Final Itinerary-comments please!

[kristengingera]

So I think I have finally worked out my itinerary. It will be my boyfriend and I traveling late April-early May 2008.

Apr 16- Fly Montreal to Paris
Apr 17- Land in Paris at 10 am
Apr 18- Paris
Apr 19- Paris
Apr 20- Paris
Apr 21- Paris
Apr 22- Day trip to Bayeux, Canadian beaches tour
Apr 23- Day trip to Versailles
Apr 24- Night train to Venice (leave at 10:30 pm, arrive 9:30 am)
Apr 26- Venice
Apr 27- Night train to La Spezia (leave at 10:30 pm, arrive 7 am)
Apr 28- Cinque Terre
Apr 29- Cinque Terre
Apr 30- Half-day in Pisa, to Florence
May 1- Florence
May 2- Florence
May 3- Florence
May 4- Train to Orvieto, bus to Civita di Bagnoregio
May 5- Civita di Bagnoregio
May 6- to Rome
May 7- Rome
May 8- Rome
May 9- Rome
May 10- Flight to Dublin
May 11- Dublin
May 12 to 17- Paddywagon Tour
May 17 or 18- Flight to London
May 19- London
May 20- London
May 21- Flight from London to Montreal

I'm still waiting to hear from Paddywagon to know whether or not I will be able to catch a late night flight to London on the last day of the tour (I hope so as it will give me one more full day in London).

People have told me it's best to spend a night in Bayeux to see all the sights but we are really only going to the Canadian beaches and cemetery (as that is where my great-grandfather is buried). So knowing it is going to be a very specific day, is it possible to go and come back in one day?

Any suggestions as to where to maybe add days, or cut days would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Eagle]

kristengingera, your Itinerary looks well organized. You're certainly getting an early start on this! However, I have a few questions and comments.

> leave at 10:30 pm, arrive 9:30 am - It would probably be a good idea to become familiar with using times in the 24-hour format, as that's what is used on the European railways. You may already be aware of this, but thought I'd mention it.

> Night trains - be sure to note whether these have any changes, as it will be difficult to get a good night's sleep if there are changes in the "wee hours" (in a Couchette or otherwise).

> Day trip to Bayeux, Canadian beaches tour - which "Canadian beaches tour" were you planning to take? Some of the tours are a full 9-hour day, so it would be difficult to be in Bayeux at 08:00 to begin a tour. You might want to spend at least one night in Bayeux. As you're planning to visit the "main" Canadian Cemetery at Beny sur Mer (there are others in the area), a tour is almost a necessity as this is about ten miles inland from Juno Beach (Bernieres sur Mer).

> Cinque Terre - Which town were you planning to stay in?

> Civita di Bagnoregio - it appears that you're planning to spend one night in Civita? It's not that big and only takes a few hours to see. You might want to base yourself in Orvieto and see Civita as a day trip? When in Civitia, I'd recommend lunch at Antico Forno (stop in when you first arrive there and get a reservation). There's lots to see in Orvieto, including the wonderful Duomo and the Underground Tour is somewhat interesting also (some good restaurants too!). One thing to keep in mind, the small "shuttle Bus" from Bagnoregio to Civita has a "siesta" in the afternoon, so plan your touring accordingly. When I was there last fall, it started raining at the end of my Civita visit and I became soaked waiting for the Bus!!! Fortunately, a kindly couple from Milan offered me a ride back to Orvieto. Staying in Orvieto also means it will be relatively easy to catch the train to Rome (easy ride down the Funiculare to the station, and then only a few hours to Rome).

It looks like you came to the same conclusion I did, with respect to an efficient and easy way to tour around Ireland - I've just signed up for a RS tour this Fall.

The only other comment that occurs to me, is that it would be nice if you could add perhaps one day to Paris, one day to Rome and at least one day to London.

Cheers!!!

[pointofnoreturn]

Looks awesome! I'll be going/leaving Europe the same way as you (Montreal-Paris, London-Montreal) this coming Friday. You still have lots of time till 2008 so who knows?

[madamtrashheap]

PONR - knew you were leaving in May, but didn't realise it was this Friday! Have a great trip and keep us Posted.
(sorry to hijack your Post kristengingera ;D)

[pointofnoreturn]

Sorry to hijack your post as well.... yes, I'll definitely keep the board updated with trip reports

[herrbert]

and the hijacking continues: have a good and safe trip PONR !!!

As for Kristengingera's itinerary, I think if looks really good, but if you could delay leaving with one or two, to have some extra days in London, it would be even better.