I'd do the extra overnight either in Dresden or actually Karlovy Vary, both of which are worthwhile destinations depending on your interests. But Cesky Krumlov is also worthwhile, so that's a hard choice. If you feel that Cesky Krumlov appeals to you more, then by all means stay there overnight.

I vote for Dresden, but I have not been to CK. I spent two nights in Dresden and could have stayed longer. I don't know how people manage to "see" Dresden in a daytrip and not experience it at night. It is beautiful and a nice change from Berlin. (I have posted a trip report from my trip last month to Berlin and Dresden, fyi)

I'll be happy to help you IF you would be so kind as to provide some info about your interests. IMO Dresden which can be wonderful is much more "wonderful" if you like museums and totally restored architecture. It is an easy stopover between Berlin and Prague but I would do so only with specific interests. Prague and Berlin and their surrounds offer an absolute wealth of things to see and do without even thinking about including Dresden.

Dresden is definitely worth a stop, preferably for two nights.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/sets/72157623230920764/show/

CK at the end can be risky and problematic if your flight out of Prague is in the morning. It is about 3hrs by bus and longer by train from Prague.

Thanks to all for the input! My original plan had more days in it, including nights in both Dresden and CK. But for various reasons, the trip was shortened... although now I'm tempted to go back and 'unshorten' it, somehow.

Dukey, our interests run more toward the "exploring on foot and taking lots of pictures" side, and perhaps less toward museum visits.

My general impression of CK is that it's a touristic town (like Carcassonne or Luzern tend to be), but it's a good kind of touristy and well worth exploring. My understanding of Dresden is that it's been beautifully restored... and it's probably worth noting that I'm a Vonnegutt fan.

Michael: Nice pix!

ms_go just called from home. I think she's leaning toward 4 nights Berlin, 1 night Dresden, 3 nights Prague... and save CK for a future Austria-based trip.

When you look at how Berlin-Dresden-Prague line up on a map, it's hard to argue against that plan. Not much wasted motion!

CK is a touristy town and is extremely small. There really isn't much to explore, it isn't nearly the size of Carcassonne or Lucerne (assuming you really mean the city of Carcassonne, not just that castle complex). I was only there for a day trip and had no desire to stay longer.

I agree with the spouse---skip CK this trip.

Hi there,

I would definitely recommend to extend your stay in Dresden. There is so much to see and that is hard manage in a day such as a visit to the Old Masters Gallery, Zwinger, Opera House, Church of Our Lady etc. On the way to Prague you could also visit the National Park Saxon Switzerland. A lunch stop at the Bastei is sufficient to get a first impression. I hope that helps.

CK is a gamble to get out of for a return flight. On that basis alone (but not for any other - it is fantastic) I would not include as a last night overnight on any trip.

We took everyone's advice and amended our plans thusly:

3 nights (more like 3.5 days) in Berlin, staying in an apartment here...
http://www.adina.eu/adina-apartment-hotel-berlin-hackescher-markt/home

2 nights in Dresden (accommodation TBD, but probably not too far from the train station).

3 nights in Prague, staying here...
http://www.domus-balthasar.cz/

Anyone have thoughts on a place to stay in Dresden?

There are hotels between the train station and the old town within easy walking distance of both.

I love your Prague location--perfect.

Thanks, bob.

And I think I'm taking a liking to this place just a bit north of the train station in Dresden. It's a little business-y, but gets great TA reviews...

http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/germany/dresden/nh-dresden-altmarkt.html

Looks like I can get a nice-size suite there for 152E. Any thoughts, anyone?

mr_go - I'm realy pleased that you're going to have 2 nights in Dresden.

as well as the obvious churches and museums to see, [don't miss the city museum itself - a real peach] there is the Neustadt to explore [only new in the sense that it isn't as old as the Altstadt] and loads of places to go to on the boats - you should aim to do at least one boat trip, IMO.

Have a great trip!

Very good choice for hotel in Dresden. Very new, modern, stylish, very good service. If you can get a good rate (and the 152 Euro sounds like one for a suite) then jump on it.

On the other hand, maybe research Steigenberger at the Neumarkt square. Maybe they have good rates also. Or the Swissotel right next to the Royal Palace.

Late April/early May is a fantastic season here. You'll enjoy your stay, I am sure.

Thanks a lot, Ingo... I forgot you live there! Local input is always greatly appreciated. I think I am going to jump on that NH suite. The Steigenberger and the Swissotel both get raves on TA, but the NH is less than 1 km from the bahnhof and that may come in handy when we depart for Prague.

Mr_Go, don't let the map deceive you, the Swissotel isn't that much further from the NH. I found the historic center much smaller than it appeared on maps. I HIGHLY recommend the Swissotel if you can get a good rate.

Are you planning to walk from/to the Hbf/main railway station? Doable, but with luggage I wouldn't do so. Hop on a tram! The Swissotel is only 2 minutes from the tram stop "Theaterplatz", trams #8 and #9 run there from Hbf.

The Swissotel is only 2 minutes from the tram stop "Theaterplatz", trams #8 and #9 run there from Hbf.

Excellent tip, Ingo... I forgot about the tram system there.

We actually ended up booking a suite at the NH, but not really because of location. It was just hard to pass up such a good value on a 50 sq. meter suite, and we don't mind a little trek (or tram ride) into town. Comparable lodging at the Swissotel was about 100E more.

Thanks to all for the input! We promise a full trip report and photos.

mr_go,the Prague hotel is lovely..I am looking for an apartment in the old town..Any suggestion?

Hi kis. I'm afraid I can't be of much help to you, since I haven't been there yet and all of the places we researched were located across the river. But I suspect that topping this thread right now may draw some knowledgeable responses from others.

Anybody have a good suggestion for kismet?

mr_go thank you very much..I am still looking for the right place to stay ..

We plan to stay at least for 5 days so that we will be able to take day trips outsite the city.

We plan to go in September..After Prague we will fly to Rome my beloved city and spend at least 10 days .
"To walk where I used to run", lyrics from the song Cuando sali de Cuba.

Afterward will fly to Nice and take the tgv to Avignon to visit my favourite forever young cousin that lives there.

I have spent many wonderful summers at her house..

I love Provence..

We usually depart from Paris but we will probably change our plans and leave from Amsterdam instead..

I love that city.

Afterward will fly to Nice and take the tgv to Avignon

Why not fly to Marseille, which is closer to Avignon?

Force of habit Michael.. Blu-Express depart FCO at 12:00 and arrive 13:15PM at NCE..

Also is very convenient for us because I will be visiting my childhood friend that lives at Ostia, which is very close to Fiumicino.