help! heading to europe for approx. ten days this july with my niece and sister...both of whom have only been to europe once. starting the trip off in frankfurt and staying with a friend to get our bearing. then hoping to head off and see a few cities...any ideas?? we can either go north or south...north to amsterdam/bruges/paris--although ive done those a million times---or south to italy? any ideas? looking to not break the bank and perhaps either train or rent car. please help with ideas!!
Posted by
Land of La
9202 posts
Did the calendar year change and I missed it? September 1st is tomorrow so I'm going to speculate you mean July of 2013. First thing you should do is grab a copy of Europe Through the Backdoor and read it. Will help you decipher modes of travel, potential accommodation costs, possible sites of interest for the 3 of you, etc. Just because you've done the Amsterdam. Bruges. and Paris jaunt a "zillion" times doesn't mean your family members wouldn't enjoy it. Plus they'd have you to help them navigate how to use the each cities public transport systems, how to exchange money, the best way to beat the lines at the Louvre in Paris, good restaurants to eat at and places to stay. Or you could all explore Italy together for the first time. Get some input from you niece and sister.
What would they like to see?
Posted by
OP
stony point, ny, usa
9 posts
Thanks for advice! I have all the guidebooks which are priceless! We r all split on where to go my neice has only done Paris and Rome on a school trip. Hated Paris loved Rome. She'd prefer more Italy and possibly Amsterdam. She's only going to be 18 so not into bar scene or nightlife. My sister has only been to UK. She does not want to miss Paris but beyond that is game for anything. I adore Amsterdam, fell in love with Bruges, hated Brussels, so- so about Italy although I have never been to Venice... As a former flight attendant I've been to most major cities. But agreed, it's fun to be the tour guide. Just looking for a good plan of attack where we can see a lot but not overspend. I know the more north we go the more expensive.
Posted by
Atlanta
5184 posts
Since none of you have been to Venice, give it serious consideration. It is a fantastic city. We've been several times and can't wait to go back. TC
Posted by
OP
stony point, ny, usa
9 posts
Would it be feasible to take an overnight train from somewhere in Germany to Venice and then any ideas on a destination north from Venice via train??? I agree-- but Venice in July??? Hot and stinky and crowded oh my!!