Europe

[Bornadog]

Re: Europe

Whatever you do TBB, don't try and cover too many cities in too many countries as the travel can take up alot of time.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Europe

Whatever you do TBB, don't try and cover too many cities in too many countries as the travel can take up alot of time.

Yeah wise words BAD. We are pretty mindful of not over doing it. Moving around every 2 days isn't enjoyable so we'll ensure that doesn't happen.

[Eastdog]

Re: Europe

Yeah wise words BAD. We are pretty mindful of not over doing it. Moving around every 2 days isn't enjoyable so we'll ensure that doesn't happen.

Have a great trip TBB.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Europe

Thanks Easty - certainly will and it cannot come quick enough.

[Mantis]

Re: Europe

Yeah wise words BAD. We are pretty mindful of not over doing it. Moving around every 2 days isn't enjoyable so we'll ensure that doesn't happen.

If that rings true I'd hold off going to Spain & Portugal and concentrate on Central & Eastern Europe. Spain is too good to be rushed.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Europe

If that rings true I'd hold off going to Spain & Portugal and concentrate on Central & Eastern Europe. Spain is too good to be rushed.

Yeah that's what we've pretty much decided on. Both high on our agenda but it makes sense to group them for a later trip.

We have given some thought to a few nights in Singapore or Dubai on the way back but at this stage the focus will be predominately Central Europe.

[Mantis]

Re: Europe

Yeah that's what we've pretty much decided on. Both high on our agenda but it makes sense to group them for a later trip.

Include Morocco in that trip.. A must see destination and easy to get to from Southern Spain.

If you do visit Spain, Portugal and potentially Morocco hit me up as I spent about 6 weeks touring those destinations and will happily share my thoughts.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Europe

Include Morocco in that trip.. A must see destination and easy to get to from Southern Spain.

If you do visit Spain, Portugal and potentially Morocco hit me up as I spent about 6 weeks touring those destinations and will happily share my thoughts.

Will do and thanks for the tip. Fiance has mentioned Morocco a few times so that would be an ideal trio.

[DOG GOD]

Re: Europe

Yep whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll have a great trip TBB....enjoy....may/June is ideal weather and you won’t have the crowds of July/August.

[jazzadogs]

Re: Europe

Rome - great for 3 days, heaps of landmarks and history to see. It is dirty, busy and can get very very hot, but the Colosseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon are amazing.
Venice - I loved exploring Venice. I've been there three times, wander aimlessly through the streets and canals. Visit the islands nearby. 4 or more days - relax, take it in, you don't need a checklist of things to do in Venice.
Athens - similar to Rome - dirty, busy but great landmarks and history. I was only there for about 36 hours and squeezed in most of what I wanted to see.
Vienna & Salzburg - haven't been to Vienna but Salzburg is nice, from people I've spoken to they are very similar and Vienna probably trumps Salzburg (unless you love Sound of Music)
Budapest - brilliant city, one of the best in Europe. Visit the baths, check out parliament, go to the ruin bars at night. Chill out on the islands in the middle of the river. Be careful if you fly in, there was a scam running on the buses to and from the airport.
Madrid - it was way too hot when I was there which clouded my judgement. I would prioritise San Sebastian, Seville or Barcelona (and probably Valencia/Granada) over Madrid, as far as spanish cities.
Lisbon - great food and atmosphere, I would have taken over 100 photos of the trams with different backgrounds. A day trip to Sintra is worthwhile.
Krakow & Boleslawiec - the history of Krakow (and the rest of Poland) was really interesting to me, I was living in Berlin so had been reading plenty of WWII-era books. A walking tour of the Jewish Quarter was really enlightening, and Auschwitz is an absolute must-do. It's horrific, but it is an incredible historical site that is well presented to allow you to learn and reflect.

I strongly agree with others that you shouldn't try to squeeze too much in. If you are focussing on central Europe, I would definitely recommend Berlin (mix of history, culture, everything - one of the best cities in the world!) and Bruges if you can get that far west. Istanbul is also brilliant further east, and Cinque Terre is the best part of Italy that I visited.

Basically, you can't go wrong but give yourself at least three nights in each destination, and ideally 4 or 5 - it spreads things out, lets you settle in places and look into day trips which you would otherwise miss. Better to experience a place properly than see it for a few hours.

Have fun!

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Re: Europe

Thanks for the insightful response jd.

Athens seems to polarise - the history/ruins appeals but everything else I am hearing paints an ugly picture. Parents just got back from their trip and didn't enjoy it, neither did a few friends who went earlier this year.

Haven't looked into Berlin too much so I'll do some digging.

[Twodogs]

Re: Europe

Thanks for the insightful response jd.

Athens seems to polarise - the history/ruins appeals but everything else I am hearing paints an ugly picture. Parents just got back from their trip and didn't enjoy it, neither did a few friends who went earlier this year.

Haven't looked into Berlin too much so I'll do some digging.

I know people (musicians anyway, not quite people) who lived in Berlin for a few years after living in London for a few years and they were very complementary about how much better Berlin was to live. It was a fair while ago though and most of them have either moved back to England (but not London) or returned to Australia since.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: Europe

I know people (musicians anyway, not quite people) who lived in Berlin for a few years after living in London for a few years and they were very complementary about how much better Berlin was to live. It was a fair while ago though and most of them have either moved back to England (but not London) or returned to Australia since.

Was in Berlin for the first time a couple months ago. Absolutely loved it. In some ways, its similar to Melbourne. It's a cultural melting pot. The food is fantastic as a result. Plus it's also got the history.

[Twodogs]

Re: Europe

Was in Berlin for the first time a couple months ago. Absolutely loved it. In some ways, its similar to Melbourne. It's a cultural melting pot. The food is fantastic as a result. Plus it's also got the history.

A few years ago Berlin was the cultural capital of Europe or the world or somewhere. I was talking to one of my friends (he has a very thick German accent) and he was hanging shit on that fact. The Germans have a way of rolling their eyes and emphasising some words over others. It was very funny listening.

[DOG GOD]

Re: Europe

What surprised me about Berlin was how well the English language was spoken. No issues whatsoever.