Anyone have any dos or donts they want to share? I am headed to Great Britain, France, Spain, Italy and Switzerland in May, writing a semi-itinerary and need some help. Too many things to do. First thing other than the plane ticket, reserved a spot in the guided tour of Ducati manufacturing plant! [moto] I''m not reserving any hotels in case I really like a city and want to stay longer than anticipated. Dali and Gaudi in Spain, a couple not-to-miss museums in Paris (best of the best? anyone?), Venice wake-boarding from the motorized gondolas, tram to the top of the Swiss Alps, skip the changing of the guards, swing by Stonehenge, Bath, and Scotland for some kilted drinking and dancing and that's about it. My wife may have something to say about that list but it's open for revision. -i'll be bringing my 5D, be a nice trip for her, hasn't had a good shoot in a while
For Paris... seriously... schedule like 3 hours of just sitting at a cafe and people watching... well worth it. From the fashions and beautiful ladies to the simple majesty of sipping coffee in a city older than our country... well... worth it. [thumbsup]
Once you are in mainland europe, just buy one of those train passes that let you travel all over the place. They're inexpensive and you get a lot of freedom.
In Spain:
Stay in posadas. They're little family run B&B's that are crazy cheap.
Don't miss out on going to Andalucia.
You have to check out la Alhambra in Grenada, After that, go to a local cafe in the old part of town and spend the rest of the night drinking the house wine and looking at the girls sing and dance flamenco. You will fall in love. Take things easy here, life moves at a different rhythm.
You will have the best party of your life in Barcelona. Be prepared to stay here 3 more days than planned. (If you're into that kinda thing, I can put you in contact with a company that will rent you a bike and take you to a track day in El Circuito de Catalunya). Go to Dali's house.
Depending on when you're going, go to a bullfight in Madrid. It is going to be either one of the best or one of the worst experiences of your life. No matter what, you have to do it. Go to the Museo del Prado. Party your ass off here, Castillanas are crazy and beautiful.
Don't be stupid about your stuff. Don't go hanging the camera around your neck or wear things that blatantly scream American Tourist. It is like having a huge ROB ME sign on your forehead.
Don't eat at restaurants. Go to Panaderias and buy Pan Frances, Queso Manchego and Jamon Serrano. It is cheaper and tastier than eating out. Also try the spreads made out of figs or Tomates Secos.
Try the Cafe Con Leche. It will ruin american cofee for you.
I'm missing just about everything, But you get the point.
You need at least a couple of months to properly experience spain.
In France:
Eat. That is all.
Italy:
Don't stay in fancy hotels, it will ruin the experience and your bank account. Family run Hostels are the way to go.
Take A lot of money, it is Expensive! Specially with the missus.
Do the whole tuscany thing.
Unless you speak italian, there's not much more to do in Rome than see the colliseum and other architectural gems.
Switzerland:
Tram, Fondue, Chocolate, Hike, Leave.
Good luck!
My Dad knew a guy who would work as a contract engineer for a year to 18 months, then take off to Europe for 3-6 months, making his money last as long as possible. Then he'd fly back here and work another year or so, go back there and do it all over again.
He'd go check out stuff in the wealthier countries... England, Germany, France, etc. Then when he started to get into the bottom half of his bank account, he'd go stay in Spain. Apparently it was the cheapest place to live, so he'd go there as his budget got slim, and he'd drag out his stay for as long as possible.
So... if you start running low on cash, head for Spain and take it easy.
Other than that, I know very little about Europe, having never been to that side of the pond. Heck, I've never even been to the eastern seaboard of the US. [roll]
If I ever get over there, I have a few things on my "must do" list (in no particular order):
--Drive the Nürburgring Nordschleife
--Go to the 24 Hours of LeMans
--Visit the air museum at Duxford
--Air show at Duxford (one of the largest gatherings of flyable warbirds in the world)
--Attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed
--Tour Ducati factory
--Visit Ferrari factory/museum
--Enjoy a Guinness in an Irish Pub
--Find someplace to hang out with a good coffee overlooking the Mediterranean and just... chill.
(Obviously, these won't all happen on the same trip)
Other things I may get around to someday:
--Formula 1 Gran Prix of Monaco
--Farnborough Air Show
--Ducati tour in northern Italy (that ad they had at MotoCorsa really got the drool going)
--Tour BMW factory/museum in Germany
--Rent BMW moto and tour the Swiss Alps (one of those guided trips/tours)
Canon,
Buy me A Coke, and I'll tell you everything I know/remember. I spent a good chunk of my life living/working in UK & Europe. A lot of time in France, Germany and Italy and various side trips (Switz., Spain, etc.).
I'm busy Thursday night, but free pretty much the rest of the week. If you wish, I can meet up with you. Name the spot and I'll buy the first round.
I could write you a 12 page email, but to do justice to the subject, it'll just be easier to tell you about it in person, if you're up for it. I hope I don't bore you too badly. :)
What Matador said about Spain is dead right - it's clear he knows what he's talking about there. He's either a native or close to it. Ryan's comments, too.
What you are doing right now is smart: you're planning it out. That will be key in making it a good trip. Don't worry, there will be plenty of spontaneity that pops up, too.
Let me know.
Best regards,
John
Quote from: JohnnyDucati on January 13, 2009, 06:16:44 PM
Canon,
Buy me a Coke,.....
i think it sounds like drug slang without the "a"
Quote from: desmosome on January 14, 2009, 06:02:01 PM
i think it sounds like drug slang without the "a"
corrected. Thanks, Jon.
Dang. You guys are some kind of smart, detail-oriented, perceptive hooligans.
You're right, though, that was funny . . . BY ME COKE!!! . . . [cheeky]
so basically Spain is going to kickass!
reading through some books, prepping for Great Britain first, i see a butt-load of colleges in Oxford (like 21?) and Cambridge (17!) and a bunch of castles. Stonehenge is the only other thing Id like to see besides the castles.
definitely researching pointers from this forum, been very helpful. thanks john for offering your time.
I love Europe and have been enough places to be a decent tour guide. I have a suitcase big enough for me to fit inside. If I pay the extra baggage fee, can I come? :-*
When you go to France, stay out of the cities (But stay in Paris for one day, just one) and spend your time in the loire valley. There are some AMAZING chatoux out there that will leave you wishing you had more memory in your camera. Also, check out Le Mont San Michel, it's my favorite place in France and absolutely breathtaking.
some pics of san michel
(http://www.arcobalenoledieu.it/photos/foto1.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2473759672_119354791b.jpg)
Was talking to a friend of mine today, she was just in Continental Europe on vacation last fall. Apparently in Paris there is still quite a bit of anti-American sentiment. Just something to be aware of...
In contrast, some college friends of mine stayed in France near Toulouse, and they didn't have any problems. In fact, in many of the smaller coastal villages the locals were very friendly toward Americans.
It's been over a year and a half since I last went to Paris, but the locals were very friendly, even after finding out I was American. I didn't sense any animosity, though I did get asked a few times WTF Bush & co were thinking and what Americans thought of Bush.
Quote from: BibleBoy on January 18, 2009, 01:05:08 AM
Was talking to a friend of mine today, she was just in Continental Europe on vacation last fall. Apparently in Paris there is still quite a bit of anti-American sentiment. Just something to be aware of...
In contrast, some college friends of mine stayed in France near Toulouse, and they didn't have any problems. In fact, in many of the smaller coastal villages the locals were very friendly toward Americans.
Ahhhh, french people are hilarious. That's why when people ask where I'm from I say Venezuela.
Talk about a culture with a short memory.
prolly to far out of the way...
but if you get the chance
go to greece. ignore athens, get out in the islands
yep, i'll end up wearing my "pro-war" tee-shirt in Paris, France. i have always heard they despise us. i dont want to offend anyone here from there so i will just say i will enjoy my short time there and get to the party waiting in Spain! Thanks for all the help! [drink]
what time in May?
Isle of Man TT End of May beginning of June.
Probably be able to get to Silverstone for WSB before Isle of Man TT.
The week after TT there should be a moto GP somewhere.
Base your trip around that lot and you'll have fun.I did!
Need any info about the UK let me know, thats where I spent the first 17 years on this planet.
Europe is spendy .Best to use plastic if you can because rates are better than buying pounds or Euros...they will charge up to !0% for exchanging money.
Go to Dublin .Frickin awesome.
Scotland eh........Edinburgh is nice, I got some friends that used to have a B&B near Inverness Castle. Let me know if that interests you I'll contact them and see if they are still doing it .
Paris is ok but I thought it was a dirty shitty hole.
See the Eiffel tower and the sights then leave.
Belguim is bloody brilliant.People are awesome.Brussels is unreal!
Take the chunnel from UK to Paris rent a car if you need to.
If you are travelling in Europe and you want cheap flights Ryannair.I think I paid like $30.00 inc taxes from Newcastle Intl to Dublin.
Took about 45 mins.
You can fly anywhere in Europe for cheaper than the train.
Enjoy your trip.
I lived in Spain last quarter and probably one of the coolest things I did was go to Barcelona and look at the Gaudi buildings...if you can make it there I would put that on teh top of your list for things to do in Spain. Also one tip....don't mess with the bouncers at the bars because most of them are connected to the mob(no joke). It is a wonderful country and you can have a blast. Have a great trip [beer]
Everyone has great suggestions but I have a few specifics to add in there. I've lived in London, France and Spain and did some extensive traveling while I was there so here are my must-dos:
1. In London, spend some time just relaxing in the cafe of the Tate Modern Museum. It's probably the best view in all of London (the one you'll see in all the movies) for the price of a cup of coffee. Even though it seems overpriced, do the London Eye too but only at sunset. It's worth it especially since you will be with the lady.
2. Spend most of your time in Edinburgh at the bars to get to know the awesomeness that is the drunk scotsman. You WILL have a good time. And keep a watchful eye on the lady for sure.
3. PM for info if your interested in renting a bike in London. I used a great co. there and they even let me take it to Paris for the weekend. You will have fun trying to beat the Eurostar's time.
4. You can enjoy Paris a lot more than people think if you just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere instead of trying to cram in a bunch of sites. The cafe you want to go to is called Deux Magots and it is on the Blvd. St. Germain. It's rich in history, perfect for people watching, has great hot chocolate and is probably the essence of Paris. There are some really cool old hotels in the alleys off this street too.
5. Don't go to Paris without going to Harry's Bar late in the night (after 3am) for a drink and a cigar. I've been to some amazing bars and this is my favorite. It's hidden in an alley somewhere near the Paris Ritz.
6. Hang out in the Latin Quarter for restaurants and nightlife. Make sure you invest in a hotel near here. Staying in a hotel away from the central touristy district may seem like a bargain but it will completely ruin the city for you.
7. Rent a car and just drive through the Loire Valley and along the Alps without any kind of agenda. Magic will find you.
8. In Provence, Orange and Avignon are amazing cities with great roman ruins if you are into history.
9. Skip the Riviera unless you are a millionaire or a playboy trying to pretend he is a millionaire.
10. Ditto on El Matador's comments on Spain. Don't eat at restaurants, just buy food on the go from the pastry shops. More specifically, in Granada, you want to follow the Paseo de los Tristes all the way up to the steep hill into the cave district where you will find all the cool Flamenco bars. Do NOT pre-buy tickets from any hotel or tourist vendor. Just head for the caves around midnight. You also want to go to a jazz club called Eshavira hidden in an alley just off the Calle Azacayas. If you want a nice dinner with atmosphere go to on of the miradores in the Abaicin.
11. If you are into nature/hiking type activities, spend some time wandering around the hills above the Alhambra and in Las Alpujarras (it's a cheap bus ride from Granada and worth it to see villages still stuck in the 15th century). I also think the bullfights in Granada are a more genuine old school Spanish experience than the more modern spectacle you will see in Madrid.
12. The other must do in Spain is to rent a car and explore the "white villages" in the center of Andalucia. This will give your lady a dose of romance that will last at least a few years.
13. Skip the Costa del Sol unless you want glamourous partying, which would be better in Barcelona anyway. Speaking of Barcelona, do PM me for info on the bike rental. I had a *great* experience there.
14. If you like to drink, spend a day milking the bodegas in Jerez for all the free sherry you can.
15. NEVER, never EVER, miss up any opportunity to party with the Spanish. It is a good time not soon forgotten.
Hope you have a great time!!!
Quote from: DesmoLu on February 03, 2009, 10:49:05 AM
Everyone has great suggestions but I have a few specifics to add in there. I've lived in London, France and Spain and did some extensive traveling while I was there so here are my must-dos:
1. In London, spend some time just relaxing in the cafe of the Tate Modern Museum. It's probably the best view in all of London (the one you'll see in all the movies) for the price of a cup of coffee. Even though it seems overpriced, do the London Eye too but only at sunset. It's worth it especially since you will be with the lady.
2. Spend most of your time in Edinburgh at the bars to get to know the awesomeness that is the drunk scotsman. You WILL have a good time. And keep a watchful eye on the lady for sure.
3. PM for info if your interested in renting a bike in London. I used a great co. there and they even let me take it to Paris for the weekend. You will have fun trying to beat the Eurostar's time.
4. You can enjoy Paris a lot more than people think if you just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere instead of trying to cram in a bunch of sites. The cafe you want to go to is called Deux Magots and it is on the Blvd. St. Germain. It's rich in history, perfect for people watching, has great hot chocolate and is probably the essence of Paris. There are some really cool old hotels in the alleys off this street too.
5. Don't go to Paris without going to Harry's Bar late in the night (after 3am) for a drink and a cigar. I've been to some amazing bars and this is my favorite. It's hidden in an alley somewhere near the Paris Ritz.
6. Hang out in the Latin Quarter for restaurants and nightlife. Make sure you invest in a hotel near here. Staying in a hotel away from the central touristy district may seem like a bargain but it will completely ruin the city for you.
7. Rent a car and just drive through the Loire Valley and along the Alps without any kind of agenda. Magic will find you.
8. In Provence, Orange and Avignon are amazing cities with great roman ruins if you are into history.
9. Skip the Riviera unless you are a millionaire or a playboy trying to pretend he is a millionaire.
10. Ditto on El Matador's comments on Spain. Don't eat at restaurants, just buy food on the go from the pastry shops. More specifically, in Granada, you want to follow the Paseo de los Tristes all the way up to the steep hill into the cave district where you will find all the cool Flamenco bars. Do NOT pre-buy tickets from any hotel or tourist vendor. Just head for the caves around midnight. You also want to go to a jazz club called Eshavira hidden in an alley just off the Calle Azacayas. If you want a nice dinner with atmosphere go to on of the miradores in the Abaicin.
11. If you are into nature/hiking type activities, spend some time wandering around the hills above the Alhambra and in Las Alpujarras (it's a cheap bus ride from Granada and worth it to see villages still stuck in the 15th century). I also think the bullfights in Granada are a more genuine old school Spanish experience than the more modern spectacle you will see in Madrid.
12. The other must do in Spain is to rent a car and explore the "white villages" in the center of Andalucia. This will give your lady a dose of romance that will last at least a few years.
13. Skip the Costa del Sol unless you want glamourous partying, which would be better in Barcelona anyway. Speaking of Barcelona, do PM me for info on the bike rental. I had a *great* experience there.
14. If you like to drink, spend a day milking the bodegas in Jerez for all the free sherry you can.
15. NEVER, never EVER, miss up any opportunity to party with the Spanish. It is a good time not soon forgotten.
Hope you have a great time!!!
Damn, babe. We HAVE to go to spain together. [evil]
Okay... we need to sticky this thread or something. Needs to be archived. Lots of great sounding stuff in here... stuff I gotta try if/when I ever make it across the pond.
if anyone is interested in taking a trip to London let me know. I can organise a tour if enough of you are interested for this summer.
http://www.ricksteves.com/ (http://www.ricksteves.com/)
this is a great resource. the walking tours are pretty cool and you can move at your own pace instead of being dragged around or held back. I always have a copy when I go over there ;D