imcanadian

Evening, All!

I'm so excited to see so many people willing to help us out! We will be carefully be going thru all the postings again & start to get an itinerary going...I hope! lol

Now that the initial excitement about actually going has died down abit, I think we can think more clearly & all of your suggestions are really the reason why, so I thank each of you!

suze

You're welcome!

hypatia

If I am going far, I like to speed of the train and the fact you can't get lost or sidetracked (once you're on it).Also it's fun to observe the people.

But you have to learn how to purchase tickets,find the tracks via steps, navigate the car classes and find the seats all with luggage.Ive almost missed the train and have gotten on the wrong one.Then you are stuck within walking distance from the train stations and are at the mercy of the schedules and routes.

On the other hand driving doesn't restrict you and you can stop for picnics, fairs and other side trips. However you have tolls,parking problems and detours..It can lead to disagreements.

Obviously if you are going to the mountain top you have to use the trams or trains so it all depends on where you are going. That's why you must plan the trip first and then make you transportation arrangements accordingly

If you are just talking about how to get to Vienna then it's a no brainer...take the train you don't need a car in the city. Rent the car to tour the villages and the countryside.

MaureenB

I'd recommend you rely on the train, rather than deal with driving license, directions, parking, etc.

From Vienna, it's fun to take the train to Melk, to see the amazing abbey there, then you can continue by boat (if it still runs in October) up the Danube through wine country to Krems. Then return to Vienna via the train. You buy a Combi-Pass at the train station for all this, and it's very reasonably priced, about 39EUR apiece. The Pass includes entrance fee to the Melk abbey and train/boat fares.
>-

imcanadian

Oh, thanks so much! We have decided to forgo a car this time, & train/bus it, because of the majority of suggestions here.

We will be leaving here for Vienna Oct. 7 & leaving Vienna to come home Oct. 27, so at least we have that part figured out lol.

We plan to stop over in Germany for perhaps 3 or 4 days (we also don't want to travel couple of days).

So I guess we'll be visiting the north of Austria mainly, along with Germany.

I have questions about clothing & such as well, but maybe I should post that on another thread yes?

cristine27

Imcanadian in three weeks you can see so many beautiful sites that i would suggest you not to stick only to Austria and Germany. (since it's your first time in Europe). Personally i would see Vienna and some villages in Austria and Germany and the last week i would pick another city and spend some days there. (why not Paris? or Prague? With Skyeurope as another poster suggested you can find very good prices for Paris. And Prague is not so far from Vienna by train or car..
But it all depends on your preferences!
(it's just that with so many beautiful european cities it's a pity not to see another one ;-)

imcanadian

Cristine, I agree lol..we have been wondering if we could get Paris in there as well & it sounds as if that would be possible for sure...thankyou!

gruezi

Hi imcanadian,


Clothing:
The weather will be variable so dress in layers including a warm jacket of some sort that can be folded up small in case you are too warm later in the day and bring a fold-up umbrella. Comfortable shoes are a must... lots of walking and some on cobblestones - I wear a pair of flat but smart looking black ankle height boots for everything from museums to dinner. Jeans are very acceptable in Europe. I don't wear them normally because I don't find them comfortable so I have a little travel uniform: black knit pants, dress v-neck t-shirt in white or pastels, cozy cardigan, nice quality polar fleece and boiled wool jacket for evenings (can buy one of thes e in Austria if you like them - you'll see thousands!) I pack a few pretty silk/cotton/pashmina scarves that I add if I want to dress it up a little or for warmth. I actually use weather.com for checking 10 day temp forecasts and have found it very accurate and helpful when I pack. I am a few years younger than you and not too trendy but like to look nice - esp when getting my cute husband away to celebrate a 20th (we had ours last week in Italy!).

To See,

lots to do and see in Vienna. We enjoyed the Schonbrunn Palace and gardens as well as an evening seeing the Vienna Symphony - beautiful hall and music. There is so much culture in Vienna you will need to read up and decide what appeals to you! Palaces, churches and Art Museums abound. Lots of shopping too if you like that...

We were in Vienna on Easter and rented a car for the day and drove out to Durnstein. It's about an hour, set up high on the Danube, there is an old castle ruin you can climb up for stunning views of the Danube and the wine country. We had Easter dinner in a beautiful Inn there on a terrace overlooking the Danube - sorry can't remember the name. It was beautiful in April and I bet will be in October as well even if the weather is cooler.

There are day cruises on the Danube but we didn't do that so I can't help with that. We did visit Melk on the way back from Durnstein and it was very impressive esp. the library.

We spent 4 days in Vienna and then 3 in Salzburg. We flew because the airfare was a really good deal and the flight quick. You have more time so you may want to take the train. The two cities are very different but you may appreciate that. I found Salzburg city a little touristy (although beautiful) but many people simply love it and if you like shops and cafes there are many.

Again there are lots of beautiful things to see as well as some amazing night views. Personally, I found Vienna a little overwhelming and not as charming as I had expected (don't know why I thought this) and Salzburg was a nice contrast. Plus, I could let my teenagers go out alone there whereas in Vienna I felt they were more prone to pickpockets and such. Also, the area surrounding Salzburg is incredibly beautiful and there is hiking/walking through the scenery. Even if you are not a hiker, the hills may call to you here simply because of the stunning natural beauty. I plan to return there in May just to do some hiking. I have friends around the same age as you and your husband that did a lot of hiking there and loved it. They are not esp. athletic but reasonably fit...

BTW, I was very disappointed in the sacher torte - I am a bit of a dessert fanatic and just felt sooooo let down. However, there are so many incredible pastries in Austria to make up for this. For some reason, we enjoyed them more in Salzburg - maybe because we got over the whole sacher torte thing and moved on to better things!!

I think a side trip to Paris or another city is a great idea. First trip and three weeks I would go against all fodorites advice and go, go, go!!! (not too crazy though

I live in Switzerland so if you decide to include that perhaps I can help...

however...imamerican

have fun!!

MaureenB

ImCanadian, if you have three weeks, definitely go to Paris! You could work in some spectacular European cities and countryside in three weeks, making a loop starting and ending in Vienna.

We spent 5 nights in Vienna, and loved it. The Winter Riding School's gorgeous indoor area, with its gorgeous plaster ceiling, is an architectural wonder. We then went to Prague for 3 nights, and then Munich for 4 nights. It was all by train, and very convenient.

You have LOTS of options in three weeks! Lucky you. We recently spent three nights in each of five cities in Italy, and our stay was a bit too short in each place, we thought.

How many nights you prefer to stay in each location?

Definitly post more specific questions. Like re: clothing, individual cities, etc. You'll get great advice to help you construct an itinerary and travel options. Better get going with reservations ASAP.

If you go to Prague, check out the Hotel Uhland. It is a beauty. Very reasonably priced, but it is certain to be full if Oktoberfest is still raging,.

P.S. Re: food in Austria and Germany. It's fine, but a lot of it is fried. At least in the mid-range restaurants. Since I love veal schnitzel, it wasn't a problem for me.
>-

MaureenB

P.S. Jeez- major typo. I meant Munich, not Prague:
If you go to Munich, check out the Hotel Uhland. It is a beauty.

It's a mansion, converted to a small B&B hotel, in an upscale semi-residential area. Very reasonably priced, but it is certain to be full if Oktoberfest is still raging.
>-

imcanadian

Wonderful suggestions & ideas, & thanks so much for the clothing info...hubby is also insisting on taking shorts 'just in case' lol...we are very casual dressers, but do have some dress casual clothes as well.

Tomorrow we shall come to a decision which cities (main) to visit & then we shall take it from there.

I plan to book for Vienna (have several responses already) but am wondering if we would be fine booking other when we get there, such as in Germany or perhaps even Paris, Salzburg or Linz?

We have no choice as to our arrival/departure city (Vienna) but I wonder if perhaps we should head directly to Paris & start from there, working our way back to Vienna?

imcanadian

Just wanting this a bit nearer the top....

cristine27

Imcanadian after a long flight from the US i woulnd't advise you to take another plane to get to Paris the same day.
Now for your accomodation, if you had a car i could tell that you don't have to book in advance in villages etc. but with train/bus i would book ahead. You don't want to start searching for a hotel with all your luggage do you?
And definitely book ahead in the big cities.
I don't think you will enjoy spending precious time from your vacation in search of a hotel!
Now for shorts.. well your husband can take them but i don't think he'll use them ;-) (of course it depends where you're coming from and the weather you're accustomed. Actually i read many posts from people who think that in Italy or Greece it's never so cold to wear wool coats for example.. but believe me..WE DO!! So it all depends on your levels of 'cold' tolerance!!

gruezi

imcanadian,

My husband has pretty much retired his shorts since we moved to Zurich... however, as we travel about Europe we have noticed a certain "traveling uniform" for many German-speaking men - short, shorts and sandals with socks on at first we found this look funny since this would have been considered extremely geeky where we come from but lately it just seems normal.

When his teenaged daughters aren't looking, my husband still brings out his khakis from time to time and I'm sure he gets some looks here where apparently they are considered boarding school apparel. We're from CT and khakis there are pretty ubiquitous - he has too many to just get rid of them all...

Another thing we see here but don't remember from the US is men in capris. Personally, I really like this option. Most men look pretty nice in them. My husband is kind of Brooks Bros. and hasn't bought a pair yet, although I keep hinting he should One evening in Ticino we amused ourselves at a cafe by counting capris vs. shorts vs long pants on the men that went by. The capris won by a long shot! This was way more fun for me than my husband since it was a good chance to checkout lots of cute men with nice legs He did get a nice view of a woman about 6 feet tall in high-heeled cowboy boots, strapless bodice and a skirt that almost covered the essentials and absolutely no undergarments - a few older men at the table next to ours literally had their tongues hanging out of their mouths

Momof3sons

im -

Congratulations on your win!

Here's another vote against the sacher torte. However, that being said, when I lived in Vienna for 6 months during college (22 years ago) I found that the food in Vienna was wonderful! So many new tastes and as previously mentioned lots of wonderful choices at the many konditerai (bakeries - with a place to sit down and enjoy a treat with cocoa or coffee).

I know that you mentioned you eat fairly healthfully, but beware there are wonderful wursts of all sorts, schnitzels,...YUM!

I also agree with others that you should try to see some other city like Paris, Venice, or Florence. Many years ago when I was there, we travelled exclusively by train and found it quite easy to spend a 3-4 day weekend away in one of many cities. Budapest, Munich, Insbruck, Salzburg...there were so many popular destinations. The new low cost airlines may be even cheaper and easier than the train these days.

While in Vienna, you may want to check and see if the Opera House still sells standing room only tickets before the performances (I believe it was about 80 minutes before). The tickets were very inexpensive and even if we didn't stay for the entire performance, we got to see a performance in the Vienna State Opera house. I believe that these tickets were also sold for the Vienna Volksoper. As I mentioned, my info is very dated, but one of the many experts on this board may be able to give you more current information.

Good Luck! I wish my information were more current

Momof3sons

Just noticed on one of your other posts that you said you weren't too interested in operas, etc. - just wanted to do what the people there do.

Actually, the Viennese do go to the opera, etc. on those cheap tickets (steheplatz), but that may not be worth it for you if its outside of your area of interest.

I also remember seeing the play "Cats" while there on a cheap ticket - I just can't remember which venue (and it was in German but even the non-german speakers could follow it).

People watching in the Fussgaengerzone (pedestrian zone) was always a lot of fun. Many good restaurants and konditerai in this area as I recall.

I also remember that something the locals did was to go to the wine gardens (Heurigen)on the outskirts of town (Grinzig was one area accessible by street car/tram) and drink the new wine.

Just thinking about all of this makes me want to find a way to go back again!

imcanadian

Thanks as usual, to everyone who stopped by to offer advice, ideas & suggestions!

From my username, you can tell that I am Canadian, living in Manitoba, the prairie province in the middle of Canada, where we have bitterly cold winters & scorching summers...4 very distinct seasons.

Knowing this, cool/cold weather is not a problem at all for us.

As said earlier, we will be arriving & departing in/from Vienna...no choice there. (Oct.8 to Oct.27, 3 weeks)

We have finally narrowed down where else we'd like to go & as you are experts, I would luv your comments about which order, the length of time in each & how many places ... we really don't want to constantly be moving from city to city, but prefer to spend at least 3 days in each.

I know you will tell us which places merit the longest visits.

Vienna, Munich, Paris... these 3 for sure...anywhere else in Austria?

Thanks so much!

cristine27

Salzburg, Hallstatt?
Also instead of Munich i would much rather visit Prague...
ahhh.... so many places, so (not) little time
My opinion is that you should spend more days in Vienna and Paris than smaller towns. For example i would stay 4 days in big cities and 2 in villages or towns!

pja1

Hi,
As for Austria, we love Salzburg and would allow 2 full days there.

Paul

Momof3sons

an expert I am not, but for what it's worth, based on where you said you'd like to go, you might want to arrange your travel something like this:

Oct 8 - travel Canada to Vienna

Oct 9-12 Vienna (that way you don't have to travel immediately after your trans atlantic travel

Oct 13 morning- travel by train Vienna to Salzburg (approx 3 hours)

Oct 13-15 - Salzburg

Oct 15 late afternoon or evening - Travel to Insbruck via train (2-3 hours depending on train)

Oct 16-18 see Insbruck

Oct 18 (evening) travel by train to Munich (approx 2 hours depending on train)

Oct 19 - 21 see Munich

Oct 21 (late afternoon or evening) - travel via discount airline or train to Paris

Oct 22-25 see Paris

Oct 26 - travel to Vienna

Oct 27 - return travel to Canada

I just chose Salzburg and Innsbruck because they are two popular destinations in Austria (you asked for other places in Austria). Obviously your goal would be to travel without any backtracking to optimize your time no matter what final destinations you pick.

Also I believe that I noticed on one of your other posts that you were asking about visiting a concentration camp. Dachau is about a 20 min S-Bahn ride from Munich to Dachau and then there is a train to the memorial site. It was a very moving experience.

One final note, since you are planning this on such short notice, I would recommend that you do your best to pre-book accomodations so that you can make the most of your time visiting versus arrange for a room after arriving in each destination. (That's just my opinion though -others are fine with winging it).

Hope this helps some - I know you only have a few days left to plan.