the_ramans

Even though I had my reservations to go to europe on British Airways for more than a couple of months, the excitement is finally kicking in (thanks to my work for keeping it suppressed).

My wife and I are planning to leave Rome with our 2 teenage nephew & niece and fly into Frankfurt Hahn aiport (Ryan air - 200 euros for all 4 of us) on Aug 29. I have to return to Rome by the evening of Sep 5th. I plan to rent a car from Frankfurt and finally drop it off in Geneva, Switzerland on Sep 5th and fly back to Rome thru easy jet (Easyjet - 150 euros for all 4 of us).

Our main goal is to see Prague, Munich and Salsburg.

I would like some suggestions in the following areas:
1. a good itinerary using the car - prefer not to take the car to Prague (all the good cars are not allowed into eastern bloc countries).
2. places to stay around munich - small towns are preferred
3. is the glacier express across switzerland worth it?
4. what not to miss during this 7-8 day trip?
5. what is a good car rental for BMW/Mercedes type cars?

I hope your comments and suggestions will help my excitement go up a couple of levels.

TravlGrl

I can answer your 5th question...
The Mercedes A-class. It's kind of like a small minivan, so there will be room for all of your stuff. You also ride a little bit higher than most cars, so it's easy to navigate through traffic.

Also, in response of what not to miss...Munich. Great city! I've been there a few times and just love it!

the_ramans

Thanks TG. Which is a good car rental to use? I am talking to Autoeurope and the standard Avis, Hertz and Budget. Is it better to take it with a GPS or just the good old maps are enough ?

GregPCM

Ramans,

I can help with 3 & 4 because I hate to drive in Europe. There are several reasons, but if you can get a GPS it will be a great help and prevent wasting a alot of time trying to figure out where you really are.

The Glacier Express route is well worth the trip assuming the weather is good. You can take the tourist train, which is non-stop (no changing of trains) or you can do it by taking the regular trains and make about 4 changes. Both travel the same toute, but the regular trains are less expensive. I feel that all the scenic trains in Switzerland are fun and a great way to see the country.

Salzburg is a city filled with many things to see in and around the city. Even though they may sound touristy, the Sound of Music tour and going to a Mozart Concert are enjoyable. The gardens and the Abbey are also fun to see. St Augustine Beer Hall and church are also "must sees" in Salzburg. Out side of the city in the Eagles Nest in Germany. It will be hard to fit it all in, so just pick some of the sites and plan on coming back for more.

Have fun.

Greg

the_ramans

Thanks Greg. I have to figure out how to accomodate it in my trip. Looks like I have to stay the prev night in St. Mortiz to get the next day's train. I presume the drive across the switzerland is not as dramatic as the train.

GregPCM

Ramans,

Yes, that is correct and it takes alot longer as well. There's nothing like coming out of a tunnel 1000 m above the ground on a bridge that seems like it's floating in the air.

Greg

the_ramans

I am unable to get reservations for the glass top train. Is it overrated or is the non-glass top tourist train still fine?

treplow

First of all, try to avoid picking up the car in Germany and dropping it off in Switzerland. Cross-border drop-off s are very expensive.

I agree that you don't need a car in Prague and that, in fact, the rental agenzy will let you take a Mercedes or BMW tghere. You might do your scenic driving in Germany before you go to Prague. My suggestion: Plan to drop off the car in Regensburg and take the train from there to Prague, and then the train from Prague to Switzerland via Munich. The website of the German Railroad (Bundesbahn)is very good, even for scheduling trains outside of Germany. They just won't give you fares for those parts of your itinerary which are outside of Germany. (http://bahn.de)