Well the thread degenerated but a couple of suggestions from what I read in the first 90 or so posts.
General stuff:
- Pay attention to museum closures, they can really screw up your schedule.
- As others have said, less places is sometimes better. I did the whirlwind 1 month Eurail pass thing back in my youth and while I got to tick a number of places off my list, I didn't see them in a lot of depth. However, I got to see a bunch and learn which countries I'd like and could go back to see again in more depth.
- If you're looking for Paris suggestions, send a PM. Mrs. Furnace was born there so we go frequently to see family. I've been a half dozen times and have seen lots of the city. I likely have as much to say about it as 4x4 does about Rome. (4x4 is a must PM if you're thinking of going there).
Regarding the decision to go to Italy, if you don't have a number of days for Rome, from everything I've read, don't go. We're going to Italy in September and from all the info 4x4 gave me 5 days in Rome would be a piece of cake. If you need to hit Italy then perhaps Florence is a better option as it's a smaller centre. You get the architecture and churches, miss out on the Roman ruins, but it's more doable in a couple of days - especially if you're not into art. It would also be easy to get from the French Mediterranean to Florence on the train. Might even be able to hit a night train. The other option is Venice since it might be "romantic" for dj girlfriend.
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