We are visiting our daughter for almost 2 weeks while she is studying in Rome this semester. We have been to Rome/Italy before and she has class too. So we are doing repeats of Rome on the days between classes and trying to get away on the long weekends. Any tips for a weekend trip to Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg from Rome? Or maybe other suggestions? Thanks!!
Are you talking about all three on a long weekend?
I suggest doing Vienna or Budapest or Salzburg on a long weekend. Not all three!
Look for locations that have nonstop flights from either Fiumicino or Ciampino Airports. Budapest and Vienna have direct flights, Salzburg does not. Any of the major cities in Europe should have a nonstop flights from Rome. Paris, Athens and Barcelona come to mind. One thing, ask your daughter about traveling. Every college student who has spent a semester in Europe within one week of arriving has the subway and bus systems memorized and know all of the cheap flights and trains within Europe. She and her friends will have a lot of thoughts.
For a 4-day weekend (3 nights), Budapest/Vienna is possible, but since you'll use up nearly 1/2 day going from Rome, going between the two cities and then going back to Rome, that barely leaves you one full day in each city. So I'd choose one or the either, not both, and spend your time sightseeing, not traveling. Which you choose depends on your interests. I think Budapest is more interesting with better (and somewhat cheaper) food and wine, but I have enjoyed all my visits to both (twice each).