We just got back from our 2nd Europe trip.
The first was a bus (Costa) trip ten years ago. It was very organized and controlled. The Hotels were small European and lovely, but you often shared a bathroom, and had windows that opened rather than air conditioning. While that was OK with my family, some Americans on the trip were uncomfortable with that aspect. We thought the quaint accommodations with unbelievable views, and extras like feather beds, more than made up for the lack of "American Style" comfort. We wanted to experience Europe a little more like the Europeans do. It was a great way to avoid the language thing and to see a lot in a short period of time (you cut through most lines to attractions). You were, however, kept to a strict schedule and the only people that you had time to meet were those on the bus.
This recent trip you can read about in my blog here on TOTV. We loved the Riviera by cruise ship (NCL). The "free lance" part of our trip was nice but the trains and other public transportation methods were a disappointment to me. Eurail passes were costly and restrictive. Trains and cheep airlines were available to major cities (Paris, Barcelona, Rome) but I couldn't get to Zurich reasonably to save my life. Europeans are much more willing to suffer inconvenience than we Americans. I found the schedules, restrictions hard to tolerate. Italy especially had a different concept of time tables than I did. If the bus didn't show up for a few hours, sey le vie. grrrr. Lots of walking, and waiting.
My daughter did have a great time backpacking, taking trains and staying in Hostels once she left us.
I was going to rent a car and I did get my international license (available at AAA), but I was glad we didn't do that. Parking was impossible in most major cities, and the road signs were often difficult for me to understand.
Good luck and let us know how everything went. You are going to love the trip!
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