My thoughts were to fly from Australia, 2-3 day stopover at cairo, London 5 days, Ireland (maybe 2.5 weeks-the main focus of trip, and to see relatives)...and then you know how it is ...so close to France, and hey that's next to Italy...
So I thought add 1 wk Paris and Disneyworld, and then 1 week on a canal in France,as a break for a family that will be tired by then, and when refreshed 2 wks in Italy, and home.
We would be starting early April next year, but although that's my preferred route, it has been pointed out that I should start in Italy as it's warmer and by the time we get to ireland it will be prettier in May than April.
What do you think?? I don't want to shortchange Ireland by seeing it before it blooms, but then I don't want to be doing it last and dragging tired kids around to see family. As soon as I sort this I can then start putting the bones of the trip together. Thoughts appreciated.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Hi Bernie,,
First what a lovely long visit you have planned, I am quite green with envy!
Second, I agree that starting south would be a good idea.. my friend is in Ireland right now,, and loves it, but does same weather is a real pain, often grey and rainy,, with only occaisonal sunny days. She says one activity she enjoyes is sitting out a cafes, but that the weather has really limited the amount of times they have been able to do that.
2.5 weeks is quite a while in London, but, as you say you have relatives so I guess that makes some sence.
As for kids, they make really enjoy the break from touring, and just visiting family at end of trip. As a child I went to Europe a few times, for months at a time, to visit relatives. I preferred just hanging out at relatives houses ,, in fact, in one of my travel diaries I complained we were going "into Paris again" when I just wanted to hang out in back yard with kid from across street,, LOL So, many the rellys at the end is not a bad idea.
Cairo is pretty intense,, I kind of wonder if you should skip it this time,, how long is this trip all together( humor me, I can't add, LOL ) .
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I've been to Ireland in April and it's beautiful. But it can also be cool and rainy/misty. You might be better off going south to north.
Posted by
OP
nsw
7 posts
Thank you Nancy and Pat- that all makes good sense. I laughed Pat about rellies being more of a highlight than Paris. So maybe Ireland and family will be the highlight as intended, even if they are tired at the end of the journey. Originally our plans were for 3-4 wks but it's a long way from Oz, so realistically this will be the only Europe trip we will do with the kids (hence tacking on France and Italy, making the trip perhaps 7-8 wks.I'll need to trim it a bit as I go)Thanks for getting me started!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15585 posts
Bernie, I'm curious...why Cairo? Unless there is a really good air route...
If you only want to spend a couple of days, better to do it at the end of your trip (short flight) than at the beginning when you will arrive very tired and jetlagged.
Posted by
OP
nsw
7 posts
Again trying to pack as many highlights as possible in that "once in a lifetime trip". I thought 2-3 days in cairo (with a guide so we are not overwhelmed) to see the Pyramids and the museum, then on to Italy. I have been to Egypt before and I think it's something my husband and kids would never forget.Its dependent on getting a suitable airfare though..your thoughts?
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
1914 posts
Hi Bernie, I think you got a good plan! A few days in each city gives you time to rest and see more of the area before moving on! If your going to Rome and want a guide PM me and I'll give you the name of a great one! Take Care, Monte
Posted by
Northern VA, VA, USA
121 posts
Bernie - what a fantastic trip and a great opportunity for your family! We went to Europe last year and hit 5 countries in 4 weeks -we had family and friends to visit in two places (about 10 days total)but the rest was on our own. It was a great mix. We also started in cooler areas first Germany and Austria and did southern Italy towards the end of June - that's how it fit best with our relatives' schedule so that is when we went. It was no problem and in fact it was nice to get warm and go to the ocean after visiting some very chilly distinations. Packing for both was not a big deal as we just layered everything. Whatever you choose it will be awesome.
Posted by
OP
nsw
7 posts
Thank you all for your input. Chani, I misunderstood your message until I just re-read it. I see what you mean about only having a couple of days in Egypt and being jetlagged for 1/2 of it...that might take the gloss off that idea. By the same token after that long on the road i'm not sure we'd detour there on the way home...I'll have to give Egypt some thought and see what air fares crop up.