Hi all,
We are planning a trip to Italy next year. We would also like to add on Austria and Switzerland.
We have 4 weeks for the holiday so am wondering if adding two more countries, ie Austria and Switzerland, would be rushing it a bit? Maybe not?
If so, this brings me to my problem: we can't decide whether to go to Austria or Switzerland?
We will have our 10 year old daughter with us who is a great traveller, but we aren't museum type people. We are definitely wanting to visit Salzburg for the Sound of Music, as we are big fans, but figure if we choose Switzerland, we could just do the tour in Salzburg, before heading into Venice and the rest of Italy.
All advice much appreciated as I'm going round the bend trying to decide.
Thanking you in advance,
Janelle
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1759 posts
I wonder why you are asking this in the Italian forum. However: Austria and Switzerland are fairly similar. The difference is that for most of its history Austria has been a powerful monarchy, so you can find everywhere souvenirs of this past in the form of castles, royal palaces, baroque churches, parks, museums - all with a strong Catholic underground. Switzerland has been an independent confederation of indipendent regions, separated by mountains that were impassable for the better part of the year, and home to some of the severest Protestants in the world. This distinction was so deep that it can be observed even in modest rural buildings: every Austrian balcony is full of flowers, while Swiss home decorations are simpler, if any.
After that: Austria is cheaper (much cheaper) than Switzerland, the most imposing mountains are in Switzerland, generally speaking a young girl would be more interested in Austrian sightseeing than going around in Switzerland.
Posted by
OP
Sydney, Australia
6 posts
So sorry, didn't realise I had landed in the Italian forum section. I'm new to this. Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Vienna is a gateway airport, so start there.
Arrive Vienna (4N)
Train to Salzburg (2N)
Train to Munich (3N)
Train to Innsbruck (1N)
Train to Venice via Brenner Pass Line
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
I would pick Switzerland OR Austria, not both. It is really kind of challenging to travel between the two, at least by train.
You could fly, of course, and sample a bit of each country, but I think trying to see both countries in a week-and-a-half will leave you wishing you’d picked one and will increase trip expense.