Europe Itenary Help!!?

Question

First trip to Europe for my wife and I, does the following plan make sense, are we too rushed? Here is the plan:

Nov 18th: Fly to Prague from US

Nov 19th: Arrive in Prague
20th: Prague
21st: Prague

Nov 22nd: Train from Prague to Amsterdam
23rd: Amsterdam
24th: Amsterdam
25th: Amsterdam

Nov 26th: Train from Amsterdam to Paris
27th: Paris
28th: Paris
29th: Paris

Nov 30th: Train from Paris to Barcelona
Dec 1st: Barcelona
2nd: Barcelona
3rd: Barcelona

Dec 4th: Train from Barcelona to Rome
5th: Rome
6th: Rome
7th: Rome

Dec 8th: Train from Rome to Venice
9th: Venice
10th: Venice
11th: Venice

Dec 12th: Fly from Venice back to US

Now some people are saying leave out Barcelona and instead hit up Germany since we will be traveling by train through Germany, Do you agree?

Answer 1

First thing, let me say this. I am an American living in Germany and have been to all of these cities except for Barcelona so here's my input.

2 Days in Prague will be plenty as everything is centralized into their inner city ring. (Castle, Cathedral, St. Wenceslas Square, restaurants, and more shopping than you can shake a stick at). My only caveat here would be the jetlag. Depends on how you and your wife handle the travelling though.

Amsterdam is super, but I sort of doubt you will need 3 full days there. 2 full days will be plenty sufficient to see what you want to see. Amsterdam is more about the experience, and the live and let live atmosphere.

Three days in Paris is perfect. Especially if you want to dedicate the better part of one of those days to seeing Versailles. (which is well worth the visit, although part of the famous Hall of Mirrors is currently under renovation). The Louvre is nice, although a little overrated, but nonetheless worth the visit if you have the time. Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees speak for themselves, although I would recommend getting to the Eiffel Tower either really early in the AM or in the later afternoon to minimize your wait in line. Paris is a very expensive city...just be forewarned of that.

Barcelona I have heard is wonderful and I think that 3 days there should be plenty as you will most likely not be lounging on the Mediterranean in Dec. You may be able to do it in 2 days since Barcelona isn't oozing with landmarks.

Between Barcelona and Rome is where I would try to fit a stop into Germany. Probably Munich would be best. If you spend 1-2 days in Munich you will have enough time to see the Glockenspiel, perhaps visit Mad King Ludwigs Castles (Hohenschwangau and the Disney Castle or Neuschwanstein) which are south of Munich in the mountains. You can also visit a famous German Christmas market anytime after Dec 1. The atmosphere is incredible and festive, Sip warm mulled wine and eat meter long sausages with the locals--you won't regret it.

3 Days in Rome will be sufficient, as there is plenty to see there. Again if you plan on going to the Vatican Museum, get there early in the morning to avoid a long line. Rome is a super city and undoubtedly all 3 days will be filled.

Venice is alright. I thought it was overrated and way overpriced. 2 Days in Venice would probably be enough. It's unique in the fact that its all canals etc etc, but the food isn't so hot, the people were rude to us, and in general it isn't quite as romantic as most envision. In any case, 2 days would be enough to visit San Marco Square, the Doge's Palace, and Murano Glass factory if you wanted. It will also allow you time to walk around take in the sites and enjoy gelato.

Happy Trails.

Answer 2

I agree that there is to much time in Amsterdam and maybe Barcelona. I was personally very disappointed with amsterdam and had 3 days and was bored and did a whole day trip to see the surrounding area as I had nothing to do...so I suggest you cut that down. I did one day in Barcelona and saw quite a bit so again I wuold maybe chop that down. I loved the achitecture of Gaudi there its so different to anything else.

In the biggrer places like Rome you can do day trips I went to pompeii from Rome for a day (you can also include Sorrento and Capri...reccommend)..I will give you a link to help, but there will be lots of companies that offer trips.
I also did 2 day trips when I was in Prague for 5 days...one I would really recommend is to Cesky Krukulov...its in Southern Bohemia and its a lovely colourful little town (lunches are included in these trips too and you meet people and get some information from the locals).
I think you could easily have 3 full days in Paris (and even more), Venice I had 2 days there and saw enough.
It sounds like a great trip and you have chosen some great places to see. I never got to Germany but had some friend recommend Berlin and I have heard some places in Austria are lovely if you decide to add some places in etc.

Answer 3

If you have checked the train schedules and the times you mention are right, it makes perfect sense. I would personally prefer Barcelona to Germany, although Berlin is a very interesting city. I have only 1-2 comments:
1. Perhaps you could fly between some places instead of the train, in order to save time which will allow you to see more places.
2. Since you'll be so close, I wouldn't leave Greece out of it. There are now cheap flights between Athens and Venice (Alpi Eagles or something). Visiting the monuments of Athens and perhaps 1-2 days on the islands would be a great break!

Answer 4

Three days isn't nearly enough time to see all the sites in those cities. You should spend more time in one place. Barcelona is beautiful but not too much to see, Rome is a dirty tourits trap but tons to see. Austria is beautiful too check out saltzburg, nice city