European road trip. Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Germany and a week in London.

B_Nick8

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I'm leaving a week from today and would love any tips from people familiar with Rome, Venice, Ljubljana, Prague, Berlin or London. I've been to most before (some many times) but always appreciate other travelers' advice.

And if any lpsg'ers are around, I'd love to meet you. Pm me for dates. I'll be in London from 2-9 July, for example.

Thanks!
 
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Have a great time Nick - sounds like an epic itinerary.

If I'm near London around that time, I'll let you know. :)
Hadn't planned to be, but you never know.
 

eddyabs

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Hey Nick, sounds great and I hope you have a fabulous time. Unfortunately I'll be in Thailand for the dates that you are in London.

I would suggest that if you are driving take a trip out to the Surrey Hills, it's not far from London (1 hour south) and when the sun is shining it is absolutely beautiful there, the glorious English countryside in the Summer, and a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Travel to Dorking on the A24 and then head for the hills. Using the satnav aim for Coldharbour, then on to Holmbury St Mary and Peaslake. Stop off on the way to enjoy some beautiful walks in Pine forest and heathland, with fantastic views (13 counties can be seen on a clear day). And don't forget to have a pub lunch in an old pub with a pint of English ale.
 

wappingite

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You want authentic? A fun local thing to do in Ljubljana is to get a late night "hot horse burger" from one of the street stands. Yes, it's horse meat, and they're very tasty. Of the cities you listed, it's the lowest key by far, especially during summer tourist season. Of the cities you list, it's the closest to nature as well. Drive into the countryside and visit Lake Bled or Postojna Cave.

London, Rome, Berlin....the possibilities are endless. It's hard to recommend anything without knowing what your interests are. One thing I always recommend to guys coming to London is to check out the men's stores. There is probably no where else in the world with such a concentration of retail devoted to men in one small but often missed area. It's interesting if nothing else. From Piccadilly Circus/Regent Street, check out the length of Jermyn Street (the street is almost exclusively men's stores of all kinds: shirts, shaving, shoes, hats, accessories), then go through the Piccadilly Arcade (shops) that end on Piccadilly (the street), then cross the street to Burlington Arcade (shops) and go through it that end on Vigo, turn right and then couple streets is Savile Row on the left.

I'm also not a fan of exclusively using the Tube. You miss out on the street vibe of London. Sure, use it to save time, but throw in a few bus routes and taxis rides to get a sense of the city passing through on top.

Have a good time!
 

Drifterwood

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I find Venice a bit dull these days. Rome is able to keep pulling a few out of the bag and I went to a great trip advisor rated restaurant in Trastevere last year. If that is your thing Nick, I will get the details.

The Pantheon is one of my favourite places to be.
 

B_Nick8

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You want authentic? A fun local thing to do in Ljubljana is to get a late night "hot horse burger" from one of the street stands. Yes, it's horse meat, and they're very tasty.

I totally want authentic. I'm a traveler not a tourist. Funny you should mention the burgers; another friend told me too that they're delicious. I'm buying.

I'm also not a fan of exclusively using the Tube. You miss out on the street vibe of London. Sure, use it to save time, but throw in a few bus routes and taxis rides to get a sense of the city passing through on top.

I hear you about the tube and I love to walk. But it's a great way to get around and very easy to manage. And those taxis are outrageously expensive!!

Have a good time!

Lucky! :)

Have fun and good luck!

Thanks, hon. You can follow the pics on fb (and comment :wink:).

I find Venice a bit dull these days. Rome is able to keep pulling a few out of the bag and I went to a great trip advisor rated restaurant in Trastevere last year. If that is your thing Nick, I will get the details.

We're only in Venice two days. It's lovely but I've been there a number of times. The woman I'm going with hasn't however, and it was on the way. Please pm me with the details of the restaurant in Trastevere (which I adore).

The Pantheon is one of my favourite places to be.

Thanks everyone! Every tip and suggestion is very much appreciated. And again, if anyone is up to meet that would be fun too.
 

yhtang

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You may wish to keep an eye out on the flooding in Germany - but much depends on which part of Germany you plan to visit.

I think the flood would have passed by the time you are in Czech Republic.

Have a good and safe trip.
 

funnyguy

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In Prague, don't forget to take a tram or subway to the river and cross over so you can walk back toward the center of town. A great walk-not too long- with good views leading to a bridge that crosses back over. The bridge has lots of artists painting (somewhat commercial.) As you leave the bridge and enter the city, you will see some great buildings and some fantastic Art Deco ones-one had a restaurant that was closed when I got there :) - The streets are narrow and there is lots to see--including a square with a fantastic ancient clock on a corner (?) (I wish I knew how to direct you for that walk I took, but it has been some time ago.) I think that section was probably the oldest part of the city. Another interesting area is a very large lawn-mall with fountains and statues. (It is much like the Tuilleries in Paris, but more to see than the gardens. Many stores and shops on each side. I am sure you will love Prague. You lucky ones!
 

B_Nick8

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You may wish to keep an eye out on the flooding in Germany - but much depends on which part of Germany you plan to visit.

I think the flood would have passed by the time you are in Czech Republic.

Have a good and safe trip.

Oh, you know how efficient the Germans are. I won't be there for three weeks and I'm sure it will be fine by then. And I'm only going to Berlin (and Prague), not the hinterlands.

In Prague, don't forget to take a tram or subway to the river and cross over so you can walk back toward the center of town. A great walk-not too long- with good views leading to a bridge that crosses back over. The bridge has lots of artists painting (somewhat commercial.) As you leave the bridge and enter the city, you will see some great buildings and some fantastic Art Deco ones-one had a restaurant that was closed when I got there :) - The streets are narrow and there is lots to see--including a square with a fantastic ancient clock on a corner (?) (I wish I knew how to direct you for that walk I took, but it has been some time ago.) I think that section was probably the oldest part of the city. Another interesting area is a very large lawn-mall with fountains and statues. (It is much like the Tuilleries in Paris, but more to see than the gardens. Many stores and shops on each side. I am sure you will love Prague. You lucky ones!

Thanks, J. Your well-traveled advice is always welcome.

Are you going to Germany for the sausage? :tongue:

Actually, no. Been there, done them. I'm looking to Slovenia and the Czech Republic for that. :wink:
 

B_Nick8

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I'm leaving tonight and very excited. I would really like to meet anyone here for drinks or a casual dinner and get to know you and your city (although I'm not looking for a tour guide, just you!) in Rome, Ljubljana, Prague, Berlin or London. Pm me for exact dates. C'mon, people, step up. Everyone here always says they want to meet and then they don't do it. :wink:

More suggestions for those cities are appreciated whether you're available or not and many thanks for the ones above!
 

B_Nick8

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No Switzerland?
When will you be back?
I am coming to NYC around July 10th.

Ah and btw in Prague do not forget the Castle, the Charles Bridge and - if you have time - the Karlstejn (outside of the city).

No Switzerland this time (which is where I lived when I was abroad). I'm in Prague for five days so I hope to have time to get out of the city and see all of the above.

I'm back on the 10th but won't most likely be in much shape for a day or two. How long will you be here? I missed you the last time so hopefully it will be for a while!
 

eurotop40

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No Switzerland this time (which is where I lived when I was abroad). I'm in Prague for five days so I hope to have time to get out of the city and see all of the above.

I'm back on the 10th but won't most likely be in much shape for a day or two. How long will you be here? I missed you the last time so hopefully it will be for a while!

I have just checked. I am leaving for ZRH on the 13th. So it might work out?