In 2009 we planned a trip to Europe with my parents who flew down from India, my brother joined from Barcelona and I flew down from Chicago.
We wanted to do a lot in just 12 days (those days I would do these whirlwind run-run trips wanting to cover everything in little time :)) as if there is no tomorrow. I still end up doing that even now most of the time.
The plan was: Munich > Prague > Paris > Athens > Barcelona > Back
I had a close friend working at Marriott at that time, who shared a guest coupon with me which gave me a discount on all the Marriott hotels we stayed in throughout the trip. It wasn't a big discount but still a good saver. Except for Santorini where we took a cruise ship from Athens, all the bookings were made at a Marriott, thanks to my friend. We tried to book most of the hotels near the city center. It helped us get to the main tourist attractions easily. In Barcelona, we booked our hotel near the airport, since we were to fly back to our respective countries from there and we didn't want to risk missing the flight back.
It wasn't a budget trip since I was with my parents and didn't want to compromise on the stay, food, or transportation. We did manage to cover most of the must-see places in all the cities we visited.
Day 1:
Munich
Accommodation: Courtyard Munich City Center
I had a night Flight from Chicago to Munich and was the first one to reach it. Unfortunately, I didn't realize, that I booked my flight to the airport that's in another city close to Munich. I took a cab to Munich International airport from there since my parents and brother were to land there and I didn't want to waste time trying to find alternative means. The cab ride was quite expensive and I suggest taking the bus or train that connects the airports which I was not aware of at that time. My brother had taken an early morning flight. My parents had taken a night flight from Calcutta to Munich.
Day 2
Munich
Day 3
Train to Prague
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel in the City Center
The train ride from Munich to Prague was scenic. We booked a cabin in Eurails. So we had a four-seater cabin to ourselves.
Day 4
Prague
Day 5
Flight to Paris
Accommodation: Renaissance Arc De Triomphe
Day 6
Paris
Day 7
Flight to Athens
Accommodation: Marriott Ledra
We particularly chose Ledra, because it has a rooftop restaurant from where one can see the view of the lit Parthenon on the hill of Acropolis at night.
Day 8
Cruise to Santorini Islands
Accommodation: Villa Firostefani
The cruise/ferry ride to Santorini is great. We booked a four-berth cabin. I don't remember sleeping at all. I stayed up the entire night at the deck watched the sunset and the sunrise.
Day 9
Santorini
Day 10
Ferry back to Athens
Day 11
Athens
Accommodation: Marriott Ledra
Day 12
Flight to Barcelona
Accommodation: Renaissance Marriott Airport Hotel
Day 13
Barcelona
Day 14
Flight back to Calcutta and Chicago
