looking to spend about 2 to 3 days in each city and possibly adding venice, zurich, or geneva.

what's the preferred method of travel between countries?
any cost cutting hints?
memorable places to see, eat, shop?
any other advice that you wished someone could have given to you prior to visiting.

TIA.

 

Can you give us an idea of what your interests are?

Art, religion, history, women (men?), food, etc. It's tough to narrow things down until we have an idea of how you want to approach the trip. It's easy to choose key cities as travel hubs but if you have specific interests outlying areas maybe more appropriate.

As travel goes the train system throughout Europe is affordable and reliable.

Dont hesitate to look at travel packages, many people shy away from them because the thought alone sounds expensive. There may be something that fits your needs and takes care of many of the sketchy aspects of travel.

 

When I was in Italy some years back I thought the coolest thing I saw there was the Vatican, particularly St. Peter's. Enjoy and be safe

 

Definitely take the train, it's the best way to get around Europe. As to what to see, that depends on what you're into. You have art/museums, landmarks, shopping, events, tours...many possibilities.

I'd pick a couple of things to do every day and not overload on anything. You can burn out on museums pretty quickly. You can easily do a few landmarks every day, especially if you can find the off-peak times to visit, like very early or very late.

You could also go to the nearest 5-star hotel and ask the concierge for suggestions. They'll know what's happening around town, and may have discounts for you.

 

interests include some museums and experiencing the local cuisine.
we're not traveling with any toddlers or extra guests.

any advice on getting into the vatican? i heard there were pretty long lines.
any way to bypass these as well as any other lines getting into museums?

 

check out a play in london. go to leicester square to buy half price tickets (there's a large building that sells them - you can't miss it). my favorite was "we will rock you" (a play/musical based upon the music of queen). if you plan on going on the london eye, book ahead or be prepared to wait a few hours in line. my favorite art gallery was the musee d'orsay in paris. I (and others I've spoken to) much prefer it over the louvre.

 

one other thing - if you are walking down the paris street champs-elysees (this is a main shopping area that leads to the arc de triomphe), check out the peugeot store - they have some crazy concept cars on display!

 

Was in london and venice a few months ago.

Airfare was cheap if u book in advance, look for ez jet or thompson fly

my girlfriend and i got a ticket from london to venice roundtrip for $60 each, was only a 30 min flight. plan in advance you will be alright, although it is busy travel season now so expect to pay a premium.

venice wasn't as great as i expected it to be, should've tried Rome or Milan.

 

kntrider,

anything in venice you would recommend?

 

Venice is nice to just look at. It takes you breath away. But, There isnt much to do there. Anything more than 2 days is too much. Rome is nice too but also wouldnt spend too much time there. See the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Colissum, spanish steps. All that could be done in two days. If i were you i would go to Greece. They have a ferry from Bari in Italy, which is like 2 hours from Rome. Don't leave out Barcelona , Ibiza. Spain is very nice . I personally didnt like France or England. The coutires to the south are were to be in the summer as most of europe get 3 months off in summer. I would get a Eurorail pass from online or a travel agent and a plane ticket to your first destination. From there you can go day by day and stay places you like more or stay places you dislike less. Trains are always running and there are hotels aplenty. If you need any other suggestions let me know. I have been to England, Paris, Barcelona, Ibiza, Nice, Venice, Rome, Bari, Athens, and Mykonos. Hope that helps.