Planning 1st trip over the pond, can you help us?

Committed to Munich - does that mean Oktoberfest?

I think you are trying to do WAY too much. The more places you go, the more time you spend in transit and the more money you pay for transportation. Try to pick places that are not too far from each other. You only have 9 days. Do you prefer cities or smaller towns? Nature or museums? You are on the right track planning on flying into one airport and home from another. You could easily fly into Germany and go to Italy from Munich (or visa versa). Be realistic about what you can reasonably do.

I wonder if the webmaster could set up a feature so that when the subject line indicates that it is someone's first trip, an automatic reply is generated saying "you are doing too much, cut back on ______ fill in the blank."

Just sayin....

yes, munich is the Oktoberfest commitment. but other than that, we can leave as early as 9/16 and come back as late as 9/25. we have no idea what to do with the other days, lol. our thought has been to visit 4 cities/areas but perhaps we just do 3?

we have never been to europe so were open to seeing anything/everything, there is no wrong answer as to where we go, but we would like to travel conveniently and cost effectively without tiring ourselves out.

I would forget about Dublin and Spain. Way too far from Munich. You could fly into Venice and spend a few days there, and maybe go to Salzburg or somewhere else in Austria for a night on your way to Munich. After Munich you could go to Neuchwanstein and explore that area (fly home from Munich) or go to Rothenberg (fly home from Munich or Frankfurt).

Venice to Munich can easily be done by train. I'm sure that Lee, the resident expert on all things Germany will chime in on how to get around there and good places to stay.

We will be at Oktoberfest this year too. Have a great time!

To add to what Michael said 'and read the Rick Steves' books on Europe"

Unless you got a cheap roundtrip from Chicago to Dublin, I wouldn't plan on Ireland for this trip. The "real" Ireland is in the countryside, not in the city. It would be a shame to go to Ireland and never get out of the city. You'd probably be better off to fly more directly to Brussels or Munich and continue from there.

I agree- skip Dublin this time. Maybe skip Brussels. Why not focus on Bravaria? Do Munich, Salzburg, maybe a day trip to Insbruck (or stay there a few days- though fall might not be the best time). You could spend time seeing a very interesting part of Europe more in depth. Lots of things to see and do in Bravaria- castles, churches, lovely villages like Halstat or Mondsee. Rethink this trip.

Hi Joey,

From what you posted, you have 8 nights total in Europe with 2 committed to Munich. That leaves 6 nights. My opinion, spend your other 6 nights in the "area"... meaning Salzburg, Innsbruck area and Fuessen (Neuschawanstein) area. If you try to see "everything", you'll most likely see nothing. There's more than enough to see and do here with 6 nights. Just a suggestion. By the way, we've traveled to Bavaria/Austria in the fall (Sept./Oct.) many times and it's the best time visit (IMO).

Paul

joey,

I have to agree with the others in that this Itinerary is a bit too "ambitious" for such a short time frame, especially given the distance between some of the cities.

My first suggestion would be to read Europe Through The Back Door as that will answer a lot of questions and provide information to plan an efficient trip.

With only 10-days total, choosing locations that are somewhat close geographically would be a good idea, so as to minimize travel times. As the first day will be lost in flight times and time zone changes and the last day with the flight home, you'll only have eight days for touring. It appears that you've already decided to use open jaw flights, which is a really good idea!

It would be easier to offer suggestions on "what cities to visit, how to get there, etc." if you could indicate what cities you're most interested in and what sights you're hoping to see?

One route you might consider would be to fly inbound to Paris, travel to Munich and then to Rome and fly home from there. Three cities would be very workable for an eight day trip, and you could take day trips to cover a few more places.

Good luck with your planning!

If you're wanting to do the convenient/cost effective way, then I'm agreeing with the others who suggested staying in the area. There's lots to see and do in Bavaria and Austria. Get a good guidebook that covers these, that'll give you a good start.

I would absolutely agree that your route is way too ambitious for such a short period of time. I realize that you probably feel like you should see as much as possible, but I would also recommend that sticking to the areas near and around Munich is the best option. Fly into Frankfurt and then make your way down to Munich through what's called the Romantic Road, do Munich, and then move on to Salzburg and Vienna or other parts of Austria, fly home from there. You do not have time to venture too far off otherwise you will be spending a tremendous amount of time in European airports and train stations.

Would I be making a wrongful assumption if I guessed your trip is focussed on doing some very nice sampling of beer along your path (Irish pubs, Belgium craft beers and ooooo yeah - OKTOBERFEST!).

If so, maybe consider this instead. Skip Ireland - it is really not covienent to the rest of Europe. Save it for another time. Instead consider Prague. The finest beer in all of Europe (practically undisputed...practically). Maybe a Prague, Vienna, Munich route.

If not that...then maybe Munich, Lucern, Venice.

But if I were you I would give myself a MINIMUM of three nights for any major city. So for your timeframe - pick three cities that are relatively close by each other and enjoy them to their full potential. You won't regret it.

you guys are the best!!!!

we've ordered the book and were going to localize our trip within central europe, probably going to rent a car which will be really exciting :-)

Wow. That is way too much traveling! I would stick to Germany. Rent a car, and see the countryside as well as the city. That's not only 4 separate countries, but 4 separate languages and cultures. Slow down and take the time to enjoy Germany. It's incredibly beautiful. Give yourselves time to meet folks and explore the area.

Whittle it down a little, too much travel. Take the time to enjoy and explore each destination, and save some for your next trip.

Your last post of renting a car and touring local is ideal for the timeframe you have. Your 1st itinerary was way too much and you probably would have ended up very frustrated.