- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
18(ish) Day European Trip: Need Suggestions!
Posted on 7/2/18 at 8:28 pm
Posted on 7/2/18 at 8:28 pm
Hey guys, my wife (no pics) and I went to Italy recently on our honeymoon and we've decided to go back to Europe next year (End of September, early October). We're still in the very early stages of deciding which countries and which cities within those cont that we'd like to see. This is where the Travel Board comes in! We're hoping to get some tips from travelers much more seasoned than us to point us in the right direction.
A little bit about us: we both enjoy the outdoors. We both enjoy new and unique experiences and are looking to get off the beaten path as much as possible. We both love great food and history (WWII in particular for me).
We'd both like a trip that has a mix of major cities and countryside. We would both like to visit multiple countries on this trip, but not at the expense of rushing everywhere that we go. We do not want to stretch ourselves too thin and get to the end of our trip and it all feel like a blur!
We've thrown around different countries we'd like to see on the trip. The one country that is a definite must-see for us is Switzerland. We've also thought about Germany (Munich for Oktoberfest), Austria (Vienna), Netherlands, Belgium, France and Czech Republic (Prague, my wife would love to find a way to visit).
So, Travel Board, any suggestions on our trip and places we should look into going?
We are looking to stay in Europe anywhere from fifteen to twenty-one days.
Edit: Thank you everyone for all of the responses so far!!
A little bit about us: we both enjoy the outdoors. We both enjoy new and unique experiences and are looking to get off the beaten path as much as possible. We both love great food and history (WWII in particular for me).
We'd both like a trip that has a mix of major cities and countryside. We would both like to visit multiple countries on this trip, but not at the expense of rushing everywhere that we go. We do not want to stretch ourselves too thin and get to the end of our trip and it all feel like a blur!
We've thrown around different countries we'd like to see on the trip. The one country that is a definite must-see for us is Switzerland. We've also thought about Germany (Munich for Oktoberfest), Austria (Vienna), Netherlands, Belgium, France and Czech Republic (Prague, my wife would love to find a way to visit).
So, Travel Board, any suggestions on our trip and places we should look into going?
We are looking to stay in Europe anywhere from fifteen to twenty-one days.
Edit: Thank you everyone for all of the responses so far!!
This post was edited on 7/3/18 at 11:36 am
8
Posted on 7/3/18 at 7:36 am to TheJunction
Damn. Lucky you
I wish my wife and I had that much time and money when we got married. Enjoy
I wish my wife and I had that much time and money when we got married. Enjoy
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:09 am to TheJunction
Is your wife in to a wild party? Because that’s what Oktoberfest is. It’s great if that’s your thing, but if she doesn’t like loud and obnoxious, she won’t enjoy it. Munich is a great city and offers plenty to do. Great WWII history.
I’m no seasoned European pro, but if Switzerland is your must do, I’d combine it with Bavaria and Austria, and leave it at that. There’s also northern Italy. Prague could be worked in... if you’re driving, I *think* you need a special permit for your rental car. Remember that the weather starts to cool off that time of year and you’re likely to encounter some rain too.
I’m no seasoned European pro, but if Switzerland is your must do, I’d combine it with Bavaria and Austria, and leave it at that. There’s also northern Italy. Prague could be worked in... if you’re driving, I *think* you need a special permit for your rental car. Remember that the weather starts to cool off that time of year and you’re likely to encounter some rain too.
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:11 am to TheJunction
Since you have a long time to be gone, look at the idea of flying through Iceland on the way to Europe. It's very common for people to do a long stop over in Iceland, spend a day or two there, and continue on their way to Europe.
Just thinking a bit outside the box.
Just thinking a bit outside the box.
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:14 am to dallastiger55
Haha we have the time and we’re both smart with the money we do have. Accrued CC points are going to help out tremendously.
These plans will be up in flames if our DINK status changes...
These plans will be up in flames if our DINK status changes...
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:24 am to TheJunction
If you want off the beaten path, skip Oktoberfest. It’s a huge melee.
Note that I don’t suggest skipping Bavaria, just Octoberfest....
I like the previous suggestion of Switzerland, Austria, Germany. Or you could do northern Italy, Switzerland, and Lyon....or Zurich/Strasbourg and another city.
That’s a lovely time of year to be in any winemaking region, as it’s (generally) harvest time (though precise times vary a bit w geography, terrain, grape variety)
Note that I don’t suggest skipping Bavaria, just Octoberfest....
I like the previous suggestion of Switzerland, Austria, Germany. Or you could do northern Italy, Switzerland, and Lyon....or Zurich/Strasbourg and another city.
That’s a lovely time of year to be in any winemaking region, as it’s (generally) harvest time (though precise times vary a bit w geography, terrain, grape variety)
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:28 am to AbitaFan08
Hickory, neither of us are into the wild party scene, we just both thought it’d be cool to experience it, especially if we’re in-country while it’s going on.
Italy is out completely, keeping it at Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria may be a thing. My wife read a few blogs from Austria and she really loved it.
I’ve never heard of potentially permit issue, but will look into it. Thanks for the heads up!
Anita, that’s a great suggestion. Switzerland, at the point, is the only part of our trip that is set and stone. Any ideas from there are much appreciated.
I’d love to be able to get to Belgium. I am a big WWII guy and the Battle of the Bulge has always fascinated me.
Italy is out completely, keeping it at Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria may be a thing. My wife read a few blogs from Austria and she really loved it.
I’ve never heard of potentially permit issue, but will look into it. Thanks for the heads up!
Anita, that’s a great suggestion. Switzerland, at the point, is the only part of our trip that is set and stone. Any ideas from there are much appreciated.
I’d love to be able to get to Belgium. I am a big WWII guy and the Battle of the Bulge has always fascinated me.
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:35 am to hungryone
Hungry, that’s strike two for Oktoberfest. Not something either of us want to deal with in the short time we’re in Europe. I don’t know much about Bavaria except from reading soldiers from WWII accounts about how beautiful it was. I’d have to find a sly way to get my wife to go to Berchtesgaden.
Italy is out of the picture completely, we’d both love to go back one day, but not right now.
My wife would absolutely love to get into winemaking country. We’ll for sure look into those areas!
Italy is out of the picture completely, we’d both love to go back one day, but not right now.
My wife would absolutely love to get into winemaking country. We’ll for sure look into those areas!
This post was edited on 7/3/18 at 9:36 am
Posted on 7/3/18 at 10:20 am to TheJunction
I’ve traveled much of Europe. Here’s my recommendations based on what you’ve requested and where I’ve been.
Normandy, France.
-A one day site seeing is impactful and emotional. Rent a car and stay in a bed and breakfast chateaux within an hours drive.
Bordeaux, France.
-Stay in the main city. You will need at least 2 nights and full days. At a minimum take one full day wine tour with a private guide. They will pick you up in the city and drive you to the vineyards of choice. You will learn about the history of the region, walk the vineyards and taste grapes off the vineTons of history including lots of insights and family memories from WWII. Even if you’re not a wino, this is a cant miss. I would argued Bordeaux as being one of the most underrated travel cities in the world.
Cinque Terre, Italy
- quite touristy, but beautiful views and excellent local food. They are producing world class wine that is regaining it’s prominence as well.
San Gimignano, Italia
- near Sienna in the heart of Tuscany. Stay in a vineyard and eat their farmed food, especially during truffle season. Go on a truffle dig and enjoy the local culture. San Gimignano is an awesome little midevil town.
Normandy, France.
-A one day site seeing is impactful and emotional. Rent a car and stay in a bed and breakfast chateaux within an hours drive.
Bordeaux, France.
-Stay in the main city. You will need at least 2 nights and full days. At a minimum take one full day wine tour with a private guide. They will pick you up in the city and drive you to the vineyards of choice. You will learn about the history of the region, walk the vineyards and taste grapes off the vineTons of history including lots of insights and family memories from WWII. Even if you’re not a wino, this is a cant miss. I would argued Bordeaux as being one of the most underrated travel cities in the world.
Cinque Terre, Italy
- quite touristy, but beautiful views and excellent local food. They are producing world class wine that is regaining it’s prominence as well.
San Gimignano, Italia
- near Sienna in the heart of Tuscany. Stay in a vineyard and eat their farmed food, especially during truffle season. Go on a truffle dig and enjoy the local culture. San Gimignano is an awesome little midevil town.
Posted on 7/3/18 at 11:31 am to Lookin4Par
Would love the opportunity to visit Normandy, and will one day, but not likely on this trip unless something changes.
Bordeaux, France sounds like something that would interest both of us: wine for my wife and WWII for me. Will do more research on this for sure.
Unfortunately Italy is a no-go zone for us on this trip as it stands, but I will defiantly keep this thread in mind in the future because there have been many Italian recommendations.
Bordeaux, France sounds like something that would interest both of us: wine for my wife and WWII for me. Will do more research on this for sure.
Unfortunately Italy is a no-go zone for us on this trip as it stands, but I will defiantly keep this thread in mind in the future because there have been many Italian recommendations.
This post was edited on 7/3/18 at 11:32 am
Posted on 7/3/18 at 4:17 pm to TheJunction
I'll sound like a broken record again, but:
1. Really should consider a River Cruise. We did the "Romantic Danube" on Viking. Started in Prague. Went to Nuremberg and caught the boat. Visited several wonderful cities along the way, including a stop in Vienna. Then several days in Budapest. Can't say enough nice things about it. They do everything for you. The air fare deals over to Europe are unmatched. Great value overall and there were all age ranges on the boat.
2. We're going to Slovenia and the Friuli Region of Italy in October. Then Romania in April of next year. After all this research, I'm tellin' ya. Eastern Europe is the place to be. The scenery. The food. The value. so many choices.
3. If you go to Switzerland, you must see Lugano. In the Italy part of the country and really stunning.
4. My daughter lived in Spain for a year and we visited. This may differ, but I didn't want to go to the Southern parts. Barcelona was great, but I really loved Asturias for the scenery (beautiful mountains, green). She thought Bilbao and San Sebastian were the best places in Spain. We didn't see those.
Where ever you go, you'll love it I'm sure.
Good luck.
1. Really should consider a River Cruise. We did the "Romantic Danube" on Viking. Started in Prague. Went to Nuremberg and caught the boat. Visited several wonderful cities along the way, including a stop in Vienna. Then several days in Budapest. Can't say enough nice things about it. They do everything for you. The air fare deals over to Europe are unmatched. Great value overall and there were all age ranges on the boat.
2. We're going to Slovenia and the Friuli Region of Italy in October. Then Romania in April of next year. After all this research, I'm tellin' ya. Eastern Europe is the place to be. The scenery. The food. The value. so many choices.
3. If you go to Switzerland, you must see Lugano. In the Italy part of the country and really stunning.
4. My daughter lived in Spain for a year and we visited. This may differ, but I didn't want to go to the Southern parts. Barcelona was great, but I really loved Asturias for the scenery (beautiful mountains, green). She thought Bilbao and San Sebastian were the best places in Spain. We didn't see those.
Where ever you go, you'll love it I'm sure.
Good luck.
Posted on 7/3/18 at 6:44 pm to Nole Man
quote:
1. Really should consider a River Cruise. We did the "Romantic Danube" on Viking. Started in Prague. Went to Nuremberg and caught the boat. Visited several wonderful cities along the way, including a stop in Vienna. Then several days in Budapest. Can't say enough nice things about it. They do everything for you. The air fare deals over to Europe are unmatched. Great value overall and there were all age ranges on the boat.
Glad you like the river cruises, but they’re definitely not for everyone. If you’re traveling with an emphasis on local food, then a cruise is pretty pointless. I’m not saying the food is in any way substandard, just that onboard food means you’re missing out on local meals. I’d rather eat, shop, cook, and drink locally while traveling.
Posted on 7/3/18 at 8:21 pm to hungryone
We built around the 8 cruise days on our own. 14 days total. 3 on our own in the Czech Republic prior to the cruise, then 3 on the back end in Budapest after it. Found the Viking deals unbeatable with their airfare deals to get you over there and the cruise and meals. Once you're there it was cheap.
We did one meal/day on our own during the cruise. We had a lot of free time on our own if we wanted it, or you can do the add on's, which we found nice but expensive. Food on the ship was amazing.
Cruises are fun. I've back packed on my own over there for 3 months. We did over the past 2 years self-directed trips to Spain and Italy. So each has its own merits. But I gotta tell ya, Viking does it right.
We did one meal/day on our own during the cruise. We had a lot of free time on our own if we wanted it, or you can do the add on's, which we found nice but expensive. Food on the ship was amazing.
Cruises are fun. I've back packed on my own over there for 3 months. We did over the past 2 years self-directed trips to Spain and Italy. So each has its own merits. But I gotta tell ya, Viking does it right.
This post was edited on 7/3/18 at 9:07 pm
Posted on 7/3/18 at 9:46 pm to Nole Man
Thanks for the cruise suggestion! It’s not something we’d thought iof, but we will give it a good look!
Posted on 7/4/18 at 4:27 am to TheJunction
I've been to France, Italy, Greece just recently. I already have next euro trips planned. Each trip will take approximately 2-3 weeks
A. Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Slovenia, Croatia
B. UK, Spain, and maybe Porto or Lisbon
C. Switzerland, Bavaria, Salzburg, Hallstatt
A. Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Slovenia, Croatia
B. UK, Spain, and maybe Porto or Lisbon
C. Switzerland, Bavaria, Salzburg, Hallstatt
Posted on 7/4/18 at 10:25 am to TheJunction
having spent 2 weeks in Europe last month, remember not all cities/countries costs are similar
What it cost for the wife and I to eat in Switzerland for one day, was equal to the cost in Athens for 4-5 days.
If you go to the Zurich area, definitely take the tour to the top of Europe (Jungfraujoch) it's not cheap but it was worth it.
It's short train ride from Zurich to Milan.
What it cost for the wife and I to eat in Switzerland for one day, was equal to the cost in Athens for 4-5 days.
If you go to the Zurich area, definitely take the tour to the top of Europe (Jungfraujoch) it's not cheap but it was worth it.
It's short train ride from Zurich to Milan.
Posted on 7/4/18 at 11:27 am to TigerintheNO
If the food prices are anything like the AirBNB prices we’ve been looking at I can believe it. Jungfraujoch is one thing we’ve already looked at and plan on doing. It looks incredible.
Posted on 7/4/18 at 1:30 pm to TheJunction
If you want a great place to stay in Zurich check out the Wallach Guest House.
Not a bad price, no frills, but you can't beat the location.
Less than 100 yards from the train station (trans to the airport leave every 10 minutes), below the hotel is a Starbucks, that is 15 feet from the city cable line (takes you to Old Town & the lake), all of the tours leave from the parking lot across the street from the hotel.
Buy the 24 hour Zurich city pass, and ferry, cable lines, and most museums are free.
Not a bad price, no frills, but you can't beat the location.
Less than 100 yards from the train station (trans to the airport leave every 10 minutes), below the hotel is a Starbucks, that is 15 feet from the city cable line (takes you to Old Town & the lake), all of the tours leave from the parking lot across the street from the hotel.
Buy the 24 hour Zurich city pass, and ferry, cable lines, and most museums are free.
Posted on 7/5/18 at 7:35 am to TheJunction
I've done Oktoberfest twice and then explored the Alps to northern Italy twice all in the same trip. It's a fantastic trip, you can head north to Vienna/ Prague or south through Switzerland to Franc very easily. Munich would be a great airport to fly into, it's a great city, and lots of history there obviously.
Oktoberfest is still very much a local festival, get there early in the day before the partying tourists and it's almost all locals still. Very good food, beer, and a great time imo. Far from a tourist trap. Given that, hotels are 2-3x the price in Munich for it. M
I highly recommend a rental car for exploring the Alps. Getting the Austrian car pass is not like an application, it's just a 'pass' you pay for to drive on their interstate.
The Alps are very affordable in the off season especially the fall. We find 2-3 star bed and breakfasts for $100 or less a night. Many of them in ski towns that are normally 3-4 times that during the season.
One thing I highly recommend is there are some great 'drives' and mountain passes. Like I've driven the Grossglockner Mountain pass road in Austria, highest mountain pass road in Europe I believe. Great way to turn a car ride into an adventure with phenomenal views.
Oktoberfest is still very much a local festival, get there early in the day before the partying tourists and it's almost all locals still. Very good food, beer, and a great time imo. Far from a tourist trap. Given that, hotels are 2-3x the price in Munich for it. M
I highly recommend a rental car for exploring the Alps. Getting the Austrian car pass is not like an application, it's just a 'pass' you pay for to drive on their interstate.
The Alps are very affordable in the off season especially the fall. We find 2-3 star bed and breakfasts for $100 or less a night. Many of them in ski towns that are normally 3-4 times that during the season.
One thing I highly recommend is there are some great 'drives' and mountain passes. Like I've driven the Grossglockner Mountain pass road in Austria, highest mountain pass road in Europe I believe. Great way to turn a car ride into an adventure with phenomenal views.
Posted on 7/5/18 at 8:12 pm to baldona
Awesome, thanks for the suggestions. In y'alls opinion is Switzerland and Austria very similar in the sense that if you've seen one, you've seen the other and we should focus on seeing more of France/Germany and not go to Austria?
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News