European Vacation Advice

[Cat]

This summer we are going to Barcelona for 6 days and then at some point flying to Split Croatia. I'd love some advice/recommendations on the following things: 

-Day trip recommendations from Barcelona. Any thoughts on Costa Brava?

-I was thinking about going to Venice, Dubrovnik or some place in southern Italy before heading to Split. Any recommendations? We love history and beaches. 

-What to do in Split. Should we spend most of our time on a boat going from island to island or stay in Split and hit and island or two and then natural parks? 

[cookinwithgas]

Just make sure you see La Sagrada Familia. And don’t let Italians steal your camcorder.

 

 

[Chimera]

I can't answer about Split or Costa Brava, but a good day trip from Barcelona is to Terragona. Train ride that goes along the Mediterranean coast to get there. There are some ancient Roman ruins in Terragona.

Are you taking young kids in a stroller? Almost all bridges in Venice have steps to climb. If that's not an issue, Venice is nice. Drink prices are outrageous there.

[PhillyB]

if i can get the money together i'm taking my kid to either france or the spanish mediterranean. everyone i've ever talked to says barcelona is awful though.

[Chimera]

Who told you Barcelona is awful? I'm sure the aquarium and the transbordadora will be enough to entertain you and your kid for a day or two. Then there's the beaches and day trips. I mean, there are less boring cities, but Barcelona is far from awful.

[donttreadonme]

Good luck with wherever you decide.

Leaving for Budapest tomorrow! Plan on taking short excursions to Vienna and Bratislava while I'm there.

[Cat]

3 hours ago, Chimera said:

I can't answer about Split or Costa Brava, but a good day trip from Barcelona is to Terragona. Train ride that goes along the Mediterranean coast to get there. There are some ancient Roman ruins in Terragona.

Are you taking young kids in a stroller? Almost all bridges in Venice have steps to climb. If that's not an issue, Venice is nice. Drink prices are outrageous there.

Just us no kids! I'll dig into Terragona, sounds like something we would love. 

 

[Cat]

2 hours ago, PhillyB said:

if i can get the money together i'm taking my kid to either france or the spanish mediterranean. everyone i've ever talked to says barcelona is awful though.

We are there the first week of Sept. hit us up if you're near

[Cat]

2 hours ago, PhillyB said:

if i can get the money together i'm taking my kid to either france or the spanish mediterranean. everyone i've ever talked to says barcelona is awful though.

I've heard it can get crowded. We are there the first week of sept. so I'm hoping the crowds die down a bit. I really want to see the architecture and take in the day trips. Tapas and wine sound good to me too! 

[Ja Rhule]

Have fun!  Barcelona is an awesome party city.  Croatia is gorgeous.  You can also go to Santorini.  Few of my coworkers wil go to Croatia and then fly to Santorini for a week.

[Davidson Deac II]

I have been all over Europe, although I never made it to Barcelona.  So I can't give you any advice for things to do there.  All I can really say is that the beaches and food in Malaga are nice.  And Palma de Mallorca is the party spot.   I can't imagine Barcelona would be awful though.  To me, anytime I am traveling to places I have never been, it's fascinating.  

I can say is Rail travel is the way to go in most of Europe.  It is nearly as fast as air, cheaper, and a lot more comfortable.  We went to Italy two years ago, and we bought a rail pass.  We stayed in Rome, but were able to hit Venice, Pisa, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, all in a 7 day period.  Four years ago, we were in Paris, and did a day trip via high speed rail to London.  Took about 3 hours and it is kind of cool to say I traveled under the english channel, even if I couldn't see anything. 

My wife and I are planning a trip to Greece sometime within the next few years.  I am looking forward to Athens, and maybe a Islands cruise.  We might include a few days in another part of Europe.  Thinking about the UK, or Germany, or perhaps Switzerland.  

Oh, and once piece of advice.  If you use the metro system in any European city, hold on to your ticket at least until you completely exit the station.  Actually, until you get back to your hotel room, just to be safe.  I found out the hard way that the police can make you show your stamped ticket even after you exit the train.  If you don't have it, 50 Euro fine on the spot. 

 

[Davidson Deac II]

On 5/10/2018 at 12:17 PM, Cat said:

I was thinking about going to Venice, Dubrovnik or some place in southern Italy before heading to Split. Any recommendations? We love history and beaches. 

Pompeii and the Amalfi coast.  The view along the Amalfi coast is amazing.

https://www.amalficoast.com/

[Cat]

7 hours ago, ARSEN said:

Have fun!  Barcelona is an awesome party city.  Croatia is gorgeous.  You can also go to Santorini.  Few of my coworkers wil go to Croatia and then fly to Santorini for a week.

I've heard so much good about Santorini. We are going to Greece next June so we decided to avoid Greece this trip....i hope that's not a mistake. 

[Ja Rhule]

3 hours ago, Cat said:

I've heard so much good about Santorini. We are going to Greece next June so we decided to avoid Greece this trip....i hope that's not a mistake. 

Nah, you are good.  Greece is awesome.  I’m jealous!  I got 3 little kids so my travel destinations are super limited.