As per usual I was the one in charge of planning, researching and developing the final intinerary. I tired to include the travel styles and interests of all three of us in my plans to ensure everyone would have a good time. For example, Brian isn't big on organized tours - he would much rather explore an area on his own rather then be told where/when/what he is seeing. As such, all of our main travel is independent and I have only booked three organized tours. I am one who is very much about having a plan, so I have mapped out day trips and attractions, and pre-bought a few of our tickets for busy sights like the Vatican. Dad is definitely a morning person, so all trains and tours were booked with that in mind. I also worked with our interests - Dad and I are going to do a Sound of Music tour, and Brian will get a chance to explore some musical attractions like Mozarts residence. Plus, I am going to visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds - a place I have wanted to see for years!
I read the newest Fodors Book - Essential Europe which was vital to my planing. Since it covers all European counties it highlights the key attractions, restaurants and information rather then going in to deep detail. As we only have limited time in some places, I want to maximize what we can see so this book was a huge help!
All of our hotels are booked as well as our travel methods - and we are literally going to be taking planes, trains and automobiles! Some of our days are pre-planned but others are open. Below is the intinerary that we have thus far.
July 29 - July 30 - Leave Toronto and Fly to Prague (via Montreal and Munich)
July 30 - Aug 2 - Prague
Aug 2 - Take the train from Prague to Budapest, rent a car and drive 2hrs to the timeshare in Cserszegtomaj
Aug 2 - August 8 - Timeshare in Cserszegtomaj (day trips to Budapest, Zagreb)
Aug 8 - Train from Budapest to Vienna
Aug 8-11 - Vienna, Austria
Aug 11 - Rent car and drive to timeshare in Maira Alm, Austria
Aug 11 - 16 - Timeshare in Maria Alm (day trips to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich)
Aug 16 - Fly to Rome, Italy
Aug 16-18 - Rome, Italy
Aug 18 - Train to Florence, Italy
Aug 19 - Best of Tuscany Tour
Aug 20 - Train to Venice
Aug 21 - Venice, Italy
Aug 22 - Fly home
Initially it wasn't going to be anywhere as long as this - 2.5 weeks at max. However we waited a little to long to book the reward flights and based on that availability the trip got extended by a second week. It is a long trip, but I am excited for it! :)
We arrived at the airport a few hours early for our flight to Montreal but it worked out well as it gave us time to check in and get through security. We were happy to confirm that our bags would be taken care of, meaning we dont have to worry about getting them during our two stops. Because Dad had so many Aeroplan miles we were able to book all the tickets in Business Class - this allows us access to the lounge which is a great way to relax pre-flight. The Maple Leaf Lounge has a selection of drinks and light snacks available so it was nice to utilize it.
Initially it wasn't going to be anywhere as long as this - 2.5 weeks at max. However we waited a little to long to book the reward flights and based on that availability the trip got extended by a second week. It is a long trip, but I am excited for it! :)
We arrived at the airport a few hours early for our flight to Montreal but it worked out well as it gave us time to check in and get through security. We were happy to confirm that our bags would be taken care of, meaning we dont have to worry about getting them during our two stops. Because Dad had so many Aeroplan miles we were able to book all the tickets in Business Class - this allows us access to the lounge which is a great way to relax pre-flight. The Maple Leaf Lounge has a selection of drinks and light snacks available so it was nice to utilize it.
Below is our flight information:
Air
Canada: AC418 – Leaves Toronto 16:00
/ Arrives: Montreal 17:15
Lufthansa:
LH475 – Leaves Montreal 20:20 /
Arrives: July 30 in Munich at 9:55am
Lufthansa:
LH1690 – Leaves Munich 11:50 am /
Arrives in Prague at 12:40pm
We are packing up and getting ready to head to the gate, so stay turned tomorrow for a recap of our travels and the first impressions of Prague.
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