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I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply to my questions, and another one of the many jam packed itineraries I have found on these forums, where I see the same people trying to help many of us hopeful travellers. I guess I just want to make the most out of my trip as I've been saving for so long.

But you all have very valid points that I would have never considered if I didn't bother to make this post. I think I will skip switzerland and focus on spending time in other places.

I think I will fly from Pisa to Spain as the Italian/ French Rivera I don't have enough time to see, plus winter it probably won't be the greatest.

Personal question though has anyone here actually attempted a whirlwind trip?

Looking throughout the other forums I have found suggestions of night trains, to save time, would anyone recommend this? Is it safe?

Until they invent teleporatation devices I think my trip was very much wishful thinking.

Lastly can anyone recommend where to find a good back pack at a decent price?

Thank you all so much for your opinions and advice, I really do appreciate it!

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I have attempted a trip like this...I think most people on here probably have tried it as well.

I was trying to fit in as much of Europe as i could (on the lowest budget possible)during my school summer holidays.

There were lots of good moments on that trip but most of it went by in a blur...now I'm older (and hopefully a bit wiser) I can appreciate that moving fast and covering lots of ground is far from the best way to travel..

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Night trains are safe enough (keep your gear locked up though )....they do save you time in a way but often you are so tired that you don't do a lot the day after (that's my experience anyway).One every now and again is fine but not too many.

On the backpack....if you have a shop near you,i'd recommend going and trying some on.Its best to see what is comfortable for you..depends on your height,build etc.

If you don't have this type of shop near you can buy online.....don't make the mistake of buying too big a bag.Even for your winter trip you don't need more than about 45-50 litres.If you buy bigger you will just fill it with things you don't need!