Salzburg
 

My husband & I will be in Salzburg May 15th for a "local tour" for 5 days with a large group of people. Following that, we will be staying an additional 4 days & would like selections on where to go etc. Someone mentioned taking a train to Paris. Any suggestions? We want to stay away from autobahns etc.but wouldn't mind renting a car and taking trips on the romantic hwy.and spending nights in small towns.

Where are you flying out of? For logistics that might be helpful. You might consider going to Prague or Budapest for a change of pace. <BR><BR>You might consider entering Germany around Passau and Regensberg and then over to Rothenburg and Wurzburg. But the ideas, possibilities, and charm are really endless.

We will arrive &amp; depart from Munich.

It really depends on what you see during the 5 days with the group. You cannot miss the Salzkammergut region of Austria nor the castles of Bavaria. But,both are close and may be included.<BR>I would stay close and do either of the above and/or the Romantic Road as far as Rothenburg. It is all a great area.

Halstadt is about 2 hours away, and is scenic beyond description.

Rent a car, take a cirlce route of Halstatt / Salzgammergut 1 night, Innsbruck/Tyrolia 2 nights, Neuschwanstein Castle / Fuessen 1 night, then back to Munich. Easy drives. Dynamite scenery.

Salzburg to Paris by train is a long, long trip. About 10 hours is the best time, and the route takes you through Munich.<BR><BR>I think you could rent a car and drive to varous destinations. The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is a terrific drive. Very beautiful.<BR>You may be a little early for it, however. I am not sure when the road is cleared of snow.<BR><BR>The main drawback is the cost of renting a car. The added tax is more than 20% and the charge for an extra driver, at least by Avis, is substantial.<BR><BR>The problem is that some of the more scenic areas of Austria are hard to visit without a car. Bus schedules are not always favorable, and you cannot come and go on your timetable.<BR><BR>Rather than thinking Paris, think Vienna. It is not all that far away == about 3 hours by train. <BR>

Salburg is beautiful but 5 days may be a little long. Prague and Vienna are both 3 or 4 hour train rides. Paris is beautiful but the train would be very long. Air France normally has very cheap flights, you may be able to catch one from Munich. I also think driving is no big deal. The autobahn from Munich to Salburg has alot of speeds posted and you do some good mapping out ahead of time, you won't have to worry if you don't read german. The autobahn A10 from Salzburg down towards Villach, Austria is a beautiful drive worth the drive itself and all of Austria is great (especially the Innsbruck area). Good Luck.

Why not go to Munich for the remainder of your trip with a day trip out to see the Holenschwangau/Neuschwanstein castles &amp; Romantic Road and a 1/2 day tour of Dauchau (highly recommend Original Munich Walks for this - our guide Jaismen (sp?) was incredible).

I would highly suggest taking a trip to Prague. I think it is the most beautiful city in the world and there is such an amazing feel to the city - like it's alive. I like Dresden Germany too - If you go north to Dresden it's about a 5 hr drive and then just 2 hrs. to Prague. The two together would be really great! Have fun in Salzburg!