Mock itinerary - suggestions needed

You have an itinerary that zig zags by train - and you'll be spending a lot of time on trains. I think I would begin by cutting out Bruges, the Alps and Monaco. You need more time in Paris and Italy.

Reduce your overwhelmness by following Doug's advice -- Cut it in half.

I've done whirlwind trips like this and they're just not as rewarding. You would be spending a lot of time on trains if all goes as planned and if it doesn't who knows. I spent seven hours on a four hourish train from Nice to Paris a couple years ago. especially since it is your first trip my advice would be to figure out what it is you most want to see and leave some of the other stuff for your next trip. If you take your time and give yourself time to fall in love with seeing Europe nothing will stop you from going back. I'm a starving student, but through scrimping and saving I'm about to make my third trip there in about 4 years. You really want more time in Paris; it's a huge city with tons to see. Nice and Monaco seemed mainly like tourist destinations geared to the wealthy (especially Monaco). I think figuring out which of those places you want to see most and limiting yourself will give you a much more enjoyable experience with a lot more positive memories.

I agree with the others. Since this is your first trip to Europe you need more time in the larger cities. I have only taken one whirlwind trip like this and came home confused as to what I saw where . I have visited 48 ( I make 49&50 Spain and Portugal in April) countries in the last 27 years and now limit my time to 2-3 countries and I usually travel for 3-4 weeks at a times. I know how it feels to want to see everthing and it is all worth seeing but you will enjoy your time and have bettter memories if you absorb the culture and people of a few places.Transportion in Europe is great but getting to spend time with the people is the greatest. You can come home with life long friends. Whatever you decide to do have a great trip.

Yes--cut back. And be brutally honest about your priorities. You could have a very satisfying trip to 3 or 4 destinations--say, London, Paris, and the Alps--but if your top priority really is Florence, then see Florence at the expense of something else.

Remember also that it will be hot in southern Europe.

You can see a lot in three weeks, but not everything. Good luck!

My 2 cents is like everyone else's... cut it to just a few places. By the time you acclimate to the new city, its time to say good bye.

July/ August will be hot and full of tourists. So take that into account, as well as your budget. Remember, you got to eat as well!

Nicole, assume you will be back to Europe. I thought 4 years ago I wouldn't go back and tried cramming. In June I'll be back (this time to Paris) which will be my 5th trip to Europe within 4 years

As Rick suggested, plot out travel time as well. If it takes 10 hours by train (or even 4 hours plane), take into account your arrival time, and how exhausted you'll be.