My daughter is studying abroad in Italy for the 2014-15 school year and we're hoping to travel for about 12 days at the end of her program. Right now we're thinking that we'd like to visit Austria; a mix of cities and countryside/hiking; Vienna is high on her list. But a friend who studied in Prague last year is encouraging her in that direction. My daughter has also mentioned Croatia as a destination. I want to use public transportation and avoid renting a car. I'd also like to spend at least two nights in any place we visit to make our travel more relaxing. Any suggestions for possible itineraries? Probably would fly into Florence and back to States from Vienna or Munich.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
In 12 days I would not try more than 3 destinations. For example: Vienna, Salzburg, Munich. On the way stop in Wachau valley. Or Vienna, Prague, Munich. on the way stop in Cesky Krumlov. Or one with Croatia: Vienna, Split, Dubrovnik. You cannot see everything in 12 days.
Posted by
OP
manitou springs, colorado, usa
28 posts
Thank you. Munich might be only for our airport departure, saving a visit to Germany for another trip. We'll take your suggestions into consideration.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
I would save Croatia for another trip, since it is a place where a car is handy and flights to/from Dubrovnik are not usually cheap. (She could fly roundtrip Rome-Dubrovnik on Vueling for about $200 over a weekend, but one-way tickets are not cheaper.)
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
From Florence, I would fly to Prague and suggest the following:
- Day 1 - Arrive Prague
- Day 2 - Prague
- Day 3 - Prague
- Day 4 - Train to Vienna
- Day 5 - Vienna
- Day 6 - Vienna (Day trip to Wachau)
- Day 7 - Vienna
- Day 8 - Train to St. Wolfgang
- Day 9 - St. Wolfgang
- Day 10 - St. Wolfgang (Day trip to Salzburg)
- Day 11 - St. Wolfgang
- Day 12 -Train to Munich
Posted by
OP
manitou springs, colorado, usa
28 posts
I'd never heard of St. Wolfgang, but just looked at pictures and it's beautiful! Thanks for your suggestions. A friend, also Austrian, had suggested Hallstatt. Do you feel St. Wolfgang is a better choice for a smaller town/village stop? I believe we're going to fly out of Vienna, but your ideas are definitely worth considering.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5381 posts
Hallstatt is also beautiful, but also less accessible to nearby attractions. The walking and hiking as well as other attractions at Wolfgangsee are numerous. Also consider St. Gilgen on Wolfgangsee as well as Fuschl on Fuschlsee which is one lake closer to Salzburg.
Posted by
Bellevue, Wa
59 posts
Emily has suggested a great plan and I would only tweak it 2 ways. On day 8 I would take the train to Hallstatt spending the afternoon and evening there. It is beautiful for sightseeing and short hiking (I spent 3 days there and wasn't bored but one day is good for most folks) Day 9 I would train early to Salzburg spending afternoon evening and Day 10 there. Day 11 and 12 I would daytrip from Salzburg to all the little towns around that Emily suggests. They are delightful with beautiful lakes and hiking. I would extend one day taking train to Munich on day 13 and fly home or check to see if prices and times are about the same and fly out of Salzburg saving you a train trip to Munich. I flew into Salzburg once and it was only 10-15 dollars more than Munich but another time would have been 150 dollars more so I flew into Munich. Have fun planning
Posted by
OP
manitou springs, colorado, usa
28 posts
Because my daughter is beginning a nine month study abroad program in August (Florence, Italy) I've purchased her ticket already, with a departure from Vienna back to the States. How would you rearrange your suggested itinerary to place us in Vienna to fly home?