I am studying abroad in England and I have a 4-week spring break coming up. I am planning on traveling (inexpensively) with 5 friends and we are looking for a few countries to visit during that time. We want to see Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, and Czech (Prague), but that seems like too much to do in a short time. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Buy, or have someone send you, a copy of Rick Steves books on "Europe thru the Back Door" and "Best of Europe" to assist with your planning.
Both of those books can give you a range of things at different prices so you can not only plan an itinery, but develope a budget. Happy travels.
Emily, on this very page is a link you may find quite useful, if you've not already read it. Above on the left you will see "Best Destinations" under the heading "Plan Your Trip". Click on those. A good plan is key to your enjoyment. Have a great adventure!... P
Since you have the time I recommend looking into Puelblo Ingles. It is an english immersion program for Spaniards whereas for free room and board for a week you work one on one and in group settings with the Spaniards. the only big reqirement is you must be a native english speaker. You pay your way to Madrid and once you're on the bus they pick up the tab for the most part, the venues are nice hotels and resorts in the Spanish countryside, age group is anywhere from 18-80 male and female from Canada, US, Australia, Ireland, England. It's a great way to stretch the travel buck and meet some great people along the way. Their website is www.vaughanvillage.com or www.puebloingles.com.
Hello Emily. Travelling in all those countries in 4 weeks is possible. But you would be travelling constantly. Is that what you want to do during your spring break ? I guess that being a student at a university in England is an intense and stressful experience. If I were there, during Spring break I would want to fly to the island Crete of Greece (via Athens)(but not at Easter weekend), find a good place for relaxing at Crete, and stay there for ten days. And then fly to Italy. Easy Jet has a relatively low-priced flight from England to Athens. Fly with Olympic airline from Athens to Crete.
I think it is possible to visit, but I would limit my time in each country to maybe a city - or two at the most. Spending less than 3 days in any one place is not enough time, or at least to me anyways. On that note, here would be my suggestions:
Italy - Rome or Florence, down time in Cinque Terre or Venice.
Greece- decide between islands or mainland. Athens is amazing historically, but Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes are awesome for relaxing and seeing pretty things.
Germany - Berlin for sure, Frankfurt if possible.
Prague - quite possibly my favorite city in Europe. Amazingly charming with plenty to do - I spent 10 days here.
Have fun!