Finally think i have figured out my trip for this summer. I this trip is unusual for me as I will be including Spain. ( never been there) Roughly looks like this: July 17th-arrive Amsterdam mid day July18-Amsterdam July 19th-train to Paris July19-26th -Paris July 26th- train to Nice July 27th-30th- Nice, with daytrip to Monaco July 30th, fly to Barcelona July 31st-barcelona Aug 1st barcelona Aug 2nd barcelona Aug 3 - bus to Tossa de Mar arrive in morning( its only 1.2 hours) Aug 4th- Tossa Aug 5th- Tossa Now, this is where I get stuck. We are flying out of Paris on august 8th,, ( not changeable, ) ,, so do I leave Tossa on the 5th, go back to Barcelona and fly back to Paris for the 5th, staying in Paris night of 5th 6th and 7th, which really gives us just two more days in Paris, but does allow for a safety cushion of time if flights from Barcelona or cancelled or delayed,, or do we risk flying back on the 6th, which then gives us only one day.
My concern is there is only a nightrain to Paris from Barcelona, and its expensive, flights are cheaper, but if cancelled or anything leaves us scrambling to get back to Paris. 22 days seemed like a decent length of trip, but it now seems too short!
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Just looking at the map, wondering if you could make your way back to Paris by train. First overnight stop Avignon or Lyon then Lyon to Paris. You'd see a little more of France that way. Not exactly sure of logistics and cost vs. flying but it's something I'd personally consider. I really like both Avignon and Lyon.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
How about, fly Amsterdam to Nice, then consolidate all your Paris days at the end of your trip. You decide how much time to spend there and adjust the rest of your itinerary accordingly. This saves you a day of transit (which you can spend doing fun stuff) and one change of venue (packing, checking in and out of hotel, unpacking etc).
Posted by
OP
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Adam, not a bad idea, except we rented an apartment in Paris and that was the only week that worked for them( and we wanted that particular unit as it has a balcony overlooking Notre Dame and partner can smoke on it, according to owner, but not in unit)
Posted by
OP
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
You know Sharon I had looked into that, I had been shown a link to the TGV that will do a daytrain between Paris and Barcelona, but it doesn't stop after a quick transfer in Spain, and the price was more then flying,, now, I had to book in dummy dates in April to get a prices since it they don't allow booking more then 90 days out, but can't imagine prices would be any lower in summer. Think lowest was well over 100 euros,, for a 7 .5 hour train ride,, tad longer then I think I would enjoy( I think about 5-6 hours is enough) . I do like the idea of stopping and seeing more of France, but looks like it might have to be next trip,, as I really want to be back in Paris at least one or two days before international flight home( not refundable tickets!) We found trains from Paris to |Nice for only 40 euros( but yes realize shorter trip) and guess that will be our long haul train taste( its about 5.5 hours I think) . Its so tempting to add a few more days to trip, pay the change fee and leave a few days later,, but when would it end, I could just go on and on adding!
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
I absolutely understand wanting to spend another couple of days in Paris! It sounds like a great trip - I think you'll like Spain!
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10594 posts
What about flying from Paris to Barcelona? You could spend the time you want in Spain, then fly to Nice. The logistics of getting back to Paris from Nice (or elsewhere in France if you want to spend a couple of days in another place) seem to be easier. I don't know a lot about the trains, but there might be one you can take directly to the airport from somewhere, so you don't have to return to Paris to stay.