BillJ

Planning next trip to Europe for next year. After a couple days in Budapest, will proceed to Vienna for 3 nights. Basically looking to see the regular tourist sights, then on to more of Austria and Switzerland. So would basically have 2 full days in Vienna, plus whatever on arrival day. <BR>Here's the question: The train (www.raileurope.com) departs Budapest about 0920, arr Vienna about 1200, leaves a lot of the afternoon for Vienna (about $49 1st class). <BR>OR . . . Hydrofoil up the Danube. Sounds interesting. Two companies on the net: DDSG Blue Danube (www.ddsg-blue-danube.at) and Manhart Passnave (www.mahartpassnave.hu) Both have same cost (ATS 830 one way) with identical times. Dpt Bud 0800 Arr Vienna 1420. (Is this just one company?) <BR>The cost doesn't seem to be that much of a difference, so, do we need the extra 3 hours in Vienna, or would we really enjoy the Danube trip? That is the question. <BR>Any thoughts out there would be greatly received. Thanks.

Paula

I took a hydrofoil on Lake Como and had to get off. It was enclosed, hot, and stuffy. It moved so fast that you could not really see anything. The ferries were much more enjoyable.

Bob Brown

We spent 3.5 days in Vienna last year and left a lot unseen. We did not strike a leisurely pace, either. <BR>But there is always this year when we return for another visit. <BR> <BR>

eva

The hidrofoil is the same as Paula's on Lake Como,enclosed and too fast to see anything.The train is best option. <BR>Eva

Art

It seems that the consensios is to take the train. No one that has tried it, cared for the Hydrofiol. Two days in Budapest will not even come close to seeing the city. I spent 7 days there 2 years ago and could have stayed longer. It that is all you have though, it is still far better than not seeing it at all. Have a great trip. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

liz

I took the hydrofoil with visions of a lovely ride on the Danube with lunch,etc. It was awful. Old Communist era boats, enclosed, stuffy and too fast. Take the train,

Joe

Once you get past Esztergom on the Danube, the trip gets pretty boring by boat. It is a wonderful drive with possible stops at Setendre, Esztergom, the Pannonhaima Monastary, The Mansion at Fertod, Sopron (these all in Hungary), The awsome Abbey at Melk, and the quaint villages of Krems and Durstein (in Austria). You follow the Danube frequently on this trip. The little towns along the way and the farm country in Southern Austria are just beautiful I know this is not what you asked about, but you should consider it since you are in such a pretty part of the world.