Ok Guys, starting to get into doing some proper planning for my trip next Feb. I'll be cashed up as of the 23rd December and am raring to go.
At this point here are my general plans:
1. Fly out of Sydney into Lisbon (not direct unfortunately but hey its the end result that counts) around the end of Feb
2. Travel around Portugal before heading to Spain, maybe a quick trip over to Morrocco
3. On to Southern France, through Monaco into Italy
4. Head over to Greece from Italy(Plane, Ferry - any ideas?)
Now, this is where I'm at a loss. Where to from Greece? Being an Aussie I can spend 3 months in most Western European coutnries as per the Schengen Visa agreement so I want to maximise my time in these countries over the first 3 months. Should I fly back into France (Paris??) then head into Belgium, Amsterdam, Germany and then Austria?
After this I plan to go to Czech Republic (need a Visa), Poland (again need a Visa), Lithuania or Estonia to get a Russian Visa, then onto Russia. Then I'll head to London, onto Ireland and Scotland before eventually taking off to the US, Canada, maybe Mexico, then see what the cash situation is like before heading to Japan and heading down through East Asia on my way home. Yes its going to be a mamoth journey but will be a blast!!!
With the Schengen Visa, does anyone know for sure how long you have to leave a Schengen country before being allowed to re-enter for another 3 months? I think it works on a 3 month in, 3 months out situation but am not 100% on that.
Most of you have probably given up reading this long-ass post by now :D but any suggestions or comments on my plans will be greatly appreciated. Bear in mind time is my friend, money won't be that much of a problem (I'm allowing AUS$40,000 at the most for the entire trip but would prefer to do it on much less and am sure I can). Oh, I plan on buying a 3 month consecutive Eurail pass before I get to Europe to take care of most of the transport issues.
Thanks in advance guys and girls - Tpunkers rule!!!