First trip to Europe, need a bit of guidance.

Could you please clarify - are you planning to stay the entire month of April? Or how many nights do you plan to be in Europe in total? We can't recommend a week at each if you have two weeks total.

So sorry, I thought I included that! We are planning on staying the entire month of April, 4 weeks total.

a,

As you're travelling in April, you'll need to get cracking and get some plans in place as that's not a long way in the future. Especially as this is your first trip to Europe, you'll need to get up to speed on "how" to travel in Europe. With that in mind, I would recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip as that has a lot of good information. Use the country or city-specific guidebooks to plan hotels, transportation, sightseeing, etc. in the other locations you'll be visiting.

Have you purchased flight tickets yet? The most efficient method would be to use open-jaw flights (ie: inbound Amsterdam, outbound from Rome). If you could indicate your location, others here may be able to suggest good flight combinations.

With a four week trip, I'd suggest spending at least three nights in each city, with more in Croatia to visit your friends. Be sure to allow for adequate transportation times between cities. Three nights will provide two full days of touring. Which places in Italy are you conisdering, other than Rome?

I'd have to give some thought to the matter of a Railpass, but my first thought is that using P-P tickets would be a better idea. Especially in Italy, Railpasses are rarely cost effective as tickets for the fast trains can be purchased in advance at considerable savings.

On the subject of travel in Italy, there are some potentially expensive "caveats" to be aware of when using trains or other public transit there. If you need more information, post another note.

Thank you Ken! We will be flying out of Seattle, WA. I have looked at flights and have found a few flights that were pretty reasonable. I agree that flying one way is the best deal. As far as travelling Italy goes, we expected to have time only for Rome for a few days before flying back home. I appreciate your ideas. I have ordered the book you suggested, any others you think will be helpful along the way?

Thanks!

a,

If you live in or near Seattle, you may find it worthwhile to make a trip to Edmonds this Saturday. There's a huge travel event happening at RS headquarters, and as I recall the guidebooks will all be offered at about 20% discount. While there you could browse books in the free Library, or pick up books for the other cities you'll be visiting.

I think by including Italy in your plans that it will force you to rush Croatia. Something to weigh up.

Amsterdam - 3 nts
Berlin - 4 nts
Prague - 3 nts
Vienna - 3 nts
Zagreb, Croatia - 2 nts
Zadar, Croatia - 2 nts
Split, Croatia - 2 nts
Dubrovnik, Croatia - 2 nts
Venice - 3 nts
Rome - 4 nts

Don't miss Plitvice National Park on your way from Zagreb to Split. I agree with the suggestion others gave you. Thanks to Ken for telling us about Travel Festival in R.S. headquarters in Edmods. I live in the area and was not aware of it.