All, I'm planning a trip this summer (June/July) to Europe. This is the trip I've been looking forward to for years. I've been to Europe before (London, Paris, Venice, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre), and I'd like something different. I know these trips are very subjective/personal, but I'd like a nice balance of great food, sites, city, and scenic activities. I'm interested in Paris, the Swiss Alps, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, Prague, Amsterdam, Greece, or maybe one location in eastern europe. Maybe Nice/Monte Carlo as well? Obviously this isn't all achievable in one trip so I'd like suggestions on how to optimize my trip. Suggestions? My current itinerary (flight redeemed using miles) has me starting in Paris and ending in Madrid. Appreciate the responses!!
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Madrid - The Prado Museum for sure...and the Royal Palace and Armory as well. General sites: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Gran Via. All are winners!!
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
24 posts
Thanks! Would it be too aggressive to do Paris->berlin->eastern europe->zurich/alps->madrid?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17440 posts
If were doing this trip and wanted my memorable experience to be on the ground enjoying the scenery and culture, not in a train or a plane, I would limit it to 3 places, namely the ones you mentioned in your title. Start in Paris, train to the Swiss alps, then take the Elipsos overnight train Bern to Barcelona, and from there the AVE to Madrid. In 2 weeks you'd have 3 to 4 days in each place. http://www.elipsos.com/en/Precios.aspx
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
24 posts
Very interesting suggestion! I did not know there was a train option and was looking to fly. In that case, I'm thinking... Paris - 3 days Train to Zurich...Stop somewhere along the way?? 2 days zurich 1 day train to swiss alps swiss alps 2 days train to bern Bern 1 days Train to Barcelona Barcelona 2 days Train to Madrid
Madrid 3 days total-14 days Hmm....
Posted by
OP
Philadelphia
24 posts
Or instead of a stop in France other than Paris, maybe a stop in Italy somewhere?