Are there any great websites or travel companies that help people customize European travel?
We would like to spend around 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks hitting some of the highlights of Europe, but have varied tastes. I would like to see Ireland, the UK, and France, while he would like to hit Germany and Austria. Well, truthfully I think we’d like to see every single country, but that’s not logical, so these are our top picks. However, AAA’s options don’t appeal to me, and I want to avoid spending a fortune on booking everything separately. I know railway is a good option, but is there a sight that can really help us maximize our time and travel pathway?
“He” as in husband!
The problem is that your question is too general. What exactly are you asking? You wont find a website to give you an itinery for your 5 specific countries. But there are plenty of websites which give information so you can read more about the countries you are interested in. Here is one:
http://www.travelswise.com/
By the way, railway is a good option for travel in Europe, but there is perhaps another option. European discount airlines often beat railway for price and will save you time, which is important since you want to see so much in such a limited time. The trick with discount airlines is to book early, as cheaper seats book up first:
http://www.travelswise.com/discountairlines.htm
But there can be delays. Never book two discount airlines flights on the same day.
By the way, here is my recommended itinery (which I think is doable). Fly into London, take the Eurostar (tunnel train) to Paris. Fly from Paris to Vienna. Train to Salzburg. Train to Munich, train to Berlin. Fly Berlin to the UK for your flight back home.