father & son trip, help needed!!!

[dholer]

I am taking my son for a week round europe for his 16th birthday and just need some advice. We could either start eurostar to Paris, or fly to say Pisa and work our way back.

Being realistic, how many cities would you try to see in 7 days, bearing in mind we dont mind doing a couple of overnight trains, etc

any sugestions for a route

[Eagle]

dholer, Welcome! It's fantastic that you're able to take a trip with your Son (they grow up so fast!) - that's something I wish I had done.

In order to provide some relevant answers to your questions, it would help to know which cities interest you the most, and any specific sites in those cities? It would also help to know where you're travelling from (from your initial Post, I'm assuming the U.K.?), and whether you've been to Europe previously? Also, what time of year will this trip take place?

Seven days is not a long time, so choosing cities that are not too far apart would be a good idea in order to minimize travel times. Given the age of your Son, it might be better to limit time at sites that require a "long attention span" such as Museums and Art Galleries (I have three Sons, so I have some recollection of the attention span and interests of teenagers).

Normally I would recommend a minimum of four or five days in cities like Paris, Rome or London, but given your short time frame two days will have to suffice. If you're planning on visiting any of the Museums or other historic places in Paris, a Paris Museum Pass would be a worthwhile investment (they have a two day version) and it helps to avoid lengthy queues. Check their web site at www.parismuseumpass.com/en/home.php. Note that you would need a Pass for both you and your Son (no special deals for children or seniors).

Overnight trains are certainly one possibility for efficient travel, however I usually try to structure my trips so that I can avoid these. If the overnight route involves a number of changes, you won't get much sleep! If you can find a direct route, an overnight train with a Couchette could be an option.

I'm sure others in the group will have some suggestions for you in due course.

Cheers!

[madamtrashheap]

dholer, I agree with Eagle in that it is better to allocate 5 days in the major cities, but as you have a limited time, perhaps you could make a "wish list" of cities you'd like to take your son and then we can work from there. You could consider sticking to one country that interests you, or take a quick sample of a few cities that follow a geographical route that will fit in with trains, etc.

[dholer]

thanks for imput,

leaving from UK

rather than me influence, I asked my son to fill out the planning worksheet.

He has selected Paris, Milan and Barcelona!!! Not exactly close cities, so I may try to influence the cities a little, but at end of day I want him to go where he wants and to plan as much as possible.

by the way he is a misiocian, so more likely to want o see gigs, or may be play a few himself as opposed to museums, tho of course we will try to do both

[dholer]

havig done a bit of research, it seems best plan is to fly to Barcelona then after a few nights get train to Monaco, which looks like it could be a scenic coastal route?

stay overnight in monaco, then move onto Milan for three days, then take a direct night train to paris and spend last few days there.

anyone done the train barcelona to Monaco, be interested to know if its as good as it looks??

any other suggestions gratefully accepted?

thanks,

[Eagle]

dholer, Paris and Barcelona are good choices, although geographically they are quite far apart so travel will have to be planned carefully. I'm a bit curious on why you selected Milan though, as that wouldn't be my first choice in Italy?

Again, it would help to know what time of year you'll be travelling? Given the short time frame of your trip, visiting three cities is about all you'll have time for. Spending two days in each city should at least provide a quick introductory look.

Since your travel time is very limited, you may want to consider budget flights from Paris to Barcelona and then Barcelona to whichever destination you choose in Italy (I'd suggest Rome, Florence or Venice). Have a look at the budget airlines link on the home page of this site. At the conclusion of your trip, use budget air to return to the U.K. I haven't checked, but I suspect there will be lots of flights to either Gatwick, Luton or Stanstead (I generally try to avoid Heathrow!). Of course, flight availability and pricing may depend on time of year?

Good luck with your planning!

[herrbert]

To see these cities without having to hurry, I would skip Milan, and take 4 days in Paris and 3 in Barcelona. (I am not saying don't visit Milan, but keep it for a future trip)

You can either start with the Eurostar to Paris, and then a flight to Barcelona (Vueling/Clickair - btw: these airlines are trying to merge so this choice might be no more.)

DON'T use Ryanair for this route, as they will fly Beauvais - Girona (instead of CDG or Orly to Barcelona (El Prat). Leaving with two fairly long transfers by bus.

After Barcelona, you can again take a flight to the UK (London?)

If it turns out cheaper, you can of course reverse the trip.

[crystal]

What a great thing to do with your son!

To be honest I would just try to hit two places in 7 days. Otherwise your memory of the trip maybe the rushing to catch trains. If your son is a muscian you will want to be in situ and not on a train on some nights to catch some gigs or live music.
If it was me I would eurostar to Paris then train to Barcelona (to get that - yes we are travelling cross countries - feeling). I would fly back to the UK so you have maximise your time in Barcelona. Just my opinion.
happy travelling!

[mslibrarian]

I think it sounds like a dream trip but I would try to fit a few days in London if you can.

[dholer]

thank you for the input, to answer most of the comments:

we plan to fly to Barcelona from Bournemouth where we live, to maximise our time in Europe on a friday afternoon in June (after his exams).

I asked my son to name three cities, and was quite prepared to change his mind for him, especially about Milan, however, it works very well as there is a sleeper train to Paris.

So we get to spend three days in Barcelaona, then travel to Milan via South of France on the train, which is supposed to be a great route, scenically. We will probably only spend one day / night in Milan, then head off to Paris for a few days and home by Eurostar on the Sunday.

Think this should give him a good taste of the cities, three different countries, and different types of travel, ie flight, day scenic train route, night sleeper, etc.

next problem is to find accomodation that is not too expensive, but reasonably clean!!

[crystal]

Happy planning a proper boys week!