We are 2 Aussie couples around 50yo and travelling for around 7 weeks in Europe August 2009. I have spent hours reading this website and it’s been a great reading so far, so thank you all. We start in London for 4 days and have to leave from London. (yes I know open jaw more efficient but its already purchased) Then to Paris 3-4 days, train to Switzerland and do a scenic train trip. Then head south to Cinque Terre for 3-4 days. As we head to Rome for 3 days will probably do Venice and Florence along the way. Here’s where I get a bit unsure. We would like to do 1 week in Athens+ Greek Islands and also 1 week on a Croatia cruise out of Split or Dubrovnik on an old sailing ship. The cruises are round trips back to original ports. We then fly back to UK (maybe Manchester) and visit relatives for about 1 week until we leave. This plan is completely changeable except London is fixed. We will travel by train in Europe and car hire in UK, though would be happy to drive in French or Italy countryside. We are also happy to fly between destinations to save time. Should we see fewer places and enjoy a B&B say in France or Italy? Or do you think our longer stops (Croatia, Greece is enough) We like doing stuff like mixing with locals, surf, snorkel or windsurf rather than museums and churches. Perhaps a really nice B&B in the French or Italy countryside. Is Croatia cruise a bit too similar to the Greek islands? Sorry this is so long winded but any comments would be appreciated. Cheers Steve.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I have flown across the Atlantic 16 times; so I have
planned many itineraries. I always plan my itinerary by creating a page with the dates down the left and activity columns across the top.
Make the column headings the town where you spend the night, travel time to that town, cost of accommodations, cost of meals, miscellaneous expenses such as tolls and entrance fees and any other categories.
In that way you can budget your travel time, sight-seeing and nights. You can add all the estimated costs for each day and determine how much your trip will cost.
Because you have read this page, you know than buying
food at a supermarket and planning a picnic lunch is both fun and economical.
We have learned to buy meat, bread, fruit, chips and drinks as start. We like to eat dinner in a restaurant. We split our entre and buy two salads.
To add a little more adventure to our travel, my wife and I sometimes stay in hostels or homes. We have never regretted making that choice in 20 years of travel. Since you like to mix with locals, you will find this an ideal way to do so.
Spend some time studying a map of Europe so you will
know how far apart each town is. That will help you
determine the amount of time to allow for each leg or
your trip.
I would fly into London and visit friends before heading south. Then re-schedule your flight home from Athens or some other city in the south. Find out how much that change will cost you before you decide not to do it.
The cost of changing your departure city may be less than the train or air fare back to London. I have changed flights several times and never regretted it.
You may find the Croatia coast uninteresting; so I would choose the Greek Islands every time. Visit Split and Dubrovnik by auto.
Plan on staying in homes in that area. We found it educational to see how the people live.
Posted by
Edmonton, AB, Canada
668 posts
We did something similar in 2005. Went by train London, Paris, Geneva (would not recommend it), Villefranche-sur-mer, Pisa, Manarolo (Cinque Terre), Lucerne, Salzburg, Pargue, Vienna, Venice, cruise from Venice backt o Venice fle to London and home. Found trains much easier and relaxing than expected. Spent 4 nights in most places. If you want more details, check or website http://ama.mytripjournal.com/hunterstravels or send me a private message.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
In a 7-week trip, many things become doable. From what you've said, nothing jumps out as being not feasible. Regarding the decision whether to go by train, rental car, or air, you might want to start with this website:Rail planning websiteUse it to check travel times by rail. If the train is more than 6 hours, compare the travel time and cost of flying using this website:Flying Within Europe WebsiteAnd if trains don't efficiently serve a particular destination (for example, Tuscany hill towns in Italy), then consider renting a car.