Itinerary - Czech / Austria / Italy
 

Hi everyone! <BR> <BR>I'd like to get some input on my next trip. <BR>Any suggestions would be appreciated. <BR> <BR>Prague - 3 days <BR>Vienna - 3 days <BR>Dolminites &lt;&lt;Cortina&gt;&gt; - 2 days <BR>Milan - 1 day <BR>Venice - 2 days <BR>Verona or Bologna - 1 day <BR>Rimini & Ravenna - 2 days <BR>Assissi - 2 days <BR>Rome - 2 days. <BR> <BR>Thanks, Ross. <BR> <BR> <BR>

I can only comment on the Prague and Vienna part of the itinerary. Last Fall we spent three days in Prague. We fell in love with the city. Our first impression was that the city seemed a little run down, but as soon as we enterd the "old" town and saw the Powder Tower, the square w/St. Nicholas Church, the astronomical clock, etc. We were absolutely in awe of the city and its beautiful architecture. The people were friendly, the food was wonderful and inexpensive and shopping for crystal was fabulous. Make sure you walk across the Charles Bridge. It is very impressive with the statutes lining it, vendors, and musicians. The bridge tends to get very crowded, so early in the morning is a nice time to see it before the crowds arrive. Be sure to walk up to the palace and St. Vitus cathedral. It is a bit of a walk but well worth the effort for the magnificient view of Prague from that vantage point. Also go to a concert in one of the churches; they are such a beautiful setting for a concert. The only caution I would offer on Prague is that my husband was approached several times on the street asking if he wanted to "change money for a good rate." Of course, we had been warned not to do that and did our money exchanging in banks or used ATMs, which worked out very well. Prague is a delightful, beautiful, historic city (never bombed during the war). I also highly recommend Vienna. We spent three days in Vienna this past May and loved it. It was our second trip and I would go back again in a minute. The public transportation is wonderful. Take the tram around the "ring" to get a feel for the city. You can't miss St. Stephens Cathedral. I took a tour of the catacombs under the church, which was very interesting. Don't miss the Schonbrunn Palace or the Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg. Probably don't need to go to both but you should visit one or the other. Make time for a concert at the Musikverein, a beautiful theater. Take time to have cappuccino or coffee at one of the fabulous Viennese coffee houses and, of course, sample the Sacher Torte or one of the other wonderful pastries. Stroll down Kartner Strasse and people watch and window shop. We also took a cruise on the Danube from Vienna to Durnstein and Melk. The abbey at Melk is magnificient and the view of the valley below is spectactular. The only regret I have is that we didn't make it out of the city to the wine taverns. But, next trip. Have fun and enjoy!! <BR>

Ross, I would spend more time in Rome. I was there once (alas) for only a week and it was not enough. Am hoping to return next year. I would take out some of the smaller Italian towns in order to have more time for Rome, but not all of them. Maybe someone else could advise you of which, should they concur with my opinion. <BR>I think three days each in Vienna and Prague is about right, given that you want to do other things too. It sounds like a fabulous trip. When are you going?

Ross, <BR> <BR>See if you can get information on what is open is Assissi. We were there last fall and most of the major churchas were under construction due to the earthquake. St Francis had just re-openned but the grounds were under construction still. I would still visit but it may only be worth one day. <BR> <BR>Have fun <BR>Aileen

Ross, DONT MISS PRAGUE. It is, in my opinion, the best city in Europe. I would cut down on Vienna, which is not nearly as interesting, and just pass through for two days instead of three. <BR>Have fun.

Prague is great. Personally, I would substitute Budapest for Vienna, just my personal openion. I agree with above posting on Rome. I spent 10 days there many years ago and still need another visit. Your schedule sounds very full and your going to be on the go a lot (I should say thie as my trip next month is just as busy.) Have a great trip whatever you decide.

Three days in Prague is ok. The nonstop driving time from Prague to Vienna (300km) should read some 4 hours, including getting in/ou cities. 3 days in Vienna is also ok. The nonstop drive from Vienna to Cortina (550km) should take 6 hours of nonstop driving ... tiring but doable. A couple of nights to relax may be welcome. So far, so goog :-) <BR> <BR>Though I love Milan (contrary to most here at Fodors) I would axe it unless you have to do a do or die business there. Anyway, the driving time from Cortina to Milan (400+ km) asks for 4:30 hours nonstop if you do the Mestre-Verona and a shade over that if you do the Bolzano-Verona route instead. It would look more reasonable going from Cortina to Verona, spending the night, then on to Milan and back to Venice, in position to drive directly to Ravenna. <BR> <BR>If you decide axing Milan I would add an extra night in Rome and not spend a night in both, Verona and Bologna. Though I love Bologna (specially the food) I have a bias toward Verona :-) If you decide for Verona, I would place it after Cortina and then follow to Venice. I would go from Cortina to Verona by means of the San Cassiano - Corvara - Ortisei - Bolzano route. It's more scenic than the route down the Piave valley to Mestre. The route can be driven nonstop in 3 hours (250km) but chances are that one has the urge to stop quite a few times enroute to enjoy the little villages. <BR> <BR>The drive from Verona to Venice is a piece of cake, taking a shade over 1 hour (120km). <BR> <BR>With only 2 nights, I would try to maximize time in Venice. I would try to arrive in the morning and leave after lunch, around 2pm. <BR> <BR>From Venice to Ravenna it's 140km down the coast and the drive would take some 2 hours. An alternative would be through Ferrara (beautiful Duomo). This would increase the mileage to 230km but the total driving time would be only a shade more if not equal if you're hevay on the gas pedal. In your shoes I would go for a one hour or so visit of Ferrara. <BR> <BR>When are you travelling? What are your interests in Rimini? Anyway, arriving in Ravenna late and planning to spend 2 nights there, there would be lenty of time to see the mosaics and go for a short trip to Rimini, some 50 minutes away. <BR> <BR>The direct nonstop drive from Ravenna to Assisi by using the inland route (200km) may be done in 2 1/2 hours. Using the coastal route this would increase to 240km and some 40 minutes more. <BR> <BR>From Assisi to the old center of Rome it's a 200km drive, that should call for 2 1/2 hours if you don't loose yourself driving into Rome. <BR> <BR>In principle, I would cut the stay in Assisi to 1 night. This would give you another night in Rome which you won't regret. <BR> <BR>4 nights in Rome would be quite reasonable. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>