DeSalvio Travel European Travel FAQ

How should I plan my first trip to Europe?

Europe may be geographically smaller than the United States, but the way you travel through it can be very different from one country or region to another.

We start with your interests and then consider destinations, transportation, local partners and experiences. Robert's extensive experience living and working throughout Europe also brings a perspective shaped by many years of traveling there professionally and spending time with local people.

How many destinations should I include in a European trip?

There is no fixed number, but we generally prefer depth over constantly moving.

For a land journey, focusing on one country or a smaller region can allow you to experience it more fully rather than spending much of the trip in transit. A river cruise is different because the transportation itself allows you to visit several destinations.

How long should I stay in each destination?

It depends entirely on the destination and your interests.

Someone interested in hiking may want weeks in the mountains, while someone passionate about art could spend weeks in a city such as Paris. We use the consultation process to determine how much time makes sense for the particular traveler.

Should I travel by train or private car?

It depends on the route and the level of comfort you want.

Trains can be efficient and considerably less expensive than private transfers for many journeys. For airport transfers, shorter journeys or places where a private vehicle makes the logistics easier, we may recommend a driver instead.

Should I fly between European cities?

It depends on the distance and the overall itinerary. We consider the actual travel time, connections and convenience rather than assuming that flying is always the fastest or most comfortable option.

How do I avoid spending too much time moving between destinations?

Keep the geographic structure of the trip sensible.

We generally prefer to create experiences within a region where transportation is straightforward rather than continually moving between distant cities. Trains and private drivers can both be useful, depending on the journey.

How do I combine major cities with smaller towns and regions?

This is one of the most interesting parts of travel design. A trip can combine a major destination with a smaller or more historically distinctive place nearby.

Examples include Porto with the Douro Valley, or Milan with Lake Como and Bergamo. The idea is to create contrast without adding unnecessary logistical complexity.

How can I experience Europe beyond the major tourist attractions?

Local relationships make a significant difference. We work with destination partners and guides who know the places they operate in and can help us look beyond a standard sightseeing program.

Where possible, we vet the guides and hotels we recommend so that we know the level of service and experience we are putting in front of our clients.

Frequently Asked questions