I've been planning my Europe trip so as to go in Sept-October, but now it seems that it will be impossible (work/study issues) and I'm thinking of going all July and part of August. My itinerary comprises London, Dublin, Paris, Bruges, A'dam, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Swiss Alps, Florence, Rome and Cinque Terre.
I want to know if you have any special reccommendations, Will it be too hot? Should I follow my itinerary in that order or do it backwards? How much time in advance should I book the hotel rooms? Should I avoid any place because it'll be too crowded? I don't know, any thing you feel it's important to take into account.
Thank you!
Posted by
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
430 posts
Some of the sights are notably more crowded, and some of the destinations appreciably hotter, in July and August than at other times. (Note that I've not been in July, but have been in late June and late August.)
The other advice on tweaking the order a little makes sense. I would not avoid any of those cities based on a little more crowding, nor based on a little more heat. It looks like a good plan to me.
I would remind you that many Cathedrals and Churches do enforce their dress codes -- no bare shoulders, no bare knees, etc... When you get in the south of the trip, in the warmest time of the year, you'll have to watch what you are tempted to wear.
Book hotels as far in advance as possible. As soon as you pin down your dates, start negotiating rooms. The more full they get, the less they will negotiate on price. Also, the most popular / best hotels fill up first -- so -- book as soon as you have dates.
Buen viaje!
Posted by
Calgary
2297 posts
Italy will probably be hot no matter if you go in July or August. The other more northern places will be lovely. Well, most likely.
This is high season and if you plan to stay in the major cities/tourist centres I'd recommend to book well in advance to get some affordable accommodation, i.e. start now. If you're willing to explore more of the lesser known country side you could probably get by without reservations.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
Steve, I think "all July and part of August" is about 5-6 weeks :)
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Natalie,, hotels in Paris are often CHEAPER from mid July thru August. I have a favorite booked for last two weeks in July,, and then was going to change travel time to May or June,, and hotel price goes UP 25 euros during those months. So airfare is cheaper in May,, but since I stay at least 14 days, the price difference in hotel costs make it cheaper for me to keep visit in summer. NOw, I cannot attest if this would be same for other cities.
Rome is a roasting oven from mid June to mid September. You may be more used to heat then I am ,, so perhaps it will be not so bad for you. I am not used to heat in the high 30's ( celisuis) ,, so just make sure you get air conditioning in Rome!
Even with 6 weeks, I think you have too many places on list, but I understand that some people like to visit many places. "Swiss Alps" ,, where in Alps?
Have a fun trip.,, and do book as ahead..
Posted by
OP
Buenos Aires, Argentina
120 posts
Hi all! Thank you for the replies!
Having in mind the dress code for churches is a great piece of advice!! I wouldn't have thought about that!
I'll also have in mind to look for air conditioning in Rome hotel rooms! Althought I am pretty used to high temps (today temperature reached 42 celsius degrees :s) I can't sleep without air conditioning!
Regarding some of your questions, yes, I plan to stay over 6 weeks, between 45 and 50 days, and I'll try to stay at least 3 nights in most destinations. London, Paris and Rome will take 5, :)
About the Swiss Alps, I'm thinking of Lauterbrunnen or Gimmelwald, I haven't decided yet. I'll stay there 3 nights.
Would you think that June-July would be a wiser choice than July-August? Maybe the last two weeks of June and all July... Just considering other options!
Well, keep giving me advice! Cheers!
Posted by
Lock Haven, PA
44 posts
I was in Lauterbrunen and Wengen this past summer. I did not go to Gimmelwald, but know where is located in relation to these villages. Lauterbrunen is in the valley and Wengen, Gimmewald and some other villages are on a terrace a few hundred feet above. Gimmelwald is quite small in comparison to Wengen. What do you want to do there? It is ga-ga beautiful and a super place to hike, etc. Wengen probably has more to offer than Gimmelwald, but it is personal preference. You can only drive to Lauterbrunen and you must take a cog railway to Wengen (not cheap). I can't remember how you get to Gimmelwald, cable car perhaps---I know you cannot drive there. Swiss transport is exceptionally efficient and clean, but be prepared for the cost. My son and I went on the cog railway from Wengen to Jungfraujoch (highest railway station in Europe)....it was $250 RT for our 2 tickets total. We were on a climb of Monch and it was a beautiful day, so the money was irrelevant. Just be prepared.
Enjoy your trip. Hope the weather cooperates.
Just reread your post. Cinque Terre huh? Vernazza is a fantastic place even if it run over with Americans. Absolutely love it there. Rick Steves, rightly or wrongly, has brought a huge number of American tourists there, but it doesn't seem to have adversely affected the natives. They are uniformly friendly and welcoming. I was taking a picture along one of the streets of some fishing equipment and saw movement in a 2nd story window. It was an elderly lady (obviously local) who smiled, I took her picture, she bowed and so did I. Priceless.
I have been all over the UK six times and can count on one hand the Americans I have run into (except Trafalgar Square), so the Cinque Terre took me aback somewhat. Still love there....going back this July.