My first time to Europe - looking for some advice

[valo403]

Although not a place with much to offer in terms of 20th Century war history, Tallinn may be my favorite city in Europe by far. It still has it's full medieval walls and the area inside the walls really feels like a time warp. Plus, it's pretty damn cheap, $2 liter sized beers, $5 giant meals in pubs, and $15 hostel beds. And that's Canadian.

[socktape]

Originally Posted by shermanator

Augustiner (the beer) is the best beer I've ever had.

another vote for the Augustiner... I know it wouldn't be the same but it is a shame you can't find it here.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by Mayer

I figured I'd bump this thread instead of making a new one.

I'm leaving for Europe in a week. I'll be gone for a little over a month. As someone who is very interested in the history of the World Wars, I want to make sure I don't miss something.

I plan on seeing (in no particular order) Normandy, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge, Hitlers Eagles Nest, Berlin etc. Does anyone have any other recommendations?

I'd hate to miss a "must see".

If you come to London, visit the Cabinet War Rooms. If you want more, visit the Britain at War Experience, Imperial War Museum, or National Army Museum.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by icarus

If you come to London, visit the Cabinet War Rooms. If you want more, visit the Britain at War Experience, Imperial War Museum, or National Army Museum.

Was that the one where it was all underground, where he actually stayed during the war? Because that one was awesome.

If your heading to London though, it should be obvious, but check out the British Museum. Best museum I have ever been, Rosetta Stone, Mummies, and countless other "awesome" things.

[Eric Vail]

One ofmy favourite museums in Europe is the Checkpoint Charlie museum in Berlin. They exhibit many different ways that people escaped from the east into the west. They also have a wing dedicated to non-violent demonstrations that was facinating as well. I have been to Berlin three times, and this is by far my favourite site.

[kipperfan]

Originally Posted by Eric Vail

One ofmy favourite museums in Europe is the Checkpoint Charlie museum in Berlin. They exhibit many different ways that people escaped from the east into the west. They also have a wing dedicated to non-violent demonstrations that was facinating as well. I have been to Berlin three times, and this is by far my favourite site.

Having been the original thread starter on this bad boy I was shocked to see this thread back on page one. I must thank everyone who gave me advice back in December. The trip was amazing and I took the advice many of you gave. I quoted the above post as I also found the checkpoint charlie museum one of my favorite spots, the surrounding area is interesting as well. I don't know where you're going on your trip Mayer but I can highly recommend a few places. Berlin was great for WW history and had a pretty nice selection of museums, but my favorite would have been Florence. The war history is not as prevalent in this city but if you enjoy good food, wine, people, scenery, art and atmosphere then do not miss Florence. I planned on staying a half day and didn't leave for almost a week. What an awesome spot! Anyways, good luck on your trip Mayer, hope you have as much fun as I did.

[icarus]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Was that the one where it was all underground, where he actually stayed during the war? Because that one was awesome.

Yep, that's the one. http://cwr.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.1425

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Mayer

I figured I'd bump this thread instead of making a new one.

I'm leaving for Europe in a week. I'll be gone for a little over a month. As someone who is very interested in the history of the World Wars, I want to make sure I don't miss something.

I plan on seeing (in no particular order) Normandy, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge, Hitlers Eagles Nest, Berlin etc. Does anyone have any other recommendations?

I'd hate to miss a "must see".

If your going to Vimy Ridge you might as well hit Flanders as well. Only an hour drive. Really good museum in Ypres and the monument at St. Julien is a must see.

Vimy Ridge will absolutely blow you away. I have tried to describe what it is like to dozens of people along with showing pictures and it still doesn't do it justice. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life.

[sa226]

Hello all, long time reader, first time poster....and most of all long time die hard flames fan!

I'm sure most will put an asterisk by my join date of "April 09" so I figure that I would get my feet wet in the OT forum....

Anyways, I just got back from a trip to Normandy a couple weeks ago, and I'll share some thoughts.

Judging by your planned itinerary your a WWII buff. The main reason I went was because I have always wanted to see the DDay beaches. My original plan was to stay in Caen and rent a car and drive around myself. But I am soooo glad I didn't stick to my original plan. Caen got the crap bombed out of it in WWII so it is a relatively new city of around 150000 peeps. I wasn't too confident on navigating a city that size in a rental car....(on a side note I was terrified of roundabouts, but once I saw them they are by far the most efficient way to sort out an intersection of 3 or more roads) What I ended up doing was taking a train from Paris to a smaller city (10-15 thousand) called Bayeux which was almost compltely untouched during the war so the history is still intact. Instead of renting a car I took 3 guided tours of the Canadian sector and both American sectors, including the airborne with "Band of Brothers" highlights. I am soooo glad I did that because there are so many stories and tidbits that you would never see just by driving around on your own. Most of the tour guides have taken veterans on their tours. One of the guides I had took Guarnere, Malarkey and Heffron on a tour.

Anyways it depends on how long you are going, what your budget is and how many of your there are....but if you would like more info about accomadation and other tips let me know....


sa226