Vienna or Krakow?
 

I am contemplating an 11 day trip to Praque, Budapest and either Vienna, Austria or Krakow, Poland.

First, is it better to do an escorted tour or independent for a first-timer to that part of europe?

Second, What would be the best itinerary for such a trip? I am looking at 3 Nts Budapest, (1 Night for rail to Praque); 2 Nights in Praque (1 Night to Krakow if chosen) and 2 Nights in Kracow.

This brings us to the daunting question, which city would go better overall with this trip, Vienna or Kracow. Of course, final decision is mine, but opinions are welcome.

So, what interests you?
Vienna seems more "developed" than "developing", as opposed to Krakow. Krakow's old town square and immediate surroundings seem more extensive than what little "medieval" you find in Vienna. Food opportunities about equal.

I think there probably was a time when a tour might have been a good idea for that area, for some folks, but they are all well visited by tourists now, and easy to do yourself. That is assuming you have traveled some, and can figure rail and things out.

I would think Vienna would fit into your timing and itinerary better than Krakow, and would choose it for that reason, probably. Krakow might work, but I don't know how quick/reliable the rail line is between Krakow and Budapest--it looks like a direct line on the map between Tarnow Poland (a bit east of Krakow) down to Budapest. Rail between Prague and Krakow is not conveniently scheduled and takes up a lot of time, also.

So, I wouldn't do it in the order you named (Budapest, Prague, then Krakow). I'd go to/from Budapest from Krakow, probably. But I don't know the details on that rail line that might have made you choose the other itinerary.

Budapest-Vienna-Prague or Budapest-Krakow-Prague (or reverse) would be might choice, probably.

I don't have any opinion other than logistics as to which city goes better with another, it's just individual choice.

Well, I decided on Krakow. Now do I add Warsaw to the itinerary?

Your trip is 9 nights. I wouldn't describe it as an 11-day trip myself but I know a lot of people do it that way.

In that time, 3 places is more than enough. I really don't think you can add another and really get a proper feel for all the cities you will see. So, I'd stick with 3.

2 nights will be travelling between cities, leaving only 7 nights to divide up between the cities you stop at. I don't think you can justify splitting this 4-ways with an extra travel leg too.

I'd also do it independently but it depends how confident you are about travel in different parts of the world. You will get a lot more out of the trip than taking an escorted tour.

Ok. I will most probably do this as an independent package. I suppose I could add a night and make it 12 days and 10 Nights.
That way, It would be still 3 Nts Budapest; 2 in Praque; 2 in Krakow and 1 in Warsaw.

How does that sound? And is Warsaw worth visiting also??

Having been to all those cities I would not opt to add Warsaw. Budapest, Prague, and Krakow are interesting and charming cities. Warsaw is a big metropolitan city (think New York, Berlin). I don't think it is worth the extra day and hassle of getting there.

I visited Budapest, Prague, Vienna & Krakow for the first time in May and loved Krakow and Budapest, both treasured gems. Vienna is grand but austure and Praque is a spectacular city but with way too many tourist groups & crystal shops. I would spend a third day in Krakow as there is so much to do and it is the best value of all. Have a wonderful trip.

I was in Krakow, Warsaw and Prague a few weeks ago. Only did Warsaw since I was using a free ticket and had to fly to a gateway city---also, wanted to end, not begin in Prague. No need to visit Warsaw. I loved Krakow---the main square is spectacular, the cloth hall is fun for poking, Wawel is interesting. The best part is that it is still not touristy. Prague is teeming with American tourists and is considerably more expensive than Krakow. Train between Krakow and Prague is a disaster route-wise but do check into the new discount airlines and also Czech air for a reasonable way to connect. I flew Czech air back from Prague and they were fine. Have a wonderful trip (makke sure to do the Odeci Dun tour in Prague!)

vienna is beautiful, but krakow is interesting as well so its worth the trip-as far as warsaw, there's not much beauty to the city its mostly rebuilt after the war, not with an eye towards asthetics. i would skip warsaw and spend more time somewhere else-enjoy your trip!
daniella

My dear spouse recently spent 2 weeks in Warsaw on business and checked out of the hotel to escape to Krakow for the weekend, so dreary was Warsaw in every respect.

If you loved Josef Stalin you might like the architecture (LOL) -- otherwise, nix.

Thank you all for your feedback. I have decided to do this trip indepentdently and have also decided upon Poland.