I'm going to be in Munich in mid-November for a conference and a series of meetings. I've got about 4 days in between, and I can't decide if I want to go into Austria or down to Italy or stay put in Germany. Any travel suggestions??? <BR> <BR>My first choice would be northern Italy. I've researched that it's about an 8-hr train trip to Venice and I wanted to break that up, perhaps by staying in Salzburg or somehwere in between overnight. Any suggestions? Is it too far to Rome and back to Munich in 4 days? <BR> <BR>Thank you

I do think it's too far to go to Rome in 4 days -- you'd need about that to see the "must sees" in Rome! <BR> <BR>I try keep the cities "seasonal" -- like, say, St. Petersburg in the late fall or winter, Amsterdam in the spring, etc. For me, cities are seasons (it's weird, I know). Vienna, for me, is a late fall, early winter city -- "imperially cold". We went in late November last year and it was wonderful. The Christmas markets had opened the weekend before and it was really great to have been there then. Exactly what I had in mind. <BR> <BR>I'm not sure how you'd feel in Venice in the late fall. It's hard for me to picture it at that time of year. Because of all the water, it's a spring or summer city to me. <BR> <BR>I haven't been to Salzburg, but people like it very much. Innsbruck isn't far away from Munich and the Tyrol region itself is highly recommended (and the Swarovski crystal center is there too -- oooh, how I wanted to go there but alas, never had the chance).

My advice to you is to fly from Munich to Venice. The fare is about $200.00 round trip, the same as the train, and you won't be wasting your valuable time sitting on a train for 8 hours each way. Venice is one of the most populare destinations in the world. You have a chance to visit when it will be the least crowded ever. Take it! Go! Spend your time there walking around, getting lost, visitng the museums and churches without the hordes of summer. Feel free to email me for more info.

Good evening SXXXXXXXXXXXX <BR>I can only give a heartly second to Sandy's suggestion of Venice. Go to <BR>Venice and STAY in Venice, after this <BR>first time you will either LOVE or hate <BR>it, if the later make Wien your next <BR>vacation stop. <BR>Air into Venice is the best bet for you <BR>, you can take a water taxi from the <BR>airport for about $60.00, take the water <BR>bus to the Pza S. Marco which takes about a hour. You can take a motor bus <BR>to the Pza Roma and then would have to <BR>get onto waterbus to take you to the <BR>stop near your hotel. PS the water taxi <BR>will take you very near directly to your <BR>hotel...Need any hotel recommendations <BR>check into www.veniceinfo.it. and find <BR>one within your range, it you need further information and or suggestions <BR>drop me a line as well as for ristorantes. <BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il.. <BR>

I really like Chris's way of grouping cities according to season. However, I do disagree with about Venice. The most magical time I ever spent in Venice (and it is my second most favorite city in the world behind Paris and one slot ahead of San Francisco)was in mid-November. It was chilly, damp cold but the sky was a slate-blue clear, the sun played havoc on the shimmering waves, and the city was blissfully clear of tourists. Downside was that the really good restaurants weren't open--not the fancy ones, but the neighborhood trattorie. <BR> <BR>I would not try to get to Rome. I would go to Venice, perhaps Verona, maybe Trentino. <BR> <BR>Have a great time. You have a wonderful opportunity; follow your instincts. <BR> <BR>

I've been to Venice, Vienna, and Salzburg - all fabulous. For 4 days, I'd suggest 2 nights in Salzburg, 2 nights in Venice. They are not really that far apart, maybe 3 1/2 hours driving. Just fyi, northern italy outside Venice isn't particularly interesting, but Venice truly is incredible.

I have also been to Vienna, Salzburg, and Venice and Venice wins hands down. And to Doug, you can't possibly see any of these cities in 2-3 days. Pick just one.

Thank you everyone for your help. You've really helped me make a decision about what I should do. The vote seems to be for Venice, and I'm really excited about the trip. Thanks again for the advice & sharing travel experiences!

As a current expat resident living in Vienna with experience in all the cities listed, I would highly encourage a visit to Vienna. Rome is just too far a distance, unless you want to take a plane. Vienna wins hands down over Venice and Salzburg, as there is just so much more to do here. As a frequent traveller to Italy, I did Venice in mid-October last year and it was interesting, but after 3 days I was pretty bored. After 3 days in Vienna, however, you will have just touched the surface. In particular, if you are a lover of music and art, Vienna is a must. I would completely pass on Salzburg, lovely city but just not that much to see unless you are dying to do the Sound of Music tour. <BR> <BR>Vienna is a just a six hour train trip from Munich, so it's a very easy trip. <BR> <BR>As for Munich, have a great time. Of all the beer halls, our favorite is Schneider Haus where the wheat beer is the best in the world!