Nervous - Did I plan our first time Europe trip well?

Just some quick thoughts-
You say a busy schedule is your style of travel, but you have never been to Europe before, so your style of travel internationally is somewhat undefined?
It doesn't seem like you have realistically calculated travel times.
Curious how you'll take a train to Capri?
Skip the Blue Grotto, it's a tourist trap. Watch some U-tube videos regarding how the boats line up outside, all for a short experience inside.
Your first week or so is just too jammed, with two night stays. What if you plane has a significant delay? I always have an extra day at the beginning of a trip in case of airline cancelations, schedule changes, delays.
You're doing a disservice to Vienna , I'd skip it and use the days elsewhere.
Salzburg needs more time. You can attend a great concert in Salzburg.
I wouldn't stay in the San Marco area of Venice. We like the Cannaregio area, on the quiet back canals, where you can take sunset pix without anyone spoiling your pix.
You have a short stay in Munich, especially if one day is a trip to Fussen. That's a full day trip.
You have a lot of travel days, but I'm not sure you'll enjoy a trip that's so fast- paced at the beginning. You'll have jet lag, the inevitable cold, exhaustion from figuring unfamiliar travel modes.
I like your destinations that give you 4-5 days in a place- you'll enjoy those locations so much more. It's obvious you have spent significant time and energy planning, Hopefully you'll listen to some of the advice that will be given to make it an even better trip!
Have a wonderful time!

I would add more nights in Germany & Austria and less nights in Italy. That will solve the opportunity pointed out by the previous person about potential delays and give you time to adjust. Honestly, having been to all the places on your list, I think you are too heavy for Rome, Venice and Florence unless you do one or two day trips from there. I would start in Munich so you don't have to get off a plane and then onto a train on the first day. I think you are shorting Vienna which could easily be 3 days. I would also schedule something around mid September to have a "day off" because you might hit a wall after a couple weeks of being on the go. That's my opinion after 20+ trips to Europe. I hope you have a good trip!!

Wow! What a trip of a lifetime you've planned. In Salzburg, the Sound of Music tour is a fun way to see the area (unless you are not familiar with the movie.) The last time we were in Venice, we stayed at an AirBnB (first time was a quaint hotel) not far from San Marco, right on a small canal (we were dropped off right at our doorstep after our boat tour) in a quiet area (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12362312?adults=4&location=Venice%2C%20Veneto%2C%20Italy&check_in=2024-11-15&check_out=2024-11-19&source_impression_id=p3_1709336828_kukvhty1ns%2FKuim2&previous_page_section_name=1001&federated_search_id=7dfddc5d-d84d-44ee-9e90-53753bbeb4ef). I would definitely stay at this apartment again.
I have a question about how you are getting to Capri: you say you are leaving from Venice to get to Capri. Did you mean you're leaving from Florence? Speaking of Capri, it is lovely and a great place to relax. I suggest booking one of the boat tours around the island that includes lunch, swimming in the sea and the Blue Grotto. However, the Grotto is always weather and crowd dependent. We had planned to go but once we saw it from the outside, we changed our mind. Too many people, too long of a wait for a really short experience. With the tour, you should have the option to make the final determination when you are right there.
Rome has so much good food, everywhere. My favorite neighborhood to walk around and get a bite to eat is Trastevere. Two that I loved are: Spirito di Vino (http://www.ristorantespiritodivino.com/) and Trattoria da Enzo (https://www.daenzoal29.com/)
I hope you both have a wonderful vacation!

Your dates are deceiving because you say two nights in Rothenburg but it says 8/27-8/29 which looks like three nights. It’s best to count the number of nights like this 8/27-8/28.
The train from Munich airport to Rothenburg has a minimum of two transfers if not more. Pack as light as possible and do laundry when you can because hauling heavy luggage is no fun. Furthermore, the more bags you bring the easier it is to leave one behind.
You need two nights for Munich alone. If you add a day trip add an additional night.

I don’t agree that you need more time in Salzburg but you need five nights in Vienna if you take a day trip to Bratislava.
You need three nights in Venice not four.
Capri is an island so forget taking the train. I suggest taking a direct train from Florence’s (Firenze) SM Novella station to Salerno: https://www.trenitalia.com/en.html. From Salerno take a ferry to Capri. If you were visiting the Blue Grotto on the first day of summer when the sun aligns with the grotto’s entrance then I would recommend visiting it. This is a nerve-racking event. While inside the grotto the guy who was operating the boat tried putting his hand inside my purse so do not let your guard down here.
You need a minimum of four nights in Rome if visiting Vatican City.

You have duplicate posts going, so hope it’s not confusing.

First, welcome to the forum. You are very brave to do all this planning and then put it out for everyone to shoot at. Lol! As to how long in each place, you are probably already seeing that it is very individual.

I am going to differ and say that your number of nights in each places is fine. It might not be what I would do, but I think it will work. You have reasons for some of your Germany stops and may not need extra time. Plus you have slower travel once you arrive in Italy.

You should be able to find a nice concert in Salzburg. I am not sure I would try for Vienna for just one night - unless you just want a quick peak. There is not a right or wrong answer. I say I wouldn’t - but then I have been to Vienna…..

I have not been to Capri, so I can’t help there. And I am not a foodie - but I have seen some previous good threads with dining suggestions. It might help to do a quick search (since you have time).

Apartments versus hotel? I like apartments now, but used only hotels for many years. So good job with thinking about what you may need. And nothing wrong with the San Marco area of Venice, especially for a first time.

Overall, I think you have done a good job! Your itinerary is busy at first when you will be fresher and then slows down later when you will be tireder.

I just realized that I posted the same question twice to the forum. I've gone back to look how to delete the 2nd one but haven't figured it out yet. If anyone knows how to do this, I'd appreciate the help.

As to responses, I do appreciate all the input as I really wanted advice from others who have traveled to Europe and especially the areas we want to visit. I do want the trip to be well planned but also realistic. I started the planning to get an idea of budget and to allow for time for adjustments if need be, including budget if need be. I wanted to start the trip in Munich but the private tour I want to take to Neuschanstein Castle was not available until 9/1. I might look at another option for this tour and rebook the Germany itineary. I was wondering about Florence, as I only have 3 out of the 4 full days planned, if I should take a night from here and one from Venice to add night to Munich and one for Vienna. I fully agree with adding additional time for Germany. I was going to skip Vienna all together and am happy to hear input that its worth visiting and for more than one day/night. I appreciate the links too! I've traveled extensively too for personal and business travel for years but not to Europe. I've had flight delays impact a trip and don't get too upset by it as what can you do but make the best of it. I've also caught a bug when traveling (which recently happend on day 5 out of our recent 14 day vacation in January) and wanted to adjust the planned itineary to see something else or if need be some down time. I misspoke on travel to Capri, will be going from Florence to Capri. Good tip on the Blue Grotto as a reminder of always being aware of personal items.

I think I figured out how to delete duplicate post and did it! I did copy the information on responses to word document so I wouldn't lose those. Sorry about that first time to forum!

jetty, Just in regard to Vienna.... you appear to be going there on 9/4 and leaving there on 9/5. I wouldn't bother for what will be, at best, 2 half days. Vienna deserves at least 4 days. You will be wasting the transportation cost for this portion of your trip. As others have often said on this forum, two nights in a place means one full day there. Vienna won't even have one day. What will you do there in your half day on arrival? The next day will probably be taken up with your departure for Venice, per your schedule.
Munich....Arrive from Augsburg 8/31, Day trip 9/1, depart 9/2. You will not see anything in Munich, alas.
Your stays in various Italian locales are more realistic, except for Capri. There is not much to do on the island, except climb up one side and down the other, do a little shopping at the high end stores there, and the Blue Grotto. Stay in Sorrento on those nights and take a day trip (boat) to the island for a few hours.
Remember, your train from Venice to the Amalfi Coast area (from which the boats to the Isle of Capri depart) is not a 2 hour trip. Most of 9/14 will be checking out of your lodgings in Venice, taking the train, and getting to and checking into your lodgings there. The 15th could be the island, the 16th enjoying the beautiful Amalfi Coastal towns, or going to Naples or Pompeii for the day. Then off to Rome on the 17th, for four full days (5 nights) before your cruise. The ships, of course, don't reach Rome itself. You have to get to Civitavecchia where the ship will be.
In sum, pease figure in your travel time between locations. Two nights mean one day. Travel days are rarely touring days, except for, perhaps, a half day or evening at place of arrival.
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer. I just want you to be aware of some kinks in your plans. You have lots of time to fix up and firm up your plans. I hope you have a wonderful adventure in Germany and Italy. Bon voyage!

jetty,
Just one other thought. In some museums, the "skip the line" tickets mean skip the purchase line. They don't always mean skip or shortcut the security line. Just be aware, as for some museums, such as the Uffuzi, you can buy your tickets ahead, online, for an entry time, without paying extra to someone else. Of course, your tour may have a guide for the museum itself and the expertise of a good guide is worthwhile. Be sure you know what you are getting.
For Rome, there is so much to see and do that you can barely move around without coming across a well-known sight. If you visit the Vatican Museum plan on lots of time. It's big, popular and busy. St. Peter's Basilica is a must-see, whether or not you go to the museum. Vatican City is a good day's outing. The Forum is right next to the Colisseum and Trajan's Column. The Church of St. Peter in Chains is right there too. Four biggies all together, for a morning's or afternoon's outing. In this same area is the Palatine Museum and a short walk to the Victor Emmanuel monument. Have lunch at a trattoria in the area and you have had a full day of sights near the Forum. Another good day's outings. If you decide to visit some of the catacombs, they are along the Appian Way, historically thrilling to this history major. You will see some of the original walls that surrounded Rome. The Basilica of St. John Lateran is pretty impressive. Then there is the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon.....Fill up your days! Happy travels!

Hi Judy! Thanks for looking at my itineary in detail and giving me some helpful insight and tips for travel/tours. Between Vienna and Salzburg, I really want to to visit Salzburg. The overnight in Vienna was for flight to Venice. This trip is just a taste of Europe, with the land tour added after the 9-night cruise was booked. I'm pretty good at dealing with things when they don't go as planned as I've traveled for work throughout the U.S. and few stops outside the U.S. for almost 25 years and I've had a lot go not go as planned. I've delt with travel cancelations, delays, rerouting, missed connections, overbookings, storms, flooding, getting ill, lost luggage and getting lost. When that happens I deal with it and get over it quickly. My husband and I have traveled a lot too and have had things not go as planned. We've had to rebook vacations less than 12 hours before departure due to sudden severe storms, flight cancelations, etc. I know traveling through Europe will be entirely different for us and want to be as educated and prepared as much as I can before the trip. We will be returning in 2025 and hopefully for two months and will plan that trip to accomodate at least 1-2 week stays for each stop.

I booked 3 nights in Capri, more for some down time and to rest up before Rome and the cruise. Would you say 2 nights is enough in Capri? I realize travel from Florence to Capri will eat up a chunk of the first day. If it's better to have an added day for Munich then I'd opt for 2 nights in Capri. I'll probably give up one night in Venice for another day in Munich. I almost left a visit to Austria out of this trip but really wanted to visit Salzburg this time even if it was for a brief stay. I'm trying to balance the trip based upon differences in personal preference. My husband isn't a museum fan but he does want to see the certain landmarks. He'd go to a mozart concert if I wanted to but that isn't on his bucket list. He really wants more time in Germany, the short trip to Capri and the stops in Italy. I like it all, the museums, the concerts, churches, historical sites, famous landmarks, castles, food tours, cooking classes, etc. I am an always on the go kind of person and know this is not the trip where I want to stay out late in the evening for music and dancing. I love to read and want some down time in the evening as thats my way to relax and unwind.

You NEED 3 nights here and you only NEED 2 nights there. No, you need what you think you will enjoy in that location and in an effort to make a balanced overall trip that you will enjoy. Mistakes will be made. Laugh and roll with them. Most of all just keep having fun. Looks like a fine start for a trip and with a tiny bit of improvment it will be perfect for you.

jetty, I am glad you are prepared for the unexpected and can roll with the punches. You will enjoy your trip doing it the way that works best for you. As far as Munich/Vienna/Salzburg go, yes, you should prioritize what is important to you, such as a concert, etc. Get your ducks in a row and "amusez-vous bien"!

My 2 cents - One night in Vienna is not a good idea. It is a bit of an outlier also. What do you have planned for Munich ? I would forget it and visit Neuschwanstein from Augsburg, then go to Salzburg. Add some time there and take the train from there to Venice. I guess you are interested in art with all the tours in Italy. If you want to add days in any other places ( like Vienna if that is a must ) , I would eliminate Capri.

Greek cruise sounds good. Is your Turkey stop Kusadasi ( Ephasus ) ?

hi jetty and welcome to the Forums!

unless things have changed recently - maybe they have - all tours inside Neuschwanstein are by their own guides. Private guides leave you at the entrance and you go with the official guide. From my experience the interesting bits there are 95% exterior and locale, maybe as much as 5% inside. I didn't enjoy the inside tour, no photos are permitted, very little to see and PITA:reward ratio defiantly heavy on the PITA side.

Since you are visiting your old stomping grounds in Augsburg (a favourite of mine, by the way) and Neuschwanstein is so close to there, why not visit from there instead of Munich?

Please don't take this as rude but what will your private guide give you that you can't easily get for yourself? Transportation, for example, to Füssen and then the short bus ride to Neuschwanstein is really easy from Munich, and as far I know (not having done that specific journey myself) is also easy from Augsburg.

If the long journey to Vienna is only really for the flight to Venice, is that the best choice? There are trains from Salzburg (another of my top 10, close to the top of the list) via Milan to Venice. Salzburg also has a pretty busy small airport (Red Bull museum next door) and I would have thought it would have flights to Venice if you want to fly. You will find a lot more emphasis in much of Europe on trains instead of short haul flights.

I wish my trips were as well organized as yours.

Thanks again for all the great input, I certainly appreciated it! My husband and I relooked at what we wanted to see/do for each stop and modified our itineary to accomodate our preferences. We won't get to Vienna on this trip as we opted for 3 nights in Salzburg (really my pick due to family and memories as child). The good news is we are planning on returning in 2025 for 2-3 months (90 max stay for Schewngan Area). Hopefully we can fit Vienna in on that trip. We've already decided that minimum stay would be 1 week but are looking at more long term rentals (apartments, Airbnb). We'll see how we do on this trip and will most likely plan 3 base locations that allow us to see the area in greater detail and accessibility for day trips to other areas/sites.

New Itineary:
* 2 nights in Rothenbur ob de Tauber
* 5 nights in Munich
* 3 nights in Salzburg
* 4 nights in Vencie
* 4 nights in Florence
* 2 nights in Capri (it was a husband want even if it could only be a 1 night stay and he is aware of the travel time for train and ferry)
* 5 nights Rome
* 9-night cruise
* 1 night stay before in Munich before return flight home on 10/2

jetty,
This new itinerary sounds much more doable and gives you more time in each city. I hope the Blue Grotto isn't too busy for you to go there. We went in 1974 and it was magical, in spite of the naysayers. Not sure if I would spend a lot of the day waiting, but if it works out for you, go for it. I was only 30 when we went to Capri, so had much better mobility and energy. We walked to the top, and stopped partway back down for a cold drink at a cafe overlooking the sea. It was a beautiful sight, with the water sparkiling.
In Rothenburg, you will surely walk the walls. Try to see one of the puppet shows if they are still a thing there.
In Munich, as others have said, the Deutsches Museum (science and technology) will be a happy surprise, and the Residenz Museum is beautiful and luxurious. Don't miss the jewels, particularly the statue of St. George on his steed! Also, just in case you have time, a tour of Leuwenbrau Brewery, a stop at the corny but still fun Hofbrau Haus, and a stroll in the Marienplatz to see the rathaus glockenspiel.
I am getting jealous of you! Have fun!

I whole heartedly agree with what Nigel from England has to say about Neuschwanstein Castle and the private tour. I can't imagine what a private tour would offer you. There's barely anything the tour guides can offer you inside. Never been to anything with so much beauty on the outside, and so nothing on the inside. Have you been to Cinderella's Castle at Disneyland? Not really much of anything inside. If you search Neuschwanstein Castle in this forum, you'll probably see similar comments. Hopefully the private tour has a lot to offer beyond that. Maybe it's an entire day of sightseeing?