First Time to Europe!

[dawn0001]

Hello. This is my first time posting on the board as well as my first planned trip to Europe! I am actually going on an international exchange program to Germany, Frankfurt and am hoping to do some sight-seeing in other parts of Europe as well. Also, because I am on an international exchange program, I can only do long weekend trips.

But I ain't really sure whether my itinery works or where I should spend more time in. Please provide some advice on my itinery below.

For the first leg of the trip to Italy:

01/09/2006 Frankfurt to Rome (Estimated arrival in Rome at 10pm)
02/09/2006 Rome
03/09/2006 Rome
04/09/2006 Florence
05/09/2006 Florence
06/09/2006 Florence/Pisa
07/09/2006 Pisa
08/09/2006 Cinique Terra
09/09/2006 Cinique Terra
10/09/2006 Venice
11/09/2006 Venice

I haven't really planned the rest of the legs yet. But have decided on the number of days to spend in each city.

Paris 7 days (including train ride from Frankfurt to Paris and vice versa)
Prague 5 days (including train rides to and fro)
London 6 days (including train rides to and fro)
Barcelona 4 days (including train rides to and fro)

I have absolutely no idea whether it is too rush. My main objective is to see more things in each city rather than to touch-and-go. Also, is it safe for a girl to tour Paris and Barcelona on her own?

I would really appreciate if someone can advise on my itinery. Thanks! ;D

[Jules80]

well rome you don't have nearly enough time. i suggest a minimum of 4 days not including any travel time. there's just too much in rome to see. other than that it seeems fine. for you other trips at weekends and whatever for further destinations (like london) you may want to look into budget fligths. will certainly be cheaper and definately faster!

i've been to paris and its definately safe for women. my friends have been to barcelona and would say the same about that city.

jules

[me]

Jules is spot on about needing more time in Rome. as this is your first trip, i'd suggest doubling your time there. Rome, being the most important city in the history of Western civilization, really rates more time.

you've got more time listed in Florence than in Rome!

i'd suggest dropping the overnights in Pisa. it works better as a day trip from Florence, anyway.

from Frankfurt, you could also fly to the more distant places. Rhein/Main (FRA), and Frankfurt-Hahn (HHN) are nearby airports. for places without cheap air links, night trains might be an option.

[FYI: when booked well in advance, flights are often cheaper than rail tix. but, because of advance purchase requirements, flights require firm advance planning.]

Edit: you also ask about safety. i know nothing about Paris, but Barcelona shouldn't be a problem. the issue there isn't violent crime, it's pickpockets! be sure to use a money belt everywhere.