My wife and I hope to take an overnight train from Amsterdam to either Prague or Vienna. We will be leaving Amsterdam on July 21st and arriving at our destination on the 22nd. We have five nights before our flight back to the States on the 27th (out of Munich in the afternoon). Possible places to visit (in order of interest to us) include Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Salzburg, Bratislava.

We need help deciding on where to stay, Prague or Vienna. We also need some help deciding on a practical itinerary that we can accomplish in the time we have.

My initial plan is to stay in Vienna because of its central location amongst our possible destinations. Then we'll travel by Rail to Prague one day and Budapest or Bratislava on another day. I know one day is not enough to truly experience these places.

Please share thoughts on this possible itinerary and/or other suggested itineraries.

Split the time between Vienna and Munich. You'll have plenty to see in both to more than fill the days you have left. Both cities have major museums and palaces to visit in addition to just walking around to enjoy the architecture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7622927111169/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7623111626965/

Staying in Vienna and doing day trips to thee other cities is not a realistic option. They are simply too far away and you would be spending the bulk of your tie sitting on a train. (Check bahn.de for train schedules). Spending 6 to 7 hours on a train to spend 6 hours in a city really makes no sense.

In 5 nights you should stay in or at most 2 cities - if you are to really see anything.

And, by the way - the are you will be in is central europe. Ester Europe is Russia, Ukraine etc.

Nytraveler, you are right, Central Europe help needed, not Eastern Europe.

Vienna to Budapest is 3 hrs each way by train.

Vienna to Prague is 4-1/2 to 5 hrs each way.

Vienna to Salzburg is 3 hrs each way.

Bratislava is the closest to Vienna by train at 1 hr each way. It is your most viable option for a day trip.

Check this website for further info:

http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml