Hi!

You don't necessarily need to rent a car - the train system in Germany is outstanding, punctual, affordable. Europeans don't use their cars, they use bikes, walk, take the train. You could spend a couple of days just going out into the immediate areas of Munich - Berchtesgaden (Hitler's Eagle's Nest), Mittenwald (charming German town with timbered buildings, known for the best violinmakers), head over to the Romantic Road and Neuschwanstein, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a walled city, but touristy, so stay overnight to see the lights and avoid tour crownds. There are lesser-known spectacular castles along the route. Salzburg is enchanting - shop in the Old Town, take the Sound of Music tour, see Mozart's birthplace, spend the evening at the Schloss overlooking the city, eat Mozartkugeln (chocolate candy balls). Innsbruck is nice, but I like Salzburg better.

Budapest is wonderful and many clients love it, especially all lit up at night, but 7 nights would be too long. Be sure to visit the baths, see both sides of the river, Buda and Pest, see the historic sights. You might want to spend 3 days in Budapest to see it thoroughly.

Have a great day!
Julia

Define "affordable" first of all.

There's an entire country..Switzerland and no you don't have to spend a fortune to see it. IOt is the size of West Virginia in area and easy to get a round by rail.

Salzburg..NOT for 7 nights

Vienna would offer more than Salzburg; ditto Budapest.

Ii was going to say Berlin but you've already been there. and don't want to go back. BTW what do the other people think?

I've been to Oktoberfest several times (company sponsored). You cannot get into a beer tent at night, as these are all booked by local companies for their employees/customers.

You might also want to explore Munich itself, which has a lot to offer.

Have you thought about an open jaw ticket, whereby you fly out of a different city? Cuts down on transportation time.