steven_blancher

As the topic reads, looking to make this trip in about 6 months and want to start getting a feel about the logistics of the whole thing. I will fly into Prague and would prefer to hit a second city maybe a third on my way to Vienna to fly out. Considering I'm heading that way I figured Brno would be another nice place to see. I have about 17-18 days of vacation time depending on flights, and want to try and split my time evenly between Prague and Vienna. Money won't be a huge issue, but I also don't want to go crazy. Thanks in advance for any advice, I'm really looking forward to this trip.

adrienne

I would not recommend Brno; I found it dull and not very pretty.

Typical towns in the Czech Republic to visit outside Prague are Kutna Hora (day trip) and Cesky Krumlov (overnight). Both are small and don't take more than a day to see them. There is an interesting monastery outside Cesky Krumlov that I would recommend seeing if you're in the area. If you're taking public transportation your hotel can get you a cab to take you there and return.

If you are only interested in cities (rather than towns) you can visit Berlin, Munich, or Krakow plus Prague and Vienna.

steven_blancher

Honestly I would be interested in taking a day to visit smaller locations such as towns or out of the way historic sites. Although the night life is something I want to experience, I also want to get a feel for the culture and history. Thanks for the tip on Brno

Dukey1

With that many days IMO you NEED to do more than just Prague and Vienna BUT we know nothing of your likes and dislikes.

Three other cities come to mind:

Berlin, already mentioned which offers an ultra contrast compared to Prague/Vienna and as to "nightlife" trust me, in Berlin is is ALL available!

Second city would be Dresden and even though it has been more or less totally restored post the devastation from WWII bombing you might consider it for the art viewing possibilities alone.

Third would be Budapest which is somewhat like Vienna but somehow not nearly as "imperial." I first visited it when it was still behind the Iron Curtain and what a difference freedom has made.

KL467

Vienna and Prague are great! What type of activities do you like/dislike?

Andrew

I think I'd add Budapest as well, even though you must backtrack back to Vienna. Budapest has a very different feel from Vienna - it feels somehow more mysterious and a little darker. Vienna felt pleasant and relaxed to me.

Personally, I didn't care much for Vienna, and I can't imagine spending a week there. (There's a recent thread here called "Never to Return" - a discussion of places visitors would never want to go back to, and Vienna made a few of those lists, so I guess I'm not alone.) I'm not sorry I visited, but two nights was plenty for me. If you are a music lover, perhaps you'd want more to enjoy more concerts.

With 17-18 days, you could also add say Salzburg. You could even add Krakow, if you don't mind a couple of long days by train in between.

joannyc

With that amount of time, I'd do

Prague for 5 nights (jet lag 1st day) w day trip to Terezin
Cesky Krumlov for 1-2 nights
Vienna for 5 nights with day trip to Melk
Budapest for remainder of stay w day trip to ????? was not thrilled w Szententren (sp?)

Or maybe you could add a few nights in Salzburg.

adrienne

For nightlife you need to stick to cities as small towns will not have any nightlife. If you don't need nightlife activity every day then a combination of cities and smaller towns is ideal. Small towns are pretty much the same all over the world, things close down in the early evening unless there is a special occasion.

Another thought - you might want to wait for better weather. Six months brings you to February and evenings will be cold (and days as well). I love European cities when the weather is nice as there are many outside restaurants and entertainment in the squares but you would have to wait until late May or June for this.

robertcoon

Adding my vote for a stop in Budapest too. amazing city!

steven_blancher

I actually have spoken to a few other people and Budapest has been added! I wasn't really sure how long I should spend in each city... but maybe instead of flying into Prague I could fly in more west, like Berlin and then travel that way. Someone asked what kinda activities I am into... and that is def hiking. I want to come out there in the spring or early summer so not sure where some gorgeous hikes might be.

fourfortravel

I would propose that you travel in late spring or early summer as well, and suggest the following general itinerary.

Day 1. Arrive Prague
Days 2-5 Prague with possible side trips to Terezin or Kutna Hora, O/N train to Krakow
Days 6-9 Krakow and possible side trips to Auschwitz, Salt Mines
Days 10-14 Fly into and tour Budapest
Days 15-17 Travel to and tour Vienna, with a possible day trip to Melk if you've overdosed on Imperial sightseeing. There are 500km of hiking trails in and around Vienna, the Vienna Woods and through the vineyards that offer gorgeous views of the city and the Danube.
Day 18 Depart Vienna