Train or Rent a Car? First-timer overwhelmed!

With this itinerary I would be overwhelmed, too and I am not a first-timer. I would cut at least Barcelona and Corsica from the itinerary and then use train. Small kids travel for big discount. Car would not be practical in Paris, Cinque Terra, Florence, Rome, Venice. In Chamonix you can take taxi from the station to your hotel.

I saw the Clark Griswold version of this trip- lol, Polly. Way too much in your proposed timeframe. I agree with the idea of the proposed cuts. Any thoughts to flying out of Rome & hitting Milan on your way south?

Polly, I was overwhelmed just reading your proposed Itinerary! As the others have said, this is FAR too ambitious for a three week time frame. As this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend reading Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip, especially the "Rail Skills" chapter! Use the country-specific Guidebooks for planning sightseeing in each location. It's great that you're using open-jaw flights! Have you pre-booked accommodations? At that time of year, that would be a really good idea! I'd also suggest dropping Corsica and Barcelona, as the travel times will be a problem with such a short Itinerary. Regarding transportation, travel by fast trains would absolutely be the best method. Minimizing travel times between locations will provide the most touring time. Use the bahn.de website to determine times and which trains you might want to use. If you pre-purchase P-P tickets, there are often some good discounts (ie: the "Mini" fare in Italy). While in Paris, you can use the conveniently located SNCF Boutiques to arrange your rail tickets. In your travel planning, be sure to allow for one day at either end of the trip for "travel days". You'll "lose" the first day, and will arrive in Europe the day after you depart. You'll also be jet lagged for a few days, so not up to full "touring speed". Although it would be a bit of a drive, as time is so short until departure, you might consider taking a drive to Seattle and having a personal consultation with the staff at ETBD. You can also pre-arrange that by phone if more convenient. It might help you to get the details sorted out very quickly so that you're not so "overwhelmed". If you need further information on a suggested Itinerary, post another note. Happy travels!

Thanks so much for the replies! The Griswold reference cracked me up! A girl can dream, right? Don't get to travel like this too often. Do have that bucket list. I didn't even tell you what I'm doing before I get to Paris (for work). :^) Anyway, trying to find time to read the Rick Steve's travel book but I find myself running out of time also. :( I do have a question on Florence. With two kids, is it worth putting it in the itinerary? I don't see us going to a lot of museums because of the kids. My husband and one child has to fly out of Milan (it was the cheapest mileage route we found). My son and I have an open ticket but will have to try to leave around the same time. Any other advice - truly appreciated. Will definitely consider trimming this down. Thanks!

While the museums would be boring mostly for little kids, Florence might be a good place for a day or two. It's largely pedestrian only which would be more fun and less stress than say Rome where traffic is really bad. Climbing up the Doumo is something most kids would love. The Ponte Vechio is memorable to a imaginative young mind. Milan is the city I'd skip (though I understand about the tickets). Also, with trains you can get on and the kids can be a little free while you both relax. More room to spread out, potty breaks are easier... Also agree with limiting your destinations. Being on the move is stressful and often challenging, especially for first-timers. Add two little kids and it might be overwhelming.

Bob, loved the Griswolds reference! At least now when Audrey calls home because she misses Jack she can Skype and not run up a huge phone bill!
"Honey, we're not normal people, we're the Griswolds!"