Florence to Prague suggestions
 

Hi all,

I have a conference in Florence which ends on June 10 and another conference in Prague which starts on June 22. My wife and I would like to leisurely work our way from Florence to Prague in between the 2 conferences and are looking for itinerary suggestions.

Our initial thought was to leave Florence on June 11 by train and head north towards Innsbruck. We would like to spend a 2 days in that area for some outdoor activities (hiking, etc.). We would also like to visit Vienna for 2 days of city activities (museums, general sightseeing, etc.). This leaves us with another 5-6 days of travel time. We're open to all suggestions for other cities/areas to see which make sense in terms of our general route, minimizing the time we spend on trains.

We've traveled Europe extensively so we're used to the traveling by train and we're also comfortable traveling without pre-booked accomodation. We're looking for a mix of big cities and more rural areas. Possibilites are Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Hi J,

Will you have spent a few days in Venice when you visited Florence?

((I))

Ira,

We won't be visiting Venice during our Florence trip. We've been to Venice before so we hadn't planned on making that part of this trip. However, if we head towards Slovenia from Florence it would probabaly be worth stopping for a day or two in Venice since its right on the way.

Innsbruck is fabulous and Salzburg is an easy daytrip from there if you haven't been. Maybe stay an extra day in that area. It is also a very pretty train ride into Munich from Innsbruck.

BTW I am jealous of your life!

Hi J,

>... it would probabaly be worth stopping for a day or two in Venice since its right on the way. <

You are a very perspicacious planner. I'd do 2 days.

((I))

Oooh, so many choices! You could do the following:
1) Venice -overnight
2) Drive NE to the Soca River Valley in Slovenia. Enjoy the sports there, including hiking, fly fishing, canyoning, kayaking and white water rafting. Also enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stay at Hisa Franko, Pristava Lepena or Nebesa. Eat at Hisa Franko.
3) Wind your way via the Vrsic to Ljubljana. 1 day there and 1 day in Bled.
4) Then, drive to Vienna (4 hours) and visit all the delights there.
5) Hop down to Budapest. Spend 4 days or so there.
6) Then, head North to Prague.

Alternatively, you could go through the Italian Dolomiti which are absolutely gorgeous and spend some hiking and spa time. Then, head up to Innsbruck and Salzburg (I prefer Salzburg), over to Vienna and then on to Budapest.

Cheers,
Jan

SloJan, thanks for the suggestions. We were planning on taking trains rather than renting a car. Is your suggested route through Slovenia okay on trains as well? Hope so because it sounds great.

amaclise, we're trying to avoid Germany b/c its during the World Cup and I think it will be a bit crowded. If we decide to head towards Innsbruck do you think one day in Salzburg is enough? It will be our first time there. BTW, don't be too jealous....we work hard most of the year, but make traveling a priorty when we have the chance just like I presume you (and most on this board) do.

I think I am most in awe of there being two such well timed conferences in Europe! How cool.

You could easily spend two days in Salzburg. I found it nicer to stay in Innsbruck and take the train which would probably work for two visits to Salzburg also. Or you could stay in Innsbruck and relocate down the line for a couple of days in Salzburg. I did find last minute accomodations were easier to come by in Innsbruck if you're not booking ahead.

Good idea to skip Munich. To be honest since I had a rail pass, I took the scenic train ride to Munich, got off, walked around the station, had a beer and went back to Innsbruck! (Nothing against Munich - I just wanted to see the scenery along the way.)

You'll have a great time no matter what you do!

Re trains and Slovenia. You can do it all except for the Soca River Valley. For that, you really need a car.

Too bad. :(

'course, you could always take advantage of the BMW purchase program and buy one here. :D