Intro to Europe: 15 ground days London-Paris-Rome

If you haven’t been to any of the places before, I would drop Rome. I wouldn’t attempt this trip this year, as you have too many variables to go wrong.

You’re planning on flying to Rome, I presume, not a train? And taking the Eurostar fast train between London and Paris? Five days for each place, including the travel, is certainly doable. Each major city is certainly different.

You may have particular interests, but as a London side trip, I’d suggest Hampton Court Palace. For Paris, Versailles - unless that would over-palace your trip, or you’re a real Monet devotee. Rome, there’s the ancient Ostia Antica site, kind-of Rome’s answer to Pompeii.

I agree with Jennifer. With the rapidly changing conditions and restrictions in and between countries this year, 3 cities in 3 different countries in 2 weeks is REALLY pushing your luck. You might be fine, or you could get to your first city and get slammed with a quarantine situation to enter your next. If you are going to Europe this year, I think it's prudent to limit how many countries you want to visit.

Next year? IMO if you havent visited them before, then you're short changing all of those cities. Even more so if you are day tripping elsewhere. If you really want to add day trips, then seriously consider only 2 cities. And don't forget you'll lose the better part of a day every time you move cities.

By Coincidence your goal takes you the same direction as the 1200 year old Via Francigena pilgrimage route. It officially starts in Canterbury and ends in Roma. Supposedly you can walk it a month. Look it up if you are interested in the Middle Ages. The route has accommodations for the Pilgrims. Might be fun to check it out.

For 15 days, I would save Rome for another trip.

London side trips- so many great choices.
1) Windsor Castle
2) Stonehenge
3) Canterbury
4) Bath
5) Oxford
6) Cambridge
7) Salisbury
8) Winchester

Paris
1) Versailles
2) Loire Valley (spend a couple of days in Blois and see some Chateux)
3)Normandy (D-Day beaches, American Cemetery and Bayeux (don't miss the 900 year old Tapestry)

I love geovagriffith's suggested itinerary but would consider an overnight in York-easy trip by train from London.

TY all....2 countries it is.

yes the Loire region is very nice, Amboise etc.

Agree that 3 major cities this year may be pushing it. We were planning on two countries and cut back to just one to ease my stress. Hopefully next year we can all make up for lost trips.