Hi!
To mark my 70th this year, our first ever trip to Europe. We have a 6 week trip planned, starting in London and finishing with a cruise from Ravenna to Athens ... with an 8 day gap to fill.
The plan is to leave London Sept 22 and to arrive in Monterosso Sept 30. This is the 8 day period. Looking at arriving Paris the 22nd with 2 more full days to spend. Then departing Paris the 25th by train and heading towards Monterosso.
We have a rough idea that we could do Paris to Bern for the 25th to 29th, this would give 3 full days to do day excursions for sightseeing the Alps. Leave Bern on the 29th and stop in Milan overnight, and then to Monterosso.
I've been looking at different websites (like seat61), so much information that I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with all the different train companies and ticketing options.
Is the above a reasonable plan?
best excursions from Bern?
what options could we consider as an alternative to Bern?
do we need to change trains on the Milan to Monterosso?
recommendations where to stay in Bern and Milan .... generally looking at 3.5 stars give or take a wee bit.
recommendations where to stay in Paris, at this point other than enjoying sightseeing by foot, we will visit the Louvre Museum.
When is it truly the best time to book train tickets for this period ... is it best to go thru raileurope.com or individual train companies?
Reason I've kind of picked Milan as a stopover is because I'm thinking shorter travel days.
Yikes .... thats a lot of questions! So very appreciative and grateful for any and all ideas and advice.
cheers & thanks so much
Derreck (newbie traveler)