I'm planning a drive around Europe for 3 weeks in July/August 05 and need a few pointers on what to see and do.
So far the plan would be to get a ferry from the UK (maybe from Harwich) and visit Rotterdam, Essen, Munich, Vienna, Florence, Rome, Monaco, Lyon, Geneva and Paris.
This itinerary would allow us to visit a few countries but it might not be the most exciting. I'm looking mainly for scenery, ease of getting around (off main motorways), and any historical places e.g. battlefields and buildings.
Has anyone done a similar trip and provide a few pointers on what to to see and do ?
I noticed you're going to Essen, what is part of the Ruhr-Region. Here you'll find monuments of the German 'economic miracle', like old smelting works, coal-mines... and museums about that.
Maybe you'll also have time to visit Düsseldorf, the communal portal of the federal state of North-Rhine Westphalia, just a 30 minute drive - have a look at my report, there you'll find some informations about that city.
Posted: 2005-01-28 11:34:00
Hi John
I feel you are planning to miss a lot of ace places early on - other cities in the Netherlands or Belgium.
Personally I should prefer that to going to Vienna and Rome can be mighty hot in those months - but it's all a matter of taste and I'm sure you will enjoy whatever you decide.
Cheers, David
[ This Message was edited by: davidx on 2005-01-29 12:55 ]
--- Grieve not for that which you cannot do but rejoice in that which you can.
Posted: 2005-01-28 17:16:00
Thanks for the feedback guys,
Christian, I'll take a look at your travel report and let you know if I have any questions. I've been around Műnster before and it was really nice. How about the trip to Munich (Munchen) ? Is there anything that we must see on the trip down from Essen ? We were hoping to spend a day or two travelling along the Rhine, taking in the countryside if possible. WOuld you be able to recommend any routes ?
David, I'm not sure if we'll have the time to travel around Belgium or The Netherlands, perhaps at the end of the trip we'll have some time to spare. I wouldn't mind spending some time going around the Ardennes region if time allowed so if you could think of anything worthwhile then it'd be great to hear about it.
Posted: 2005-01-28 17:31:00
I found Bouillon a particularly nice place. The castle is like something out of a fairy tale.
Durbuy is a tourist trap but the walk from Barveau, where you could stay, to Durbuy by the river is very attractive
David<p>[ This Message was edited by: davidx on 2005-01-28 17:35 ]
[ This Message was edited by: davidx on 2005-01-29 12:57 ]
--- Grieve not for that which you cannot do but rejoice in that which you can.
I'm actually doing something similar in March, although I'm not going to Italy. I'm flying to Eindhoven in the Netherlands and then travelling throughout the Low countries, France and the UK.
When I get back, I'll be posting a couple of reports and will be glad to offer some advice based on my trip. Keep an eye open for them in late March early April.
James
--- Live abroad and learn something about yourself!
well, the trip from Essen to Munich are more or less 600 kilometers. There is so much to see, that you would need much more than some days.
If you would like to travel a little bit along the rhine, it's obvious to choose the part between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, that got Unesco World Heritage Site in 2002 and is really very nice, but touristic. I had a quick look at a search engine and found http://www.rheingau-abc.de/top-sightseeing/weltkulturerbe.htm, where you can find a map of this section. A touristic must may be the Loreley: http://www.loreley-touristik.de , but I have to warn you in advance: It's extremly touristic! You will definitely find a lot of castles, small villages, wine and, of course, gastronomy that has a reputation of beeing too expensive for a bad quality. Ok, that may be a little bit overstated - they try to improve; just be a little bit careful.
On your way to Munich you could also visit Heidelberg (http://www.heidelberg.de), an old, historical city, also university town, really impressive; but also there you'll have to share with lots of tourists.
If you're looking for secret spots, I would need more informations about your preferences.
I hope that helps a little bit. Just SMILE, Christian
