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Post by allister on Aug 21, 2009 23:18:23 GMT -5
Hey Guys,
I've put off planing my 2 month backpacking trip around Europe for awhile now, but its about time i started. I'm leaving Sept 21st, and need ideas on where to go and what to do when there.
My friend and I have a idea of where we want to see such as:
France
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany - Want to be there for Oktoberfest
Switz
Planning on visiting the major city such as Paris Rome Amsterdam! so on. Any ideas of routes, place's and stuff to do would be great!
Looking to have a good time and see a lot.
(2 months Rail pass as well)
Thank you
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Post by herrbert on Aug 22, 2009 16:48:42 GMT -5
If you are planning to be in Munich for the Oktoberfest that means being there between 19th of September and the 4th of Oktober. The major problem you will face if you have not done any planning at the moment is accommodation. All the beds in the city will be booked way in advance. You might have some luck at the Tent. But otherwise it means getting a place outside of Munich, and travel to and from the celibrations.
You don't give us any idea where you will be flying into or out of, but it might be an idea to follow the weather. Which in this case means going from north to south. If you want to go skiing in Switzerland you might want to save that for the last. If you start and end in the same place it's logical to make a circular route. (or as circular as possible)
The first thing you need to do is to go from a list of countries to a list of places based on your interests. Note that the mean holiday season is over by the time you arrive.
If you plan to see big cities like you mention, you should include
Paris
Rome
Amsterdam
Madrid
Barcelona
Munich
Berlin
As you have Spain and Italy in the mix, you need to decide for the long trainride through the south of France. (likely include Nice in the mix aswell) or to avoid it, and buy a cheap ticket between Barcelona/Madrid and e.g. Rome.
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Post by Eagle on Aug 22, 2009 23:27:09 GMT -5
allister,
Welcome! A few comments on your proposed Itinerary.
All of the countries you've listed are very large, so it's very difficult to suggest a route with only that information. You've specified Paris, Rome and Amsterdam so that's a good start. You might want to check some Guidebooks to see what cities might interest you, and which attractions within those cities. For example, in Paris you'll probably want to see the Eiffel Tower, perhaps the Louvre or Musee d'Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral. What types of sights are you interested in?
As herrbert mentioned, if you haven't already booked accommodations in Munich for OktoberFest, it's going to be very difficult to find something at that time of year. Some places book up a year in advance. Lots of other "late bookers" will also be looking at the surrounding towns, so that may be difficult also (considering that we're only about a month away from the start of OktoberFest).
Were you planning to stay mostly in Hostels, or perhaps the occasional budget Hotel at times?
Also as mentioned, it would help to know where you're located as that helps in route planning to some extent. I'd highly recommend using open-jaw flights for best efficiency (even if they do cost a bit more). That avoids the time and expense of returning to your starting point.
One very important point to mention about Rail Passes is that these do NOT include the reservation fees which are compulsory on some trains (usually the "fast" trains such as the TGV in France and EuroStar Italia in Italy). You'll have to pay for these separately. They also don't include Couchette fees if you'll be taking any night trains.
Rail is not always the best or fastest method to travel around Europe. It depends to some extent on the route. Some of the longer routes (ie: Paris to Rome) are often much easier by budget airline. There are a few "caveats" to be aware of with budget airlines (have a look at the other recent Thread "Planning our first trip" in this section for details).
Generally speaking, I'd suggest starting in the north to begin with as it should be warmer in September and October, however not as likely in November. However, southern Italy and Spain should still be reasonably pleasant then (of course with the weather there are never any guarantees).
Good luck with your planning!
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Post by allister on Aug 24, 2009 13:53:58 GMT -5
I am flying out of Toronto, Canada.
"What types of sights are you interested in?"
I would pick a nice landscape and view then tour a few chapels(I would like to see a few). Seeing and trying new things is what we are most interested in thou.
The route I have in mind right now is,
Land in London where i have a family member that could show me around , go see Stonehenge > Paris ( The Louvre, Eiffel Tower) > Brussels > Amsterdam > Berlin > Munich* > Bern > > Venice > Rome > Florence > Nice( have not looked much into south of France yet any ideas?) > Barcelona > Madrid they i would like to end in Gibraltar or if i have more time go to Portugal. Would have to switch Munich around if we do end up going to Oktoberfest. Any suggestions on my route?
"Note that the mean holiday season is over by the time you arrive."
Is there any disadvantages or advantages to this other then the amount of other travelers?
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Post by herrbert on Aug 24, 2009 16:08:16 GMT -5
"Note that the mean holiday season is over by the time you arrive." Is there any disadvantages or advantages to this other then the amount of other travelers? Yes and No. In cities, I would see it as an advantage, although some opening hours are extended during the summer, and you miss some summer festivals, you are correct. Less tourists in general is better. (bigger choice of acc., no queues, etc.) It's only when you go to the beaches in Spain or the Islands in Greece, or party spots like Ibiza, that the changes are more dramatic. e.g. a place like Ibiza in Spain is a typical quite place for 65+ year old pensionados, except in summer when it changes to one big party island. With a lot of young people. A big advantage for me, is that the city after the holiday season is being lived in. In other words the residents have returned to their homes after their own vacations. It gives the place a different atmosphere than when there are only tourists. You have to check out how you are on time, as I think you need to be in Munich earlier than your preliminary initerary is showing. |
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Post by Eagle on Aug 25, 2009 15:11:27 GMT -5
allister,
Thanks for the additional information. The fact that you're flying out of Toronto is good, as you'll have lots of flight choices (on trips to Europe, I often have to connect in either Toronto or Montreal).
I'm assuming this is your first trip to Europe? I forgot to mention in my first post that it would be highly recommended to read the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door. It's more of a "pre-read" Guidebook, rather than one that you would pack along. Since you'll be visiting a number of different countries, you might also have a look at The Best of Europe (by the same author).
I'd suggest a slightly different route, in the interest of efficiency. You might consider something like this:
> London (day trips to Stonehenge)
> Paris (a two day Museum Pass would be a really good idea)
> Brussels (you might consider Bruges instead, as it has more "character" - you'll still have to transit through Brussels)
> Amsterdam
> Berlin
> Munich (if you don't have lodgings booked already, it's not likely that you'll find something during OktoberFest, as these often book up a year in advance).
> Bern? (is there a reason you chose Bern? You might also consider the Berner Oberland and the Lauterbrunnen Valley, just outside Interlaken. The small farming village of Gimmelwald is a BIG favourite with many travellers).
> Venice
> Florence
> Rome
> Cinque Terre? (the visit from Rome to Nice is LONG by train - it would be a good idea to pick an intermediate destination to make the journey more tolerable, and the C.T. is a GREAT pick!)
> Nice
> Barcelona
> Madrid
> Gibralter / Portugal
If you're using open jaw flights, your ending location will be determined to a large extent on where your flight will be leaving from. I'm assuming your air tickets are already booked? Which airline are you using and which airports for inbound / outbound flights?
Cheers!
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Post by allister on Aug 25, 2009 21:54:13 GMT -5
Thanks for all the info so far Herrbert and Eagle, lots of great ideas.
Yes this will be my first time to Europe, let alone out side of North America. I have 2 guide books Europe by eurail 2009 which I'm getting some ideas from but not many and one other that giving us alot more information but I cant remember the name of the book because I lent it to my friend to read as well.
I looked at the places you suggested Eagle they look amazing thank you! I will take them into consideration (I think i saw Cinque Terre on OLN the other day!)
We do not have our flight booked yet we have been working so hard to pay for this trip we haven't really planned anything lol but its getting done this weekend and ill let u know then and the name of the other book.
Did a bit more planing today and decided to make a day trip to Cannes from Nice.
Have a nice day!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 26, 2009 2:29:26 GMT -5
allister,
Rather than taking a day trip to Cannes, you might consider Villefranche, Eze or Monaco (which would include Monte Carlo if desired). IMO those would be better than Cannes (unless there's something specific that you want to see in Cannes?). Cannes has a large harbour with lots of expensive yachts and some beachfront, but I'm not sure whether those attractions would be worth a day trip?
One of the big attractions in Monaco is the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace, that takes place at 11:55 every day. There's also the Church where Princess Grace is interred and the Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum (some very interesting displays and lots of fish!). Monaco (and the famous Casino) are on the opposite hill, but be aware that you won't get too far into the Casino unless you have the proper attire.
It's very easy to take the Bus from Nice to Monaco. I was there in June and as I recall the fare was only €1.
Cheers!
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Post by heididerek1227 on Aug 27, 2009 3:08:18 GMT -5
I suggest you check out Cappadocia, Turkey. It's between Kayseri and Goreme. There are underground cities and fairy chimneys to explore plus all the history of the place is amazing. Plenty of places to hike. bike and even atv. Hot air balloons and theres a hostel in Goreme called "Nomad Hostel" that is only $6 USD and its so homey and the staff is awesome. You even get a full cooked breakfast. So awesome!
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Post by allister on Aug 30, 2009 12:26:14 GMT -5
Hey
I'm having trouble planing Spain and from Munich to Venice any ideas?
Thanks
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Post by WillTravel on Aug 30, 2009 13:58:27 GMT -5
Munich to Venice, I would probably do by train, if you take the route that takes about 6.5 hours. See www.bahn.de . You may be able to score a 39-Euro ticket still, although I would not count on it. If the ticket has to be mailed to your house, make sure there is enough time for that. Self-print is fine. What are you thinking of re Spain? |
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Post by allister on Sept 1, 2009 2:08:36 GMT -5
Just finished planing our route
Landing in London , heading to Munich for Oktoberfest , Nuremberg and Rhineland , Amsterdam , Belgium ,Paris , vimy ridge, Switzerland, Italy , Nice , Spain , France , London > home
Ill add more details later
Peace
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Post by allister on Mar 1, 2010 18:52:35 GMT -5
So I lived and it had to be the best 2 months of my life.
Landed at Gatwick airport took the train to london, first few days where rough due to jet leg but man london was great did it all , went to a basement comedy club witch was perfect. took the tunnel to Lille that was a shock with not knowing much french but "life is easy and things will work out". from there we went to paris great place and amazing vibe trough out the city relaxed and sexy. The baggers get really annoying (the women that is stuck in paris and needs money to get home...you know) . from there we went to brussels. train to Amsterdam just a unbelievable place the smell of chronic everywhere the town is still alive at 4am on a tuesday night. from there we went to Lauterbrunnen Valley thanks to Eagle stayed at valley hostel with all the asians. great place rented some down hill bikes and walked up goat trails witch took 2hrs with the bikes but 5mins to zoom down(would of took only 3 but had to stop for the cows on the road. one hell of a workout going up but its a hill all the way back to the shop so just had to sit back and drift behind each other for a nice ride well you watched the shadow of the aples consume the other side of the valley. The chicken sandwich at the bistro at the start of town is GREAT.
From there we took a long train ride to Venice then Florence to Rome. venice and florence was good walked around saw what we needed to see. Rome was good as well , felt safe walking around at night its a great time to see everything it felt like we had the city to ourself no one. And got to love the Alc in vending machine. Stayed at sandy hostel(Nice place smelled like feet).
another thanks to eagle for Cinque Terre best part of the trip sun warm water good local food and a cheap apartment with a bathroom and kitchen and great wine. reminded me of canada because everyone was just so nice and kind. only bad thing was a lack of younger people, it was a nice break tho. (simon is a great guy)
Then we went to nice and Barcelona.
Then back to paris to amsterdam and London where we stayed a few days in each of those , back to gatwick for the flight home....Did not want to leave.
At the end that we had a fun 72days and cant wait to go to south east asia for my next trip in the up coming winter. Backpacking i think is a most for everyone , teaches you a lot of stuff in a very short time.
New home is in Bermuda wonderful place.
THanks for all the info in the fall much appreciated.
Allister
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Post by Eagle on Mar 3, 2010 13:38:33 GMT -5
allister,
It's great to hear that you had such a wonderful time! I certainly agree, travel can be addictive.
If I read your post correctly, you're now living in Bermuda? That's a wonderful tourist destination also. If I ever get the opportunity to visit there, I'll be sure to contact you for some "local information"
Cheers!
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