Where I’m Going
So, where am I off to? Here, have a map because diagrams are awesome.
Although technically my journey begins in London, this map begins in Brussels. I plan to spend a couple of days in the UK before heading on the road trip to Spa. After the Grand Prix, and being left behind by the others and thus entering my ‘I am on my own and these people don’t speak English’ panic phase, I’d like to spend a day or so in Brussels before getting a night train to Berlin.
Then in order I will do Berlin – Munich – Zurich – Rome – Milan (as my base for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza) -Nice/Monaco – Barcelona – Valenica – Madrid – Paris – London.
At this stage I am looking to get a Eurail pass and do most of this by train, with night trains where possible. I like the idea of not having to sleep in one city then spend good daylight hours travelling to my next destination.
Nice and Monaco were not on my original plans but really, I can’t go all the way to Europe and not go to Monaco. It is a trip based around Formula One after all!
Of course because I am very new to this travelling thing, I am open to suggestions from anybody on ways I could tweak my plans better, recommendations on where planes would be better than trains, things that are must-do in any given city, or good places to stay.
I plan on bugging a travel agent until they are sick of the sight of me, but I am waiting for a confirmed 2010 F1 calendar before I do that, which should be out some time in October. Once the dates are locked in I want to start booking things but me being me, I’m planning now.
I can’t wait til I can write a to-do list.
this seems very real now!
i would bear to the right between rome and milan, and spend a day in venice. if you did that, you’d likely pass san marino too. also, as you’re going through paris, a detour to the old circuit of reims should be on your list.
OH MY GOD! You are basically doing my dream trip! I am incredibly jealous! This sounds amazing! I am going to have to wait years, and save up soo much to be able to afford something like this, but it looks like it will be totally worth it.
That is a lot of travelling for someone who is not used to travelling. If you straighten that line out it must go half way back to Australia.
My sister lives in Munich. You’re welcome to stay at her place if you want (and I promise to actually ask her at least 24 hours before you come
)
And 2 of my cousins live in Berlin. I haven’t talked to them in 5 years but there is enough time left to get closer to them again.
Also you know where to find me if you need any help with the German part of your trip.
I’m a bit envious, but also know I wouldn’t have the guts to do anything like this unless in a group!
If you are in Italy, no matter what you think of Ferrari you should spend a half-day wandering around Maranello. Plus there is a really nice pizza place there so its worth going for that alone!
somehow I had completely missed the fact that Venice and Milan are so close together, I shall add it to the list!
Always been a secret ambition of mine to watch a football match from every single country in Europe. Though the thought of it must see the bank go running. Good luck with it. I do recommend Belgium, lovely part of the world especially Ypres if your intrested in the history.
Oh and Northumberland, best part of the world. I don’t see that mentioned anywhere…?
WOW! You will be busy! Hope to see you in Belgium
I second the Mr C vote for Venice! It’s a must!
I love all the places that you are going except weirdly I have never been to Spain or Paris. I don’t really know why.
venice is worth seeing – but choose the time of year carefully. too many tourists may not have you less than enthralled.
If you travelling through italy by train, beware of the word “scipero” (pron “shee-opp-err-oh”). It means strike. you need a backup plan for when this happens.
paris awesome. roma awesome. milano awesome. munich awesome. you’ve got some great places there.
if you want to be on radio on monday night in the suburbs of paris, let me know – my friend would love to interview you about your trip. doesn’t have to be a live thing – you could do a pre record if sechedules allow.
easyjet and ryan air have city guides (I think! one does, not sure about the other). these are pretty good background stuff, and provide maps, and also maps of the metro systems.
know where the tourist info places are – opening times change from one season to the next and it’s a good first STOP.
in europe, many museums and things close on mondays. even the major attractions
once you’ve booked your accomodation, and know what you want to see, use google maps/earth to locate things like supermarkets/pharmacies. in some cities supermarkets can be particularly hard to find. truly. somewhere i was recently had that issue. in that tourist area, no supermarkets. clever work by the consumer association i guess.
Hey it’s rehellinen from lj
Sounds great, but Eurail may not be your cheapest option – Ryanair and Easyjet are cheap airlines that do ALOT of great deals (sometimes free flights) so you might be able to do it faster and cheaper like that…although the ICE trains in Germany and France esp. are amazing!
If you need any help Europe-side, let me know
PS – add me on facebook woman!
oops. just realised i suggested you visit san marino. clearly i meant imola.
as you were.
You seem to be planning to travel in very straight lines
Best of luck!