Europe north or south from Paris

[Ravell76]

Which in your opinion given that you have about 7 days... For me I'll be in england sailing with my cousins then heading to paris for a few days. My plan was to do head south to Spain and Portugal but unsure... Should I head north and do ams, switzerland, Berlin.. Which would give me more of the euro feel? Let meknow your thoughts, bearing in mind that everyone is different and expect different things :)

Thx Rav

[heymikey]

That depends on what you mean by 'euro feel'. Personally, Italy and Spain are my 2 favorite countries in Europe so that is what I would recommend. But with 7 days, unless you fly, then it would be easier to head to Amsterdam then Berlin. The best parts in Spain are in the south (Andalucia) and if you have only 7 days, it would take a while to get there.

[SassiSrb]

I find that spain and portugal have a very "euro feel" but I would want mor time then 7 days in both of these places. On the other hand Switzerland and Berlin are amazing as well...It all depends what you want, when I was in Spain/Portugal I did alot of beach stuff but in Switzerland I was walking everywhere, doing alot of sightseeing etc. 7 days no matter what is a short period...pick one side know and next year when you have more time do the other side...question is where to you REALLY want to go know??
Good Luck and have fun!;)

[b166er1337]

7 days, tsk tsk tsk, way too short.

I'd spend 7 days in Swiss Alps hiking, camping, paragliding and white water rafting. Totally awesome.

[michaltk]

It all depends on what are you looking for... if you wanna more 'fun' (clubbing etc.) go Holland, Germany... if sightseeing/ relaxing? Then Spain/ Portugal… :twisted:

[Ravell76]

nightlife is a factor! But I'm sure Spain has that covered to? I may just stick to my plan of the south :)

[Ravell76]

And do the north on a next trip!

[heymikey]

nightlife is a factor! But I'm sure Spain has that covered to? I may just stick to my plan of the south :)
Noone can party harder than the Spaniards.

[GemInite]

No wrong way to go about this one since you plan on going back.

Just choose the places you are dying to see now and save the rest for next time.

[Talamasca]

Noone can party harder than the Spaniards.

+1. They must make the most of their afternoon siestas as I don't think they sleep at night. Ever. :lol:

OP, it depends on what you want. All of these countries have big tourist sights, natural beauty, nightlife, and they all have the "Euro" feel. Does one country or region have a greater pull for you?

For example, Italy has a pull on me. I studied their art, architecture, and history in school so I was obviously interested to see in person what I had only seen in books. Plus they have gelato!

[Ravell76]

London was my main pull, then paris... But I might as well go with my gut and initial feeling of heading south through Spain :) with the remainder of my days

[Ravell76]

You all have been the best with ideas and Suggestions, I'll keep this one in this same thread

To TRAIN OR NOT from Paris to Barcelona & Madrid .

Let me know times etc. if you have been on the rail, given that I have 7-8 days

I will return to Canada from Madrid.

I was planning to fly into Barcelona but might be more scenic etc via rail more things to do get of stay a night here and there??

Thx Again
r

[nalababe]

Train is a great way to travel; however, only on the high speed trains. While we did not get all the way to Spain (I we were in your shoes we'd be heading to Nice, not Spain), but did end up in Bordeaux. On the way down via the Limoges and Perigueux, the train took a long time (7 hours); whereas returning from Bordeaux was only 3....makes a big difference.

[Talamasca]

There is an overnight train from Paris to Barcelona. You save on accommodation for the night and don't waste any daytime hours on travel.

From Barcelona to Madrid, the high speed rail link was just finished last year and it's become very popular.

If you have time in Spain, I highly recommend visiting the cities of Seville and Granada in the Andalucia region.

[i6s1]

Here's a great website for train travel worldwide:

http://www.seat61.com/