molker - against my better judgment I will respond to this. Just because what you stated was true doesn't mean you didn't do it in a condescending manner.

I have traveled extensively. However on this trip we have limited time due to young kids at home, a friend I want to visit in Budapest and a desire to at least see Venice for a day or two. We decided just to spend a couple days in each place and move around much more than we normally would. I only started this post to see if there are some good day trips that I might not otherwise be aware of. If you have anything to add to that (such as travel time to Mathausen) feel free. If you want to lecture me about travel habits please find another place to post.

No lecture - just stating the obvious. If you had taken the time to read my post-
I provided the travel time from Vienna to Mauthausen and actual advice regarding Mauthausen station to the camp. Seems this done in a way not acceptable to you.
Residing in Vienna and traveling regularly I know some information, day trips etc. Certainly will not add anything more on this post.

I did read your post. I was using the travel time to Mathausen as an example of something you had listed that was helpful. Thank you for agreeing to no more posts.

I had silently decided to drop out of this thread because of the tone. Now I am making my decision explicit.

Ditto Padraig.

Me too I had actually looked to see if there was a way to close my own thread or delete it. I apologize I should have just kept my mouth shut.

Hi; It seems to me you have been prety clear on where you want to go and how much time you have. You also gave reasons on why your time is limited. Fly into Budapest and out of Venice. So, to only answer the question you asked about, Budapest, Vienna and Venice, 'bratsandbeer' had a good suggestion. Three days in Budapest and Vienna. Overnight train to Venice for two days. Simple, we have done short trips before and everything worked out fine. Richard http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/budapest http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/vienna http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/venice

If we had to cut either Vienna or Venice from 3 to 2 days what would you recommend and why. It will be my first time in both cities.

changed topic slightly and changed location

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-or-venice.cfm

didn't like negative tone I had helped create on this thread

A whole bunch of folks are way too sensitive.

Padraig - your need to make your decision not to participate explicit rather than passive is a hoot.

Molker - I find you detailed responses on Vienna very useful and on point. I will be doing much of my own planning for a 3 day visit in late April / early May around them.