I have 8 full travel days (not incl. flight days) the last week of March. My hubby and I will be travelling on his frequent flier miles on American and using his Marriott points. With the hotel, we must stay in the same hotel for 5 days to make it worthwhile. I was thinking the following itinerary:

Mar 25-27 Fly to Vienna/visit friends
27 Train to Salzburg or Munich
27-31 Base out of either above to
see Innsbruck and lake
district area
31-1 One night in ?; fly out of
Munich to Chicago
You can see that I am not sure from where to base. With Marriott, there's a lot of choice. Here's what I want: ALPS, lakes, scenic train rides, shopping. I have been to the region before. My hubby wants to see Neuschwanstein Castle. What else can/should we fit in?

I'm not sure what you are asking. Are you looking for advice on how to divide up your time? Or are you looking for a place to stay for one night before you fly home?

If you want to see the Alps, the area around Neuschwanstein (Fussen, Garmisch, Oberammergau, etc.) is gorgeous; you both could get your way.

From Salzburg, you could visit the Salzkammergut or the Berchtesgaden region, both with stunning mountain scenery. The Salzkammergut is filled with beautiful lakes (Hallstatt lake, Wolfgangsee, etc) and the Konigssee in Schonau (near Berchtesgaden) is breathtaking. You couldn't go wrong with either choice.

Good luck!
Tracy

Yes, how best to divide up our time, and out of which city would be best to base, Salzburg or Munich? Thanks though for the rest of your info!

I think both cities would be good to base yourself. I think Salzburg is probably closer to the Alps/countryside, but Munich is a better base to get to Neuschwanstein and the surrounding castles. If your husband really wants to see Neuschwantstein you will still get a taste of the mountains. Decisions decisions...if only all of life's decisions were this much fun!

Good luck again!
Tracy

After doing more research today (first research day of winter break from teaching 4th grade--yeah!!), I found out that the castles are only open for tours from April on. I am there the last week of March for spring break. Should I rethink this entire destination if Alpine views are what I want?