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London, Germany, Italy in under 3 weeks?

Posted by (Phoenix, AZ) on

I am still tweeking my itinerary. I appreciated all the help this board has provided. I am planning to take my son this summer. I would like to keep it under 3 weeks. Please let me know if this is doable.

London (5 days), Fly to Frankfurt(2 days)to visit exchange family from my trip in High School. Would like to show my son where I was etc..., the take a train to Munich(2 days) do the Radius Tour to Neuswanstein Castle, Fly or train to Venice(2 to 3 days) with a side trip to Verona. The to Rome for 3 days with possible a day trip to Pompeii. I don't want to rent a car and drive, nor do I want to spend to many days sitting in airports. If I need to cut out cities, I would probably choose, Venice and fly from Munich to Rome. Over night train? I know that London is quite out of the way, but I really want him to experience British History. (Family History and my son REALLY wants to see Rome. Any help would be great.

Posted by
1717 posts

Hello Kristen. I recommend : do not try to sleep in a train at night. In a busy and lengthy sightseeing trip in Europe, people need a good long sleep at night in a hotel or B & B.

Posted by
345 posts

I agree with Ron -we took a night train from Paris to Munich (12 hours) and it dreadful for me. There is a discussion here on sleeping on night trains. Some can, some can't. My wife slept like a rock, while I layed awake all night.

Posted by
277 posts

I have traveled on overnight trains on several occasions. My only restful experience is when I took the train from Paris to Nice. We had bunk beds six to a cabin. Since it was five in my family with two of my very young children, it was fine. However, The other times we were on a couchete. Some passengers were in the hallways outside our door. Loud, drinking, and having a good old time. We did not get any rest. It was indeed an adventure.

Posted by
32353 posts

Kristen, as the others have indicated, night trains are not always the best option. Should you choose a night train that has 4-5 changes, you won't get much sleep!

The rail trip from Munich to Venice is a good choice. If you're using a Rail pass that includes Germany & Italy, you'll have to pay separately for the portion through Austria (Kuffstein/Brennero). I did that trip last year, and the scenery was beautiful!

Depending on which rail options you select, you should be able to stop in Verona for a few hours on your way to/from Venice. Check RS Guidebooks for luggage storage options in Verona.

If possible I'd recommend adding at least a day or two to Rome, as it's an incredible city with LOTS to see! Given that your son REALLY wants to see Rome, I'm sure he would enjoy exploring the historical sites.

As someone else recommended, substituting Ostia Antica for Pompeii would be a prudent choice, given the short time frame.

Cheers!

Posted by
199 posts

Thank you for all the replys. I took everyones advice; no night trains and added a day to Rome. This is what I came with now.

London (4 days) Side trips to Windsor, Hampton Court,
Fly to Rome(4 days) Visit Pompeii, Naple Museum on day 3,train to Venice (2 days), Train to Munich, stopping in Verona for lunch, sightseeing, etc..(Still trying to figure out luggage situation while there), While in Munich (2 days), visit Nueschwanstein Castle and train to Frankfurt for 2 days.

Posted by
199 posts

Thank you Kent. I have been researching this. I read that there is a bus station across the street from the train station. Maybe leaving there is an option.

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