My wife and I are planning a 14-day trip to Europe in June. This is our first trip to Europe and we'd like to split our time between Paris and Italy. After reading "Through the Back Door" and several of the posts on these boards, I think the best plan would be to fly open jaw and take the train between Paris and Italy. Any suggestions on order to visit? We will be flying out of San Francisco and it seems like tickets are cheapest into London. We could take train from London to Paris, train to Venice, and fly out of Rome at the end. Or scrap the London idea and fly directly to Paris. Or would you recommend flying to Rome, touring Italy, and then flying out of Paris? Are there cheaper alternatives to flying to/from Rome and Paris?
Posted by
Jax
47 posts
Last time I checked there was a Paris/Rome night train that departs just after 7pm(14hr ride?). So if you are set on a train ride, I would suggest flying into Paris; Paris to Rome, Rome to Florence,and finish in Venice; Fly out of Venice. However, the train ride won't be cheap so you might want to consider flying.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
With 14 days, and budget concerns, I'd skip London, unless it's a priority. (Your post made it sound like more of an afterthought.)
That time of year, all else equal, I'd do the Italian part of the trip first. Or: The NT from Paris leaves in the afternoon and arrives in the morning; I believe the train the other way leaves at night and arrives in the afternoon. You might have a preference.
Either way, that train ride is quite a haul and I would at least investigate discount flights. However you do it, open jaws is the right idea.
You've picked stellar destinations and are sure to have a great time!
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
My suggestion has always been to look for the shortest flight home. When going, you are excited and can do anything. when returning, you are dreading that looooonnnngggg flight. Go the furthest and work your way closer.
As to saving money, why not go earlier in the year if possible. Without kids, going off-season is often cheaper on airfares and hotels and having fewer tourists at sights. But most important of all, ice in Europe is a precious gem rarely seen so it is easier to get beverages that aren't cold.
Why no ice in Europe? The chief chemist died and nobody else knows the formula so all ice has to be imported.