Hi - we are heading that direction in May, and have sort of loosely pulled together this itinerary, based on talking with many friends who have been to Austria, and others who have said Hungary is beautiful.
I have relatives in Zagreb, and we love Istria (have done both many times), and that part of the trip is a given. We would love to see Salzburg, and want to go to Graz, because people rave about it. Is Budapest worth the trip? we have heard very good things about Hungary being beautiful and worth the trip. True? Or should we consider somewhere else for a portion of the trip?
we have 2 full weeks. we are very comfortable to rent a car. should we do a car the whole way?
thanks !
Zagreb, Budapest, Salzburg, Graz, Istrian Peninsula
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or maybe we chop out Budapest, and do Vienna and Prague instead? We don't want to cut out Zagreb (relatives) Maybe drop down through Slovenia?
What are your interests?
I love Budapest. And if you have any interest in Art Nouveau architecture you should go south from there. But as kja asks, what interests you?
scenery, historic buildings, places that give you a real sense of their culture re: food, day-to-day lifestyle, and especially non-touristy places.
Of the three cities, Prague is by far the most touristy. Budapest and Vienna both have good architecture, but Budapest makes better use of its river,. For some of its Art Nouveau see my blog:
http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/art-nouveau-in-budapest/
With only 2 weeks, a firm commitment to Zagreb, and the interest you mention, you might want to consider a few days in Ljubljana and perhaps Lake Bled. Budapest is definitely worthwhile. I also loved Vienna and Prague, but am not sure you'd have enough time to enjoy them on this particular trip.
now thinking of using Zagreb as our "fly in and out" place, and then taking the train to Salzburg, then down to Graz, through Slovenia and back into Zagreb. Still thinking about all of it, while being mindful of time. Would hate to not go back to Istria for a few days, but...
I've heard many a person say they like Salzburg better than Vienna.
Why fly in and out of the same place? You're adding a lot of unnecessary backtracking.
Although Vienna is aw inspiring in terms of history and museums, and Budapest has a variety of scenery and history, I would second the suggestion to go to Ljubjana. Gorgeous scenery, historic, great array of buildings from medieval to Art Nouveau and modern.
> I've heard many a person say they like Salzburg better than Vienna.
They are very different. Salzburg is small and charming and set in the Alps. Vienna is a major city with world class museums, etc.
You might find it very helpful to invest in a general guidebook that covers these areas, perhaps one by Fodor's or Frommer's.
we loved Graz-its a very original city having not been bombed in WW2. We caught the train from Vienna to Graz then to Ljublijana-loved all. very lovely cituy-lots of art nouveau buildings and pretty.