We are going to Eastern Europe for a month this June-July, flying in and out of Budapest. We plan to spend several days there, and also Krakow, and Berlin, traveling by train in a loop back to Budapest, with the possibility of side trips or intermediate stops such as Nuremburg or Dresden. (Or perhaps one way by train to Berlin and a cheap European flight back to Budapest for our return to the US. Advice on these two options is welcome. We will have time for train rides, but don't want to spend too many days riding and making connections, with layovers, etc.) We are interested in museums and the major sights in those cities but need to plan an itinerary and book some hotels and transportation. We are seasoned travelers, comfortable with public transportation. Wading through the guidebooks can be tedious, so any advice is helpful Such as: How many days in each of those cities to see the main sights, not at breakneck speed? Need we plan every single detail with hotels and train tickets ahead of time, or leave open some options? Any hidden gems that might not be covered in the books? We are not on a strict budget. Thanks for information!
JM

Dresden, Prague and Melk are good. Prague canbe heaving.

Hungary has a whole spa culture you should try, not just the formal ones of Budapest but lots of others.

We have been to Prague (also Vienna and many places in Germany but not Berlin). Spa culture sounds interesting!

Because you are going in the high season, it would be best to book your hotels in advance. You do not necessarily need to book the train travel between each city in advance unless you want to book something that would require a reservation (such as a night train couchette, as an example).

Might I suggest an open jaw flight: fly into one city (Budapest) and out of another. This avoids backtracking and time and money to return to Budapest at the end.

How long to spend in each destination truly depends on what you want to see. There is a reason why you picked these cities, right? Plan around what draws you there.

I know you mentioned that reading through guidebooks is tedious for you, but you as a seasoned traveler knows that is also essential to plan. At the very least, please describe your interests in order for feedback to be given. For example, I don't want to suggest going to Budapest's churches if you're not interested in viewing churches or other religious sights.

for lots on trains and booking own tickets - at a discount if early enough - www.seat61.com has tons of help on doing this yourselves online from home and just have to show up for the train. General train info- www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com. Even doing lots of train rides no ailpass would be of use unless possible the Eastern European Pass - especially if you just want to hop on trains (some required pre-booked seats) and especially if you want to go first class - nice on longer rides and despite what some may say here there is usually quit a comfort level difference and only in first class usually do you have rows with just one seat in them - two can face each other with a table in between - but no hassling or being hassled getting out, etc.

Do you already have your airline reservations? If not, consider open jaw to avoid backtracking.

For my interests, at least 4 days for Budapest, 4 or 5 for Krakow, 6 for Berlin -- and I'm not sure I'd say these times would allow a leisurely visit. I haven't been to Nuremberg or Dresden, but know that I'll want at least 2 days for Dresden when I do get there.

​​​​​​​Maybe, but it's the only way I know to make sure you cover the places that most interest you.

Hope that helps!

I found one night did Dresden for me, but we travel fast on bicycles. I suspect a true art lover would need two nights. BTW planning nights is always easier.

Spas, Hungary is made of two geographical parts, basically the north and south. The line between them is a fault line through which perculates hot water (not technically true, but you get the picture). So all along the fault line are about 140 Spas, some are just swimming pools, some are in caves, some in fields you name it. Etiquette is pretty positive about nakedness but has been calmed down to fit in with international travellers. You get to see it all, bankers, criminals with their suspiciously young nieces, family groups etc. Often very cheap and just a way to relax.

Thanks for all the good advice. I'll go back to the guidebooks and start picking hotels (and checking out spas! We went to one in Iceland a couple years ago) and prioritizing the sights we want to see. Museums, historical sites and yes, of course churches! They are beautiful and we rarely walk by one without checking it out. Lots to do!

Marienbad and Karlsbad - German names for famous Czech spa are also interesting old spa towns.

Dresden for its museums: