We arrive in Vienna from Delhi on July 12th (early morning) and leave from Venice for Delhi on July 21st. So me and my wife have 8 full days. This is our first trip together after our honeymoon late last year. So we are still in the romantic vacation mode.
We have been thinking of spending 3 days in Vienna, 2 days in Salzburg and 3 days in Venice. Any better suggestions on spending 8 days in this region?
We can give a more useful answer if you can clarify: 1) by what means are you traveling; and 2) do you know the travel times between those destinations and have you factored those into your itinerary?
We will be traveling by train. My sense is that it takes about 3 hours to travel from Vienna to Salzburg and takes about 6 hours from Salzburg to Venice. Both of us are happy to sit in the train and enjoy the landscapes on the way.
Looking forward to the suggestions.
I realized that we have 9 full days and not 8. What would the ideal way to spend this time in and around Vienna/Venice?
The Vienna ring tram (bright yellow) is like a HOHO bus. The trip takes less than 1/2 hour and will give you a nice overview. It runs every 1/2 hour (maybe every 1/4 hour - they were talking about adding a 2nd tram in the summer), so you can start with the tour, then use it for transportation for the rest of the day.
Go to a Mozart-Strauss evening concert. Easy to buy tickets on your first day for your second evening.
I haven't been to Salzburg. I think Venice is very romantic, so I'd add a day there. I thought 3 days in Vienna weren't enough for me, but neither were 4 days in Venice.
And belated congratulations on your nuptials.
Thanks so much, Chani.
This is very helpful.
Looks like a great plan. Makes sense geographically and your train estimates are good. Also, three wonderful destinations. You asked about what to do in Vienna and Venice. WALK. Both are lovely cities and given a decent map great places to walk with lots to see. I always take a small compass as well. Can't tell you how many time that has mad finding our way easier.
Aw shucks, RG (blush, blush). But since you were so sweet , here are some more of my travel tips.
Vienna - The Schonbrunn (summer palace) is wonderful, with gardens and grounds as well. If you go to the Schonbrun, then skip the Hofburg. There are not nearly as many rooms on display, and many are similarly furnished to the Schonbrunn (no surprise, same royal couple). Have a good map of the center of town with you (and as above, a compass is handy). I found I got turned around a lot in Vienna - even with a compass. One of the very best things I did in Venice was to get up before dawn and go to St Mark's Square to watch the sunrise. Then I went back to the hotel for breakfast.
Venice - Rick has 4 free audio guides that you can download to an mp3 player. I found them all great. Don't take the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doge's Palace - it will be unbearably hot in July. If you visit the Doge's Palace (recommended), the rented audio tour is quite good. Follow Rick's instructions on the St. Mark's Basilica tour for getting in. Time your visit to be there between 11.30 am and 12.30 pm when the mosaics are floodlit. When the lights go off, you wont believe how anyone appreciated them (the mosaics are outstanding) before electricity. Expect to get lost in Venice (even with a map and a compass) and enjoy it. You won't be lost for more than a short time and the back ways are often charming and sometimes surprising. Don't hesitate go go into any church you pass (Vienna as well), as every one has lots to see and enjoy.
sweetness helps :-).....great tips....thanks once again!!
as expected, the hotels in venice are terribly expensive...what are the possibilities of getting a place in about $50 per night? I guess i won't get a hotel...but would there be B&B or hostels in this range? since i have never stayed in a hostel in europe, i am not sure if it is a good idea to stay with my wife in a hostel...
the hotels in Lido, mestre, murano/burano are cheaper but i guess it would be the same after considering the transport charges from these places..
