To the monkeys in Europe, and the ones that have traveled there

[craig johnston]

for alpine scenery i can definitely recommend mürren near to interlaken. i've just been there and it is breathtaking. if you are starting in switzerland you won't want to travel all the way up to places like berlin or amsterdam. i'd stick to florence, venice, vienna, munich, maybe lyon? don't forget the nutty bavarian castles.

[jasmina]

If you do go anywhere near Florence, don't miss San Gimignano, it's stunning

[Frieda]

Originally Posted by Klynne

Thanks all! What I really need to know is what is possible in 14 days. We will start in Switzerland (Basel or Lucerne). We will travel by train. My game plan is to visit the following countries: Italy, Germany, France (southern, I have already visited the north), Austria, Leichtenstein (however you spell it, and to the European monkeys, would it be a nice place to go?). My coworker told me to visit the city of Prague in Che ( I won't even try to spell that), but I don't know if that would be possible in the time frame. We don't want to be rushed, but would like some interesting cities to visit that are reasonably close to each other. My mom and I are interested in art, castles, beautiful scenery, architecture, and good food. Any suggestions would be welcome, and no, we are not interesed in Iraq We nixed August and will go in Sept. of 2007.

don´t rush through, but try to get a good feel of the country or city or whatever you´re visiting! most tourists run in, look around and run out again.. it´s such a shame if you can´t really get a good taste of the atmosphere and the people in a city! in other words: don´t visit too many places in 2 weeks

[madasacutsnake]

I'd choose Lucerne over Basel. I'd choose Berne over both of them. Berne is one of the few remaining medieval cities left in Europe. Walk down the main street to see the bears in the bear pit at the end and have a coffee or lunch in the cafe down by the river there. It also has an interesting cathedral. Market days are Tuesday and Thursday - crafts, local goods etc.

If you would like to see stunning alpine scenery, Craig mentioned Murren/Interlaken area which is easily accessed by train from Berne. I would get off the train in Spiez though which is before Interlaken, less touristy and has a great castle.

Or Lauterbrunnen and Trummelbach Falls are stunning.

http://graphics.stanford.edu/~lucasp...d/trummelbach/

Or if time is an issue, take the day train from Switzerland to Vienna which will take you through some great scenery. In Vienna there are a squillion coach trips to choose from which will take you to the Vienna woods. Not to be missed whilst in Vienna is Schoenbrunn Palace.

http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/publicdir/

Again take a day train to Venice, Florence or Rome which will take you through more stunning alpine scenery.

If you want to see the south of France, there is a great little town on the Italian/French border called Ventimiglia. It's a beautiful place to stay, not touristy and you can access the South of France (Mentone, Nice, Cannes etc by train) while paying for accommodation in italian prices, not inflated french prices. The people are friendly, the street market is also good and the food is great!

If you make it to Germany, I recommend Alsfeld. Again, one of the few medieval towns left in Europe having managed to escape destruction in both World Wars. Wikipedia says one of its buildings dates back to 1350. Walking around Alsfeld is like going back in time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsfeld

[Frieda]

oh and another thing-- make sure can enter all the countries without a visa. you dont need one if you have the USA nationality and your stay in the EU is shorter than 3 months.

the EU and Schengen countries do not contain every country in europe, you may get in trouble if you try to enter a country that you need a visa for, especially in eastern europe. browse around on the net!

[Klynne]

Originally Posted by Jack Flanders

Glad you came back !! Good luck on your planning. It will be a memorable trip!

xxxxxoooo

[Klynne]

Originally Posted by Frieda

don´t rush through, but try to get a good feel of the country or city or whatever you´re visiting! most tourists run in, look around and run out again.. it´s such a shame if you can´t really get a good taste of the atmosphere and the people in a city! in other words: don´t visit too many places in 2 weeks

And I think that was I was attempting to do (without knowing it.) I bought a good book on travel in Europe, it even describes the train system, and includes maps. I am going to narrow it down to three countries. I will let my mom decide, but I am leaning towards southern France, and Germany (Switzerland is a given).

[Klynne]

Originally Posted by madasacutsnake

I'd choose Lucerne over Basel. I'd choose Berne over both of them. Berne is one of the few remaining medieval cities left in Europe. Walk down the main street to see the bears in the bear pit at the end and have a coffee or lunch in the cafe down by the river there. It also has an interesting cathedral. Market days are Tuesday and Thursday - crafts, local goods etc.

If you would like to see stunning alpine scenery, Craig mentioned Murren/Interlaken area which is easily accessed by train from Berne. I would get off the train in Spiez though which is before Interlaken, less touristy and has a great castle.

Or Lauterbrunnen and Trummelbach Falls are stunning.

http://graphics.stanford.edu/~lucasp...d/trummelbach/

Or if time is an issue, take the day train from Switzerland to Vienna which will take you through some great scenery. In Vienna there are a squillion coach trips to choose from which will take you to the Vienna woods. Not to be missed whilst in Vienna is Schoenbrunn Palace.

http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/publicdir/

Again take a day train to Venice, Florence or Rome which will take you through more stunning alpine scenery.

If you want to see the south of France, there is a great little town on the Italian/French border called Ventimiglia. It's a beautiful place to stay, not touristy and you can access the South of France (Mentone, Nice, Cannes etc by train) while paying for accommodation in italian prices, not inflated french prices. The people are friendly, the street market is also good and the food is great!

If you make it to Germany, I recommend Alsfeld. Again, one of the few medieval towns left in Europe having managed to escape destruction in both World Wars. Wikipedia says one of its buildings dates back to 1350. Walking around Alsfeld is like going back in time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsfeld

Thank you! I appreciate all this advice. I want to have fun, but want to make it extra special for my mom. Good tip about Ventimiglia.

[Klynne]

Another thing, do you suggest purchasing a Euro Pass for the train on-line, or purchasing tickets while we are there?

[Frieda]

that depends on who's the guy or girl that has to sell you the train pass.

some won't speak english or simply refuse to speak english if you don't attempt to try in the language of the country you're visiting. france is famous for this kind of behavior!

there's a train going from Ventimiglia to Grasse and Cannes. Grasse is where the perfume houses are.

Grasse train schedule

Cannes

The aquarium in Monaco was recently re-opened, i heard from my parents that it's really amazing to see how big the fish tanks are, according to them it's a must-see. if you're into fish of course Aquarium in Monaco

[madasacutsnake]

Europasses always used to be best bought ahead of time and outside of Europe. They are generally great value for money compared with buying tickets once you're there. Look into the first class Europass. It used to be not much more expensive than the standard pass.

[Penut]

Maybe come to Australia....I KNOW its a tad out of your way...but its lovely here...theres plenty of kangaroos *Cough* lovely scenery *Cough* and plenty to do *Cough* ... Oh and theres no kind of dangerous animal that wants to rip off ure head or injct poisonous venom into your brain *COUGH*
hope you have a happy holiday!