18 - 20 Days in Europe

Here's one way to do those 5 destinations: Fly into Rome, fly out of London. # of days is subjective, each traveler would do it differently, but let's assume you have 18 full days "on the ground" not including your flying in and flying out days: Rome 3 or 4 days; most of the day to train to Cinque Terre, minimum of 2 full days in CT; 8 hrs of travel from CT to Venice, minimum of 2 full days Venice; 1 travel day to Paris; minimum of 4 days Paris, minimum of 4 days London. That's 18 or 19 days right there.Because you're including 3 of the major cities in Europe, Paris, London, and Rome, I wouldn't add any additional places because you don't have time, doing so would dilute your experience of these 3 and your other 2 destinations. The travel time required to get from the CT to Venice and from Venice to Paris, is significant and cannot be compressed.Here's a link to a discussion here of itinerary planning that hopefully will help http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/8906/itinerary-planning-tips--not-just-for--first-timers.html

You need to create a printed itinerary.

I always plan my itinerary by creating a page with the dates down the left and activity columns across the top listing the town where you spend the night, travel time to that town, estimated cost of accommodations, cost of meals, miscellaneous expenses and any other items of importance to you.

In that way you can budget your travel time, sight-seeing and nights. You can add the estimated cost for each day and determine how much your trip will cost.

Spend some time studying a map of Europe so you will
know the distances between towns. Estimate travel
time between towns where you will spend the night.

If you research on the web for travel costs, such as
train, ferry, air fares and hostels in each town you
can save a lot of money. The key is RESEARCH.

After 20 years of planning, I have come to rely on
info gathered on the web. It is invaluable; and I have found it mostly accurate. Although you will find
some errors.

Always use your ATM card to purchase local currency. It is by far the cheapest, easiest and quickest way. You will find machines in supermarkets, service stations, in front of banks, in hotels, air and RR terminals and shopping centers.

So that you won't have to carry excess currency, use
your credit card for accommodations and meals. Be
sure to ask if that business takes credit cards before you make your purchase.

If you scan this Graffiti Wall in other categories you will find lots of tips from other travelers. And read the Graffiti archives too.

I think Kent roughed out a good plan . As noted how much time you devote to each of the "big three"( Rome , London and Paris) is personal taste. Places like CT and Venice, while nice, are small , so that two or three days are all you need. Places like Paris, Rome or London could each easily deserve 5-7 days each, which you do not have , so now you have to decide which ones get the 4-5 days , which ones get the 3 -4 days.. and base it on some research you have done and your own tastes.

I would not add any other places at all.

May I ask when this trip is?? If in winter then 2 days is more then enough in CT or Venice, but in summer it would be pleasant to do some hiking in CT ,, and then I would consider adding a day or two more there.

I found Venice while certainly one of the prettiest and most unique places, to be, frankly, not a favorite for a long stay,, it is silly expenisive and food was less then steller,, actually half the time food was barely adequate yet more expensive then Paris!

I'm sure I'll get hammered for this but I'd skip Cinque Terre. Yes it's lovely, yes I enjoy going there but... Rome, Venice, Paris and London will be enough to fry your husband's brain on his first trip. I'd concentrate on enjoying each of these lovely cities with down time planned in. Take at least one full day off a week from sightseeing. Sit in a park, do the cafe thing, hell, do laundry, whatever. Try to do to much and your brain goes into overload.

Thank you for all of the responses. We are planning on traveling this June. I am a bit worried about not having decisions made because of the season. I really don't want to cut out Cinque Terre though. I have been there and really think my husband would enjoy it.

I haven't been to CT,, but it is one place I would try not to skip as all your other places are big cities( well, not Venice, but it is so crowded it feels harried) ,, so the CT is a nice break. A nice day hike, a drink overlooking the Med. sea,, ahhh. Lucky you!