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Post by jfishernc on Jun 30, 2007 14:50:28 GMT -5
This is the first time my fiancee (soon to be wife) and I have traveled in more than one country at a time in Europe. We are leaving Rome on July 20 or 21, and are due to arrive in Brussels on July 31. We are thinking of trekking to Venice, Vienna, and Berlin, and then to Brussels, as our plans stand now. Also we have considered Munich, Prague, Switzerland, and others. We are trying to travel cheaply, and are rather unsure about where we should go.
We have already been to Spain, France, & the Mediterranean, and were looking more for Central Europe. I guess I'm asking a few things. What would be the easiest way to travel there? We thought train, but it gets expensive, and long. Plus, it seems Vienna to Berlin (by train) would be out of the way.
Also, are the cities worth going to? We are excited about Berlin, but everything else might be up in the air. Any suggestions? Anything we need to see?
Insecure as I am, I'm trying to get feedback from somebody who knows. Thanks for your time. I appreciate any help you might be able to give.
John
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Post by Eagle on Jun 30, 2007 15:03:13 GMT -5
jfishernc, Welcome! I have a few comments on the questions you raised (I'm sure the others will have some to add as well).
Generally speaking, Rail is the best method for travel between centres. However, it's difficult to be specific without knowing exactly where you're travelling? While some of the rail links appear to be "long", this is not always the case when using high-speed trains such as the TGV. In other cases, budget flights are a better option due to the time and distances involved. However, it's necessary to factor in the time and cost of getting to outlying airports, which are often used by the budget air carriers.
Whether the cities are "worth going to" depends to a large extent on what you want to see and do?? Are you interested in art, architecture, history, night life & partying or ? Again, it's difficult to be more specific without knowing something about your interests and travel goals? I usually find that a mix of cities and smaller centres provides a good overall blend of travel experiences (the smaller centres, such as the Cinque Terre in Italy, are a good place for R&R after the rigors of touring cities!).
If you could provide a bit more information, it would help!
Finally, congratulations on your upcoming marriage!!!
Cheers!!!
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Post by jfishernc on Jun 30, 2007 15:13:30 GMT -5
I suppose we had hoped to as much as we could, but decided instead that actually taking in a city/area would be best. Our tentative plan is to spend 3 days each in Venice, Vienna, and Berlin, before moving on to Brussels for a day or so. Is it wise to actually stay in a center for a length of time? I don't think it would be wise to be on the move every day?
Personally, I teach history and am a musician, which is why I suppose Vienna and Berlin held certain esteem for me. We want to be able to attend museums and such, although not necessarily of art, which are the ones most recommended. We also would love to see local food and drink, and possibly find a good bar/restaurant or two that we would feel comfortable in. An area for walking would be best. I've personally been looking on Pollstar to see if there are any concerts that we would like while we're there. (The Wagner Festival will be ongoing during our stay, but apparently it's too exclusive for our tastes.) Small venues serve us just fine.
As far as the smaller centres, could you expand on those? Would it be smart to take a day or two along our path in one of these, and if so, could you recommended. (I don't know if it counts, but I had considered stopping in Salzburg earlier, mostly because of the mountainous location. I had wanted to go closer to the Alps, but I don't think our path will allow it. Any ideas?)
Thanks so much again!!!
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Post by Eagle on Jul 1, 2007 16:45:09 GMT -5
In order to get some idea on which cities, smaller centres and attractions might be of most interest to you, have a look at a few Guide books. Everyone here has their own opinion on which books are best - do a search and check some of the previous Posts here on the topic of Guide books.
Cheers!!!
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