Three Weeks: Final Itinerary Check

...may spend a few hours in Padua or Verona on our way depending on how we're feeling....
My only comment - you may need to plan for that ticket wise since you just cannot get on and off at your will. One exception - if using a Regionale train from A to E, you can get off and on at B,C, or D but the total trip must be completed within 4 hours or at least on the train to E when the four hours expires. All other trains require a seat reservation for that train and this is the same with a train pass.

I don't think this itinerary is too rushed. I think it's great. I would like more time in Normandy since I'm a WWII freak, but I'm not sure where you could cut a day from. At least you will get a nice overview of the area. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Frank, thank you--that's helpful to know! I was thinking that we would just get our tickets the day-of in Venice so that we can be flexible with our plans but do you suggest getting them ahead of time? I know it can save some money but would it be enough to be worth sacrificing some flexibility?

Thank you, Carroll! I wish we had more time in Normandy as well but we're hoping to make it back sometime. We will most likely take some time to see the museum in Caen on our way back to Paris as well!

I, too, approve of your itinerary! You won't need a vacation from you honeymoon when it's over.

With respect to your trip from Venice to Bologna, I have some good news: It's only on the fast trains that you pay extra for buying at the last minute. Regional train fares do not change. How much longer does it take to go all the way from Venice to Bologna on a regional veloce train vs. a Freccia or some sort of combination? A grand total of 33 minutes. Or less. (It's about 2 hours vs. about 1.5 hours.) So just figure that you'll take a regional train for that leg of your trip. The straight shot will cost you 12.50 euros each. It will be more if you decide to stop off in Verona (or Padua or Vicenza). Taking Verona as an example, Venice-Verona is 8.85 euros and Verona-Bologna is 10.30 euros. It would be prudent to check the schedule ahead of time, of course, if you're trying to avoid the costly trains.

That looks sensible to me, you have enough time in the cities to do what you plan and some slack built in. (Don't forget laundry!).

The logistics from CDG (or Orly) to Bayeux are unattractive to someone who flew overnight from here, but shouldn't be so hard for you after a short flight, and with the experience you'll have by then navigating cities. Re Bayeux, all I'd suggest is that you try to see the tapestry and cathedral if you can -- the tapestry is unique and I think very moving, the cathedral is where it was displayed. Easier to see those than to stop in Caen for the (excellent) WWII museum there (which is away from the city center, you'll probably need a taxi).

I would not spend the night in Brussels before your flight. Brugge is an hour outside town. Just stay there and take the train in to the airport the next morning.

csu, do you mind if I ask why? This stop is mostly for peace of mind to be in Brussels before we fly out to Venice. We're mostly planning on using our time in Brussels to do laundry to be honest!

Thank you, acraven and Dick! I'm glad that folks don't think we're bring too crazy... I was afraid I would get a lot of that!

This seems feasible, realistic, and wise. Have a blast!

There is a bus from the Caen train station to the museum but time-wise a taxi would not be a bad idea.

Thanks, Adam!

Fred, that's good to know. We will probably play it by ear depending on how late we leave Bayeux that day.

I think you have a good itinerary, Bruges is costing you quite a bit of time but no trip is perfect. You'll be tired of canals after Venice! I highly recommend a bike tour your first day in Paris and the Velib system for the rest of your stay. Bon Marche downstairs in their food section is awesome. You may remember from a previous post, I'm doing West Coast to Amsterdam and out of Paris for the second time.

Thanks for the recommendations Richard! I do remember that you're making a similar trip. Bon Marche seems like fun.

When you visit Bayeux, make sure you see the wonderful 900 year old Bayeux Tapestry that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England.

@ rachel...Playing by ear means either the taxi or bus is the choice...good. I saw the Caen museum only once (the pricey ticket was valid for two days), and I took the bus from the station. The first time I tried walking the distance, after 40 mins I gave up. You'll see that even by bus the museum is quite a distance away. after it leaves the centre ville, passes the church.

If you have the time in Bayeux, visit the war museum too, more concise, different approach in imparting the history because of the different works on the history, both primary sources quoted eg, De Gaulle's "War Memoirs" (the excerpt shown is in the original French with the English translation adjacent to it, and Eisenhower's memoir, "Crusade in Europe," and also secondary works, the ones by Keegan, Wilmot, or Hastings, etc. I like both museums considering their approach.

Rashaeljdunn, sorry to not reply sooner. I would stay in Brugge because it is so close to Brussels. The trains are so reliable, several an hour. If problems occur, then you can wait for following trains or take a taxi. I know a taxi is more expensive but your flight demands it. I just hate moving locations because you seem to lose a half day, packing, walking to the train station, taking the train, about an hour, then getting to your next hotel, checking in. It always seems to take a half day. But it is your trip and your comfort zone. Nothing is worse than getting a bad night's sleep thinking about travel the next day. I have traveled it a lot and am comfortable with it Staying in Brugge also breaks my rule for being in the departure city the night before a flight. Either way you will have a great trip! Enjoy!

Brussels for the night before your flight is not a real necessity. You have hourly direct trains from Bruges to the airport, even on Sunday. This departure fits you best, with later trains as back up.

IC 2307
Dep 08:06 BRUGES (Belgium)
Arr 10:47 BRUSSELS AIRPORT - ZAVENTEM (Belgium)

Personally I would prefer Antwerp as my base and make separate day trips to Ghent and Bruges. It's only 32mins by train from Antwerp to Brussels Airport.