What country should I visit along with Austria for a 14 day Europe holiday?

What about Germany? Berlin won't have much to offer on the "nature" front, but for "history/culture" it can't be beat. Others are fans of Munich; except for the Deutsches Museum, I'm less enthusiastic. But then there's the rest of Bavaria to see, including Nueremberg which I did like.

I haven't been to Croatia, but my sister has. She liked Dubrovnik well enough, but really loved Split. I'm aware that, pardon the pun, it gets very split opinions, but do consider it if you're going (you'll have to pass through it anyway). You could also see some of Slovenia on the way between Austria and Croatia.

And if you haven't been to Hungary, that's another logical place to see. Budapest is great, and there are also interesting small towns. James will know more about more rural destinations; if he doesn't jump into this thread, you can send him a private message (just look at any Hungary thread to find him).

Plan on flying open-jaws, into one city and out of another (say, into Vienna and out of Dubrovnik or Berlin). To find these fares, use the "multi-city" option on Kayak; don't look at two one-way fares, as that's much more expensive.

Croatia is much more than just Plitvice Park and Dubrovnik. There is also Rovinj, Losinj, Pula, Opatija, Primosten or Trogir. The towns all look the same after a while, but the coast is wonderful. Especially the most northern part, Istria, which offers a distintive mix of Slavic, Italian and Austrian culture, is very interesting.

What about Germany? Berlin won't have much to offer on the "nature"
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True, but if you travel from Vienna to Berlin you cross the Central Bohemian Uplands, Bohemian Paradise, the Lusatian/Zittau Mountains, Saxon/Bohemian Switzerland and the Spreewald. Especially Saxon Switzerland is great for hiking, and the Spreewald very unique.

We didn't have time in Croatia to visit any of the islands but that would've been nice. We really enjoyed Split, however, with Diocletian's palace, on the coast north of Dubrovnik. We stayed in Solin, just outside Split, which has its own archeological site.

We had a car and also visited some of Slovenia (including Piran, Bled, Ljubljana).

From Austria, Croatia is a bit of a stretch. Why not stay in the region? If you want history and culture its pretty hard to beat Vienna, Prague and Budapest. For nature the High Tatras and Paradise Park in Slovakia are pretty hard to beat. For a little water recreation there is Lake Balaton in Hungary. A wine tour of Hungary is also a good idea; a little countryside, a little wine, a little more country side, a little more wine, etc.

I would have to agree with James... there are so many beautiful locations right in the area. Definitely give Budapest a try. It is beautiful... I have been there a few times and would return again. And a real bonus is the price compared to other large cities of it's size... lots to do and wonderful food.

@ Terry kathryn, you are stalking me, aren't you?!

And since you have been to Bpest a few times you need to go to the Hungary forum. They are getting tired of me there.

Slovenia immediately came to mind as it has loads to see in the nature department (Lake Bled, Julian Alps, for example) and history and culture in places like Maribor, Ptuj, Piran (must see the coast), etc.

As for Croatia, covering it in "a couple of days" is short changing this country so much, I can't even...(not to mention that you are talking about visiting two places that are a great distance from each other, with countless gems in between). Put the RS guidebook down and expand your thinking...

Germany. Czech Republic. Poland. Slovenia. Croatia. Hungary. Slovenia.

Each neighbor country has much to recommend it. You need not go far to find something new and beautiful.

@James...Ha

I actually go to the All Topics area and often will respond if there are questions about Budapest or Romania (another favorite) but you usually give such great answers there is no reason for me to follow up. I am really bad at all the details (where II stayed, ate, shopped, etc.) as I am typically walking around in a daze with my camera... but I am pretty good at the overall 'picture':)