Gavin

I am wondering if I should add Budapest to a 12 night trip covering Prague and Vienna giving 4 nights to each city. A friend has suggested that it would be better to stick to two cities with that time and have some time to get out of town.

This part of Europe is new territory for us. Krakow is the closest that we have been.

The trip is in October. We will fly Toronto-London return and be having three or four nights in London split between each end of the trip. Open jaw options that I have checked are a good deal more expensive than YYZ-LHR return. We really hate overnight flights so flying though London is the only option and that's OK since we like an excuse to go to London.

If we drop Budapest the westbound flight to London would be out of Bratislava. How much time is that city worth on this itinerary?

yipper

Hi,
My personal opinion is visit all three cities. We did those three cities in less time than you have. Even 2 days in Budapest will be wonderful. I figure I might never be able to return and I want to see what ever I can. I feel this way because there are so many fabulous places to visit and I like to try new places. Have a great trip.

tracys2cents

Haven't been to Budapest yet but everyone says it's a don't-miss!

Open jaw is probably $200 to $250 more with return from Vienna, but don't forget the expense of getting back from Vienna to London.

Kristinelaine

If you are asking how long to spend in
Bratislava, I would say one day would be adequate. It is quite small, but interesting. Also quite inexpensive.

Spygirl

Budapest is a gem, and a definite must for Central Europe. I'd go there before Prague. And the Budapest Marriott is one of the best places to view its many splendors along the Danube-the monuments all lit up golden on Gellert Hill and the Castle District at night, directly across the Danube from the hotel, while you sit on the balcony admiring those views and the evening river traffic while drinking some of the best wine anywhere in the world-and this is just a sampling, not even getting into the fantastic cultural life of the city, so yes, I definitely think you would kick yourself if you gave it a pass!

Wayne

Visit all three. You won't regret it. They are all different and all fascinating. Good luck.

tedgale

Many travelers over-book,; congratulations on not taking that approach.

I think your plan is perfectly reasonable and not over-taxing.

October is definitely shoulder-season and just hanging out in the countryside may not be a great option.

By contrast, you have chosen three vibrant city settings -- lots to do, whatever the weather.

Having visited Budapest twice, Bratislava once, Vienna twice and Prague twice in the last 15 months, I'd say:

4 nights in Vienna is adequate, though enthusiasts here would advocate more time.

4 nights in Prague is more than adequate for an initial visit. You'll see what I mean when you have seen Budapest.

4 nights in gritty, fascinating, cosmopolitan Budapest could well be the best part of the trip.

Bratislava is a cute, inexpensive small city of moderate interest, though it utterly pales in comparison with the other cities.

As you finalize your plans please post here for more info, if you choose.

Finally: After a daytime flight YYZ-LHR, I swore I would never again do the overnight flight if I had a choice...

Bottom line: This has the makings of a great trip. Actually, I wish I were going with you.

Gavin

Thank you all for your insights. The original three city plan will stand.

Tracy2cents: I saw your thread after I sent my own. It also helped me out. By the way the cost of YYZ-LHR, VIE-YYZ open jaw is more than double the YYZ-LHR return assuming non-stop flights. We get good prices on flights to London but not so good to the continent so the European discount airlines come in handy. Munich was not so bad as an open jaw option but it did not fit so well with the itinerary.

Tedgale: Yes AC 868 is a wonderful way accross the pond. We are so lucky to have it from our home airport. This will be my third time on it this year.