First trip to Europe/ Finally!

As much as I'm loathe to suggest this, it seems like kind of a waste to travel to Paris for just 2 days. I'm not familiar with Spain but I would either do fewer days in Barcelona to add to Paris, or just stay in Spain the whole time.

It sounds good, how about 3 days in Paris 3 in Barcelona...don't want to miss Paris!

Thanks

Hi Raquel,

Paris is one of those cities where you could just spend more and more time there. Do you know what you want to do when you are there? I spent four days there and wish I could have spent even longer, but it all depends on what you want to be doing.

I don't know about the tours but from doing research for my trip, everyone seemed to advise not buying train tickets from raileurope.com. It's a lot more expensive buying it on that website than if you wait to buy the tickets there.

First, why fly back to Barcelona and then a train to Madrid? Why not just fly to Madrid? Save time and money. Second, why I like Madrid having spent upwards to two weeks there, Madrid is not a four day town unless you plan some day trips from Madrid. And third, unless it is too late, from Paris why don't you continue on to London and come home from London?

Raquel,

With basically only 13 days for your trip, IMHO your original Itinerary has far too much travel time. Rather than returning to Spain for your flight back to Miami, you might consider booking open jaw flights (for example, inbound Barcelona and outbound Paris).

There are lots of possiblities, but you might consider something along these lines:

• Day 1: flight to Barcelona (you'll lose the first day in flight times and time zone changes)

• Days 2-4: Barcelona

• Day 5: Train to Madrid

• Days 6-8: Madrid

• Day 9: Travel Madrid to Paris (budget air would be the best option - EasyJet & Vueling both fly to CDG)

• Days 10-13: Paris

• Day 14: flight home

If you haven't already, I'd suggest having a look at a copy of Europe Through The Back Door, especially the chapter on theft and scams (Barcelona has a bit of a "reputation").

Cheers!

Thanks for all the advise! I did my homework reading the articles that you mention.

I changed my plans .

1-Flight Miami to Paris ( stay 4 days take tours )

2- Flight Paris to Madrid (Vueling)

3- Stay in Madrid 7 days ( tours to Toledo,Asis,Seville, etc...)

4-Flight Madrid - Miami (open jaw)

Hotels are covered by timeshare Sol Melia.

Should I buy the tours in USA ? A friend mention Pullmantur

Raquel,

Regarding local tours, I'd recommend going to your local Library or Book Store and have a look at Rick's France/Paris and Spain Guidebooks. They have listings for reliable and good tour operators in various cities.

I normally pack the appropriate Guidebooks along when I travel, as I find them to be an excellent reference source. If circumstances cause a change of plans, it's easy to go to the Guidebooks and get the information for an alternate activity.

Cheers!

Thanks Ken!

Muchas gracias por su ayuda!! Ole!

Raquel

What kind of tours do you want in Paris,, so much is easy to see and do on your own.

There are two main big bus tour companies, equally good established etc.

ParisVisions

Cityrama

There are also hop on and off bus tours, great for getting lay of the land and they circle by all the main tourist sites,, you just get on and off at will . There is a one day pass( 29 euros) or the two day pass( 32 euros) .. you could do your expensive big bus tours on day one,, then get a two day hop on and off bus, then last day on your own. The bus company that i have used twice for HOHO tour was L"Open Tour buses, they are bright yellow and lime green( can't miss them) open top double deckers. They provide you with earphones for a basic taped tour. You do not buy your ticket in advance, just as you board. You can board at any stop, and they have stops at all major sites. they have 4 routes, but two are the better ones. Where are you staying in Paris?

Try some bike tours in the cities you are going to, or some walking tours. They are usually very reasonable and you will get a lot of interesting information in a short time. It is nice to have a guide who can answer questions, give you good tips on other places to go and visit, plus the tours can really be a lot of fun.

Raquel,

My Spanish is not as good as my Italian, but in reply to your last post,

De Nada!