suppose it's better than nothing. War history buffs enjoy seeing the Arc de Triomphe through which the Nazis famously paraded when they invaded France. However, I've not seen any pictures showing them running like rats going the other way through :-) Have you thought about spending another night around Versailles and making a day trip into Paris? I like the alternative idea of a ferry to Caen because it seems more adventurous and you could see Chartwell, which is terrific. From Chartwell it's only an hour's drive South to Battle, site of the Battle of Hastings (as if you need another place to visit!) which doesn't take a long time to see. You could take the train to Gatwick airport and pick up a car there, then go to Chartwell. If you do drive to Germany, from Verdun to the Mosel Valley I suggest an indirect route through Bastogne. It is well worth the detour.

I agree with the suggestion somewhere above to skip Paris and add the extra day to London. (Paris really needs more than 1 day). Blenheim can be done by coach tour; it is a major sight on a number of tours, or on your own. ferry to Caen, skipping Paris makes sense - you are right at Normandy and dont waste the journey from Paris

This seems pretty well thought out. I really only have one question: are you sure you want to see Versailles? It doesn't seem to click with your other interests. If you do, I would see it as a day trip from Paris, adding a night there to allow that. I am sure the hotel in Paris is the priciest of your trip, but you would save a lot of hassle and as a bonus have a little more time in Paris. You'd also be on the train to Verdun that much sooner, compared to coming from Versailles.

I love this trip. I wish I were going with you. You've picked good sights in London. I especially loved the Cabinet War Rooms. If you can fit in the British Museum, try to do it; it's a fabulous museum. I was in Normandy last year - spent four nights - and absolutely loved it. The WWII sights are fantastic, but I would love Normandy even without them. I loved the Bayeux Tapestry. Mont St. Michel was nice, but I liked the WWII sites much more. I think you will be glad you dedicated four days to Normandy. I love Paris, but I enjoyed the food, art, and architecture more than the history. I did like Invalides, but not as much as the Cabinet War Rooms and Imperial War Museum. Maybe you should skip it this time. I did not do Versailles. I was in Verdun in September and enjoyed it a lot. We saw all the main sites in less than a day. They are very easy to drive to. Have you read The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916? It's the perfect book to read before a trip to Verdun. From Verdun we drove to Bastogne. We stopped at the American Cemetary in Hamm outside Luxembourg on the way. Patton is buried there along with many killed in the Battle of the Bulge. It seems like this would be an easy stop on the way to Germany if you can spare the time. We really enjoyed this area. There's an excellent Bulge Museum in Bastogne and and even better one in Diekirch, Luxembourg, about 40 minutes from Bastogne. Close to Diekirch is Vianden, which has a fantastic castle, the best one I've been to. Our favorite thing, though, was seeing the Easy Company foxholes outside Bastogne near Foy. I can't help you with Germany. I've only been to Bavaria. I hope you have a great trip!

My experience traveling with a kid is we move pretty quick. I would take a day fro London and move it to Paris. Also - don't under estimate the amount of time to drive from Normandy to Mosel Valley. We did 2 nights in Bayeaux with one full day seeing sights and that was perfect for us. I have a now 11 year old - - Paris Normandy trip he was 8 but still, after lots more travels, says Paris is his favorite.

If it's WW2 history you are into, Duxford is a must. Having said that, you will need a whole day, even then it's not really enough time. We arrived there at 11.00pm. left at closing time and saw half of it. I would skip Paris and Versailles this time around. Try to find the time to fit in Berlin.

Christine, I would suggest that en route to Verdun, where you should spend the night to see all of that place, that you stop off at Reims, not just for viewing the cathedral, but also to see the school brick building where the Germans surrendered to Eisenhower. That room has been turned into a museum, exactly as it was for that event. If it's another piece of WW II history and its historical site you want, go to Reims. It doesn't look as if you'll make it to Berlin this time, otherwise I would suggest as a WW II site the museum at Berlin-Karlshorst. Reims...I saw only once in 1984 but Karlshorst a couple of times; that building housing the museum at Karlshorst is the site of the German surrender to the Russians the day after the event at Reims. To prepare yourself for seeing Verdun, I definitely agree that The Price of Glory should be read, a balanced and poignant account.

Before taking my teen sons to Europe I asked what they would like to see. "Castles," was the response. "Restored castles or ruins?" "Ruins." So I planned some stops at castle ruins, Rheinfels and Ehrenberg, as well as some not ruined Wuertzburg and Salzburg. They also seemed to enjoy any displays of medieval armor and/or crime and punishment.

In the event you do go to Paris, I highly recommend (as self-described 'history buffs'), that you don't miss seeing Napoleon's tomb. It's a mouth dropper. I suspect your boys would really enjoy it.

Your car rental: It makes really good sense to have one for Normandy and Verdun. But you can minimize your travel expenses by cutting down on car rental days and the $200 drop-off fee as follows: 1.) Go to Versailles FIRST after Paris via public transit. Then pick up a car there to head to Normandy. Much easier to drive out of Versailles than central Paris, and you'll save rental days. 2.) After Normandy, drive to Verdun directly; From there, drive to Forbach, France, to drop the car, then shuttle across the border by train to Saarbrücken, where the 5 of you can ride on to Cochem for 28 Euros total on a "Rheinland-Pfalz-ticket", a regional daypass. You can do additional outings by train for 28 Euros/day throughout the Rhine/Mosel region; on the way to FRA, a R-P ticket will get you almost there, as far as Mainz; there you can get tickets to FRA for less than 4 Euros each. The walk to Burg Eltz isn't difficult. Here are descriptions and directions: www.bensbauernhof.com/burgeltzfrommoselkern.html

Yes, I had planned to do Versailles first, but it is a Monday and so most of it is closed!! That is why I put it on Friday. I was wondering if we should just skip Versailles this trip. Hubby says we must go to Paris, so we'll just do that day and a half. But I will definitely look into the car rental suggestions you had made. Christine