anniemac

Hi - hoping for input on 10 day trip to Central Europe before I pull the plug and book the air. I know it's relatively short for the number of stops, but we can't get away for any longer and also as avid cruisers are used to only having a small taste of multiple locations. Hubby and I are early 50s, traveling with 16 y/o son. Enjoy sampling local cuisine, sightseeing and active experiences (ie we loved ziplining in Costa Rica). Our tentative plans are:
leave US evening of Thu July 9, arrive Budapest 3 p.m the next day (Friday).
Budapest all day Saturday (want to do baths!), take train to Bratislava Sunday. Spend Sunday and Monday night in Bratislava, depart for Vienna (maybe on hydrofoil?) Tuesday. Tuesday night and Wednesday night in Vienna, depart Vienna via train for Prague on Thursday. Spend Thur, Fri, Saturday night in Prague, depart for home from Prague on Sunday. This gives us one full day without travel in every location, and two full days in Prague. Is this realistic? I do know it's possible to spend a week in every one of these cities, but we really just want to hit a few of the main highlights. If anything, Vienna appeals to us less than other locations - not sure why, though. We would definitely NOT be going to the opera. Have tentatively booked Residence Hotel Agnes in Prague already due to great reviews and family room. TIA for your recommendations.

PalenQ

If you are taking four train rides check out the European East Railpass, valid on trains in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary - just hop on any train anytime - the ease of use is a key and IME in Eastern Europe first class is well worth the extra money and the pass is an especially good deal in first class.

For lots of details on trains in central Europe (or Eastern Europe as it is often erroneaously called) check these fine sources: www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com and www.seat61.com.

It does seem an ambitious itinerary for 10 days however - I did Bratisalav as a nice day trip from Vienna - one hour by train about twice as long by water - one less base saves time - packing unpacking relocating can take half a day. One less overnight change the better in this case IMO.

DebitNM

In November 2014 - we did:
5 nights, 4 days in Prague
3 nights in Bratislava with day trip to Vienna
5 nights, 4 days in Budapest.

We picked to stay in Bratislava over Vienna as a cost saving measure. If I could do it over, I would have done it the other way.

Bratislava, although on the euro, is the country that has come the least distance from Communism. The walking tour we did was very informative. We did a couple of them, in fact.

Do a walking tour in Bratislava with:
http://www.befreetours.com/

In Budapest - do walking tours with - [we did 3]
http://triptobudapest.hu/

anniemac

Thanks for the train and tour info, DebitNM and PalenQ! You are both confirming what I already knew - that I need to drop an overnight location. It sounds as if you both recommend stay in Vienna and day trip to Bratislava. PalenQ, did you travel one way by water? I've read conflicting reports on the desirability of the scenery. If it's a nice addition to the trip, we'd take the extra time. Otherwise, we'd prefer the faster mode of rail. I have seen Bratislava recommended due to lower cost, but we are pleasantly surprised at the hotel prices I've seen so far in all places. We need three real beds if possible, as teen is man-sized, so prefer family rooms or need two regular ones. We'd like to spend $250 a night or less if possible. We like boutique over chains, and aren't terribly budget conscious although we never splurge at the Ritz level (prefer to spend $$$ on dining and other experiences). DebitNM, if you recommend any of your hotels I'd appreciate the names.
So, if I have 9 nights to work with, I can roughly equalize stay as follows:
4 days/3 nights Budapest (first day won't really count due to travel)
3 nights Vienna w/day trip to Bratislava
3 nights Prague

does that sound more reasonable to sample these cities?

DebitNM

We used Hotwire for hotels in Prague. We got The General Hotel. It is a bit of a walk to the "action" or short tram ride. We loved the uniqueness of hotel and their breakfast [included] was one of the best we ever had!

In Budapest, we stayed at the Marriott right along the river. I got a great "Best Rate Guarantee" rate that included breakfast. Also a really good breakfast. Excellent location. Although we usually prefer non-chain hotels, this was too good a deal to pass up.

GinnyJo

You mentioned sampling local cuisine -- you might enjoy a tour of the Central Market Hall in Budapest for the three of you. Cooking classes are also offered which get stellar reviews on TripAdvisor.

I am booked for one of the tours in May which includes (quoting from my reservation with [email protected]):

"--Central Market Hall – a 1,5-2 hour long guided culinary and cultural adventure
--Multiple food tastings that definitely make for a full meal
--Tasting of palinka (Hungary`s national drink, fruit brandy)
--Summary email with everything we tasted
This program comes with a 100% money back guarantee. If at anytime during the market tour you decide it is not for you, you are not satisfied with our service, or you just expected something else, please let us know and you do not have to pay. No question asked."

DebitNM

OMG -- Palinka almost made my head explode!!! My husband too and he has way more tolerance for alcohol then me.

GinnyJo

<<Palinka almost made my head explode!!!>>

Haha -- my tasting tour starts at 9am -- I guess I will have a long day afterwards!

PalenQ

PalenQ, did you travel one way by water?>

No because I went in early January and boats were not running regular schedules and I wanted to spend as much time in Bratislava as possible - a really nice resorted old town center but one day was enough - the scenery along the Danube I do not think is that great though a boat trip on a working waterway to me is always intriguing but not to all.

anniemac

Great ideas, all. Love the Budapest food market tasting or cooking classes, that's an idea I hadn't come across yet. Hubby and I are foodies that eat vegetarian/pescotarian (son eats anything and lots of it) but we realize the local cuisine is likely meat heavy and we may have to be more flexible.It does sound super fun. Can't wait to try to palinka! I will post again when I sketch out our hotels and activities a bit more to see what were people's favorites. In the meantime, please feel free to suggest "don't miss" sights. I know we want to do the baths in Budapest, and while our son won't be big on castle after castle (or multiple galleries or churches) we will do some, so I want to pick the best representative experiences. Thanks for the input so far. Getting very excited about this trip.

PalenQ

Note there are two train stations in Bratislava - the old main one in the town center and a newer one on the other side of the Danube towards Vienna - most Vienna trains now go there and it's about a mile or so by bus or foot to the historic center - try to get a train that goes to the main station in the town center - though there are fewer of these IME it is worth it - it's right in the center - clcose to the royal palace or whatever they call it - nice gardens there.

PalenQ

Boats docks right smack in the town center so that is the most convenient way or arriving. train stations like gthe main one can be a bit of a hassle getting from train to the exit if crowded.