sndraco

Hi

Going to Austria and hopefully Croatia (short trip) and wanted suggestions on places and itinerary. Landing in Vienna on Dec 17th, 2010 and leaving from Vienna to Dubai on Dec 23rd at 1 pm.

I have a RailEurope Austria, Croatia, Slovenia pass (as it’s a bit warmer, have heard things about Dubrovnik, and Splitvice national park)

Initially was thinking some combination of 2 days in Vienna, ½ day in Salzburn, maybe ½ day in Innsbruck, and rest of time in Croatia but since I have no idea of places wanted to get opinions of places and also how best to use the pass (totally ok with night trains to save time and $$).

In terms of my likes, mix of city and small town, like nature as well as relaxing with some good food/drink esp. in non touristy places where I can use my high school german J

Need suggestions on itinerary and places to see, what to do (places to stay welcome too).

Thanks

Shriram

bobthenavigator

It will take 7 days just to see Vienna and the Salzburg area. Try to see the abbey at Melk as you travel between. Include Croatia when you have 2 more weeks.

lindy27

Sounds like you will really only have 6 days. Vienna needs at least 3 full days. Salzburg needs 2 and including the travel to Salzburg and back to Vienna equals 6 days.

You will not have time to do Austria and Croatia. Train transportation between Croatia and Austria is not the best.

Stick with just Austria, Vienna is a great large city and they have plenty of small towns and nature you can see also.

Malvacya

At a stretch, you could squeeze in Ljubljana, but 6/7 hours each way, takes far too much from your time.

bettyk

Agree with others. You can't do that much in the time you have. Everything would just be a blur and you'd spend all your time getting from place to place.

Stick with Vienna and the Salzburg area. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the lovely little town of St. Gilgen on Wolfgangsee in less than an hour. The entire town will be decorated in lights for the Christmas season. They also have a Christmas market.

http://www.wolfgangsee.at/en/5-08-0-...er_advent.html

sndraco

HI All thanks much for your advice, I have decided to not go to Croatia or Slovenia and will ask for my refund of my pass. Two questions.

1. In addition to Vienna, any other spots folks would recommend, I was thinking Innsbruck and Salzburg but really open to anything including even Munich or Prage instead of Innsbruck/Salzburg?

2. re: buying train tickets is it worth doing Rail Europe country pass or just as easy/cheap to buy in Austria/locally?

Thanks

Shriram

bettyk

I would spend 4 days (17th - 20th) in Vienna and the remaining time in Salzburg, returning to Vienna in time for your flight on the 23rd. You don't really have time for anything else IMO.

joannyc

I'd suggest Vienna with a stop in Melk on your way to Salzburg.

lindy27

I would look into Salzburg, Melk or Hallstatt in addition to Vienna.

I would think for just 2 or 3 trips on trains just in Austria, buying them individually in Austria would be cheaper than a railpass.