Sacrifice Vienna?

Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Prague and Munich each deserve at least two full days each; even three if you can. A full day is when you wake up and go to bed in the same town. If you aren't doing at least that much you might want to reconsider.

Ditto James, and to emphasize, that's two full days at a bare minimum (you can easily spend much more time in each of these). With only two weeks (and is that 14 days in Europe, or only 12 when you subtract flight days), I think you are already trying to see much too much (5 cities in 4 countries). You have to allow for travel time. For instance, Berlin to Prague is 5 hours; when you add in getting between your hotel and the station on each end, and checking in and out, much of a day is used. Even if you like an aggressive itinerary, don't try to add anything else. Don't make the mistake of trying to pack too much in (a common mistake with a rail pass, as people are determined to "get their money's worth"). You will end up with a lovely tour - of European train stations.

I would (and I shudder at the thought) drop Paris and keep Vienna. Paris is worth a week on its own, so keep it on reserve for the next time. You have a logical circuit Amsterdam,Berlin,Prague,Vienna,Munich, with good direct rail connections. Amsterdam-Berlin is the longest leg at 6 hours. Its nice to stay at least 2 nights each stop and preferably 3. Pulling up stakes every day gets tiresome. Maybe spend a night at Hallstatt on the way to Munich. You can cover a lot of stops headquartering in Munich, (Fussen,Salzburg). Innsbruck is not worth the time IMHO.
Paris kind of sticks out like a sore thumb on this itinerary. Too much time getting in and out. France deserves its own 2 week trip.

Brian; I think you will spend too much of your valuable time riding trains . As stated by others the larger towns deserve at least two days each . If you want to see Berlin, Prague, and Vienna (all on the east) then Paris should probably wait for another trip. My wife and I really enjoyed Vienna and the Melk Abby was great. We traveled southern Germany and northern Austria in 11 very busy days, or 13 days if you count flying to and from Europe .

Hi, Unless you choose fly from Paris to Berlin or take the Paris-Vienna night train, youi might just to sacrifice Vienna this time. I believe you would missing a good deal in not seeing culture, history, the food is also great. etc. I took that Paris-Vienna night route with a change in Frankfurt a few years ago. Drop Innsbruck or maybe Salzburg.

Thanks all for your sound advice. The clear solution is to add another week to our trip. And since I have the vacation time, it'll be less expensive to add a week now than plan another trip down the road – if and when that could ever take place... For me, the train travel is a big part of the trip.

Brian - good call adding a third week. We love the train travel and consider that as part of our trip. I can't even imagine going to Europe and not hitting Paris! It doesn;t matter how many times I have been there I always look forward to returning. Have a great trip.

"The clear solution is to add another week to our trip. And since I have the vacation time, it'll be less expensive to add a week now than plan another trip down the road" I wish more people were able, and willing to do this! Good choice.

3 weeks is the ticket. Since riding the rails is part of the fun, try taking a sleeping compartment in the City Night Line train from Paris to Berlin. That will knock the longest leg out of the way in one night. A lot of helpliners are not too high on night trains, but I think its worth it at least once, and City Night Line is as comfortable as they get. Leave Paris at 8 pm and get to Berlin shortly after 8 the following morning.
So you have Amsterdam-Paris-Berlin-Prague-Vienna-Munich. A good 3 week itinerary.

If you went to Buffalo, Albany, and Utica, would that satisfy a traveler's "New York Experience"? Well, maybe for some people. But omitting NYC? Well, you get the analogy. Spend the extra week in Vienna and environs (e.g., Wachau and Burgenland). You will enjoy a completely different experience than what Salzburg and Innsbruck offer. And, if you want to get out of town for an overnight, go to Graz (2.5 hr train ride from Vienna).

Hi, I agree with spending a one nighter in Graz, well worth going to from Vienna. Burgenland is interesting where the Hungarian influence is evident, see the capital Eisenstadt, esp if you're interested in classical music.

Wow, didn't see your solution coming... A third week is definitely the way to go, but most people won't accept the recommendation to "add an extra week"! With your original itinerary (including Vienna), and the extra week, you'll have a great time. I second the night train idea. It's good fun (yes, you're sleeping, but if you're a train buff like me, you'll dig it) and it saves precious time for your visit. You're covering a lot of ground, but that third week will give you the time that each city deserves. Have fun!