happyshirt

I'm planning a solo trip to the big 3 in Italy and would like to extend to Austria also. Would doing the 5 cities there be too much for a 20day trip? or perhaps just Vienna and no Salzburg?

And I should add this will be my first European trip. Would it be too complicated to do this?

What do you guys think? Would appreciate your thoughts and advise.
I like scenery and old buildings and also museums to see the art. Am planning for the 4th quarter of this year. Would November and December be good?

Thank you.

Barbara_in_FL

I usually am in the "slow down and don't try to do so much" camp. But if you want to see those cities, and don't mind sticking to them (as opposed to wanting to see some of the countryside), I think it is doable - especially given the time of year; it will be chilly and the days will not be terribly long, so sticking to cities might be more enjoyable anyway.

Four cities might be more reasonable - you'd have four full days in each place plus travel days. Are you thinking you would use trains, or would you use a combination of trains and planes to get around? I would take a look at how long you will spend on the train and decide whether it's worth it to you to see both Vienna and Salzburg. They are so close to each other it seems like a shame to skip Salzburg if you're going to go all that way. But you probably don't need four days there, either.

happyshirt

Hi Barbara_in_FL. i tend to be in the same slow down camp. The thing is the airfares from Asia to Europe are so expensive so it did seem a bit of a shame to just do the 3 Italian cities and i would really like to see Vienna.
I probably won't need 4 days for Venice right? from what i've been reading accomodation is terrbily exp so max maybe 1 night i think.

Now i've really got to think hard and decide. in a pinch i could eliminate Salzsburg a shame but....
Thank you for the inputs.

Andrew

Accommodation in Venice does not HAVE to be terribly expensive. In 2007 and 2009 I stayed in the same 1BR apartment in the center (basically) of Venice for about US $100/night. (No view, but very comfortable and great location even if a bit of walking required.) I paid about the same price or more for much less nice places in Bologna and Parma. I'm not sure what your budget is for lodging - maybe $100 is too much for you, but Italy and Austria can be pricey.

Be sure you stay ON Venice though if possible - a big part of the magic is night and morning there, when there aren't as many tourists (though you may miss some of the tourist rush going in Nov or Dec).

I think your trip idea is fine for a first trip to Europe, all five cities. Train travel between these cities should not be complicated (I've been to all of them but on different trips.). However, all of those places will seem a bit touristy even in the winter months. Assume you'll return to Europe again someday and maybe return to a few of the same places you liked before and see more things off the beaten path.

sarge56

happyshirt, if you are traveling solo, (and you appear to be on a budget), do consider staying at a convent or monestary in each city. Very inexpensive. Some rooms offered have shared bath, some are ensuite. Be aware that many have an 11pm or midnight curfew (as the nuns/monks also like to go to bed...and someone has to lock up. :] )

Here is a link to possibilities:
http://www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html

http://www.monasterystays.com/

I also understand your desire to squeeze it all in. But I think all 5 cities is way too much. Your memories will be of packing/unpacking/checking in/checking out/traveling. You will have few memories of enjoyable days just wandering these beautiful cities.

You also have to keep in mind that in winter, it will be dark early. And not everything you want to see will be open every day, or for full days (churches often close during the early afternoon and then re-open later).

So, I highly suggest you stick to Italy this trip. Trust me, 6 days in each city will barely scratch the surface.

Prices are less expensive in the winter. I would highly suggest you go early November, if you can. If you go later, you risk a greater chance of acqua alta (annual floods) in Venice. If you go in December, at 3 weeks, you might run into the "holiday" season when costs skyrocket.

Train travel between the three Italian cities is fast, efficient and cheaper than flying. (2nd class on the bullet trains is perfectly fine).

Good luck. You will absolutely love Italy. Venice, Florence and Rome area all so incredible, yet so different from each other.

ira

Hi HS,

I think that 3 weeks would be reasonable. You could

Fly into Milan or directly to Venice - 4 nights,
train to Florence - 4 nights with a visit to Siena,
train to Rome - 4 nights with a visit to Orvieto or Ostia Antica,
fly to Salzburg on Air Berlin - 3 nights with a visit to Munich
train to Vienna - 3 nights before flying home.

I suggest starting in Venice because it is calmer than the other cities.

In Salzburg, we were very pleased with our stay at
http://www.ammoos.at/main.php?language=en&m=home%29

Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com and www.bahn.de.

Enjoy your visit.

annhig

Actually I mainly feel that your trip lacks a bit of variety. Unless you are an art expert, trust me by the time you've seen your 3rd gallery, you won't be able to tell your Titian from your Tinteretto.

I would strongly suggest fitting on some activity to break up the time - art history, or cookery, or even language course might all add to the depth of your experience.

just a thought!

iris1745

For me, Ira has a great suggestion. Our first trip to Europe, we did 4 cities in 12 nights and enjoyed. If possible, September would be a better month for good weather.

happyshirt

Thanks for all the great sharings!! very helpful in planning my trips after checking out more on weather i think i'll go for sept/oct timeframe. Winter seems to be very wet.

Thank yoo.

HG001London

yeah i too think 3 weeks is enough time for this, don't think it will be all that rushed.

iris1745

Good information for Vienna and Austria on this site. www.inyourpocket.com