EUROPE 2019 - PREPARATION (UPDATED)

Preparing for 2019 travel to Europe (again DIY). Except for London, the cities chosen were those which had not been visited before.

Trip map

Managed to grab reasonable price return air tickets (KUL-LHR-LIS, LHR-KUL) online from British Airways at RM2925 per pax (including seat selection) which was much cheaper than purchasing at the much hype MATTA Fair September 2018 (selling at RM3300). It is advisable to check online before buying anything at MATTA Fair.

From Lisbon to final destination London via trains (Renfe, Trenitalia, ICE, and Eurostar) except Barcelona to Rome. This leg of the journey is by air (Vueling).

Besides the airfare above (BA), trains, air (Vueling) and accommodation costs are as follows (2 pax);
 

1.Lisbon Oriente-Madrid Chamartin

Renfe Trenhotel #00335 (Cama G. Clase) €144. It's a 2-bed sleeper: First Class two berth sleeper cabin with shower, toilet, sink, personal hygiene items, and telephone to contact onboard staff.

2. Madrid Atocha-Barcelona Sants

Renfe AVE3103 Tourista $174.50

3. Barcelona El-Prat - Rome Fiumicino
Vueling 6104 €166,82

4. Rome Termini-Firenze SMN
Trenitalia 9528 (Frecciarossa Premium) €51,80

5. Firenze SMN-Milano Centrale
Trenitalia 9508 (Frecciarossa Premium) €75,80

6. Milano Centrale-Frankfurt Hbf
Eurocity 52 (Posto 2nd Classe) €139,80

7. Frankfurt Hbf-Bruxelles Midi
DB ICE 16 €168 (1st Class)

8. Bruxelles Midi-London St Pancras
Eurostar ES9141 (Std) €168

Accommodations [all near Central Station except London (near Queensway Station)] were booked online using the respective hotel site and booking.com. It is also advisable to check both websites to determine the best price offered. Rates charged as follows:

1. Ibis Lisboa Parque das Nacoes
3 nights €253.48

2. Hotel Mediadio Madrid
3 nights €250,24

3. Expo Hotel Barcelona
3 nights €223,23

4. Hotel Madison Rome
4 nights €316

5. Hotel Aurora Florence
3 nights €258

6. Ibis Styles Frankfurt City
3 nights €256

7. Central Park Hotel London
4 nights £338

Rented Visondata portable Wi-Fi for RM655.20 (27 days).

Other costs such as tours and local transport (metro/bus) will be mentioned in the posting of cities visited.

Currency exchange:- €1= RM4.62 and £1 = RM5.22.

Besides using the BA, Renfe, Eurostar, SNCH International, Loco2, TfL Oyster and Vueling apps, Moovit will be handy for Live Public Transport assistance.

Itinerary prepared using Tripit:

All set to go

Hopefully, the trip will proceed according to plan.