Austria & Hungary April 08

Yes - tickets already purchased

Thanks - I had pretty much decided on that scenario but wasn't sure if we should do Vienna first then head west.

After a long flight, I'm always ready to do lots of walking--especially outside. Seeing some of Vienna first would give you that opportunity before heading west on the train.

Your week in Budapest should be great. We had only 4 nights this past summer and I wish we could have stayed longer.

If you can, try to work in Zell Am See. It is not far from Salzburg and the "Sound of Music" tour is a great way to see the countryside in that area. We went up the ski lift this summer and loved the area. Great place to have lunch. We liked it so much on one trip that we drove there again. This year we drove there twice.
I would definately stay in Vienna the first night. We do as the flight attendants told us. Take a two hour nap after lunch and then walk until dinner. After that we stay on local time. The time change wipes me out, but my husband has no problem.

Thanks to all who replied - we are traveling with our best friends and the vote was train to Salzburg, 4 nights - train to Budapest 6 nights then train back to Vienna 4 nights. We will be visiting family in Budapest, wife was born there and hast been back since they escaped in 56. We are also celebrating our 30th anniversary so any suggestions on places to see or dine are greatly appreciated. Also hotels around $200.00 US is really appreciated - Thanks Again

We just returned from a trip to Vienna to celebrate OUR 30th- what a wonderful coincidence. We stayed at the Mercure Westbhanhof. It is right across the street from the West Bahnhof (trainstation). The trains for Budapest and Salzburg leave from this station. There is a bus from the airport (6 Euros) to the staion and you can walk across the street to the hotel. Nice, but not too expensive. Easy to walk to center of town and very easy to catch trams, etc as well as trains. We spent 2 days in Vienna and did a day trip to Budapest then did 3 days in Salzburg. Budapest is great and we will be going back there. If you want to induldge- Stay at the Goldener Hirsh in Salzburg. It was WONDERFUL! And well worth a little extra expense.

We enjoyed Budapest much more than Vienna. In Budapest we stayed on the river at the Mariott, it's a monster in size but the room was nice and every room has a view, and the price was rather affordable. Has some history, even for a modern building, Warsaw Pact dissolved there I believe. I'd probably stay there again, and definately try to stay right on the river. The Four Seasons is fabulous, if you can't afford it, stop in, and their restaurant (in front, the one to the left coming in) was great.

I appreciate that information on accommodations but I think we have found an apartment that will rent for the week and it offers everything we need including a washer and dryer! I understand laundromats are a scarce commodity in Budapest.