My first time to Europe

I want to go to Europe in July with my sister but i dont know where to go. This is my first time to Europe and I need advice from those that have been.

right now i am thinking:

rome,italy
belgium
spain

Any thoughts on wehre i should go for a novice european traveler.

Re: My first time to Europe

anywhere in Europe you pick will be lovely, but Belgium is a bit far from Spain and Italy.

are you going to take trains to get to the different cities or planes. A train trip getting out of Spain, will be long; as will belgium to italy. but if you take planes you could go anywhere in a few hours.



you may want to grab a map of Europe and think about other possibilities that have a geographical lnk. I personally think everyone should see Paris, but it's my favorite city. I also love Germany/AUstria/Switzerland. Barcelona and Madrid have been wonderful experiences too.


good luck

Re: My first time to Europe

I would ask myself...

what is my favorite thing to do/see/eat
and go from there.

spanish food
italian food
greek food
french food
german food etc

if you like art, I would suggest going to either Paris or Madrid (the Lourve in paris and the Prado & Reina Sofia in Madrid are my favorite art museums!!)

if you like ruins, italy, greece are tops to me (even though England also has some amazing things)

do you like literature and poetry? taking a visit to Shakespeares stomping grounds..as well as Austin, Chaucer etc would be a nice trip to England..

do you have any family ancestry or lineage? you can also start from there.

tell us what you like, and we can better suggest how to start your european journey!!!!!

Re: My first time to Europe

I've dreamed of going to Italy - starting with Rome and Florence (1.5 hours away by high speed train) and if I could, I would add Venice too for my real dream trip. I love the language, the culture, I'm dying to see all the old architecture and history and maybe even the tuscan countryside etc.

However, having never been, I'm not exactly sure what it would be like (although I've read RAVEEEEE reviews).

I agree with Ophelia - think about what you'd like to see and experience!

Re: My first time to Europe

my first trip to Europe was an easy decision. since I was a kid, I have always wanted to go to Paris. I went with high expectations and they were surpassed. what an absolutely AMAZING and GORGEOUS city!

my next trip to Europe will be Italy probably Rome and Florence.

Re: My first time to Europe

I would go to London and maybe take a weekend trip to Paris. For a first timer, I would skip Belgium, found it kind of boring. But in London, you can see Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, tons of museums and I took a day trip to Stoneheng and town of Bath ( great town). Also, you can go the The globe theater and see a shakespearean play, that was awesome. Have a great time wherever you decide. I have been to most countries in Europe, just got back from a cruise to the south of europe. But Next time, I go I want to bring my kids to London.

Re: My first time to Europe

Re: My first time to Europe

We spent 4 nights in Rome as part of our HM. Great city! Definitely look into Florence (1.5 hours by train from Rome) and Venice (2.5 hours from Florence by train) too. All beautiful cities.

I would also check out Paris! If you're planning to go to London, you can take the Chunnel from London to Paris.