1 Month: Western Europe (First Time) Draft

[everguide]

Technically my second time to Europe (Did a bit of German Cologne and Paris for a little over a week; 10 days).

Here is the draft I have put together:

Day 1: Washington D.C – London

Day 2-4: London

Day 5: London -> Amsterdam

Day 5-7: Amsterdam

Day 7: Amsterdam -> Prague

Day 8-10: Prague

Day 10: Prague ->Venice

Day 11-13: Venice

Day 14: Venice -> Florence

Day 16-18: Florence

Day 19: Florence – Rome

Day 20-23: Rome

Day 24: Rome – Nice

Day 25-28: Nice

Day 29: Nice-London

Day 30: London- Washington D.C

Was thinking of getting the Eurail Global Pass Youth. Traveling alone (my best friend bailed out on me due to financial reasons at the last second).

[herrbert]

Hi Everguide,

Let's first get the initerary in place, after that, you can fill in the route you want to take on www.railsaver.com, and they will tell you which pass is the best. (or if it is better to get p2p-tickets). other sites that come in helpful when planning a trip in Europe are www.bahn.de (go to International Guests), for timetable of trains in Europe, and www.flightassistent.com and www.whichbudget.com for flights.

Did you consider getting open-jaw tickets? this kind of ticket makes it possible to fly in to London, and out of another airport (as long as your airline services that airport). Costs will be a bit higher, but it save you time, and the cost for the ticket to return to London. (and possibly the hike between Stansted,Gatwick or Luton to Heathrow).

I am curious what you are doing on day 15 ;D

Prague seems a bit out of the way, but if you can find some good flights from Amsterdam and to Venice from there, it doesn't have to be a big problem. If you are planning on taking the train, then I think it is better to either fly Amsterdam - Venice, and use the days for Prague, somewhere else. (Amalfi Coast / Cinque Terra)

I think one day more for London, would not be a bad idea. 4 days for Rome is also a llittle bit short, but if you can arrive early on the day from Florence, you would basicly have 4.5 days.

[Eagle]

everguide, Welcome! I have a few comments to add as well.

As herrbert mentioned, at least one more day in London would probably be a good idea. There's LOTS to see (although it is an expensive place to visit). I also agree that at least five days should be planned for Rome.

I didn't notice the "gap" in Day 15 That's another question?

I also very definitely agree that "open jaw" flights would be the best option. You might talk to a travel agent to determine what options are available to you for flights. It would be a more efficient use of your limited time, rather than having to return to your starting point, and might save money as well.

Of course, which flights you use will have a direct bearing on the order you visit the cities on your list. If you decide to use "open jaw" flights, try to choose a larger city for your last stop, as there will be a greater choice of flights available. Some of the major "airport hubs" are Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. There are also charters from Munich and other cities. I haven't checked Rome lately, so not sure what flights are available there?

Good luck with your planning!!!