Austria itinerary

My initial response is the predictable "this itinerary is rushed and you should cut out a destination or two and add more to the larger cities". Vienna, Budapest, and Barcelona are ALL worth at least 3 nights. Keep in mind that transit will eat into your time at these places significantly. The train from Vienna to Budapest is easy and fast, at least. From Budapest to Prague there is a train that takes 6.5 hours. A bus may be faster if you're willing to consider it. Flying is cheap, but in my experience door to door even for fast flights it's at least 5.5 hours when you consider transit to airport, security, etc. I'm assuming Prague is a high priority since you've listed 3 nights there, but it's definately the physical outlier on your trip, if you cut it out you'd have more time to spread around Vienna, Barcelona, or other places in Austria. You could fly direct from Budapest to Barcelona.

Kathy: You're using airline points to get to Europe, but Munich would be a far better destination to start your trip from, if at all possible. Your trip would be more efficient if you would find a central location to do day trips out of. You could stay in a bed and breakfast outside Salzburg, and easily take day trips to Innsbruck, Hallstadt and Melk. Western Austria is a place that's best seen from behind the wheel of an automobile. Roads are in great condition and are easily negotiated. Then, you could take a train to Vienna. Have you considered dropping Budapest, 150 miles southeast of Vienna, and spend more time in Vienna and Prague? Prague is 200 miles northwest of Vienna. Save your air miles, as the flights from Prague to Barcelona are very inexpensive on Vueling Airlines, a budget air carrier.
And you'll have many days to rest on your repositioning cruise home, which is another great bargain in the travel world.

Thank-you Sarah for your suggestions. As we are retired, I can add and take away days as needed until I get a great itinerary (Last year I ended up with 25 land days to do Switzerland, Germany and Paris (all by train) with a wonderful itinerary with everyones help). What I know for now, is that we will be beginning in Zurich and I will book my flight over to accommodate the required days needed and end in Barcelona, which we have been to twice before. Taking into consideration our travel time how many nights would you suggest for most of these places and is there any other destinations or route that you would suggest. Last year, we found that we enjoyed the smaller places a bit more. Thank-you.

Thank-you David. I agree that Munich would be a far better start destination, but air-miles is very ive about what cities you can get one-way flights into. Zurich is the closest that I could find. My husband will not drive in Europe, so renting a car is not an option. I will definitely look at your suggestion about a central location and doing the day trips. I have been reading about Mittenwald and it looks beautiful as well, any thoughts. I will definitely look at a budget flight back to Barcelona. I realize that Vienna, Budapest and Praque are alot to take in, but being that I am in that part of the country and possibly will not be back (so much else to see), my thoughts are, try and see it now. I am open to all suggestions, thank-you.

We spent a day in Melk, which was to just see the Abbey. They have a tour, which is nice. Place can get crowded. Vienna is a large city and there is a LOT to see, so to me two nights is not really enough. Also there are side trips to Schonbrunn palace is definitely worth a day trip. Salzburg can be an all day trip from Vienna. Take first train out and come back on a late train. You can get a catnap on the train there and back. I envy your flexibility in time for making plans. Happy travels. Devra

Innsbruck isn't particularly appealing. Hall doesn't take more than a half day - so skip Innsbruck and spend one night in Hall. One night in Melk is plenty also. Take all the saved time and add it to Vienna. There are too many things in Vienna you will want to see, you will be sorry you spent too much time elsewhere and didn't leave time to enjoy Vienna. Prague has a fairly small tourist center, 2 nights may be enough - decide for yourself after looking at the sights you want to see. If you do save some time there, add the night to Barcelona. It's another city with enough to do to keep you busy for at least a few days.

Hello Cathy, just a suggestion from Salzburg. I went to Melk by train from Salzburg then took a 2 hrs cruise on the Danube to Krems and stayed there overnight at a delightful inn. From Krems, it is an easy hour train trip to Vienna. I would stay longer in Vienna, it has so much to offer, just an amazing city.
Regards, Carole

Thank-you Carol for the great idea. I am definitely going to look into doing just as you suggested.

I agree with posts about Innsbruck. It really isn't that interesting. I would highly recommend a boat cruise on the Danube. I was there almost 20 years ago and took a wonderful boat cruise - saw castle ruins and the vineyards from the Danube. Stift Melk - the monastery at Melk is stunning!! I was in Prague about 10 years ago - beautiful!! I think our hotel was U Tri Bubnu (at the house of the three drums). Very charming old building, exposed rafters/timbers, close to it all. Probably the most comfortable bed I've ever had at a hotel! Happy travels....