YTmag members in Europe ???

buickanddeere · Nov 5, 2013

Poor long suffering Mrs B&D has been promised a 25th wedding anniversary trip to "Europe". In the summer of 2014.
While our ancestors 4-5 generations back are from Scotland,Ireland and England but we have lost track. We did find a whack of distant cousins with 23andme DNA testing but it's not practical.
We don't really have a clue about where to go and what to see. Not all that interested in the various Queen's residences or an all urban vacation.
Mrs B&D wants a rail 10-14day tour ? Is that practical and any particular tour companies applicable ?

ShadetreeRet · Nov 5, 2013

Our man in Ireland, Samn40 is well traveled, he would most likely be able to provide an acceptable itinerary.

Mike (WA) · Nov 5, 2013

Many just buy a Eurail Pass, and see where it takes them. See a lot of country on your way to various destinations. Plenty of time to fine tune your itinerary while you're on the train.

wisbaker · Nov 5, 2013

There is also a Bill from Scotland, used to be a fellow from Germany but he ran afoul of our hosts, Ah yes Dave2, gone but not forgotten.

Jim in Ma. · Nov 5, 2013

I have been over there three times. I would recommend getting a rail pass and do B&Bs along the way. I rented a car and missed a lot because having to worry about where I was driving.

big fred · Nov 5, 2013

I'd think it would be a very personal decision. For me, I'd visit France, especially the Dordogne, because it was pretty much the epicenter of the Hundred Years War, then Paris for the Louvre, then off to Monet's gardens and the little town of St Andre d'Leure, where my father flew from in WWII. Also lots of marvelous cathedrals in that part of Europe. But that's just me.

Ivan in Mich · Nov 5, 2013

If you plan on driving make sure to get a GPS. We would still be wandering around trying to find our way home with out it.

Little roy · Nov 5, 2013

B&D, this is not a commercial for tours, but we took a 13 day bus tour of Ireland and thoroughly enjoyed it. We did spend a day or two in Dublin, but several days were spent in the countryside and small towns. We took a one-day side trip with a local historian and found the home of my ancestors. On the flip side, we have friends who have been there more than once and they rent a car and do their own driving. I think we would have missed a lot if I was driving.

MI AC Parsons · Nov 5, 2013

We used Trafalgar 2x. Took us to excellent places. They have a free travel brochure that details trips. Maybe next time I'll rent a car, but real glad that I didn't have to worry about driving, and both tour guides were terrific. imho

Tom OConnor · Nov 5, 2013

My wife and I just spent two weeks in Ireland in Sep[ember and plan on going back next year. Just a few things to consider. September is a great time for Europe- The childern are all back in school-the crowds have all gone home-The prices start to be discounted on the B and B's and normally the weather is great. A man of your knowledge will have no problem remembering to drive on the left but a GPS is a must. Take it to Best Buy or anywhere the Geek Boys work and have them update it with a Europian road map before you leave home.The International Plowing Match is a must for any farmer as it is Europe's answer to our Farm Progress Show. Also take with you a notarized or certified statement from your auto insurance company stating that you will be insured in their vehicle else there is an extra E39.00 a day on rental insurance. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful time, it's a great education.

samn40 · Nov 6, 2013

I normally run a tractor tour every March around the UK. But I have not decided yet if I am doing a tour this year. If I am it will be a trip around Ireland, visiting tractor collections as we go....oh and a visit to Bushmills whiskey distillery and the Guinness brewery is a must do! We normally have about 6 to 10 Americans on our trip.
My email is open.....Sam

Ray UK · Nov 6, 2013

If you make it over to the South East of England try to spend time at Dover Castle I don"t think you will be disappointed.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/dover-castle/?gclid=CML1g5Hvz7oCFfMctAodXUUA4A
Untitled URL Link

Phil Scarborough · Nov 6, 2013

+Look on Google for a company called Great Railway Journeys. They do escorted rail tours all over Europe, and are top quality for their guides and services. Phil

jCarroll · Nov 6, 2013

First, try to understand that in one trip you will not "see Europe". It's like giving a JD Expo two hours ... what subset will you look at.

A rail tour is a good choice for the first time. My vote would be to skip England and hit the Rhine valley from Holland southward. The cathedral in Colonge still standing after the bombing is a sight I'll never forget - or Dresden's stupid destruction. Vineyards, castles, clean streets, open air music and markets.

Take twice the money, and half the clothes.

1130Leo · Nov 6, 2013

Viking Cruises make a great trip from Budhapest thru France, Get to see alot of great sites and do not have to pack and unpack your luggage all the time... Just a thought. I spent 12 days in Europe and visited 6 countries, not on a cruise, was dead tired by the time we got home, visited Holland, Belgium, France, Austria, Italy, and England. Have a good trip!

YTmag members in Europe ???

buickanddeere

Well-known Member

ShadetreeRet

Well-known Member

Mike (WA)

Well-known Member

wisbaker

Well-known Member

Jim in Ma.

Well-known Member

big fred

Well-known Member

Ivan in Mich

Member

Little roy

Member

MI AC Parsons

Member

Tom OConnor

Member

samn40

Well-known Member

Ray UK

Member

Phil Scarborough

Member

jCarroll

Well-known Member

1130Leo

Member