Best Route from Milan to Prague
 

Hi to all-

I found a deal where we arrive in Milan (MXP) on January 2 at 10:40am and have a flight departing Prague (PRG) January 8 at 9:50am. We would like to spend 2 days in Prague but before then we have no idea what route to take from Milan to Prague. We want to see as much as possible while still being in each city long enough to enjoy. We also have no idea what cities are the best to visit that time of year. We are open to all ideas. Any suggestions on which route would be the best?

Are you driving or taking trains - makes a big difference in recommendations - I'll assume trains because renting a car in Italy and dropping it off in the Czech Republic typically results in a steep steep drop-off charge.

Switzerland is obviously a natural place to spend a few days - like the in fantastic Jungfrau Region around Interlaken - also right on the main rail route from Milan to Germany. Spoend say three days there

and then head to Munich - a great base for a few days - take a day trip to Mad Ludwig's fantasy castle at Fussen (easily done by train) - Munich to Prague is best done by bus though I think there is also an overnight train as well.

For lots of neat stuff on European train travel I always spotlight these IMO superb sites: www.budgeteuropetravel.com (download their free online European Planning & Rail Guide that gives lots of rail itineraries in each country); www.seat61.com; and www.ricksteves.com.

Thanks PalenQ! Very helpful. We were planning on trains.

Well - since you're going in January you will obviously be prepared for cold weather and snow. So then you need to decide if you want to do a lot of indoor sights (with a little outdoor getting around in between) or if you want to do winter sports (for which Switz would be great - but very expensive).

Without knowing who you and your group are, what interests you have, how much you like winter weather and some idea of budget it's hard to make a lot of specific recos.

I will say that I think just 2 days (and is this 2 full days - as in 3 nights?) is giving Prague short shrift. There are wonderful walking tours available from the Town Hall - and the music scene is incredibly diverse and busy - definitely visit the opera house if possible.

nytraveler- Definitely more interested in being outside exploring rather than inside. There are just two of us traveling together, both are in mid twenties, and we are on a moderate budget.

We are definitely open to staying in Prague longer. How long would you recommend?

What are the best stops between Milan and Prague that might fit the group?

Been to Prague thrice and think 3 days there for the city itself is about right for the average tourist.

Instead of Munich you could go to Prague via Vienna - spend some days there and from there a short enough train ride to Prague.

What do you want to see in Milan and Prague? You need to know how much time you'll need in those two cities before you know if you have time for another destination. FWIW, four full days in Prague would be my minimum.

You have 5 full days not impacted by arriving and departing flights. You always run the risk your arriving flight will be delayed (esp. in winter), so even though it's scheduled to land at 10:30a you may not have much of that day to use for sightseeing. It will be dark before 5:00p.

It will take an entire day to train from Milan to Prague.

BTW, Prague will be very cold. You'd be lucky if the daytime temps got higher than freezing. So, if you want to spend most of your time outdoors, be well prepared.

Yup I would bag Prague in cold January - stay in warmer Italy perhaps and head south or over to the French Riviera - somewhere where the sun don't set in mid-afternoon and rise in mid-morning and a whole lot warmer.

Head south, not north IMO - maybe even end in Greece - probably have a non-changeable flight but Prague in early January - no thanks!

It sounds like the plane tickets have already been purchased. Into Milan, out of Prague.

We have no plans of staying in Milan. Want to start heading to Prague but not sure where we should stop along the way.

From Malpensa Airport for the first day you could take the train to nearby Stresa, a lovely town on lovely Lake Maggiore, where just offshore are the three famous Borromean Islands, each with a different delight on them - boats go there from Stresa. Smack on main rail line to Switzerland.

Malpensa is also not far by train from Switzerland - if energetic upon arrival hop the train (or bus) to Milano Centrale station then take direct trains to Switzerland - you could be in the Interlaken area in about 4-5 hours I think and base there for a few days if into winter sports scene or if not go to Lucerne, a real gem that is smack on the way to Prague via either Munich or Austria.