Honeymooon in Europe

[me_dennis]

I've been given the task of planning our honeymoon in late September and we've decided we want to do Europe.

Neither of us has been to Europe before, so I'm not really sure where to start when it comes to planning.

So far, we've decided on a list of places we'd like to check out:

Paris for sure
Italy for sure (florence, venice, rome)
Germany (not sure which cities are worth checking out, suggestions?)
Greece (maybe a short 5-day cruise through Greece and a few other places?)

We plan on going for two weeks total and we don't want to stay in hostels or anything.

Are there any websites where I can start to look for more information/prices/hotels?

Also, our plan is to fly to one of Paris/Italy/Germany from Calgary, then fly or train to the other places. I've heard that flights and train tickets are fairly cheap and available once we are already in Europe. Any ideas if it's better to go this way, rather than pre-book everything?

Any other tips for first timers in Europe?

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Icon]

Tripadvisor for your hotels & "things to do" - was extremely helpful when I planned our trip through Europe.

[cmyden]

My first thought is that for a 14 day vacation, you have at least a 22 day itinerary at the moment.

If there's one thing I've learned from traveling, by trying to see more, you end up seeing less.

It's tough, I know, because there's so much you want to see, but I would really try to cut it down so you don't end up on planes and in trains for your entire vacation. To each his own, that's just my opinion!

[troutman]

I would say try not to see too much in two weeks. Spend one week in the Greek Islands (take ferries), and a week in another country.

[Kybosh]

A common first timer mistake is to cram a lot of locations into a short period of time. People assume that Europe is small and the trains/flights are cheap and quick, but it's not really the case. You would be surprised how much time you waste traveling from location to location.

[me_dennis]

Thanks for the opinions so far, as I said I'm pretty noob when it comes to travelling Europe so I really don't know what to expect.

It makes sense that we wont be able to see all the places I've listed in such a short period of time. The fiance really wants to see Germany, and I've heard mixed opinions about paris and rome, so I'm not sure if it's worth staying in these places for more than 2 days each. Thoughts?

What does everyone suggest is a must-do for Europe?

[Lobotroth]

I spent most of my time in Germany in the south: Munich, Black Forest, Stuttgart, etc. The drive in and around the Black Forest was beautiful and it didn't matter where I had beer it was all f-ing amazing. If you're going to France and Italy you'll probably want to stay in that general region so I would recommend either Munich or Frankfurt if you're sticking to big cities.

[Kybosh]

I have a general rule, which I try to stick to, where a travel day ideally takes no more than 5 hours in transit. This way you're always relaxed and energetic. Nothing ruins your your week like sitting on a bus or train for 24 hours. I would really limit the amount of time in transit, especially for something like a honeymoon.

With 2 weeks, maybe do Paris, French Riviera and then make your way into Italy for Cinque Terre for a few days?

[gargamel]

I'd probably stick to Italy for the entire trip. Two days in Venice, then split the rest of the trip between Florence, Rome and the Amalfi coast.

Save Paris for another trip and tie it in with London or Amsterdam since its relatively close to those cities.

Munich/Bavaria would be my choice of German destinations (unless you're looking for WWII history), but keep in mind your you're going to be there during Oktoberfest. That could be a lot of fun, but isn't what most people have in mind for a honeymoon.

Prague is nice and definitely worth visiting, but it's too far out of your way given the time constraints.

[surferguy]

[QUOTE=me_dennis;3583932]Thanks for the opinions so far, as I said I'm pretty noob when it comes to travelling Europe so I really don't know what to expect.

It makes sense that we wont be able to see all the places I've listed in such a short period of time. The fiance really wants to see Germany, and I've heard mixed opinions about paris and rome, so I'm not sure if it's worth staying in these places for more than 2 days each. Thoughts?

What does everyone suggest is a must-do for Europe?[/QUOTE]


Skip it and head to the Cook Islands instead.

[Lobotroth]

Originally Posted by gargamel

Skip Germany unless you really want to go to Oktoberfest (the timing should be right), but that's not most people's idea of a honeymoon.

This is true, late September is when things get crazy for Oktoberfest, Munich in particular, not the best venue for a honeymoon. I agree with those who recommend sticking to one country, France or Italy would be good for a honeymoon.

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Italy is nice I hear.

[Rubicant]

I've seen a lot of Germany and would recommend that you see it. I enjoy WW2 history so touring a large part of this country was fantastic for me.

In terms of what you should see it completely depends on what you are interested in seeing:

- History
- Rural areas and natural scenery
- Urban centres and culture

are a few categories that I come up with off the top of my head.

Here are the areas that I visited and can answer some specifics about if you have questions

Frankfurt
River cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Hamburg
Berlin (a must see IMO if you are going to Germany)
Dresden
Nuremberg
Munich (and Salzburg which is Austria but fairly close)
The Black Forest
Heidelberg

I also saw a number of small towns that are always interesting as well.

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by me_dennis

Thanks for the opinions so far, as I said I'm pretty noob when it comes to travelling Europe so I really don't know what to expect.

It makes sense that we wont be able to see all the places I've listed in such a short period of time. The fiance really wants to see Germany, and I've heard mixed opinions about paris and rome, so I'm not sure if it's worth staying in these places for more than 2 days each. Thoughts?

What does everyone suggest is a must-do for Europe?

If she insists on Germany, then fly into Frankfurt. Take a train to nearby Mainz. Get on a slow boat down the Rhine to Koblenz or Cologne. You will see the most scenic part of the Rhine. Castles, pleasant small towns. You will also have a relaxing way to start your holiday.

You can see the collosal cathedral in Cologne (Koln) or from Koblenz take the Moselle river to Cochem and then Trier. By train or boat. More great German scenery.

Other places in Germany that are very interesting: Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, and Munich for big cities and great museums.

I particularly enjoy some smaller cities/towns like Heidelberg, Wurzburg, and Bamberg.

Considering it is a honeymoon, perhaps the Romantic road would be the place to go. Rothenberg and the great castles of mad king Ludwig. Neuschwanstein, linderhof, etc.

There are so many things to see and do in Germany, also France, Italy and Greece; that there are no wrong answers.

[Lobotroth]

Oh man how could I forget Heidelberg? I third that suggestion.

[VladtheImpaler]

It's a honeymoon - presumably, you want to spend more time on top of your wife than at train stations/airports. For only 2 weeks, I would limit it to 3 independent locations max or stick with a limited area that you can easily tour by car or train. To properly appreciate the "great" European cities you need more than 2 days.
You can, for example (not suggesting this itinerary - just a "what if"), do 4 days in Barcelona, 5 in Paris and 5 in Rome or 2 of those and a Med cruise. Alternatively, go to Italy and do a tour heading north from Rome. Don't pack in too much, enjoy each locale, plus it's your honeymoon - you can save the 12 cities in 12 days tour until you are 65...

[Cowperson]

Venere and Trip Advisor are very good for vetting out hotels and seeing what other travellers have to say. Some might be phony but you generally get the right idea.

I love doing all my own research, even though it can be time-consuming. But the delights you can uncover - and the occasional disaster booking - add to the charm.

Not sure if you're in this position, but the best thing to do is put out a little more money to stay right in the heart of somewhere so you can "live" there for a week and walk everywhere. You get a better feel for the place you're at and a better sense of how the locals live.

Loved Rome and London for that.

But that can be costly.

Trains are good from city to city but if you're planning something outside of a city, like Tuscany, renting a car is a good way to go. Left-hand-side-of-the-road driving isn't too much fun - finding a spot near Buckingham Palace after driving back from Cornwall was hair-raising - but Italy was pretty easy.

We spent three weeks in Europe for our honeymoon as well, mostly penniless urchins at the time, living off the good cheer of a brother-in-law stationed at CFB Lahr in West Germany.

Cowperson

[Leapfrog]

My gf and I went on two 1-week European cruises this past September, back to back.

First was through the Greek islands, departing from Venice... visiting: Venice, Italy, Corfu, Greece, Santorini, Greece, Mykonos, Olympia (Katakolon)

Second departed from Barcelona, going mainly through Italy: Barcelona, Spain, Naples, Italy, Rome (Civitavecchia), Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Provence (Marseille), France, Palma, Majorca, Spain.

This was MY first exposure to Europe (and to cruising in general). I found cruising to be a very hassle-free way of seeing many different place. most things on board are included in your original price (booze is additional, however). Excursions can start to add up... but there are LOTS to see and do on your own.

Greece and Italy are VERY romantic areas... perfect for a honeymoon. I would highly recommend this vacation. We went through Norwegian Cruise lines, and you can book inside cabins for as low as $750/person. That's your hotel room, and ALL food for 7 nights. Inside cabins are small... but not awful.

We spent a couple of days in Venice (before and after the cruises), and it is a very unique city... One of my favorite places I've visited. Seeing the iconic sights in Italy (Coliseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, etc) was surreal.

PM if you want more info.

[Yeah_Baby]

Cruises are a great way to not actually see anything. You're in the ports for only a few hours. Hard to really experience the vibe of a place when you're only on shore for a day trip.

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

Cruises are a great way to not actually see anything. You're in the ports for only a few hours. Hard to really experience the vibe of a place when you're only on shore for a day trip.

However I think those river cruises might be of more value. They dock right in the heart of cities. Never did one but heard good feedback from 2 friends who did.