which are Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Rome, Barcelona, Prague, Venice? Have been to Venice and love it. Would just be trying to see a few major sites and getting a feel for the city. Rome seems overwhelming for a short stay. Any thoughts?

Why not just stay in Berlin the whole time or take a quick trip to Dresden? Otherwise, Warsaw or Krakow would be somewhat convenient to Berlin. Just throwing it out as an idea.

Have been to Berlin many times and looking to see something new. Did a day trip to Dresden a year ago but would go back.

Rome and Barcelona are too far for the time you have. Prague is the closest and a very nice place. The other places you might consider are the Munich area or the Romantic Road towns.

Another vote for Prague. We are doing the reverse order, Prague first then Berlin.

4 1/2 hour train ride between the two cities.

Prague! The train is only about 4 hours and you can see a l ot there in only 2 days since the tourist area is quite compact.

Dresden

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...7623230920764/

Prague

Hamburg? Lübeck? Quedlindburg?

Dresden and/or Prague would be easy (and relatively short) by train.
For the rest you should consult the low-fare airlines like Ryanair and see if the schedules/prices, and limitations on weight of checked luggage fit your itinerary.
2 1/2 days is not that much, but many Europeans also only use that little time for a long weekend in Barcelona, Lisbon, or London.
If you decide on flying, I'd try to get an open-jaw from your home destination to Berlin, and back from X to home. So you won't have to fly twice between Berlin and X.

Why not see somewhere in Germany? I second Mainhattengirl's post. Quedlinburg is pretty good although not a major city. Or maybe somewhere else on the UNESCO heritage list like Schwerin or Wismar?

Lavandula

Hi again Gomiki!

If you haven't been to Prague yet then that's probably your best option. The train ride is quick and easy. Two and a half days would be perfect for the major sights plus some exploring off the beaten path. Not that it's my favourite city, though ... but I know others *love* Prague.

However, would like to meet you in Dresden again also. So it's up to you ;-) I'd say it really depends on what exactly you want to do/see - I doubt you did justice to the museums last time in Dresden. And the Albertinum e.g. reopened recently (Picture Gallery New Masters). And you haven't been to any of the smaller towns in the surrounding, right? The National Park?

Ingo

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Ingo, could you send me an email at themikster70 @ hotmail .com ? I have misplaced your address. We may try to see the Green Vault and some other Musuems. Still undecided but would love to see you again in Dresden.

Dresden is a good option - but when I was there on a Sunday many sights were closed - it was pretty quiet there. My suggestion would be Munich - plenty to see and do there - and maybe a day trip to the castle. Prague is another good choice, as others mention here.

Prague is 4 1/2 hours by train center to center , flight to Munich ( including airport transfers, security etc.) would be a bit longer.
Airberlin has good prices. We flew Munich-Berlin for 45 euros a week ago.
I would recommend Prague for something different, although Munich and Berlin are hardly alike.

Done. Did you get my email?

Ingo, not yet.

Another vote for Quedlinburg. It's quiet and untouristy and jam-packed with hundreds of half-timbered buildings. Absolutely loved it.

We really loved our stay at this guesthouse in Quedlinburg, too: www.gaestehaus-toepke.de. Very friendly folks, best breakfast of the trip and very comfy. Just about a 3 minute walk to the main square.

The email was sent 18 Sept. I'll send it again right now. Please let me know later today if you didn't get it.

Ingo, is the address correct? themikster 70 at hotmail .com (no spaces)