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Planning 40 Days of Europe and Seeking Guidance

Posted by (Chicago) on

Hello and thanks to everyone for the advice I've found on the boards. I'm planning a solo trip to Europe for approximately 40 days, though I could extend it a few more days. I am taking a sabbatical this Winter term and will have from early February to late March to travel.

I have sketched out where I would like to go and would prefer to stay at B&Bs in each place (recommendations of B&Bs would be great). I have been to London, Rome, and Amsterdam before, which is why I haven't included them.

I would appreciate any advice on changes you think should be made, specifically in terms of days spent at each place. I'm really unsure of the Vienna-Budapest-Prague part, so advice would be appreciated in this area as well. I have a great airline deal from Chicago to Paris, Copenhagen to Chicago, so I've designed the route around that. Since I'm traveling alone, I'm happy to move things around. Thanks in advance and safe travels...

All travel will be via bus and train.

Day 1: arrive in Paris 11am

Day 2-6: Paris

Day 7-8: Lyon

Day 9: Leave Lyon early evening, train to Aix-en-Provence

Day 10-11: Avignon; overnight train to Florence

Day 12-14: Florence; overnight train to Calabria

Day 15-20: Calabria (non-negotiable b/c am visiting cousins)

Day 21-23: Assisi

Day 24-26: Venice

Day 27-28: Vienna

Day 29-32: Budapest

Day 33-35: Prague

Day 36-38: Berlin

Day 39-41: Copenhagen and leave on 41st day in afternoon.

Posted by
14 posts

Thanks. I needed a little reassurance that this wasn't completely bonkers. I tried to follow others' advice and have at least 3 days in most places. Maybe I'll cut a day in Assisi.

Out of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, which place would you spend the most time in? I know Vienna is more expensive than the other two, which is a consideration for me, so perhaps I'll put another day in Budapest.

Right now, I'm concerned about finding good B&Bs for the trip...only about half done on that end.

Posted by
9110 posts

Looks okay. Mostly high points and little time in the small interesting places along the route; but you must have picked the stops for a reason. Assisi seems a bit overdone.

Posted by
571 posts

I agree with Ed that you have too much time in Assisi. Unless you have some plan to use it as a base to branch out somewhere else. I'd recommend shortening the time in Assisi and give yourself another day in Vienna, which in my opinion is an excellent city.

Posted by
32349 posts

Isabella,

In reading over your proposed Itinerary, my first thought is that the travel times between destinations might need some "adjustment".

One of the longest legs of the trip is from Florence to Calabria. Which part of Calabria do your cousins live? One option might be to visit Calabria after France and then work north to Asissi, Florence and your other stops. I did a brief search of the budget airlines but wasn't able to find an easy solution. The best option would be a flight from Nice to Napoli and then continue by train.

I'll try and have another look at it later this afternoon, when I have more time.

Cheers!

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