One week in Europe- where to go?

BMW F22 · 06-04-2015, 09:59 AM

I have a week to spend in Europe and I'm trying to figure out where I should go.

I will be there with my brother for his bday. He has never been to Europe while I have a few times. I'd like to go anywhere besides Germany as I have been there too many times already. Only restriction is that we have to fly into either Zurich or Frankfurt.

I'm thinking if Zurich then Southern France but have no idea where to go as 1 week isn't much time. If we fly into Frankfurt we could do Amsterdam and Brussels (or maybe Paris?). I thought about Italy as a possibility but train from Zurich to Rome would take an entire day (unless travelling at night).

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

bmwmsport · 06-04-2015, 10:14 AM

I've been to Italy twice and absolutely loved every bit of it. Beautiful countryside. The first time we went we went to the BMW Headquarters too which was interesting of course. We were across the pond last summer and wanted to go to Paris for the day but didn't because the tickets from London to Paris were something like $500 each way. Ridiculous. +1 for Italy though, its a must-see.

krzykk · 06-04-2015, 10:21 AM

.

P1 · 06-04-2015, 10:27 AM

As a European, I see Americans make the mistaken of wanting to see ALL of Europe in 2 days. Yes, Europe is smaller than America but you really need to take your time to take it all in. You can spend a week in single country and not have even scratches the surface. Hell, us Europeans go to one REGION for two weeks. Remember, in Europe, it's dolce far niente.

Personally, I'll be spending two weeks in the Champagne region in France next month.

CANGRKE70 · 06-04-2015, 10:38 AM

Go to Greece and take advantage of the crisis. Hotels prices are super low and usually include breakfast. Go to Athens for a couple days then hit an island.

bmwmsport · 06-04-2015, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

As a European, I see Americans make the mistaken of wanting to see ALL of Europe in 2 days. Yes, Europe is smaller than America but you really need to take your time to take it all in. You can spend a week in single country and not have even scratches the surface. Hell, us Europeans go to one REGION for two weeks. Remember, in Europe, it's dolce far niente.

Personally, I'll be spending two weeks in the Champagne region in France next month.

+1 having been to Rome, Venice, and Florence twice for several days each time, I still haven't seen everything I want to see. I'll be back one day

Lups · 06-04-2015, 10:56 AM

Go to Finland. Nothing to see or do, but you'd learn to use your indicators.

other_evolved · 06-04-2015, 10:57 AM

Amsterdam is fantastic. I've heard great things about Prague, as well.

g_petko · 06-04-2015, 11:17 AM

Depend on the dates, ages etc. there are many places to visit over here.

I just spent the w.e in Vienna and it was ok, but I wouldn't personally bother going there again. Been through a few Greek islands and generally seen one, seen them all (imo).

Defiantly check out Prague, I found Paris to be a nice city, but I'm betting the south of France is on another level

BMW F22 · 06-04-2015, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

As a European, I see Americans make the mistaken of wanting to see ALL of Europe in 2 days. Yes, Europe is smaller than America but you really need to take your time to take it all in. You can spend a week in single country and not have even scratches the surface. Hell, us Europeans go to one REGION for two weeks. Remember, in Europe, it's dolce far niente.

Personally, I'll be spending two weeks in the Champagne region in France next month.

I agree with this. Hence I'm looking for advice where to go. I only want to check out maybe 2 cities. I will be back to Europe so seeing everything isn't on my radar.

954Stealth · 06-04-2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g_petko

Depend on the dates, ages etc. there are many places to visit over here.

I just spent the w.e in Vienna and it was ok, but I wouldn't personally bother going there again. Been through a few Greek islands and generally seen one, seen them all (imo).

Defiantly check out Prague, I found Paris to be a nice city, but I'm betting the south of France is on another level

Skip Paris, Paris is dirty and Parisians are smelly

P1 · 06-04-2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW F22

I agree with this. Hence I'm looking for advice where to go. I only want to check out maybe 2 cities. I will be back to Europe so seeing everything isn't on my radar.

So let's pick a country first then. Since I'm from Belgium, I've spent most of my time in France and Italy. I could go back every single year. Great places.

other_evolved · 06-04-2015, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

Skip Paris, Paris is dirty and Parisians are smelly

Disagree. There's lots of fun things to do there, and the people are just as friendly as in any other country....pending that you don't act like a typical tourist with no respect, lol.

Delta0311 · 06-04-2015, 12:14 PM

Here is my list:
Gdansk, Krakow, Warszawa, Wroclaw, Torun, Malbork (castle)
Prague
Munich
and of course Budapest. Surprised no one mentioned Budapest. But then again most Americans view Central Europe as depicted in the movie Hostel.

BMW F22 · 06-04-2015, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

So let's pick a country first then. Since I'm from Belgium, I've spent most of my time in France and Italy. I could go back every single year. Great places.

It's between France and Italy for me. Maybe not Italy because I think it would take too long to get there and therefore I'd have too little time to see Rome, Florence and Venice.

CANGRKE70 · 06-04-2015, 12:19 PM

Prague or Budapest. Both have great things to do and see. Loved both.

Delta0311 · 06-04-2015, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW F22

It's between France and Italy for me. Maybe not Italy because I think it would take too long to get there and therefore I'd have too little time to see Rome, Florence and Venice.

Skip Rome.. It's a dirty city, probably has more graffiti than Brooklyn in the 80s.

P1 · 06-04-2015, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Skip Rome.. It's a dirty city, probably has more graffiti than Brooklyn in the 80s.

I don't like large European cities. The real beauty of Europe lies in the small villages.

I know Americans will get obsessed with public transport, but don't do it. Rent a car and carve your own path. Otherwise, you'll never be able to get to the best spots.

BMW F22 · 06-04-2015, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1et

I don't like large European cities. The real beauty of Europe lies in the small villages.

I know Americans will get obsessed with public transport, but don't do it. Rent a car and carve your own path. Otherwise, you'll never be able to get to the best spots.

So far you have said a lot about the generality of Europe but haven't given any solid recommendations as to where to go...

AW335TT · 06-04-2015, 03:20 PM

Shouldn't you ask your brother where we wants to go? Since he's never been there. I personally would chose Italy over France, as someone who hasn't been to either, I would pick Italy as my first European trip.

BMW F22 · 06-04-2015, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW335TT

Shouldn't you ask your brother where we wants to go? Since he's never been there. I personally would chose Italy over France, as someone who hasn't been to either, I would pick Italy as my first European trip.

He doesn't care. He said whatever is fine so I'm left with doing the planning like I always do.

Alfisti · 06-04-2015, 03:48 PM

Most are ignoring that a) germany is a no-go and b) you're flying into Zurich.

I'd head to the interlaken and Lauterbrunnen area. Gorgeous and close enough.

06-04-2015, 09:59 AM	#1
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	One week in Europe- where to go? I have a week to spend in Europe and I'm trying to figure out where I should go. I will be there with my brother for his bday. He has never been to Europe while I have a few times. I'd like to go anywhere besides Germany as I have been there too many times already. Only restriction is that we have to fly into either Zurich or Frankfurt. I'm thinking if Zurich then Southern France but have no idea where to go as 1 week isn't much time. If we fly into Frankfurt we could do Amsterdam and Brussels (or maybe Paris?). I thought about Italy as a possibility but train from Zurich to Rome would take an entire day (unless travelling at night). Any advice is greatly appreciated!
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06-04-2015, 10:14 AM	#2
bmwmsport Captain 127 Rep 951 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Jackson, MS iTrader: (0)	I've been to Italy twice and absolutely loved every bit of it. Beautiful countryside. The first time we went we went to the BMW Headquarters too which was interesting of course. We were across the pond last summer and wanted to go to Paris for the day but didn't because the tickets from London to Paris were something like $500 each way. Ridiculous. +1 for Italy though, its a must-see. __________________ 2010 E90 335i Le Mans Blue Metallic // Saddle Brown // M Sport // iDrive // Comfort Access // Blown By Twins
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06-04-2015, 10:21 AM	#3
krzykk Second Lieutenant 59 Rep 228 Posts Drives: like a sissy Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: East Coast iTrader: (1)	. __________________ Life has a lot of temptations. Temptations get a hold of some people. *5 x Bad Boys Blue Garage. Last edited by krzykk; 07-09-2015 at 07:16 PM..*
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06-04-2015, 10:27 AM	#4
P1 Lieutenant General 11569 Rep 11,136 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	As a European, I see Americans make the mistaken of wanting to see ALL of Europe in 2 days. Yes, Europe is smaller than America but you really need to take your time to take it all in. You can spend a week in single country and not have even scratches the surface. Hell, us Europeans go to one REGION for two weeks. Remember, in Europe, it's dolce far niente. Personally, I'll be spending two weeks in the Champagne region in France next month.
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06-04-2015, 10:38 AM	#5
CANGRKE70 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 814 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Go to Greece and take advantage of the crisis. Hotels prices are super low and usually include breakfast. Go to Athens for a couple days then hit an island. __________________ Peter. Current Ride:2012 Alpine While BMW X5 35i Past Rides: 2005 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW X3 2005 Winning Blue Mica Mazda 3 1993 Milano Red Honda Prelude SR
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06-04-2015, 10:57 AM	#8
other_evolved Lieutenant Colonel 2025 Rep 1,895 Posts Drives: 2015 Chevrolet SS Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Saint Louis iTrader: (0)	Amsterdam is fantastic. I've heard great things about Prague, as well. __________________ Present 2015 Chevrolet SS 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk V6
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06-04-2015, 11:17 AM	#9
g_petko Private 30 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 2007 e90 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Novi Sad, Serbia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 [0.00]	Depend on the dates, ages etc. there are many places to visit over here. I just spent the w.e in Vienna and it was ok, but I wouldn't personally bother going there again. Been through a few Greek islands and generally seen one, seen them all (imo). Defiantly check out Prague, I found Paris to be a nice city, but I'm betting the south of France is on another level
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06-04-2015, 12:14 PM	#14
Delta0311 Banned 7478 Rep 10,120 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Here is my list: Gdansk, Krakow, Warszawa, Wroclaw, Torun, Malbork (castle) Prague Munich and of course Budapest. Surprised no one mentioned Budapest. But then again most Americans view Central Europe as depicted in the movie Hostel.
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06-04-2015, 12:19 PM	#16
CANGRKE70 ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ 814 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW X5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Prague or Budapest. Both have great things to do and see. Loved both. __________________ Peter. Current Ride:2012 Alpine While BMW X5 35i Past Rides: 2005 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW X3 2005 Winning Blue Mica Mazda 3 1993 Milano Red Honda Prelude SR
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06-04-2015, 03:20 PM	#20
AW335TT Major 616 Rep 1,420 Posts Drives: a car Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: North Hollywood, CA iTrader: (0)	Shouldn't you ask your brother where we wants to go? Since he's never been there. I personally would chose Italy over France, as someone who hasn't been to either, I would pick Italy as my first European trip. __________________
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06-04-2015, 03:48 PM	#22
Alfisti Brigadier General 6501 Rep 3,030 Posts Drives: 2008 Saab 9-3 Combi Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Most are ignoring that a) germany is a no-go and b) you're flying into Zurich. I'd head to the interlaken and Lauterbrunnen area. Gorgeous and close enough.
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