Am traveling this summer with a friend. Her dream is to see the Eiffel tower, mine to experience Greece. Is is feasible to tackle Paris, perhaps Cinque Terre and the Peloponese in a 10-12 day venture, or are we nuts? The tentative plan, so far, is to fly to Paris, take the train to Brindisi and ferry it to Athens. Any input is valued, thanks!
Posted by
Freedonia
15064 posts
If the only places you want to see are Paris, the Cinque Terre and the Peloponese...and nothing else...then you can do it.
That's a long train ride from Paris to Brindisi with a side trip to the Cinque Terre. You might want to see if there are inexpensive flights out of either Pisa or Florence to Athens. It would save over a day of travel. Or better yet, skip Italy this trip and just fly between Paris and Athens. Get an open jaw ticket...US-Paris and Athens-US.
Is this your first trip to Europe? If so, it is the most "unique" one I've ever seen.
Posted by
Petaluma, Northern California
345 posts
Do you mean 12 days/14 nights in Europe? I presume you are flying home open jaws from Greece?
You have so few days it's a shame to waste so much time on transportation, so only do this this if there is nothing else you would rather see.
Posted by
OP
Denver, Colorado, USA
5 posts
Thank you for your well received advice! Cinque Terre can be skipped because I have longer time than my friend, so I can pursue that after she departs. We'll fly into Paris and it sounds as though we should then fly into Athens rather than the train due to distance. How long is the train ride from Paris to Brindisi, more than one day?
Again, thanks for the input; it's wonderful to have the benefit of other's experience!
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Hi Liz,
Here's a website to use as a tool to decide which airline to fly:
Budget European Airlines
Posted by
Freedonia
15064 posts
The two fastest trains would be night trains: one is 19 1/2 hours with one change in Milan, the other is 18 1/2 hours with changes in Milan and Bari.
Plus 14 hours on the Ferry.
I'd also suggest you get a copy of Rick Steves' "Europe Through the Back Door" which will help make planning your trip much easier. Also look at this website, not just the helpline, for lots of info on traveling in Europe, train travel, travel planning, etc.
That's a minimum 33 hours not counting connection times between train and ferry.
I'd suggest flying.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
The train to Brindisi too long, then you have to take the ferry too long.
Fly from Paris to Athens, much faster and likely even cheaper.
Posted by
OP
Denver, Colorado, USA
5 posts
Again, many thanks! I think we've got it!