Whats the best way to see Europe?

If it is the first time going to Europe, I would definatly go with a group such as ISE or P2P. It is nice when you travel with a group because you don't have to worry about hotels or food, and there is a planned itenerary that lets you see the most of Europe. In most tourist groups, you will also have a guide that will help you understand historical sites better than you going individually and looking at one. Sure, some places you might want to stay longer, but in leaving early you will get to see something else. I went with a group to Europe for three weeks last summer and it was awesome, I had a blast with all of the people! It was nice not to have to worry about planning everything out.

I'm a much bigger fan of freelance tours... But this requires self planning, money, time and understanding. It's better to do things for yourself than to allow others to plan it for you - you'll enjoy it more; trust me.

if you go to erope you should go to either rome italy, paris where you can go see the ifle tower, or go the the tower of piza, or london... they are all so different places

With your eyes i guess. And ALOT of money

if you are a first time traveller, i think a contiki or similar tour is going to give you a good over all glimpse of many countries in europe. i did this on my first trip there so many years ago, now i know where to go and what places i liked the most, now i can plan my own destinations and do it independently. check how much is included in side trips with you tour company, because a lot of them charge you for city tours and side tours from your stops as an extra cost above your original tour cost, and if you don't take these ADD-ONS you will miss many things and feel left out, also some hotels they stay at are far from city centres (because of the cheaper cost) , so you can be stuck in your hotel. so don't be afraid to ask about the hidden extras, like side trips, tips for driver and guides, what meals that are included, porterage etc. remember that in europe its expensive for meals, so take many euros with you. bonn voyage

4 weeks is not alot of time to see Europe. I travelled Europe for 4mths...stayed in most if the major cities and small quaint villages for 3 days / 2 nights each. I used a Hop on Hop off Bus Company called Busabout. The head office is based in London (www.busabout.com) It is advertised as independent travel so they pick you up and drop you off at designated pick up points all over Europe but you can go off and do your own thing and not be told when to meet for dinner etc. I highly recommend them if you were going to do the backpacking budget thing through Europe...but i think with your timeframe Contiki is the your best bet. The thing with Contiki is that they have 3 tiers of travel. 1. Camping Tours - stay at camping grounds and budget accommodation (30% sightseeing/70% drinking) 2. 3 Star Accommodation Tours - Hotels and Lodges (50% sightseeing/ 50% drinking) 3. 5 Star Tours (70% sightseeing / 30% drinking). I think if I were to do Contiki I would do either 2 or 3. Contiki is for people with a short amount of time and gives you a taste of cities that perhaps you can go back and visit in the future. In terms of clothing...the girls always get dolled up when they went out at night so make sure you do not treat it as a backpacking tour and only pack short and thongs! Hope that helps.