Hi,

I am in the beginning stages of planning my husband and I's first trip to Prague for mid-January. Ideally, we'd like to have one week (6 nights total)...4 days in Prague, and either 2 in Vienna OR 1 in Cesky Krumlov and a day trip to Dresden.

What do you think?

If we choose the second option, is Dresden the right choice, or another Czech town?

THANKS in advance!

Tara

I would definetely prefer Vienna, although 2 days are not enough for this wonderfull city, they may be sufficient to get the "smell". Vienna is as nice as Prague, If you ask my opinion nicer, an imperial city with many palaces, baroque buildings, great gardens, big shopping avenues, traditional wine and beer taverns and wonderfull villages around... too much to see in only 2 days, but Vienna does really worth even this little time!

Hi, tarajane -
I love Vienna, but IMHO it deserves more than 2 days. I haven't been to Cesky Krumlov or Dresden, but from what I've read, they could be reasonably seen in the time you have available. Hope that helps!

Thank you vayio and kja! It does help. Yes, I was worried about visiting Vienna for such a short time...plus, I believe it is pricey...BUT, we're so close and it is Vienna! Hmmm, how will I decide?

I had always heard how expensive Vienna was, also, but I didn't find it that expensive myself in comparison to other EUropean capitals. I thought it was cheaper than Paris in many ways, for example.

I would not do 1 day trip from Prague to both Cesky Krumlov and Dresden within six days. They are both possible as day trips, but very long ones as you'll spend about 6 hours in transportation for either, out of the day.

IN mid-January, I would go to Dresden rather than Cesky Krumlov for a day trip, I suppose. I haven't really been in either area in January, which I'll admit isn't that appealing to me, but I really wouldn't do both those long trips from Prague.

hi, tarajane,

Have you looked at a map? How are you travelling?

Cesky Krumlov is in the opposite direction to dresden - it would make much more sense to go there on the way to Vienna! However, in 6 days, you don't have enough time to do that even ignoring whatever problems the weather may throw at you at that time of year.

I would do Prague for 4 nights, and spend the other 2 in Dresden. There is plenty to do there, I gather . [not been yet, but it's high on my to do list]. If you want more info about Dresden, click on or search for "ingo"'s name on this forum - he is a mine of information.

regards, ann

Thanks Christina and Ann!

Ok, I could do 3 nights in Prague and 3 nights in Vienna.

OR...

Ann-If not Vienna and just Prague and one day trip...would you choose Dresden or Cesky Krumlov? I'll check out "ingo" too. THANKS!

Christina-Why would you choose Dresden over CK in January?

You have both been very helpful.

~Tara

Also...

Would you happen to know of a charming hotel in Vienna (convenient to what a tourist would like to see, since we're only going to be there a short time) for under /around 100 euros? Is that even possible?

I think we're going to splurge on a hotel in Prague...Golden Well, Ventana, Residence Retezova, or Aria...some offer deals for January. How good of a deal do you think we could get? Which would you choose?

Thanks for the advice...I'm sure I'll be back again soon to ask you for more.

~Tara

Tara I would suggest hotel "Zipser", a very nice 3 star hotel, behind Vienna's townhall (rathaus), maybe town's nicest building. Also near metro. You are 15 minutes from Vienna's old city by foot (3 min with metro), near Hofburg palace and near all sighseeings. Try www.hotelsaustria.com, it gives this hotel's price much much cheaper than any other web site. About 70 euro/night (for 4 night stay, you pay 3). P.S. I stayed there last February, I also liked their rich breakfast buffet.

hi, tarajane,

if you are going to split your visit 3/3, then Prague and Vienna would be fine IMO. we spent 3 days in Prague between Christmas and New Year about 3 years ago, and it was just the right amount of time.

we particularly enjoyed the opera [very cheap but top class] a puppet show [no need to book you just turn up or buy tickets on the day] and a concert in the municipal hall. [the restaurant in the cellar there is very good too].

I'm sure you'll have a great time.

regards, ann

I would choose Dresden over CK in January because it's a real, vibrant city. There is a lot to see and do there. CK is a very small town with nothing much to do, and the main attraction (the castle) is closed in winter.

Thank you all again for such helpful information! Very much appreciated!

So, I’ve been searching and searching for deals on flights and I see a flight out of Austin, TX (where I live) to Amsterdam for $562 (INCLUDING all taxes/fees)....January 8th-16th.

Then, I would plan to spend 3 nights in Amsterdam, fly SkyEurope for $50usd round to Prague for 4 nights.

What do you all think of this plan???

I am so tempted to book now, since it is out of Austin and I wouldn't have to drive the 4-5 hours to Houston or Dallas for a flight, BUT don't you think I could get a better flight for a January trip to Europe? Will there be better deals out in October or November? OR, should I just book now?!?!

I also see a flight out of Houston, TX (4-5 hour drive for me) to Paris for $590 (INLCUDING all taxes/fees). What do you think of this deal?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Tara

Thank you for all of your help!

I have had a bit of a change in plans due to a flight deal that I could not pass up....therefore, and unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to Vienna this time...but, I will be in Amsterdam, Prague, and possibly Dresden.

What do you think of my itinerary?

On Wednesday, January 9th, I fly AUS-AMS via Memphis with a connection/"plane change" in Memphis of only 1hr 25min. Is this enough time to connect for the flight overseas???

Then, do you think I should stay in Amsterdam for 1 night, fly to Prague via SkyEurope on the 11th for 4 nights and then fly back to Amsterdam for the remaining 2 nights?

Or, I could stay in Amsterdam the first 3 nights, 4 nights in Prague and fly SkyEurope and back to the States on the same day? Do you think it's too risky to fly back from PRG-AMS via SkyEurope with an arrival time at AMS of 8:00am and then a departure back to the States at 1:50pm on the same day?

I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you again.

~Tara

hi, tara,

I'm always against too many changes so i don't really like the AMS 1 day/PRG 4 days/AMS 2 days idea.

Schipol is a really easy airport to negotiate. I cant'see why if you are there by 8am, that you wouldnt' have enoguh tmie to connect with your 1.50 pm flight. you should have at least 3 hours to spare before you have to check in. there are loads of nice shops, restaurants, internet cafes at Schipol, even a museum.

L can't help you about the connection time in Memphis - you may have to post on the US board.

regards, ann

Thank you again Ann. I was advised to allow extra days at the end of my trip since SkyEurope often changes and cancels their flights...and, this would allow room to still catch my flight back to the States.

What do you think?

~Tara

hi, tara,

that rather chsnges things- my only experience of a cheapie airline has been easyjet who, so far, have been very reliable.

in that case, I'd do one night in AMS, then the rest of trip, ending up with 2 nights on the way back. IMO it's far less tiring doing short stays early in the trip, than it is at the end.

regards, ann

Have you bought the tickets yet? I would not be willing to fly on an airlines that was known to be so unreliable just to save a few bucks.

I don't get to Europe often. I'd rather pay a little more for a great plane ticket with good times and reputable carrier, and plan my vacation the way I want to do it... not hopping around just because an airline may or may not screw up your flight home.