Suggest a travel plan for Europe?

Question

We are 2 with 2 kids (5 & 10 yrs). Planning for a 15 to 20 days trip to Europe during March. Is that a better time? Can you guide me where & all we shall visit? What are the visa formalities to visit multiple countries in Europe? Is it possible to drive to different countries, instead of flying? Where (websites) shall I get more information for such travels.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

I am a firm believer that the people who attempt to do all of Europe in 2 weeks are CRAZY. You end up spending the whole time on a train and miss so much. Then afterwards you can't even remember what was in what country. Don't try to do one of those a country every 2 days grand tours. You have to split it up into regions and just concentrate on one. For visas and passports, if you are American, your passport is all you need. I know Australians have to pre-register what countries they are going to beforehand and can't detour. Check out your government regulations are if you aren't American. Traveling around, it is a much better idea to take the train. A lot of regulations with renting cars and sometimes you can't cross the border. Plus at the end having to return it. You can get a rail pass for as many countries as you plan on visiting. http://www.raileurope.com/us/index.htm
Gorgeous cities/must sees in Eastern Europe include Prague (Czech), Salzburg (Austria), Krakow (Poland), the Bavaria region/Munich (Germany), Budapest (Hungary). Barcelona (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal) are gorgeous places if you are in Western.

First I'd limit myself to just 2-3 countries. Perhaps in a couple more years you can get back and do it again. What interests you most? Wineries in France, catching a bullfight in Spain, eatting some great Italian food? Or do a Mediterranean area--French Riveria, Italy, and Greece. You could see the canals, Florance, Rome, and Athens and Delos. Or off the beaten path with Former Russian and touring Translyvania. I loved Germany--and the best thing is they are all fluent in English (better than most Americans are).

Figure out what is more important to you. The big things--Eiffel tower, Leaning Tower, canals in Venice, Rome. Or more smaller things--driving through the hillside of Tuscany and eatting in smaller areas.

Taking a pre-planned tour of Europe has pros and cons. Pro you have someone who arranges the best way to get through multiple countries. You can play it by ear. Cons-you have the considerations of the entire group to consider. You can't detour to a place you saw in the tour book and if you think something is outrageously boring, you have to spend the couple hours there regardless. But only you know if you and your husband are the type that can jump on a train and if the train changes (sometimes they break the train up and half goes to one destination and half goes elsewhere--they announce in several languages but usually english isnt one of them) and you end up someplace you didn't suspect, if you can go with the flow or if you will be filled with rage and it will ruin the whole trip. If you like wandering and deciding to go places "just b/c", you might not like the pre-planned tours. If you are the type that gets frustrated if you missed the day in Berlin b/c of the train being off schedule, a pre-planned tour would be the right thing for you.

But as far as all of Europe goes some things I recommend:
*take bike tours. One of my favorite memories was taking a bike tour through the hills of Austria, going to a bunch of wineries. I found out about it in Vienna from the hostel I was at. Just a quick decision to detour that was fabulous. (I know you think I havent ridden a bike in YEARS--trust me they know that and it's not strenuous)
*plan to see equal MAJOR stuff and minor stuff. Make sure time visiting historic Prague, museums and Prague castle is equal with time sitting in a cafe, wandering down side streets, and listening to the local musicians.
*never plan to see more than 3 major things in 1 day. Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum. But if you plan more than that, you won't have time for relaxation--and thats the whole point! Stop for lunch in that cute lil place.
*Try smaller local cuisines. Regardless of the fact that your kids see the McDonalds and wish to go there, ignore the urge. If you dont have bad allergies, try ordering something without knowing what you are going to get.

In March, you have the choice of planning a trip to a hot location that won't be sweltering. Greece and Spain are usually outrageously hot in summer, but should be quite comfortable in March. Or you can do a winter plan and go up in the Alps and get in another ski run. I mean you have so many choices!

Answer 2

Some things to consider -

do you speak any of the European languages? Not absolutely necessary but in small villages it can make things a little easier.

It is possible to rent a caravan, for instance - a trailer where you live. Makes travel a little more awkward but you can save a lot.

A Eurail pass for train travel might be a cheap way to go.

Don't try to do too much. But plan a couple of "adult" adventures while you're out, time when the kids can do something on their own (with supervision, of course - I'm trying not to say baby sitter but there you are) where the adults can get away for a nice meal or something special.

Europe is friendly and none of the main countries need special visas in advance.

Take a look at Austria as a country often overlooked - Salzburg (where Sound of Music tours are a regular item) and the salt mines (where you get to ride inside the mountain on huge wooden rails and in track cars for moving the salt). Beautiful cathedra, where they perform classic Masses on Sunday morning (MOzart, Brahms, etc) and the Marionetten Theater, where puppets perform operas and operettas.

And there is - sigh - Euro DIsney.

Have fun!

Answer 3

If you've never been to Europe before London and Paris (roughly 3 hrs apart by highspeed rail) are a great place to start. Either city could probably occupy you for a week or more with no trouble. 7 days minimum between the two. Unfortunately both cities are pricey--London though has a number of great, free museums and parks. Switzerland and Norway both have fantastic scenery but are very expensive. I'm a big fan of Italy--Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples/Pompeii/the Amalfi Coast are all must sees. Give Italy 2 weeks. It's also less expensive than some parts of Europe. I'm a big fan of Barcelona (give it 3-4 days.)

Answer 4

visit Turkey!

Answer 5

see the plans of thomas cook..or cox and kings...they r cheaper and perfect tour planners..