Italy,Austria,Germany driving vacation
 

Landing in Treviso, Italy on June, 16 and flying out of Venice, Marco Polo on June 25th. Thinking of renting a car and driving up to Salzburg,Munich and maybe continuing on maybe through Innsbruck and back down to Venice on the evening of the 23rd to spend last day in Venice. Any suggestions or ideas as to things to do or itinerary changes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi ahamby,

first, what I think is an obvious question - have you ever been to Venice?

if not, you may want to leave a bit longer than a day for you visit there - I'd suggest a minimum of 3 nights, which leaves you with 6 nights [by my maths] for the rest of your trip.

Secondly - have you looked at a map? [I'm not being funny, but have you?] Munich is a bit off your route, but otherwise you can do a very nice round trip going through Udine [a friend's daughter lived there and he loved visiting her as it's such a nice place] Salzburg [with 2 nights at least] Innsbruck [at least a night] and then down through the Dolomites which could easily take the rest of the time you have.

Obviously if you spend less time in Venice, you'd have longer for the trip, so i think that's the decision you have to make first, as you don't have long to find accommodation there, however long you decide to stay.

Hi annhig! Thanks for the info. I know we may be trying to cram a lot into the time we have. It's a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to do. Time IS limited. I'm not familiar with audience, I will check it out.

It's a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to do.>>

once you realise that you can't ever see everything, then trip-planning becomes a lot easier. set yourselves realistic driving times, [google maps and michelin.com both have good websites for working out routes and driving times/distances] try to avoid one-night stands, and remember that you're supposed to be on holiday.

Why go so far?
In your short time, a trip to include the Dolomites, Lago Garda, and Venice will be wonderful and will save you many hours of driving.

Thanks all for the advice! Trip planning still in progress and clock is ticking. Any other suggestions will be well received!

And are you wedded to driving? You can't use the car in Venice, nor is it necessary in Salzburg or Innsbruck, or for the lakes if you decide to stop there. Use bahn.de for European train schedules, seat61.com for general train info.

Is that June this year???

Yes, June 2015. Not wedded to the car., just like the flexibility of being able to stop and go when we want. Went to Ireland last year and and drove everywhere and really loved it.

This trip looks a bit short for flexibility. Also, no reservations?

if there are just the two of you the road trip bit should be fine winging it so long as you are not too picky about where you stay.

but you MUST book ahead for Venice if you don't want to be somewhere grotty or terribly expensive.

I read somewhere it was cheaper to stay in treviso and just take train to Venice? There will be 5, me,wife and kids.

Yes, it would be cheaper, but you have to get to Venice and back every day which adds to the cost.

Plus being able to see Venice in the early morning and in the evening when many of the trippers will have gone is a lovely experience that you won't have if you're in Treviso or Mestre, which is another option.