Hello wonderful RS travellers...
I have committed to assisting 2 friends with ideas for a trip, and altho I have travelled much in Europe, I am truly having an issue with this. A couple, very fit, both 50, first time to Europe. They would like to do all travel by train, will be gone October 18, flying into London, Channel Tunnel to Paris, a few days in Paris, train to Switzerland, a few days there, then train to Italy, and flying out of Rome on November 15th. They are interested in not so many museums, but just soaking up the sights, sounds, and wandering. They are very interested in spending much of the time in Italy, which is why I posted here-but correct me if I am wrong! They would like to see Venice, Florence, Rome. Where I am having trouble is recommending small town/s to see when in Switzerland b4 heading in Italy, and they would love to "do" small towns while in Italy. If this is too broad of a request, just say so...but thought I would put it out there. I have advised that they have their train tickets ahead of time-up for discussion-and that they have hotels, as this is such a travel year.
They will have a moderate budget, most likely hotels in the 300 +- range. I appreciate any and all advice and suggestions.
Thank you....PS..they are flying into London as taking the Channel Tunnel is important to them, which will necessitate at least one night in London...fyi..Thanks again!
Posted by
California USA
4115 posts
Take a look at this itinerary. They can organize tours/day trips in areas that interest them from these bases all easily connected by trains.
1 night London near St Pancras for the Eurostar
4 nights Paris FR
3 nights Lausanne CH
2 nights Milan IT
4 nights Venice IT
4 nights Florence IT
5 nights Rome IT
23 nights, I didn’t actually count their nights between the two months you mentioned.
Posted by
Paris
7312 posts
4 weeks does feel like a decent amount of time for their plan.
Here is a possible schedule I just came up with:
- 18.10: arrive in London
- 19-21: explore London
- 22: Travel to Paris
- 23-25: explore Paris
- 26: Travel to the Berner Oberland: Wengen, Mürren, Grindelwald would be great bases
- 27-29: explore the Berner Oberland
- 30: Travel to Milan, stay overnight
- 31: Travel to Venice
- 1.11-2.11: enjoy Venice
- 3.11: Travel to Florence
- 4-5: visit Florence
- 6-9: rent a car for a few days and stay in the Tuscan countryside, somewhere around Siena for example
- 10: head to Rome. Driving is a possibility, or return the car somewhere en route
- 11-14 Discover Rome
- 15 Leave Rome, alas
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6596 posts
I do like Balso's plan, except it is a shame to be that close to Lucerne/Luzern and not see it. I love Luzern and its a perfect place to wander and sit and soak up the sights.
Posted by
OP
california
292 posts
Mona and Balso..thank you beyond!! I love this..appreciate it all..will present both of theses! Sounds exactly like what they want!!
Posted by
OP
california
292 posts
Jules..wonderful idea..will add Luzern to the mix..this will be perfect!
Posted by
OP
california
292 posts
Jules..wonderful idea..will add Luzern to the mix..this will be perfect! Balso and Mona. For first timers..what are. In Paris would you suggest?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7233 posts
Looks like they will have 27 nights?
If they want to experience small towns in Italy as more than just a day trip and do not want to rent a car for Tuscany as balso has suggested they could slot in places between Venice and Florence, then between Florence and Rome.
From Venice go all the way to Lucca- spend 2 nights
then to Florence
From Florence go to Orvieto before Rome and spend 2 nights
That breaks up the "all city" locations in Italy
Using Mona's itinerary:
1 night London near St Pancras for the Eurostar
4 nights Paris FR
3 nights Lausanne CH
2 nights Milan IT
4 nights Venice IT
2 or 3 nights Lucca
3 or 4nights Florence IT
2 nights Orvieto
5 nights Rome IT
All easily done by train