bigbob,Thanks for the clarification on your plans. My first thought is that July & August is about the worst time to travel in Europe, as that's peak tourist season and it will likely be hot and crowded. However, it that's the only time you have, there's not much choice.
Just curious, where were you living previously?
As this is your first trip, I'd highly recommend having a look at the Guidebook
Europe Through The Back Door, as it will answer a lot of questions and help you work out an efficient and realistic Itinerary. I'm not sure how easy it will be to find in the U.K. but there may be copies in larger Libraries or book stores?
Thirty days is not a long time for travelling in Europe, so you'll have to plan carefully. At that time of year, I'd probably pre-book all accommodations as there may be lots of competition for Hostel beds. However, if you were planning a more "spontaneous" travel style, you'll have to be prepared for spending additional time looking for someplace to sleep when you arrive in each town (and of course there's always the potential for not being able to find anything).
You might want to go through a few different Guidebooks on the places you want to visit, to get some idea on the sights that would interest you the most. Here's a selection of some of the sights that most people want to see in each country:
> France (Paris) - The Louvre (don't try to see all of it as it's huge - the Denon wing is a good place to start as that's where the Mona Lisa is located); the Musee D'Orsay (great collection of impressionist art located in an elegant old train station); the Arc du Triomphe (you can climb to the top, as that provides a great view of Paris - use the tunnel to get across the street to the entrance); the Eiffel Tower (prepare to queue for a LONG time - you can minimize this by going early in the morning or around supper time, but you'll still have to wait - be sure to wear a Money Belt, as pickpockets work that area extensively - also, don't fall for the "bracelet or ring scams").
> Italy (Rome) - there's LOTS to see and do in Rome! Some sights to consider: the Colosseum (buy a combo ticket on Palatine Hill so that you don't have to queue for hours to get a ticket - I'd highly recommend the official Guided Tour inside rather than using an Audioguide as it's great to have a Guide and be able to ask questions - the combo ticket includes Palatine Hlll and the Forum); the Vatican (St. Peter's and the Museum are incredible sights, but they'll be crowded - you can climb to the roof of St. Peter's, either using stairs or take a lift part way and then climb inside the dome - provides a fantastic view of Rome); check Guidebooks for other sights.
> Italy (outside of Rome) - there are lots of possibilities: Orvieto, Siena, Florence, Venice, the Cinque Terre.
> Switzerland is close to the other areas you'll be visiting and the Berner Oberland area is a big favourite with many here (including me), especially the small village of Gimmelwald. Check
www.gimmelwald.ch for further information. You could also spend a day or so at Interlaken. Check out
www.balmers.com/ for one possible accommodation. I've never stayed there as it has a bit of a "party palace" reputation and since I'm a bit older I prefer something a bit more sedate.
> Eastern Europe - Prague is always a favourite, but can be expensive. Other possibilities are Krakow, Warsaw or Budapest. The Adriatic (Croatia) is also very popular. However, with only 30 days you'll need to be quite selective and
above all you'll need to consider your transportation time between cities. One other thing to note is that "fast" trains such as the TGV in France require extra cost reservations, which are
compulsory.
Good luck with your planning!
Can any anyone help or have any advise or help?
Can any anyone help or have any advise or help?
