On the Line '09

need to get flight back from europe for cheap (preferably under $600)

NVM – GOT AIRFARE TO AND FROM DUBLIN NOW

looking for good nightlife scenes – enjoyable but not too “big city”… where we can get to know countrymen (and women, in particular) at local pubs/etc.

If you would like to meet country folks, you might want to consider getting out the cities because all of your stops are in rather large metro areas. Consider Siena, Italy close to Florence or some west coast towns in Ireland.

First off… thanks for the advice! We’re always looking for new, interesting cities that would be “off the beaten path” per se… however, this being my first trip all-around europe (I’ve briefly seen the UK and Spain), and with my own money, of course, I would like to make it a point to see certain things, such as the Duomo in Florence, Coliseum in Rome, Louvre in France, German castles, Swiss countryside (Interlaken), participate in the Running of the Bulls, etc.

All this, coupled with an unquenchable thirst for new beer, new culture (the people), and of course, nightlife.

Good Hostels?

dr.pong in berlin
ELF in prague

Any others?

We have a friend in Norway who we are going to see for a few days either before or after Amsterdam — should we meet her in Oslo or Bergen? I’ve been told Bergen might be a better alternative to Oslo; we are looking for a young crowd (college graduates) and outdoors stuff to do (see the fjords, hike, etc.), as well as nightlife. Any suggestions on Oslo/Bergen?

I have to admit, I’m not an expert on Scandanavia, but I have heard good things about both of those cities… Maybe someone else can jump in?

cutting out Berlin, Dresden, Prague… streamlining a bit

That sounds like a good plan. Looking good!