Looking for ideas spring 2001 would like to do Munich, Innsbruck, Budapest, Vienna, Prague back to Munich. 2 adults, we're flexible and my husband's 50th birthday.

Lesley, <BR>It's difficult to offer ideas without knowing more about your plans and yourselves. How long do you plan to spend in Europe? Do you plan to travel by train or auto? What are your primary interests and those of your husband: history, art, architecture, dining, shopping? Are you thinking of 5-star accommodations (damn the cost, full speed ahead) or rural gasthausen and more modest hotels? Tell us more!

Hi Lesley, <BR>I visited Munich, Budapest and Prague last summer. I was there in late June and the weather was very spring like (rainy & cool) in Prague and Munich. Budapest had more summerlike weather. I suggest about 3 days in Munich as it is a small city with lots of good shopping and very good beer (I'm not usually fond of beer). I suggest taking a train out to see the Neuschwenstein "Disney" castle. For accomodations in Munich, it is better to arrive with advanced bookings as the tourist office which is located next to the train station doesn't make any. (Unlike at other cities I've been to). A funplace to go although a bit of tourist trap is the famous Hopfbrauhaus in Munich. It is a huge beerhall that offers all the oompahpah that is typical of Barvaria. <BR>Budapest has beautiful oldworld eastern european style buildings but are a bit crumbling. A beautiful place is the Opera house. My friend and I managed to catch a concert by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra there at the last minute for 1$ each! It was a definite highlight. There are many spas and baths that is also a good idea to check out. Suggest about 3 days there at most. Bring good walking shoes because it is a city best taken in by walking. People are friendly but don't speak much english. <BR>Prague is pretty grey and dull outside of the Old City area. That's were the most beautiful buildings and shops are located. Very inexpensive city. Suggest eating at local eateries(pubs)but bring a mini dictionary. Well worth it. Can have a full course meal from drinks to dessert for about 4$US at these places. There is a daily open air market in the Old city that sell some the same things found in the shops for a lot less. If you are interested in Bohemia crystal, you find them chock a block here. When in Prague, suggest taking a trip to the countryside. Very beautiful. Taxis are a ripoff when catching them on the main boulevard. Beware. They ask for 3-4 times the normal price. <BR>Pricewise, Prague was the least expensive, Budapest was moderate and Munich the most expensive. <BR>Hope this helps some.

Thanks for the responses. I am looking to fly then pick up car and drive wherever. We are flexible, my husband loves the history, war aspect, not too keen on museums but will do them. Also want to see about attending a concert. We are flexible and open to all/any ideas. Plan on 2 week trip. What's a good time weatherwise,touristwise between March and May or possible Sept-Oct.?

If you're interested in culture Budapest would be the best in spring, because the Hungarians have a special "spring festival" each year. Operas, concerts, and ballets are wonderful there. <BR>

Lesley, Sounds like fun but I have 2 <BR>concerns. First, you only mention big <BR>cities and are driving past the best <BR>parts of this area. Think Salzburg, <BR>Hallstatt, Melk, Oberammergau, Cesky <BR>Krumlov, St Gilgen etc. for the best <BR>experience. Also, you say spring but I hope you mean May. It can be chilly before that. I would plan the first 2 <BR>weeks of May and include only Munich and <BR>Prague for your big city culture and <BR>concerts. Prague is superb then. <BR>Let me know if you need more details.