HI we have 2 weeks to do these places. Plan is to fly into Geneva stay 2 days, head to Neuschwanstein, with a stopover night in Luzerne (would like to see the clock in Bern on the way), go to Neuschawnstein, have a hotel in FFussenussen for the night. Head to Salzburg for 2 nights, on to Vienna for 2 nights, on to Prague for 2 nights and then a stopover somewhere in Germany as we head back to fly out of Geneva.
This is our route and what we are doing and want to see. Need advice on train, car or a little of both. Cost not to worried about, just ability to get to place conveniently and in a timely manner. There are 4 adults. Also if you would like to list must do's for Geneva, Vienna, Prague...appreciated.
THank you
Posted by
8178 posts
These are all great places to see, but two nights in some of these places is just not enough.
It is OK for Geneva. Not sure why you mentioned Bern, it is out of the way in route to Fussen, Germany. Salzburg you can squeeze in the sights in two days, but not for Vienna and Prague.
If you haven't purchased your air tickets, I say drop Geneva. Spend more time in Prague and/or Vienna.
Consider an open jaw ticket, flying into one place and out of another.
Geneva is a scenic place on the lake but you can see the city in a day.
Check out Tripadvisor under things to do in each city.
Posted by
OP
54 posts
Already have bought the tickets. Have some room to play with days in each city. Thanks for the advice
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Geneva(2 nights)>Bern>Luzern(1)>Füssen(1)>Salzburg(2)>Vienna(2)>Prague(2)>xxx(1)>Geneva(1?) all in 14 days (13 nights).
2+1+1+2+2+2+1+1=12 nights
According to https://www.viamichelin.com/ Prague to Geneva is 09h31 964 km without stops. Assuming an overnight that kills off two of your days. (Suggestion: Nuremberg)
Geneva, Vienna and Prague are death to cars. Park outside the centre and pay for it. Bern, Luzern and Salzburg less so, but the city centres still need to be done on foot.
- Geneva>Bern>Luzern is good by train
- Luzern>Füssen (where Neuschwanstein is) > Salzburg is easier by car. because all the rail lines in southern Bavaria run north to Munich, not east-west. And the roads are slow because you are going crossways through the alpine foothills
- Salzburg>Vienna>Prague is again good by train.
- Prague>Geneva is so far it should be flown.
But, you can't hire a car in Luzern and return in Salzburg, as international one-way rentals have a large surcharge.
Impractical, too many places for the time available. I don't think you can do this "conveniently and in a timely manner.". You will spend too much time travelling, and too little looking at the places. Sorry, you need to trim.
Posted by
Bavaria
2478 posts
But, you can't hire a car in Luzern and return in Salzburg, as international one-way rentals have a large surcharge.
To avoid that I'd go from Luzern to Lindau (Bavaria, Lake Constance) by train, rent the car in Lindau and turn it in Freilassing just outside Salzburg (there are numerous buses and trains into the center of Salzburg).
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Or go from Luzern to Bregenz by train (the stop before Lindau). This is in Austria, so any car you pick up here can be returned in Salzburg or when you arrive in Vienna.
But I still think you should be doing a mix of 2 and 3 nights stops, not 1 or 2. 2 Night stop = only 1 day in the place.
Posted by
OP
54 posts
So I am hearing train may be best but car to visit Neuschanstein. As the schedule stands-we are doing 2 nights in Geneva. Would like to see Lucerne on day 3-don't need to stay there, but would like time to see the town and the bridge. On day 4 we have tickets to Neuschanstein castle (so a hotel between Lucerne and there is needed). We are spending the night after touring the castle and then heading on to Salzburg(I have 2 night and 3 days). Then we want to go to Vienna for 2-3night, and then Prague for 2-3 nights. Need to get back to Geneva from Prague. If you still recommend trains-is this doable and where do I begin to start looking for and buying tickets. Thank you