Hello! The following are the cities that we would like to visit in September on our 16 day trip to Europe in the order of importance to us: Munich, Budapest, Prague, Ljubljana, and any other quaint villages along the way. We are foodies, outdoorsy, and like to walk a lot and take in the local vibe. One cathedral, one castle, and one museum per city will be enough for our interests. We plan to use trains and bus transportation mostly. Suggestions on routes/itinerary appreciated. Thanks! (We can begin in Munich if this is best, also, we will fly out of Venice on our return flight home.)
Posted by
Brian. NV, USA.
492 posts
In both Prague and Budapest, a good walk can get you to cover the castle, cathedral, and museum together! Something I've enjoyed in each city is casually strolling from my hotel to the city's landmark castle - in both Prague and Budapest, the big city castle is across the river and up a hill from where many folks often stay. It's easy enough to walk from Prague's old town, across the Charles Bridge, and up to Prague Castle; it's likewise simple enough to walk from Pest, across the Chain Bridge to Buda, and up the hill (skipping the fernicular) to the Fisherman's Bastion and the sights up there. If the hills aren't appealing, it can all be done in reverse - transit to the top, then a leisurely stroll down after seeing what you wanted to see.
Another place just outside of Budapest that's worth a visit to get your museum and pleasant strolls fix is Szentendre. Quaint riverside town, a number of museums, baroque architecture, plenty of good restaurants.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Logistically this order makes sense: Munich, Prague, Budapest, Ljubljana, Venice. You got about 3 days per one city including travel. I would not try to squeeze more destinations here.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
-Thank you 1885BD for the suggestion to visit Szentendre; we will check it out!
- Ilja I agree with your itinerary, my thoughts too. I’m concerned about how much time will be spent sitting on trains getting from one place to the next. We may have to nix one. Budapest is a must (this is why we’re going) and I really want to see some of Germany. Is Prague the logical choice to eliminate because of the distance northeast? Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
I visited all the cities in your itinerary. If I put them in the order according their beauty IMHO it will go: 1. Venice, 2. Prague, 3. Budapest, 4. Ljubljana, 5. Munich. Tough choice to eliminate one. Strictly logistically, yes, Prague makes sense. If you don't have airline tickets yet, then obviously I would eliminate Munich and fly to Prague.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Again, thanks for the suggestions. We will keep Prague in the itinerary and have to do another trip for Germany-such a beautiful country! So little time and so many places to explore. 🙃
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Your simplest plan for adding "quaint villages" to the mix is by daytrip from any of those cities, timing decided on short notice, when you've seen the city itself. While I like to stay overnight in some smaller towns, most of our favorites are not convenient stops on the direct routes between these cities.