If you wanted to stay somewhere in Europe for 6 days, where would you stay?

[Ted Striker]

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[Dis]

Originally posted by Grandpa Troll
I was stationed in Deutchland in 1978-1979, in a place called Crailsheim, about 40 kliks from Ansbach on Route 14.

I hope one day to go back and visit, I had met some locals and was befriended by them.

I loved the people, countryside and food.

Ein Grosso Jeager Snitzel mit Pomme Frittes, Bitte!

It is is alos where I came to appreciate the little bit of Greek Culture, acquired some tastes and a very limited understanding of the language.

Its also where I got in trouble with the U S Army over a delicious black licorice tastiung, opium based metaxa, called Ouzo.

Well, back to for Germany and Greece

doesn't look too far from Ulm. My friend is from there. Is there another U.S. army base at Ulm? I didn't know of any. But I've never been there.

[Footie Mad]

How about going north for a change?

Not a single person has suggested it in this thread so I will. This time of the year Denmark and my part of Sweden will be very nice to visit.

[Darius871]

I hear Slovakia has some fun hostels.

[techumseh]

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Vasa ship museum is a highlight.

Everyone should visit Paris at least once in their lifetime. If you like civilization, this is the centre. Bring money.

If you like pubs and nightlife, London in the summer can't be beat -go to Covent Garden and Soho.

And if you want a few days of irresponsible hedonism, Amsterdam is the place to go. But don't fly out with anything illegal, you're likely to be sniffed by something when you get off the plane.

For good food and great beer, I recommend Brussels.

[VetLegion]

Transportation in Croatia is pretty good. You shouldn't use taxis as the taxi guild has a monopoly and prices are probably among the highest in the world. But buses are cheap and fast enough, and you can also use cheap ferries to access the islands. Trains are slow, don't use them unless you wish to spend days in them.

[SpencerH]

Aside from Berlin (which you may enough of during the WC), I'd say Prague. It's relatively cheap and lots to see (especially since it wasnt bombed during the war). If the weather is good it's a wonderful city with great beer and pretty girls.

[Wernazuma III]

Originally posted by VetLegion
Trains are slow, don't use them unless you wish to spend days in them.

You sure can't scare an American with slow trains. San Francisco - LA takes some 20 hours I think.

[johncmcleod]

Barcelona is on the coast, but how good are the beaches there? And if we're in Croatia, will we have access to good places to watch the games?

Also, we want to do a four day hiking loop through the Alps starting in Lucerne, Switzerland. I need to research info for this, where could I find it?

And how much will everything cost in Germany? I am afraid that because of the world cup the meals will be really expensive.

[Wernazuma III]

Originally posted by johncmcleod
Barcelona is on the coast, but how good are the beaches there? And if we're in Croatia, will we have access to good places to watch the games?

I don't know how the beaches in the absolute proximity of Barcelona are, but I know that in summer many of its inhabitants invade the beaches south of it in direction to Valencia.
And about the locations in Croatia, it all depends on what you define as "good" - I'd not be too confident to find huge 16:9 screens or beamers everywhere. Be prepared to watch games on an ordinary TV placed on a chest, at least it used to be like this not long ago...

[johncmcleod]

So if we think we want to hang out on the beach for 6 days, Barcelona probably wouldn't be a good idea?

As for Croatia, what I mean is will there be sports bars or something where we could watch the games?

[fed1943]

The Mediterraneum' beaches in Spain,France,Italy and Croatia are very similar and nice.

France and Italy are expensive. Spain less expensive. And Croatia is cheap.

Since you are not looking for big parties (you are profissional sport people,right?) Croatia looks the way to go.

Best regards,

[VetLegion]

There are places with big parties in Croatia (Zrce on Pag peninsula, for example). As for watching the games, you're bound to find something, Croats love football.

[SpencerH]

I misread your post and thought you'd be in Berlin for the WC then wanted to travel for a few days. But given my new enlightenment on this matter, I'd suggest the exciting approach of travelling to the european country playing that day (within reason of course) and boldly supporting the opposing team.

[SpencerH]

On a more serious note, have you thought about a eurail pass? (I assume they still have those). Given the travelling you want to do, and your concern about money, it's a good value.

I stayed (camped) on the beach in Taragona (south of Barcelona) when I met my wife and while I wasnt sober for more than a few minutes the whole week I can positively say that the private beaches are (were) nice with a good supply of cheap wine readily available.

If we were doing that trip today though we'd probably head for croatia.

I think you should consider travelling distances/time in your planning. Americans tend to think of europe as kinda small, but Berlin to Venice is a long drive (I've done it) and Berlin to Croatia even further. If it was me I'd stay in northern europe. The water is ****ing cold (kinda like the pacific northwest) but the beaches are nice and you are much more likely to find english speaking help to find cheaper eateries etc.