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Old 04-15-2009, 12:29 PM   #1
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Hello,

I am planning a trip to europe with two other friends this coming May. We are planning on going to Barcelona, Amsterdam, Prague, Florence, Rome and Athens, in that order, within the span of 21 days. It's going to be a hectic/ crazy trip. I really need help figuring out the best means of transportation. Eurail? Am I better of taking flights to places with large traveling times? I know the trip from Barcelona to Amsterdam is one and half day, I know that is long but I thought that might be worth the comfort and safety, and flexibility provided by the rail, but I am looking for the cheapest way to travel. Please let me know your thoughts!!! Greatly appreciate all your help.

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Old 04-15-2009, 12:41 PM   #2
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Welcome to the boards my friend.

You will find everything you need to know on this board, and your trip sounds like an awesome first trip.

As for your question, flights, trains and buses are all options, depending on your preferences. If you want to maximize your time, flights are the best option. If you want to really 'feel like you're travelling', trains (with Eurail pass) are the best option. If you need to travel as cheaply as possible and time is not a constraint, then buses are the way to go. You can also mix it up, take the train some places, fly some places, and bus some places... which is usually what ends up happening.

But could I request the admins move this thread to another section?

The I NEED HELP section should be used only in semi-pressing circumstances...
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Old 04-16-2009, 05:28 AM   #3
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I'd book ahead a few flights for places that you know you want to go, and that have longer distances. Then just leave the rest open to sort out trains and buses while you're there. Itineraries rarely last long and you don't want to be tied down with too many bookings.

Thread moved, Thanks CB.
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Old 04-16-2009, 10:07 PM   #4
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Considering the time it gets from place to place-- you couldn't have picked farther-apart places if you tried, especially adding Athens in there! -- you've barely given yourself about 2 days per city. I'm exhausted even just thinking about it.

The desire to see EVERYTHINGALLATONCEZOMG is understandable but really not in your best interest. I strongly suggest removing at least one (preferably two) cities from your itinerary. Athens and either Amsterdam or Prague (depending on your must-sees) would be good ones to save until later. Athens in particular because it's SO frigging far away and is much better served by at least a week to really see everything and maybe have a day trip or two which I strongly recommend.
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Old 04-17-2009, 07:24 AM   #5
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I agree...that's too much, IMO. The one thing you want to try to avoid is spending all your time in transit. Then, when it's all over, you won't feel you really had time anywhere to connect with the vibe, to slow down, unpack, and feel like you know that place. I shoot for 3 days per city, which though it LOOKS like you've done with 7 cities, the only way I'd do this trip is by flying from city to city. Otherwise, the train distances are going to be incredible, and the bus times unthinkable.

To use the kernel of your trip, I'd say go with Rome and Florence, then maybe add in Barcelona. Fly into (or out of) Amsterdam, and that should do it. MAYBE add in Madrid, with its wealth of daytrips to Segovia, Toledo and Avila. Better yet, when in Barcelona, zip on up to the tiny Pyrennes nation of Andorra for a couple days...

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