Pre-Vacation Plans-Tips & ideas highly appreciated

[ensrha]

Hi there, my friend and are planning a trip to Europe around October 26th for about 21-25 days. We are from NYC, and are not exactly backpacking because I cant put much weight on my back for long periods of times, more like country hopping. We have listed few countries/cities which we would like to visit. We are glad to receive all suggestion or advice in regards to our route:

-Madrid (3 Days, I know that there is lots to see here but I have been here before and I know where exactly to take my friend...I know the city very well)

-Valencia (4 Days, I have friends living here willing to show us around :-)

- Barcelona ( 5 days, visited this city in May but I spent 10 days in Madrid and did not to get to see much, I loved the ambiance)

- Paris (5 days/ new to both of us, friend will show us around)

- Brussels ( 4 days )

- Amsterdam (4 days)


We would like to have your kind advice about:

- any other city I should add?...I was considering a few days in Marseille right after Barcelona, but then I thought that I would like to come here during the summer time... I left Italy out because it was sort of detour and I think that i should just do a Italy trip where I can see the main cities at once.

- From past experiences I feel that we should travel by air. I am currently looking at great deals and it can save us no only time but in many cases money.


Thanks in advance for all of the kindness and help!

[Eagle]

ensrha,

Welcome to the Boards!

I have a few thoughts and comments on your questions.....

- any other city I should add?

For a trip of only 21-25 days, I don't really think you have time to add more cities. You'll need to allow for adequate travel times between the locations you're visiting. In some cases that will be about half a day, in other cases longer. I especially wouldn't add Marseilles to the list, as there are more interesting places to visit in the south of France.

- From past experiences I feel that we should travel by air.

I'd suggest a combination of rail and budget airlines, depending on the circumstances. Your transportation in Spain would be best by rail, but I haven't specifically checked the routes. Hopefully, herrbert will spot this post as he's our resident expert on Spain.

The trip from Barcelona to Paris would probably be best by air. One possibility is a flight with EasyJet from BCN to CDG. Check their web site for details and current prices (which vary considerably depending on which date you'll be travelling).

If you don't mind a long train journey, the trip from Barcelona to Paris is about 10 hours. Most of the "day" trains have at least one change, however there's a night train with a travel time of about 12 hours (sleeper - reservations compulsory).

Good luck with your planning!