European Vacation Tech.

[baz67]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Europe for two to three weeks at the end of the year. We are open to where to go visit. The only thing is that we do not want to be part of a tour. We are going to pack sort of light and wing it. This would be our first trip over there.

What are some of the must of the must see's or must do's while we are there? Any other ideas would be great as well.

[BuddyP]

Where are you going to? To start off, I've been to Greece, and enjoyed it very much! Here's is a web link to a personal taxi service. We had him for a personal taxi for a month while in greece back in '89. Very nice guy, speak english very well. His wife is originally from Boston. I still stay in contact with them quit often. They do know me by name. If you get in contact with them mention my name (Buddy Pawloski from Michigan). Here's their website.. www.athens-tours.gr (http://www.athens-tours.gr/)

Also been to Scotland, northern England and Ireland 2 different times for a month each. It is very much worth renting a car. You will spend close to the same amount in taxi/bus/train fares and not be able to see but only certain things and be on a schedule. Deffinatly rent a car. Also I'd advise to pay the extra $$ and get a automatic. Just one less thing to worry about when your driving on the "wrong" side of the road LOL.

If you plan on going to any of these area's, email me at buddyp@verizon.net and I can give you some more tips and places to visit in a lot greater detail.

[baz67]

We were thinking on starting in the English isles then go to France and then Italy. We are also discussing Greece, Austria or Germany.

[CarlC]

I'll put in my 2 cents worth and say that some tours are worth the money and the "tour" stigma.

For example, tours are available from London to Stonehedge, Bath, and several other destinations in one day. For me, Stonehedge would not be worth a day trip by itself, but combined with other destinations it was easy to swallow. Same for some city tours. They allow you a quick overview of the biggies, and you can decide from the tour what you want to go back and see in detail.

Of all my travels in Europe, the most moving and memorable experience was standing in the Omaha Beach cemetary and overlooking the landing beaches. There's no way to keep a dry eye.

Unlike many, France was a great experience. Better food than England. Try speaking a few words of French, be courteous, and the people were great.

Between London, Paris, and western France you can easily kill 10 days. The TGV between London and Paris is awesome if you have never been on a high-speed train.

[CliffS]

If you're thinking about England, don't forget about Amsterdam, The Netherlands. There are daily Ferries between England and The Netherlands. You can also get the TGV in Amsterdam to Paris.

Cliff

[CraigMorrison]

In London, check out Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms. Very, very cool. Tower of London is great, impressive metal working on the suits of armor. National Gallery is great, and the British Museum is great. If you head NE of London, go to Saffron Waldon where the Duxford Air Museum is. HUGE!!! Its where they filmed Memphis Belle. Tons of aircraft. When I was there I got to watch a radial engine being assembled. Great Chinese food in SOHO. Try the real Ale. Nothing like beer hand-pumped from the keg.

If you dig gun stuff, go to James Purdey & Sons. They have a website with directions. Handcrafted shotguns that start at 56,000 pounds sterling. Thats around 100K US!!! Very cool stuff. The guy even let me fondle one of the guns in the cabinet that was a mere 70K sterling. There is also Boss, William Evans and Holland & Holland.

Covent Garden is great, Hyde park is worth checking out....if you go there, you need to go to the Guards Museum. Gives the history of the Guards....and discusses the American Revolution from the British perspective...pretty funny....

My wife is English and lived in London for 20 yrs. If you need any more info, send me a PM!

[ViperBlue68]

If you're thinking about England, don't forget about Amsterdam, The Netherlands. There are daily Ferries between England and The Netherlands. You can also get the TGV in Amsterdam to Paris.

Cliff

I would have to agree Amsterdam is a must!! ofcourse I wasnt with the wifey when I went I was with some buddies...even though I saw plenty of couples there (in all parts if you've been you will know what I'm talking about)...and even though its a tour I'd say in Paris go check out the palace of Versaille...in England I was there for a few weddings so we just pretty much got drunk every day and ate fish and chips...saw some sights but I think I enjoyed the beer there the most.....

[CraigMorrison]

Almost forgot......Ace Cafe in London. The car place to hang out. There's an article in Super Chevy this month about it.

[TPI Monte SS]

Italy is fabulous as well. My wife and I toured the Amalfi Coast (great roads there too, rent a car!) three years ago on our honeymoon, and we're going back again this July. Northern Italy is more expensive and "touristy"; places in the Central and Southern areas seem to get less crowded.

[TonyHuntimerRaceHome]

If you are going to get to France, you may try Vilafrance, Nice (pronounced niece), and Monaco are all in the same area. All great places. If you go to Italy, you should visit "The Forum", sit back and think of all the Roman gladiators and Ceasars who occupied the same space in a time long ago. The Coluseum is great too. If you go to Naples, take the train to Pompei.

Athens and Naples are awesome if you are mostly interested in seeing the historical landmarks...otherwise they are just big cities with a lot of hustle and bustle and some dirt. Naples is the worst for pick-pockets, but watch out for them everywhere you go. WATCH OUT! They will steal anything. They will team up on you. Some work in groups. one will stop you to ask directions and the other will take your watch or wallet right off you without you knowing it. They will push you or grab your foot to set you off balance so they can take things off of you while trying to get your footing. Women pick-pockets are very successful too. Don't wear baggy pants with pockets that hang open. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and try to keep your hand in your pocket over the top of your wallet. Keep an eye on your surroundings. If you look clueless, you'll be an easy target.

I didn't have any problems with attitudes towards Americans, but I was in the areas where Tourists spend money.

The best place in Italy (in my opinion) is Venice. Unlike in the past, it is clean and very friendly. You should stay for a few days. Enjoy the local food. Get a map and a compass, Venice is easier to navigate that way. The buildings are so close together, you can't look up at the sun to help get your sense of direction.

Other tips for Europe. Pizza is just pizza crust with red sauce. Eat a lot of gellato (much better than ice cream). Use credit cards for the best exchange rates or exchange at the bank for Euro's. Crepe's with eggs, means a crepe with a runny egg on the inside, they are good but only if you are prepared for it. Even if you are not into art, you should force yourself to experience at least two museums with ancient art. Many stores are closed on Sundays, especially if you get out of the tourist areas.

Enjoy yourself and eat some gellato for me,
Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

Oh, and bring a couple of those clear pull-over rain ponchos that fold into nothing and fit into your pocket. Especially if the sky is grey in the morning.

[parsonsj]

Brian,
I've been to England, Scotland, France (south of), and Italy.

Italy is the best by far! Great food, great cities, great time. You just have to see the sights and history in Rome and Florence. Venice is incredible too.

I wouldn't recommend driving in the Italian cities ... they are just nuts there. Roads, signs, and lanes are mere suggestions. Ride around in cabs and trains. All of Europe is set up quite nicely for that.

In England, the food isn't so good and neither is the weather. You can drive there, and it is very cool being on the "wrong" side of the road. Traffic circles, manual transmissions, and incredibly polite drivers make it fun once you get used to the right hand drive and shifting gears with your left hand. I spent a long time there, and never got used to looking up and left to see in my rear view mirror. I always looked out the window first.

Have fun!

jp

[parsonsj]

Oh, one other tip.

When you are anywhere in Great Britain, refer to the people as "Brits". If you mistakenly refer to a Scot or Welshman as English (or vice versa ... and don't even think about getting the Irish mixed up), you will offend the person.

However, most of them tolerate being called British, so that's the way to go.

jp