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Prague-->Budapest or head to Innsbruck and Lucerne instead

Hello -

i'm looking for help deciding between two potential itineraries. Likely ~13-14 days

Was originally going to plan for:
Prague-Vienna-Wachua Valley-Budapest
am now wondering about
Prague-Cesky Krumlov-Innsbruck-Lucerne
(open to other combos of these!)

I'm sure either would be lovely but would love to hear thoughts from others who have visited these places before. Did you feel there was more to see and do in Budapest vs. heading back West to Innsbruck and Lucerne? The beauty of Innsbruck and Lucerne are definitely a draw - my family likes to do outdoor things vs. just city stuff (hence the detour to Wachau to bike etc on the first route). Family of 4, kids are older: 19 & 22

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Posted by
12 posts

Hi Lisa!
I have not been to Prague and Budapest yet - hoping to visit Prague this Fall, however I can speak about Lucerne. I was in Switzerland last summer with my 18 yo nephew; it was at the end of our 2 week trip, already spending time in Rome, Florence, Milan, and Geneva - so we were looking forward to some down time (including cooling down, it was very hot in Italy last June!).

Lucerne was a nice place to relax for 3 days, although still managed to do quite a bit. We took the train to Bern one day on RS recommendation - we really liked it!

Another day we took the Gondola up and cog wheel train down Mt Pilatus - stunning views, I highly recommend it. Lucern - the city itself is nice, but overall was not that impressed; we spent evenings, and part of another day walking around town and seeing the sites RS has listed. It was very tough finding a room; it worked out but was also very expensive. We then went to Zurich for a few nights and flew home from there - RS doesn't give it much time but we went to the Zoo, and toured Lindt Chocolate Museum!

I have read many, many folks who said they were glad to have visited Berner Oberland/Lauterbrunnen Valley, that I think with your added interest of outdoor activities I think you would prefer it much more.

I have been to Vienna, really enjoyed it; don't miss the wine gardens! We took a short tram (15 min?) to outskirts of city and had a wonderful time; dinner and wine - shared table with others, a great memory.

I have also visited Salzburg, and Munich - loved them both as well.
I hope this helps! Good luck.
Maura