2 Month Backpacking Trip in Europe (with MAP!)

[geoffbo]

OLD ITINERARY: (SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATE)


I have had this trip on my mind since last summer! Since then, I've had two different groups of friends say they were going but bailed due to lack of funds. So looks like I'm going solo.
The plan is to fly out at the beginning of June and return at the end of July.

My lodging will be a mixture of hostels and couchsurfing to save money as well as to meet interesting people who might show me around/tell me where to go. Main mode of transportation will be the EuRail.

Below is a map of what I have in mind along with info on what I plan on doing. As of now nothing is booked/purchased so I am very flexible on dates and things to do. I plan on booking my tickets the month before I leave because I figure that will be the cheapest time to do so...however, I'm still not sure if I should book a round-trip ticket, or a one-way ticket and purchase my return ticket while in Europe.



1.
England
Fly into London. Spend 1-2 days shaking off the jet lag and looking at all the free stuff (changing of the guard, big ben, etc.)

2.
Netherlands
Amsterdam! Just for the sake of saying I went . Check out the red light district, explore the Anne Frank house, visit a nightclub, maybe even rent a bike to get around. Probably spend 1-2 days there.

3.
Germany.
Wasn't very creative with the line drawing here...not really sure where to go but I hear good things about Germany. Maybe I'll visit Berlin before heading south to Prague. If it's not to out of the way, I'd like to take the free Porsche factory tour.

4.
Czech Republic
Sight-seeing in Prague. Open to ideas on time and what to do.

5.
Austria
Sight seeing in Vienna. "Schonbrunn Palace", opera house, markets, etc.

6.
Italy
Travel on the EuRail down the back of the boot. Spend some time in Venice sight-seeing. Maybe check out some other cities on my way down.

7.?
Greece
Athens is a bit out of the way so I'm considering ditching the idea altogether due to time and the extra costs just to get there. If I do go, I will be checking out the many ruins like the Parthenon.

8.
Italy pt II
Make my way up the front of the boot and stop by Naples. I plan on spending 5-7 days in Rome alone on my way up visiting the Vatican City, Colosseum, and just doing whatever it is that the Romans do. After that I'll head further up the boot to Florence.

9.
France
Check out Monaco, Nice, and other lower cities in France. Not sure what to expect.

10.
Spain
Madrid sight-seeing. Make my way north to Pamplona to participate in the running of the bulls!! (Bull running is from July 6th-July 14th).

11.
France pt II
Make my way north towards Paris. One thing I HAVE to see on the way is a stage of the Tour de France (takes place from July 3rd to July 25th). Once I reach Paris I will be in good hands as I have a friend there who says he'll help show me around. Eiffel tower will be one of my stops for sure.

12.
Belgium
Sight seeing in Brussels. Not really sure what's here other than delicious waffles. Don't mind cutting Belgium from my list if it's out of the way and not worth it in which case I'd take the Chunnel from France to England.

Back to 1.
England pt. II
There is a reason behind me visiting London for a second time and that's because England is notorious for being one of the most expensive places to visit in Europe. By now I can evaluate how much of my budget I have left, and use whats left to visit places that aren't free as well as what I didn't have a chance to see my first time. After that, I fly back home!


About me:
I'm 20, enjoy swimming, cycling, running, hiking, going to the beach, snowboarding, and just being active in general. I don't smoke and I hardly ever drink (though I do enjoy a nice glass of wine/chardonnay). Museums somewhat interest me, but I don't plan on basing my whole trip around them. Instead, I'd rather have a nice blend between touristy activities like museums, and just doing what the locals do like visiting the beaches, hiking scenic trails, and eating at local casual restaurants.

Backpack I plan on purchasing soon to test out and break in:
www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Compass-Convertible-Chipotle/dp/B0027AL61S/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3A2FB3LGGUIK8&colid=2ZGK4U7YZ7404
I like the dual pack idea so I can leave the heavy pack in the hostel and take the daypack when exploring. I realize I'll need to buy a TSA friendly lock to put on it. Considering a money belt...but maybe just storing my valuables in my locked daypack will be just as safe.

Budget I have in mind (not including stuff I bring) is between $3,000-$3,500 but I should be fine even if I go above that.

Like I said earlier, I'm really flexible on where to go and what to do at this point. So feel free to make suggestions!

[Eagle]

geoffbo,

Welcome to GFE! Your Itinerary looks generally well organized, and the Map is nice to help visualize your route. It's great that you've decided to take the trip anyway. I often travel solo, and that type of travel does have advantages. I find that I'm somewhat more outgoing when I'm on my own, and the locals will more readily strike up a conversation with one person, while they might be reluctant to do that with a couple. A few comments....

Although two months should be adequate to see the places you've listed, it will be important to allow for travel times between cities. In some cases this will only be a few hours, while in other cases the time will be significantly longer. Given that you HAVE to be in specific places at times during your trip, it will be important to plan the transportation well.

One thing to keep in mind about travel in July, is that it's peak travel season in Europe so it's going to be "busy". Pre-booking accommodations would be a good idea.

In June and July, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace will be a popular attraction. I'd suggest getting there at least an hour early in order to get a good vantage point. The Cabinet War Rooms are really interesting, but there's an admission charge. The BA London Eye provides a great view over London (but again, there's a charge).

Although you'll be with a friend in Paris, you might consider getting the two-day Paris Museum Pass if you're planning to visit several of the Museums. That will at least help to minimize the time you spend in queues. Note that the Pass doesn't cover the Eiffel Tower. There WILL be queues at the Eiffel Tower, but you can minimize these to some extent by choosing the time of day that you visit. Also note that there's an extra charge to go right to the top. Don't try to see all of the Louvre, as it's HUGE. You might focus on the Denon Wing, where the Mona Lisa is located.

Regarding your visit to Greece, as you only want to spend a day or two in Athens, I'm not sure that's worth the time and expense. If you travel by Ferry from Brindisi, it's a LONG trip (23 hours?) and while travel by air will be quicker, you'll have to budget for two flights. Each trip by air (to Greece, from Greece) will require at least 4-6 hours for travel times (travel to airports, check-in, security, waiting times, retrieving luggage, etc.).

It's great to see that you've allowed 5-7 days for Rome, as there's LOTS to see there. That would allow a day trip to Ostia Antica, Tivoli (Hadrian's Villa) or perhaps Orvieto.

For your visit to Belgium, you might consider a day or two in Bruges in addition to Brussels.

A Money Belt would definitely be a good idea! Just keep enough money in your pockets for daily expenses, and the rest stored on the Money Belt. You can also keep your Passport there for "safekeeping" (be sure to wrap in a zip-lok bag though, otherwise it will get really damp from perspiration). Be especially vigilant for Pickpockets any place that's crowded, especially on the Metro and Buses in Paris and Rome. Watch for the "bracelet scam" in Paris.

In addition to the Travel Sentry Lock for your Backpack, you'll also need a small Padlock for Hostel Lockers. I'd suggest a good quality small-to-medium sized Padlock with "heel & toe" locking (ask a Locksmith for an explanation). DON'T use your Travel Sentry Lock to secure your valuables at the Hostel, as they're not that secure.

I'm not familiar with the Backpack you listed, however it looks like a good quality unit. I also like the detachable Daypack feature. You might check to see if it also has a "stowable harness". Some models have a zippered flap that covers the harness during air travel, so that it doesn't get torn-off by airport conveyor systems. For comparison you might also have a look at the Eagle Creek Thrive Packs.

Finally, if this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door. Pay particular attention to the "Rail Skills" chapter.

Hopefully the others will have some suggestions also.

Happy travels!

[geoffbo]

Wow thanks for the detailed response!

I think I just figured out how I'm going to get from step 1 to 2 (London to Amsterdam) after quite a bit of research. I considered the plane and chunnel routes, but the most scenic and least expensive option will be the train/ferry/train option offered by the "dutchflyer". I might get an even cheaper deal if the EuRail pass covers my train fare, and so all I'd need to pay for is the ferry.

I'll take your advice on cutting Greece from the trip. I agree that it just won't be worth the trouble....besides, this will give me more time to explore Italy. ;D

The moneybelt will be back on my list of things to buy. I just googled the various euro scams and now realize having my valuables hidden while in front of me is a no brainer. The "heel & toe" type lock as well as "Europe Through the Back Door" book will also be on my list.

I checked out the Eagle Creek packs but they're all so much more expensive than the one I posted. I understand that they're of higher quality, but I'm pretty sure I can get by with the High Sierra pack. According to reviews, it has the ability to cover the straps among other nifty features.

Hopefully someone will chime in about where to go in Germany. Berlin and possibly Hamburg/Bremen look like the most convenient stops. Input on those and whatever I can find on my trip south to Prague would be very helpful.

[Eagle]

geoffbo,

Hopefully someone will chime in about where to go in Germany. Berlin and possibly Hamburg/Bremen look like the most convenient stops.

I haven't been to Hamburg or Bremen, but they're not "high on my list" of places to see. Hopefully MTH or one of the others can provide further information. Berlin is definitely good to have on the list, but I really like Munich and Bavaria in the south. The scenery is beautiful and there's lots of possibilities for day trips in that area. A few examples - the Castles of "Mad King Ludwig" (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau) in Fussen or Dachau (for those interested in history - only a short trip from Munich). As you're going to be in Vienna, stopping in Salzburg and especially Hallstatt would fit well on the route to Munich. You could also stop in Berchtesgaden and tour the Documentation Centre and Bunkers, the Eagle's Nest or the Salt Mines (there are awesome Salt Mine tours in Hallstatt as well).

Of course, LOTS of things to see in the city of Munich also - the Deutsches Museum (16 kM of exhibits!), Hofbrauhaus (another historic location - be sure to have a look at the "unusual appliance" in the men's washroom), Viktualien Market, Churches, etc. Have a look at www.radiustours.com for some examples of local tours and attractions. I believe there's a FREE walking tour offered there.

Good luck with your planning!

[stevedanger]

I'm going for 2 months this summer as well! I posted my itinerary in this forum too and while I haven't been to Europe yet I may have some ideas for you.

From what I gather, Munich in Germany is a must-see.

An ex-girlfriend of mine (we were together 2 years) is Hungarian. She was born in Budapest and came to Canada when she was 12-years old. Every time I'd go to her parents house her dad would show me pictures and video of Hungary and Budapest in particular. From what I can tell Budapest is an incredible city and Hungary itself is an amazing country. Perhaps that's something for you to consider if you're going to cut Greece out of your trip? The train from Vienna to Budapest takes only a few hours.

Switzerland is expensive as hell but with all the interests of yours that you listed (hiking, cycling) you might want to check out Switzerland. Interlakken in particular sounds like an adventure sports enthusiast's dream.

Anyway, just some thoughts from a fellow first-timer! If during your travels you meet an almost 30-year old Canadian with tattoos and a beard who is also traveling alone, it might be me!

[geoffbo]

Eagle- Thanks for the helpful reply on Germany. Munich will be on my list of places to see for sure.

stevedanger- Quite a few of my friends said I should see Switzerland so I'm adding it to my list (see map below). This is one of the many reasons why:
www.hangglidinginterlaken.com/ ;D
I'll keep an eye out for any bearded tattooed Canadians while I'm out there! Just look for a lost American with an black/orange backpack and GPS in hand.


Here is my new updated route based on the EuRail map found here:
www.eurail.com/eurail-railway-map
This is nothing permanent so feel free to point out any problems or if I've missed anything. It works out neat in the end because I can streamline my route by skipping destinations in France if I need to.

Part One:

London. Sight-seeing. Pay separate fare for train to Harwich. Take ferry to "Hook of Holland". Take EuRail to Amsterdam and then all the way to Berlin.

Part Two:

Descend south to Prague. Next Vienna. Back in Germany to Munich. Then Bern and finally Interlaken.

Part Three:

Cross into Italy, stop in Milan. West to Venice. South to Bologna and Florence. Rome! Trail border and cross into France. Monaco and then Nice.

Part Four:

Arles, Barcelona, Madrid (Possibly visit Toledo).

Part Five:

Pamplona, head north.

Part Six:

Le Mans, Paris, Brussels, backtrack before taking the chunnel to London (reduced rate with EuRail pass).

Other questions:

1.) Should I pack a mini umbrella or a poncho? I'm kind of siding towards a poncho because it might take up less space and requires no hands to use.

2.) Based on the pending route above, what type of rail pass should I buy?
I could get the 2 month Global Pass for $1075
OR
I could buy a 5 country pass with a 3 country pass for possibly less (Netherlands and Belgium count as one country):
www.eurail.com/eurail-select-pass?currency=usd
But this has the potential to be more expensive depending on how many "days" I buy. Not really sure how that system works though...I'm guessing if I take a rail in the morning, then I'm allowed to travel on the rails all day?

3.) Which would be cheaper:
Round-trip ticket to London
OR
One way ticket to London and buy ticket back after being in Europe for a month.

[Eagle]

geoffbo,

In the past, I've packed along both an Umbrella and a Rain Poncho. I've used the Umbrella a few times (but probably not enough to justify packing it, even though it's a compact "travel model"). I've been afraid to use the Rain Poncho so far, as I'm sure I'll NEVER be able to figure-out how to get it back in the small pouch that it's stored in).

As you're planning to visit Interlaken, you might consider spending some time in the Lauterbrunnen Valley (just outside Interlaken). It's a big favourite of many here (including me), especially the small village of Gimmelwald. Have a look at www.gimmelwald.ch for a look at the area. The Mountain Hostel is a very popular spot, but there are other lodgings also available, either in Gimmelwald, Murren or Lauterbrunnen.

If you're interested in Hang Gliding, you can also do that above Murren (the next village above Gimmelwald) - I know, as I tried it on my last visit there. If you have a "generous travel budget", you could also consider Hang Gliding from Piz Gloria on the Schilthorn, which is at 10K feet. The flight is about an hour as I recall. Of course, these are all tandem flights with a licensed Pilot.

I'll have to give some thought to your questions on the Railpasses. Hopefully some of the other members here will have some thoughts on that.

Cheers!

[stevedanger]

I bought the 2 month Global Pass myself because of the freedom it will allow. I figure it will also just make things easier. Now, money isn't a huge concern to me, I've budgeted a lot to my trip already, so if you have a cheaper option that will work for you then by all means.

[geoffbo]

Eagle- To get to those towns, the EuRail map says I'd have to pay extra for a reduced rate train ticket (as seen by red dashed lines) :


I tried setting up a ticket from Interlaken to Gimmelwald with no luck. But then I tried Interlaken to Grindewald and got about here:
www.sbb.ch/mct/wi/shop/b2c/fahrplan.do?sprache=en&WT.ac=Preis_Kauf_Fahrplan_B2C&DCSext.wt_origin=Fahrplan&xmlHandle=http%3A%2F%2Ffweb2p.sbb.ch%2Fbin%2Fquery.exe%2Fen%3FshowXml%3D1%26xmlId%3Dl7.023219220.1270529455%3A5%3AC4-3

Looks like round trip, 2nd class, "half-fare (travelcard)" price to Grindewald is 10.20 CHF (only about $9 USD). BUT the travelcard looks like it's a special card offered by the website and is NOT the EuRail pass...so what is the discount with the EuRail pass?? According to the EuRail's Traveler's Guide: "A Pass valid in Switzerland is valid with SBB, the national railway company of Switzerland". So is it free or discounted or what??

Steve- I think I'm going to buy the Global Pass as well. It's not worth saving $50-$100 if I'm going to be stressed over using up days and sticking to a stricter schedule. However, if the savings are in the $250+ range I might reconsider.

[Eagle]

geoffbo,

The trip to Gimmelwald is very easy, but you may have to pay extra for the trip. If your Railpass includes Switzerland, discounts may be possible on the cost of the tickets. Don't go to Grindelwald unless you can afford it, as it tends to be touristy and expensive.

Here's the route to take from Interlaken to Gimmelwald:

> At Interlaken Ost (there are two stations at Interlaken), purchase a ticket for Gimmelwald. It will include all modes of transport.

> Take the local Berner Oberland train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. When you reach Lauterbrunnen, cross the street and transfer to the Post Bus (it's bright yellow, you can't miss it).

> The Post Bus will take you to Stechelberg and the Schilthornbahn Cable Car. Walk up the steps, show your ticket and board the first Cable Car. That first leg is a bit "steep" but quite exhilarating and view is incredible! The first stop will be Gimmelwald. If you're staying at the Mountain Hostel, it will be about a one-minute (if that?) walk from the Cable Car terminal.

> You can purchase your return ticket to Interlaken at the Gimmelwald Cable Car terminal (at least that's the method I use). Again, a discount may be possible if your Railpass includes Switzerland.

I wouldn't bother with the "Eurail" website for finding too much accurate information. If you want to check the departure times and schedules from Interlaken Ost to Gimmelwald, use the www.sbb.ch/en/ website. The country-specific websites (especially www.bahn.de are the best source of information).

Cheers!

[herrbert]

I just have a couple of things to add.

From Salzburg check out a daytrip to Werfen (30-45 minutes), to visit the Ice caves of Eisriesenwelt, and the castle of Hohenwerfen.

Change the possible daytrip to Toledo, to a must do. (it's only 30 minutes by train from Atocha station.) If you have time enough, also check out Segovia. (which is 30 minutes on the AVE, but after that a short transfer to the town itself, as the AVE station is a few kilometres south of the historic town.

From a weather point of view. I would do the whole trip in reverse. July will be hot in Madrid. But it would mean you will miss the running ... (btw, two days before the running of the bulls, is the running of the nudes.) but to avoid the heat, it would be better. your choice.

On Germany:

Hamburg is supposed be a nice city, but I haven't been there yet. For that matter a day in Lübeck (the old headquarters of the Hansa cities, trade organisation, call it an early EU.)

Well Berlin is a nice place, but also big, so you need a few days (3 - 4), as a lot of the sights are really spread out over the city. The mainpart runs from the Alexanderplatz, via the Museum island, along Unter den Linden to the Branderburger Tor. In this area you will also find the Dom. If you like to make up for skipping Greece you, might want to check the Pergomon museum. The holocaust monument is just north of the Brandenburger tor, and the Reichtag a short walk to the south. For the cheaper options, you need to stay in the former eastern part of town. (Circus Hostel is a good one, but there are more.) In the evening a visit to the Kulturbrauerei is worthwhile, as there is enough to do on the Cultural front.

[geoffbo]

Thanks for the info everyone! I'm about half-way through Rick Steves "Europe Through the Backdoor" and I can already tell it was worth every penny.

herrbert- From living in California, hopefully I'll be able to take the heat. I'm bringing along a nice, big, refillable, water bottle to keep hydrated and I've already began aligning events on my trip so flipping it in reverse will be something I will have to consider if I go back. Also, thanks for the advice on Germany!

Eagle- I've heard good things about a hostel called "Balmers" in Interlaken from a friend. In addition to hang gliding, I think I'm also going to sign up for canyoning while I'm there. I'm still on the fence about visiting Gimmelwald because as you said it's expensive, so as a compromise, I think I might rent a vespa and head in that direction to see the view.


After I buy my flight tickets and finish my book, I'll post up a more exact itinerary for people to make suggestions on to fill in any blanks.

Thanks again!

[geoffbo]

Alright here's an update of where I am right now in my planning! I have just about everything planned down to the day but I'm still very flexible so if you spot something missing or that just wont work please tell me.

Cliff note version of itinerary:

2 days in London
2 days in Amsterdam
3 days in Berlin
3 days in Prague
3 days in Vienna
1 day in Salzburg/Halstatt
3 days in Munich
Short tirp to Bern
2 days in Interlaken
1 day in Gimmelwald
1 day in Milan
2 days in Venice
1 day in Florence
4 days in Rome
1 day in Riomaggiore
1 day in Vernazza
2 days in Nice
1 day in Arles
3 days in Barcelona
7 days in Ibiza
2 days in Madrid
1 day in Toledo
2 days in Pampalona
2 days in Lisbon
1 day in Sevilla
3 days in Granada
1 day in Madrid (Passing through)
2 days in Pau
1 day in Salies-de-Bearn
2 days in Paris
1 day in Brussels
1 day in London

Keep in mind some of these are not full days (ex: night train between cities)

Full version of Itinerary:

May 29th: Fly out!
May 30th: Arrive in London. Find accommodations (couch surfer). Nap, eat, refresh. Flood lit walk at night.
May 31st: Explore highlights of London. Take train to Harwich, ferry overnight to Hook Van Holland.
June 1st: Amsterdam. Activate eurail pass. Morning train to Amsterdam. Either today or tomorrow check out red light district and Anne Frank house.
June 2nd: Explore Amsterdam via bike. Night trian to Berlin.
June 3rd: Museums in Berlin. Holocost monument. Walking tour Stay at Circus Hostel.
June 4th: Explore Berlin, museums, etc.
June 5th: Explore Berlin, museums, etc. Possible night train to Prague (it's only ~5 hours though)
June 6th: Prague. St Vitus Cathedral, Kings Walk, Old Town, Charles bridge
June 7th: Jewish Quarter of Prague, Pinkas Synagogue, possibly take tour.
June 8th: Prague. Day with local couch surfer (can be swapped with activites on June 6th or 7th). Train and sleep in Vienna.
June 9th: Vienna. Schonbrunn Palace, Opera house, Markets.
June 10th: Vienna. Anything I missed the day before. Explore.
June 11th: Vienna. Explore, spend day with local (couch surfer).
June 12th: Morning train (2 hours) to Salzburg/Eagels Nest/Halstatt. Tour of documentation center, Eagel's Nest, Salt Mines (Pick 2). Sleep in Munich
June 13th: Munich. Spend day with local (couch surfer).
June 14th: Munich. Free walking tour. Deutsches Museum/Hofbraquhaus/Market/Churches.
June 15th: Munich. Anything I missed the day before. Maybe night train to Interlaken.
June 16th: Bern and Interlaken. Quick stop in Bern. Find Balmers, explore town, relax.
June 17th: Interlaken. Hang gliding. Explore Gimmelwald (via scooter?) hike. Another night at Balmers.
June 18th: Interlaken. Canyoning. Maybe Gimmelwald if missed day before.
June 19th: Morning train to Milan (4 hours). Church sightseeing. Train to Venice (3 hours). Sleep in Venice.
June 20th: Venice. Spend day with local (couch surfer). Night activities.
June 21st: Venice. St marks square, frari church, eat, take boat back to st marks square to shop, correr museum St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace. Camp inile, Bell tower city view. Duelling Orchastras at St Mark's Square. (Much of this taken from Rick Steve's book Can divide between yesterday and today). Sleep in Florence.
June 22nd: Florence. Accadamia (will reserve month in advance), Renaissance walk, climb campanile, bargello museum, market, Offizi Gallery (will reserve month in advance), dinner
June 23rd: Rome. "Caesars Shuffle" from Colosseum to Forum then over to capital hill next to Parthenon. Nap, stroll from Piazza del Popolo to Spanish steps.
June 24th: Vatican City, eat at Campo de Fiori (depends on $$), Trevi Fountain.
June 25th: Rome. Borghese Gallery (reserved in advance). National Musuem of Rome. Local stuff. Sleep at Castelfusano (hostel about an hour outside of Rome).
June 26th: Rome. Vacation from my trip at hostel. It's inexpensive, has good food, and a nice pool .
June 27th: Explore/hike between Riomaggiore and Manarola. Either couch surf here or sleep in Vernazza.
June 28th: Vernazza. Hike vernazza to Monterosso al Mare. Day at beach (or tomorrow in Nice). Either sleep in Vernazza or Nice.
June 29th: Nice, France. Possibly side trip to Monaco (on way) for pictures. Chagail Museum. Day at beach (or yesterday).
June 30th: Morning train to Arles. Day with local (couch surfer).
July 1st: Barcelona. Visit tourist highlights (still have to research).
July 2nd: Barcelona. Day with local (couch surfer) or more highlights.
July 3rd: Travel day between Barcelona and Ibiza by Ferry. Sleep in Ibiza.
July 4th: Ibiza. Yet another vacation from my trip just about the whole time I am here. Hippy market. Swim/Snorkeling.
July 5th: Ibiza. Beach/Day with local couch surfer. Night club later to see Tiesto.
July 6th: Ibiza. Probably sleep in. Beach/Rent a bike? Night club later to see Armin Van Buuren.
July 7th: Ibiza. Day with local couch surfer, day at beach, etc.
July 8th: Ibiza. Either see Paul Van Dyk at night club later or if I'm all "night clubbed out" I find something else to do. Possibly return early to make my way to Madrid.
July 9th: Travel day from Ibiza>Barcelona>Madrid. Possibly spend night in Barcelona. Train to Madrid, day train (3 hours) or night train (9 hours).
July 10th: Madrid. Musuems, walking tour, visit gym (my membership works at one in Madrid).
July 11th: Spend day with local (couch surfer). Recap on things I might have missed yesterday.
July 12th: Day trip to Toledo. Cathedral, museum. Sleep in Madrid.
July 13th: Pampalona. Sight seeing. Pray I can find someone to couch surf with or I'll be hostel hunting all day. Eat pasta, get good nights rest for tomorrow...
July 14th: Pampalona. RUNNING OF THE BULLS!! Try not to die. Take LONG 14 hour train to Lisbon (Pampalona>Madrid>Lisbon).
July 15th: Lisbon. ??
July 16th: Lisbon. ?? Night trian to Sevila via Lagos.
July 17th: Sevilla. ?? Sleep in Sevilla.
July 18th: Granada. ?? Beach?
July 19th: Granada. ??
July 20th: Granada. ?? Night train to Madrid (5 hours).
July 21st: Travel day from Madrid, Spain to Pau, France. (Madrid>San Sebastion>Pau). Maybe enjoy San Sebastion if I have time. Sleep in Pau.
July 22nd: Pau, France. Stage 17 of Tour De France. Find way to Salies-de-Bearn, France either tonight or tomorrow morning.
July 23rd: Salies-de-Bearn, France. Stage 18 Tour De France. Sleep on train to Paris (5 hours).
July 24th: Paris. Spend day with friend out there? Sightseeing based on Rick Steves book. Are de Triomple, Louvre, Notre Dame.
July 25th: Paris. Eiffel Tower, Napoleon's Tomb. Sleep in Paris.
July 26th: Brussels. 2 hour morning trian from Paris. La Grand Palace, Royal Musuem of Fine Arts, AutoWorld, Manneken, Pis Fountain. Possibly walking tour for most of this. Eat chocolate ! Spend night in Brussels.
July 27th: Chunnel to London (discount by eurail pass). Maybe do bus tour of highlights if missed last time, spend remainder of budget doing stuff here.
July 28th: Flight back home in afternoon. The end.


As you saw, July 15th to the 21st is pretty incomplete. That's because it was a last minute idea as I'm not sure how to kill the time between the 14th (Running of the Bulls) and the 22nd (Tour De France). I'm open to other ideas or of what to see based on what I put. I tried my best to make sure I see a lot without turning this into a stressful "whirlwind tour".

By the way, as far as hostel locks go. Eagle suggested one with heel and toe locking...but I happen to have one of these:


Should I invest in the "heel toe" locking lock, or will this lock I already have work?