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Post by madamtrashheap on Sept 21, 2008 21:30:43 GMT -5
AmberNicolette, Dresden is a very pretty city and I was fortunate enough to go back there last year for the first time in 20 years, and to see the Frauenkirche rebuilt (well, for me, just "built") was amazing. So I'm all in favour of keeping Dresden in.
At first glance, I'd suggest removing Hamburg and travelling straight from Berlin to Frankfurt, but I suspect you have a reason for 3 nights in Hamburg. I'm with jack on the night-train from Venice to Munich. It's a pretty route, but if you can save a little time somewhere then that's a good thing too.
Hope your friends are OK after Ike.
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Post by Eagle on Sept 22, 2008 0:15:46 GMT -5
AmberNicolette, Welcome! I have a few thoughts to add to the others. Your Itinerary looks fairly well organized, and it's great that you're using "open jaw" flights (inbound Madrid / outbound Frankfurt). Your plan to allow at least 2-3 nights in most cities, with a longer stay in Rome is a really good idea as well. A few thoughts on each segment of your Itinerary: > Mar. 5 - fly Houston to Madrid (you'll arrive the day after you departed, so you'll have 4 days in Madrid). > Mar. 10 - Madrid to Seville - travel by train? > Mar. 13 - Seville to Granada> Mar. 16 - Granada to Valencia> Mar. 20 - Valencia to Barcelona> Mar. 24 - Fly Barcelona to Rome (which airline were you planning to use?) > Mar. 29 - Rome to Siena (there are two options on this route. Travel by train means you'll be dropped at the bottom of the hill, and you'll have to take a Taxi up to the town. The other option would be via Sena Bus Lines which has 10 trips per day to Siena from the Roma Tiburtina station. I believe you can reach Tiburtina from Termini via the Metro. The duration of the trip is not that much different than train, and it drops passengers right in town. Check www.senabus.it/index_e.htm?CID=A201L205L220080922061502DBUFBVDIYYS04836738 for the details - click on the "Timetables & Fares" section). > Apr. 2 - Siena to Florence (for this trip, Bus is definitely a good option! Have a look at www.sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Firenze-Siena08.pdf for an example of the Timetables - sorry, it's in Italian. The Bus station in Florence is almost right next to Firenze S.M.N. rail station, and therefore easy walking distance to a good selection of lodgings - if you need a budget Hotel listing, let me know). > Florence to Venice (train of course the best option here. A high speed train would be a good choice, so reservations will be mandatory). Note that there are two stations in Venice, so be sure to choose Venezia Santa Lucia. I found it to be an incredibly exhilarating feeling to walk out the front doors of the station and see the Grand Canal directly in front of me!!! Be sure to research how you're going to get from the station to your Hotel, as there are a number of different Vaporetti (the #82 is faster than some of the others). One point to note that if you hear the Vaporetto staff say Il Zaino sul terra in a firm voice, they're telling those with Backpacks to take them off and place them on the deck during the trip, so as not to "whack other travellers up side the head" with a heavy Backpack! > Venice to Munich (For this particular route, it doesn't appear there are any budget flights from either Venezia Marco Polo or Treviso airports, so train is the best option. My choice would be a day train, even though it's about a 7 hour trip, as there is some fantastic scenery in the Kufstein / Brennero section. Of course, night train is also an option but be sure to choose a train with no changes, or you won't be getting much sleep! Keeping in mind that the schedules may change before your trip, there's a train departing at 06:30, arriving Munich at 14:27 / Time 7H 57M / 1 change in Verona Porta Nuova. There's also a night train departing at 22:51, arriving Munich at 06:30 / Time 7H 39M. / no changes. One other option that you might consider on this particular segment would be to adjust your route by adding at least one night in Verona (possibly drop one night in Hamburg or one of the other stops?). I used that same method this spring on a trip from Naples to Salzburg (via Munich), by inserting two nights in Verona as an "intermediate stop" to break the long journey up. It worked well! > Apr. 13 - Munich to Prague> Apr. 17 - Prague to Dresden> Apr. 20 - Dresden to Berlin> Apr. 24 - Berlin to Hamburg> Apr. 27 / 28 - Hamburg to Frankfurt > Apr. 28 - Fly HomeI'd highly recommend trying to fit Salzburg in, if possible. I was there in May and it's a fantastic place to visit. If you had the time, a trip to Hallstatt would be great too (you can do that as a day trip from Salzburg if the time is limited - have a look at Bob's Special Tours). I'd probably consider dropping Hamburg, unless you have a specific reason to stop there? Regarding the Railpass question, given the fact there are so MANY different types of Rail passes there are an incredible number of choices. You didn't indicate what type of budget you're working with, but one possibility you might consider would be the Italy / Spain Youthpass, 5 days in 2 months which is currently priced at US$298 along with the Czech / German Youthpass, 5 days in 2 months which is currently priced at US$300. Note that when travelling with a Railpass, these do NOT include reservation fees, so you would have to pay for those separately. If you do decide to use Rail / Flex passes, I'd highly recommend reading the Rail Skills section in the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door! There are a few "pitfalls" to watch for, such as validating passes and writing the date on the pass on the date you use it (DON'T fill in the dates before hand!). In suggesting the two Rail passes above, I assumed travel from Barcelona - Rome via air, and Rome - Siena and Siena - Florence by Bus. Hopefully herrbert will spot this post, as I'm sure he'll have some great suggestions for your stops in Spain. It's unfortunate that you couldn't add a few days in Italy, as you'd probably enjoy a visit to the Cinque Terre (getting quite crowded, but still one of the big favourites with lots of travellers). If I think of any more suggestions, I'll post another note. Good luck with your planning!!!
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Post by Eagle on Sept 22, 2008 16:36:57 GMT -5
AmberNicolette,You might have a look at www.whichbudget.com (it's listed on the home page of this site). There are flights from Barcelona (BCN) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) via ClickAir or Vueling. I've never used either of these airlines, but hopefully some of our other members can provide some "user experience" comments. When you arrive in Rome, take the Leonardo Express from the airport into Roma Termini (the main station). It's about EU$14 and a 30-40 minute trip (very easy!). Don't forget to validate your ticket in the yellow machine! The trains depart about every 20 minutes from what I recall. Both the Rail Passes I suggested and the ones you mentioned in your last post should work fine. Both options provide 10 days of rail travel. Again, keep in mind that if you're using trains where reservations are compulsory, you'll have to pay for these separately. With only 10 days of Rail travel, you'll either have to buy P-P tickets for the trips from Rome > Siena and Siena > Florence, or travel those legs by Coach. In either case, you'll need to budget for these P-P trips. Don't be too concerned over that! It's actually a fairly easy trip, although a bit "long". My usual practise is to make reservations for my outgoing journey when I arrive in a particular city. I don't foresee any problems in arranging the reservations for the trip to Munich when you arrive in Venice (since you'll be at the station anyway). Cheers!
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Post by madamtrashheap on Sept 22, 2008 19:06:19 GMT -5
My favorite aunt and uncle live in Hamburg. Aha, I suspected as much. I like Hamburg, but in terms of travel, not a lot of people spend time there - you, however, have a very good reason to do so! Plus I'm sure your aunt and uncle will join you on harbour rides, day trips, etc if you wanted to fit them in to. Or just loll by the waterside if the weather is delivering a nice Spring (aaaah, "mistregen"...I miss it!). To include Salzburg, could you do it as a day trip from Munich? Or even take the train from Venice to Salzburg (around 7-8hrs), overnight there, have the better part of the day in the city and then take the, much, quicker journey on to Munich (1hr30). I know it will take a day away from Munich, but you'll still fit your birthday in there and get to spend a day in Salzburg. Or take Eagle and jack's advice and take the overnight train - it's not a bad journey and you'll gain some time, which is always a good thing. IMHO, I'd keep Prague in favour of Vienna, and that's a big call as I enjoy both cities. |
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Post by AmberNicolette on Oct 16, 2008 19:34:16 GMT -5
This may be irritating to some, but in the time I've spent reading up on things, I have dramatically altered my itinerary and wanted to share it here once again to see what others think. ::deep breath:: here goes... Amber and Kevin's 2009 Europe Trip March 5th, 2009 - April 29th, 2009 - March 5th - Fly IAH (Houston) to Madrid, 4:30 pm
- March 6th - Arrive Madrid @ 9:05 am
- Madrid top sights: PRADO Museum, Royal Palace, El Rastro market, Puerto del Sol area evening paseo, picnic in Retiro Park, possible bullfight?
- March 10th - Train Madrid to Seville (2.5 hours by AVE)
- Top Seville sights: Barrio evening paseo, Cathedral and Bell Tower, The Alcazar, Flamenco show
- March 13th - Seville to Granada by bus, 3 hours directo
- Top Granada sights: the Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, San Nicolas Viewpoint @ sunset
- March 17th- Granada to Valencia, night train, 7.5 hours (actually train to Barcelona, must get off at 5-something AM in Valencia)
- Valencia experience: Las Fallas festival!
- March 20th - Valencia to Barcelona by train, 3.5 hours
- top Barcelona sights: Las Ramblas, the Magic Fountains, Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Sardana Dance, Sagrada Familia, and day trip to Figueres for the Salvador Dali Museum
- March 24th - fly Barcelona to Rome (1 hr. 50 min)
- top sights in Rome: Colosseum, Forum, Capitol Hill, Pantheon, Vatican City, National Museum of Rome, Borghese Gallery, FOOD in Italy...
- March 28th - Rome to Florence by train (1.5 hours)
- April 1st - Florence to Venice (2 hr. 50 min.)
- April 4th - Venice to Munich (CityNightLine train, 7 hours, 40 minutes)
- April 7th - Munich to Vienna, 4-6 hours by train
- April 11th - Vienna to Prague (4 hours, 15 minutes)
- top Prague sights: Wencelas Square, Mucha museum, Petrin Hill picnic, Jewish Quarter museums, Castle Square, Gardens, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Strahov Monestary and Library, Museum of miniatures, Old Town, clock...etc...oh! and my 21st birthday that falls on Easter Sunday on the 12th!
- April 15th - Prague to Dresden (2.5 hours)
- Day trip to Sachsische Schweiz on 17th
- April 18th - Dresden to Berlin (2-3 hours)
- April 22nd- Berlin to Hamburg (1.5 hours ICE) to be with family...
- April 26th - Hamburg to Frankfurt
- April 27th - possible day trip to Heidelberg
- April 28th - Frankfurt, Germany to Houston, 10:05 AM
- April 29th - arrive in Houston @ 1:35 pm
Total # of Days: 55
Transportation Methods: 10 day four country pass, prague excursion pass, one bus day
That's all I've got so far, folks!
Thanks for reading if you made it this far!
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Post by herrbert on Oct 20, 2008 5:16:16 GMT -5
In Sevilla you can add the Basalique in Macarena. (north of the city center), also I think that you can sacrifice one day here, and make the trip to Cordoba. (you pass it when you travel from Madrid, but you can also do it as a daytrip from Sevilla). There are also other daytrips you can make from Sevilla. (Arcos is one of the white villages, but Cadiz would also be possible, maybe these are options when you feel you have seen everything in Sevilla.)
In Madrid there are two other museums which are really worth a visit, if you are into art. The Reina Sofia and the Thyssen. All are located close to the Prado. And of course you need to go out in the evening.
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Post by Eagle on Oct 21, 2008 21:40:24 GMT -5
AmberNicollete, one comment on the Borghese Gallery - reservations are mandatory and as I recall, visitors are allowed only a two hour time frame. They are quite strict about Packs, Purses and similar bags - you'll have to check them before you look around the gallery.
You haven't listed any "top sights" in Florence, Munich and other cities. What are you interested in seeing in those places?
Cheers!
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Post by AmberNicolette on Oct 22, 2008 10:47:05 GMT -5
In Sevilla you can add the Basalique in Macarena. (north of the city center), also I think that you can sacrifice one day here, and make the trip to Cordoba. (you pass it when you travel from Madrid, but you can also do it as a daytrip from Sevilla). There are also other daytrips you can make from Sevilla. (Arcos is one of the white villages, but Cadiz would also be possible, maybe these are options when you feel you have seen everything in Sevilla.) In Madrid there are two other museums which are really worth a visit, if you are into art. The Reina Sofia and the Thyssen. All are located close to the Prado. And of course you need to go out in the evening. I have not heard of the Reina Sofia, but I have considered the Thyssen. I am very into art, but my travel partner (Kevin) can only tolerate so much of classical art (he's a modern art freak)He's also very into science and artifacts. We both are young and want to experience the nightlife everywhere we go, but we aren't out *just* to party. The cultural aspect of our travels is very important to us. Also, we both love to hike and bike and are nature enthusiasts...So, I'm trying to find a good mix here. |
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Post by AmberNicolette on Oct 22, 2008 11:03:19 GMT -5
AmberNicollete, one comment on the Borghese Gallery - reservations are mandatory and as I recall, visitors are allowed only a two hour time frame. They are quite strict about Packs, Purses and similar bags - you'll have to check them before you look around the gallery. You haven't listed any "top sights" in Florence, Munich and other cities. What are you interested in seeing in those places? Cheers! I was aware about the Borghese Gallery (which is one of my top museums that I'm uber-excited about!) I am thinking that I shall reserve online via an internet cafe when I'm in Barcelona. The reason I have not listed any other sights for the other cities is because I have not studied them as in-depth yet. top sights in Florence: the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Bargello, the Accademia. top sights in Munich: the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, the Hofbrauhaus, hanging out on the Marienplatz, day trip to the Bavarian Alps (to Schloss Neuschwanstein) perhaps paraglide amongst the alps, hike, bike, etc... |
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Post by AmberNicolette on Oct 22, 2008 11:07:18 GMT -5
In Sevilla you can add the Basalique in Macarena. (north of the city center), also I think that you can sacrifice one day here, and make the trip to Cordoba. (you pass it when you travel from Madrid, but you can also do it as a daytrip from Sevilla). There are also other daytrips you can make from Sevilla. (Arcos is one of the white villages, but Cadiz would also be possible, maybe these are options when you feel you have seen everything in Sevilla.) We only have 3 nights in Sevilla...do you think it is possible to get sick of it and need that day trip? Also...since I've heard you are the "spain" guru...Kevin is a classical guitarist and dabbling in flamenco (absolutely adores it) he loves good spanish guitars...do you have any suggestions about good guitar shows, shops, etc. to feed his interest? Thank you! |
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Post by herrbert on Oct 23, 2008 10:27:43 GMT -5
In Sevilla you can add the Basalique in Macarena. (north of the city center), also I think that you can sacrifice one day here, and make the trip to Cordoba. (you pass it when you travel from Madrid, but you can also do it as a daytrip from Sevilla). There are also other daytrips you can make from Sevilla. (Arcos is one of the white villages, but Cadiz would also be possible, maybe these are options when you feel you have seen everything in Sevilla.) In Madrid there are two other museums which are really worth a visit, if you are into art. The Reina Sofia and the Thyssen. All are located close to the Prado. And of course you need to go out in the evening. I have not heard of the Reina Sofia, but I have considered the Thyssen. I am very into art, but my travel partner (Kevin) can only tolerate so much of classical art (he's a modern art freak)He's also very into science and artifacts. We both are young and want to experience the nightlife everywhere we go, but we aren't out *just* to party. The cultural aspect of our travels is very important to us. Also, we both love to hike and bike and are nature enthusiasts...So, I'm trying to find a good mix here. If your friend likes Modern Art, I suggest to switch the Thyssen for the Reina Sofia. Most of the collection consists of Modern Art. The Reina Sofia holds the famous work Guernika by Picasso. (The Thyssen has a collection of both Classical and Modern) A tip for the Prado and the Reina Sofia: You can visit these museums on Sundays for free (until 14.30 hr, when they close) |
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Post by herrbert on Oct 23, 2008 10:36:28 GMT -5
In Sevilla you can add the Basalique in Macarena. (north of the city center), also I think that you can sacrifice one day here, and make the trip to Cordoba. (you pass it when you travel from Madrid, but you can also do it as a daytrip from Sevilla). There are also other daytrips you can make from Sevilla. (Arcos is one of the white villages, but Cadiz would also be possible, maybe these are options when you feel you have seen everything in Sevilla.) We only have 3 nights in Sevilla...do you think it is possible to get sick of it and need that day trip? Also...since I've heard you are the "spain" guru...Kevin is a classical guitarist and dabbling in flamenco (absolutely adores it) he loves good spanish guitars...do you have any suggestions about good guitar shows, shops, etc. to feed his interest? Thank you! Just in case. I think 2 whole days is about right to see Sevilla, in 3 days you can take it easy. If you take an early train in Madrid, you can spend most of the day in Sevilla, so let's say you'll have 2,5 days. I don't know where you plan to stay, but the Oasis hostel organises trips into the city, and one of these is a combined trip to go for Tapas, and a flamencoshow. The flamencoshow is in the old jewish part of town, and is not a really touristic show, but more genuine. After some research on the internet I think it is this one: Flamencobar La Carbonería on the Calle Levíes. |
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Post by madamtrashheap on Oct 23, 2008 20:30:55 GMT -5
top sights in Florence: the Duomo, the Uffizi, the Bargello, the Accademia. , along with mandatory reservations for the Borghese, you might want to look at reserving tickets on the day that suits for the Uffizi and and Accademia (the Bargello is excellent, but doesn't need a reservation as it's not as "popular" with most travellers, although note the earlier closing times) to save standing in line at both museums. You may well have already researched the reservation service in Florence, but if not, the official telephone booking office for the Uffizi is +39 055 294883 or Fax +39(.(0)55.264406. or you can go online at www.virtualuffizi.com/uffizi/uffizi-gallery-tickets-reservations.htm Other sights/things to look out for: stroll up to the Piazelle Michelangelo (follow the path through the trees rather than the road) for a great view over the city, visit Santa Croce (church with great frescoes by Giotto and Michelangelo's tomb and a cranky statue of Dante out the front!), visit the Medici Chapel (great sculptures by Michelangelo), duck into the tiny Orsanmichele church on via Calzaiuoli (main shopping street between Pz Signoria and the Duomo) for a surprise art find, have lunch in the Mercato Centrale and sample Florentine cuisine with a lampredotto (offal sandwich) or perhaps just a foccacia with prosciutto (the Florentines are known for cooking with the whole animal and that sandwich isn't a bad as it sounds). top sights in Munich: the Alte and Neue Pinakothek, the Hofbrauhaus, hanging out on the Marienplatz, day trip to the Bavarian Alps (to Schloss Neuschwanstein) perhaps paraglide amongst the alps, hike, bike, etc... Also look at visiting the Residenz if you're looking for art, the Viktualianmarkt (just of the main square Marienplatz) for lunch and fabulous fresh food, climb the tower of St Peter's (the other one!) for views of the city and look for the "devil's footprint" when you visit the Frauenkirche in the city centre. Also look at Mike's Bikes which does tours of the city by bike, especially if the weather is good. When you've had a chance to look at the other cities, just let us know the sights you're considering and we'll fill in the blanks. Great that you'll have your 21st in Prague - fab city - just remember that many things close on that Easter Sunday (museums, shops, etc) but restaurants and bars will be open. I'm interested to know where you are going in Sachsische Schweiz. Sounds like the plan is coming together even more now! |
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