My first trip to Europe will be in June. I will be flying into and out of London. Subtracting 2 days for travel, I will have 12 days. I have planned to spend 3 days in London which includes a day trip to Bath, 3 days in Paris, 3 days in Lucerne, and 3 days in Venice. I want to make the most of my time, but I don't want to be rushed. Did I choose the best destinations? Will this schedule work? What modes of tranportation should I take between each destination? Please feel free to offer any suggestions for must see sights and sleeping arrangements.
Posted by
Winnipeg
590 posts
You will feel pretty rushed, I have spent 3 days in each Paris and London ( I would drop Bath though) and it is workable. I think a big factor in this is that I don't like museums and art galleries. I much prefered being ouutside, walking around and soaking up the atmosphere. You have to be very prepared and have a plan of what you want to see. 3 days in Lucerne seems like much. I was there for 2 and that was plenty. I have not been to any other part of Switzerland besides Lucerne and I have read on this forum that there are better places to choose from.
If you have the stamina and feel that you can be on your feet go for it. If you really enjoy spending time in Museums and art galleries you will need more time in esp. London and Paris. The best way to figure this out is read the guide books and highlight the "must sees" FOR YOU. If there isn't much, you probably won't want to spend tons of time there.
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
You can begin your own research by pasting each of the four internet addresses below into your browser. They link to this very website, and provide some of Rick Steves' suggestions.
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/britain/brit_menu.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/france_menu.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/italy_menu.htm
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/switz/switz_menu.htm
For a true idea of your available time in each location, don't forget to subtract travel between cities, as well as the return to London at the end of your vacation. By doing this, you might decide to adjust your itinerary. And, if you haven't actually purchased airfare yet, consider open-jaw travel.