Sights To See!

[bburesh]

We have pretty much finalized our itinerary for this upcoming summer! There are 1 or 2 days trips we are still considering. Now we are starting to compile lists of the sights and attractions at each destination that we should see! Here is our final itinerary!

May 16 Leave for London
May17- London
May18- London
May19-London
May20- London
May21-To Madrid (Arrive @ 9AM)
May22-Madrid
May23-Madrid
May24-Tome Rome (Arrive @ 10AM)
May25-Rome
May26-Rome
May27-Rome
May28-Rome
May29-To Lucerne (Arrive @ 5PM)
May30-Lucerne
May31-Lucerne
June1-Zurich (1/2 day before train ride to Munich)
June2-Munich
June 3-Munich
June4-Munich
June5-To Prague (Arrive @ 4PM)
June6-Prague
June7-Prague
June8-To Amsterdam (Arrive @ 10AM)
June9-Amsterdam
June10-Amsertdam
June11-Amsertdam
June12-To London
June13- Depart for Home

I was just wandering if you could help with some sample itineraries for these cities or maybe just some lists of sights to see! Also any unique bars or restuarants or anything else out of the ordinary in these cities. Anything will help! And if there is some insider infor (example is getting the tickets for the Colosseum at the Palantine Hill Office) that would be excellent! Thank you!

I already have a sample itinerary for Rome from a previous thread but if there is anything to add that would be great. And for London, we both have been to London and have seen most of the sights around London so we are wandering about the sights outside of London like Stonehenge, Bath, or Brighton, ect.

[madamtrashheap]

bburesh, again there are lots of Posts dealing with the places you've listed so have a bit more of a troll through this section as well as the Pre-Travel and Itinerary sections as you'll fit little tips in there (like the Palatine Hill tkt booth one). Here's onefor Stonehenge & Bath to get to started: pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=CCadvice&action=display&n=1&thread=3802&page=1

And Day Trips from London:
pretravel.proboards1.com/index.cgi?board=CCadvice&action=display&n=1&thread=3768

[pointofnoreturn]

I think you might consider looking into Guidebooks to see what kind of sights each city offers.

[herrbert]

If you would arrive in Madrid one day earlier (I am leaving Madrid the 20th), I would have taken you to one of the many cafés, for a hot chocolate and and churros. You can also buy churros from some stalls. (maybe also order some water, as the chocolate is a really think one).

In Madrid, you should try to plot out a route to see, the sights of your interests. At least see, the Plaza Mayor, the Palace and the Cathedral, and the surrounding parks, Sol, The Plaza de Cibeles and the Retiro Park. Try some of the pastries that are on offer from the million of backeries. Maybe walk through the barrio (neighborhood) of Latina. Getting lost is a good way to see Madrid, in the end you will always get to a Metrostation to help you back on track.

The second day, head out to see Toledo. Go to the Atocha station, south of the center. Take a look at this station. (It's a design by the same guy, that build the Eiffel Tower - Gustav Eiffel). Inside you will find ... trees. And of course the station itself. Get yourself a ticket from the booth in the middle. (that's easier, than trying to understand the machines). The train takes you to Toledo in about 30 minutes. You can get to the cold city, by using the escalators. (if you can find them). There is a lot to see here, the Alcazar, the Cathedral, the Jewish Synagoge, and just strolling around in the old city is amazing.

If you love arts, than consider a visit to the Prado or the Reina Sofia for the third day. If it's hot, then retreat to the park, at the beginning of the evening together with (it seems like) the whole of Madrid. (mind that they can switch on the sprinkler to water the grass.

When you arrive at the airport, you can take the Metro to town, the station is under Terminal 2. It's best to get a ticket for 10 rides, this means you can enter the Metro 10 times during your stay. That's the most economical way to get around.

One note, be aware, that the People in Madrid have some different times when it comes to having meals. It's normal to have a warm meal, around 13.00-14.00, and then another one after 21.00. (22.30 is no exception) In the more touristic areas, you will find restaurants that offer meals, on other times, but if you want to go local, then try some tapas, when you are feeling hungry, around 18.00/19.00. (try the small croquetes -> lovely)