Hi. I am planning to visit Europe in the month of May. It would be three of us, including our 4 year old kid. We are planning to arrive at Amsterdam and exit from either Milan/Zurich or Munich.
The rough planning for almost 3/4 of the trip is done. Now we have approx 3-4 days pending. We have planned our visit till Switzerland (including Interlaken and Lucerne). Now we are bit of confused whether to proceed to South of Germany(Neuschwanstein Castle, Black Forest, Munich etc) or Austria(innsburg,hallstat, Salzburg etc). Could some some share us some valuable suggestions?
Posted by
Berlin
3016 posts
Besides the existing information about mentioned places on the web what kind of suggestion would you consider as "valuable"? We do not know your preferences.
Posted by
San Francisco
14985 posts
Hi,
Given the two choices listed, my recommendation is Austria. If you go to South Germany, focus on Munich. Or, for something different from what you listed, go to Berlin and eastern Germany, real cultural centers...Weimar, Leipzig, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Naumburg an der Saale, Meissen, etc.
Posted by
Paradise
7077 posts
What you've planned already is a little confusing for me. You begin in A'dam. You then travel all the way through Germany to Switzerland. The next step is to backtrack into Germany, possibly the Black Forest, which you bypassed on the way to Switzerland?
If that is what you now have planned, the best suggestion I can provide is to see Germany prior to Switzerland:
Amsterdam > Middle Rhine Valley > Black Forest > Lucerne/Interlaken
The Middle Rhine Valley is not only on the way to Switzerland... it is one of Germany's most scenic areas (and a UNESCO World Heritage site) and is stuffed with old-world towns and castles. I'm sure you've already studied up on the Black Forest; note that Gengenbach is a conveniently-located old-world base town for exploring the BF.
Posted by
Meridian, Mississippi, USA
124 posts
Freebird4travel,
I agree with Russ Backtracking to Germany may not only cost you time but money (transportation cost is usually based upon distance). If Germany's Black Forest is on your wish list, it's on the route between Amsterdam and Luzern. So going back may not be wise. There's plenty to see in Germany for the 3-4 days you have noted on this route. If Austria and Southern Bavaria is what you decide, it might still make sense geographically to see your choices in Switzerland first, as you would be generally headed eastward.
It know it's hard to decide as there's so much to see and do. I suggest you see Germany's Black Forest or Moselle Valley on your way to Switzerland. This will you save you transportation time as you're already planning this route. So, more time with your feet on the ground instead of but in a chair.
I am excited for you and hope you have a great trip! Let us know what you decide.
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Hi All, Thanks a lot for your suggestions and responses. Our plan is to arrive at Amsterdam. Explore the city for a day or two and then visit the Kuekenhof gardens. Then from there proceed to Paris and then to Loire Valley. From there to Italy (Amalfi coast, Rome and Venice) then proceed to Swiss (Interlaken, Lucerne areas). After some more detailed checks on the plans , now i feel both Austria or Southern Germany can't be included in our itinerary this time.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5511 posts
Am I correct in guessing that you are coming from Asia? If so, you will want to take jet lag into account, especially with a child. I also think that with a child you are moving way too fast. I think you should slow down and spend a longer time in each place, otherwise it will be a miserable trip.
Posted by
Washington DC
28120 posts
I agree with Emily; you are pushing way too hard.
Posted by
San Francisco
14985 posts
Then you have one choice...choose between going to Austria or south Germany focusing on Munich.