Posted on: 06-02-12 14:11:32
Hello,
We are thinking of planning a 2 week Europe trip for two families (8 people).
How should we go about it ?
Package tour or plan ourselves?
What are the things we should absolutely do and should not do?
Thanks in advance.
If it were my first trip to Europe then I would go with packaged tour. Can't beat those rates(operators) when it comes to hotels, tour bus, and sometimes even trains.
Transport:
Always retain your travel tickets till the end of your journey. In some countries, you show your tickets upon exiting the train station, besides when entering. This is because unlike in Canada, the fare you pay depends on where you get off.
For example in Italy, you validate your tickets before boarding a train in a small yellow box that looks like a small post box. This is not mentioned anywhere on TrenItalia's ticket, but they can fine you for not validating the ticket. So just buying a ticket is not enough, get it validated. Eurostar and other services maybe exceptions to this rule.
In some cities, you buy tickets before boarding bus from vending machines at bus stops. In other cities, boat rides can be very expensive to get around, but if you have figured it out before from a map, you can cover a lot of areas on foot.
Go for Big Bus -hop on, hop off- tours before exploring the city by yourself on foot. They may have cruise included in them.
Most major cities have train service from airport to downtown and other areas, so you save big on taxi fares. Of course, if you are going with a tour operator, then they would arrange for your pickup and drop-off.
In mountainous areas, if you are taking trains to up on a peak then you might feel dizzy and experience breathlessness. Don't panic, its normal. Your tour operator will let you know about it. Always keep close to the group.
Public washrooms:
Unlike in Canada, you pay for using washrooms. Highway restaurants in Britain and France may sometimes make exceptions. In Germany, you pay even at McDonald's. Always keep loose change(in Euro-cents, Swiss Franc, Shillings) handy.
Museums:
Musems vary from country to country. In Paris, it is cheaper to buy tickets as a group. In Italy, it makes no difference. At all places buy tickets in advance, that way you save time. In London, try to get hold of coupons for Madam Ts. Your operator should be able to get it for you. They are much cheaper that way. Try to time your visit to changing of guard at Buckingham palace. Avoid following other tour groups when inside the museums. They hog all the viewing space.
Food and Beverage:
Food is generally excellent in Europe. So is coffee. But for most part coffee is served either luke warm or not hot enough by Canadian standards. When in Italy, ask for cafe Americano. At hotels, breakfast is free. You can ask for hot milk for your coffee. Vegetarians, good luck. 
Other:
Cameras, batteries etc are usually available. Usually, your tour bus is stopped at Swiss border. They rarely get in and check, but your operator will have to go in for formalities. Do not snap pictures at border crossing.
If you are going on your own, hosteling may be cheaper for you. Its okay for young people.
gyro gearloose,
Thank you. Great info.
Could you suggest some travel companies?
Also, what are some of the must be seen spots on a 2-week tour?
Italy is gorgeous but overrun with tourists at the main sites (especially Venice). Depending on how long you want to spend in each place you could make it to London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan/ Venice (Venice can be seen in 1 day). I liked Budapest as well but its a bit out of the way. In my experience London was the most overpriced and the least exciting but you'll have the advantage of knowing the language and there are some neat historical sites like the Tower of London (this is covered by the London City Pass too). In London the subway is crazy expensive for one ride but you can buy something, I think called an Oyster pass and it was almost the same price for unlimited day pass as it was for one fare.
If you take Iceland air to Europe you can usually do a free stopover in Iceland for a day or two. They have some really beautiful natural sites.
It depends on your travel style but I suggest its better to take your time and see a few sites in each place then to rush through just for the sake of seeing as many countries as possible. It was sad to see some people just grabbing a quick photo without even looking at some beautiful historical sites. Their trip was for their facebook I guess.
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My prayer to you
Is that you do all the things you set out to do
And live your life the way you love
Thurston Moore, Psychic Hearts
I have been to London, Austria -Vienna , Italy- Rome, Milan, Venice, Pisa, Vatican , Swiss - various places , Warsaw, France - Paris and other places.
The best places I visited were south of France - Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco. Its worth it. I would suggest to go to Rome first then take a train to Venice , Pisa, enter France, stay in Nice and take a bus every day to Monte carlo, Cannes, montpiller etc. nice beaches. But if the motive is to see historical places, museums and 'cover' famous places then take a package tour.
take buses , trains whereever possible. Remember a 3 star hotel in europe is like dharamshala. prefer only 4* or above. Hotels are expensive and rooms are small but do not burn your blood much over it, u are not there to live.
In Italy, stay safe and keep your passports and money one layer under the pants. During train travel in Italy wear your belongings including bags while sleeping. Other countries are safe.
on side note , not a nice time of the year to go to europe. In this weather Portugal, Spain - Barcelona, canary islands will be much better choice.
I'll still say you will miss real europe if its not summer.
Enjoy !
Quote:
Originally posted by san-hugo
In Italy, stay safe and keep your passports and money one layer under the pants. During train travel in Italy wear your belongings including bags while sleeping. Other countries are safe.
Enjoy !
Well paris and Belgium are also not safe (even the cabin in the train is not safe there ) though germany and holland are fine .
Always keep your passports and important papers / cash in a bag under your vest tied with a string around your neck . I got pickpocketed in Paris while intently watching a 5 minute passionate scene on a bus ride .. lol ... fortunately apart from the day pass there was nothing in the wallet as I had followed the above .
Europe trip - I must suggest SOTC or some Indian operated trip operator if you are conservative in eating habits and more so if you are a vegetarian .. We d a hard time for a month being served salads / soup & bread after a hard day , day after day .
People who have traveled with SOTC have informed that when needed they had a cook on the coach who would dish out Indian items even Jain food items.
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Fido.
