Planning a trip over the holidays and in the early stages of planning.
We will arrive in Vienna via overnight train iand depart from Salzburg. Everything in between is up for grabs. We are thinking about 5 nights in Vienna, 3 each in Prague and Budapest, and 2-3 nights in Salzburg. Which city would you chose for Christmas Eve/Christmas, and which city for New Years?
This will be our first visits to these cities.
Karen - The city of Prague is ideal for Christmas Eve/ Christmas. You will love it there. Although Vienna is another place when it comes to celebrating Christmas, you can't go wrong with any of the two. Vienna however is ideal for New Year's Celebration. You can begin your trip in Budapest, then Prague for Xmas, Follow by Vienna for New Year, and leave out of Salzburg. That would be the order I would go by.
I sort of think you are stretching a bit when you toss in Prague. Have you thought about the route? Prague is adding at least 10 hours of travel time.....
But okay. My first choice for New Year would be Salzburg. Hands down they do New Year well. Worst choice for New Year would be Budapest. Just not a big deal in Budapest. First choice for Christmas Markets would be Budapest. No, actually, it would be a tie with Vienna. But I believe the Budapest Markets stay open longer (till new year), but not in their full glory after Christmas eve. Prague might be good, but I dont think the best at either of those moments (New Year or Christmas).
For the beauty and the ambiance I also choose Budapest...
I would do
Day 1 Arrive Vienna
2 Vienna
3 Vienna / Melk
4 Vienna
5 Vienna
6 Train to Gyor / Pannonhalma Archabbey
7 Train to Budapest
8 Budapest
9 Budapest
10 Budapest
11 Budapest
12 Train to Salzburg
13 Salzburg
14 Salzburg
15 Depart
