37maple

Our college daughter will be studying in Budapest next fall. We are planning a week long trip in either October or November. Would like to visit Vienna and Prague, as well as Budapest. Thinking of flying into Prague (seems to have the cheapest airfare from Boston), then travel to the other 2 cities. Any suggestions on itinary, hotels, car vs. train travel, would be appreciated. My husband and I will be travelling with our 12 year old daughter, so we're also looking for sights that will appeal to her. Are there any good childrens' history books or novels that she can read to help her learn more about Eastern European history/culture?

Surfergirl

The train is probably best for what you want to do. They are all relatively close to one another.

I would have said just have your daughter watch the Amazing Race, which had the most outrageously beautiful shots of Budapest, but that episode is long gone. I think picture books with photos of the towns you intend to visit, at her age, will be more inviting.

37maple

Interesting enough, we caught the 2 shows of Amazing Race in Budapest. So much fun to see, and a beautiful city. Why do you recommend train vs. car? My husband wants to drive, but I'm more inclined to use the train.

tatersalad

We just only last month did this same trip, in the same order you mentioned. We used the train.

We did a short stop in Bratislava on our way to Vienna from Budapest and then returned to Prague for our return flight.

You are in for a real treat; you will love all three cities. You will need to keep your guard up a little more in Prague than in the other cities, but no big worries.

Happy travels.

chocobon

We are on our way to Budapest next week. My husband is in Vienna and I'm meeting him and we will drive from Vienna to Bratislava (2 nites) and then to Budapest (3 nites). I looked at the train schedule and found that the car is a better price and much more convenient because we are on our OWN schedule.

Prague is about a four hour drive from Vienna. We drove there last year. The roads were crowded and narrow but it was a fun experience. We saw much of Prague for 4 days, all on foot. We parked the car in the Hilton garage and never touched it again until it was time to return to Austria. It was a WONDERFUL exciting old city. We felt safe but knew to be aware of pickpockets. Do take a river cruise early on in your stay, with a tour guide. It was quite helpful.

MaureenB

Does your daughter like horses? (My own daughter was horse-crazy at 12.) If so, there are several interesting books about how the Lippizzaner stallions of Vienna were rescued during WWII by General Patton's US Army troops. The Austrians really credit the US for saving their beloved horses. I know Disney made a film about it, too, but I can't remember its name. It gives a historical perspective on the magnificent animals you can see in Vienna.
We traveled by train from Vienna to Prague and thought it was more convenient than dealing with a car. If you are flying in and out of Prague and are also interested in taking the train to and from Prague, there's a train pass commonly called the Prague Pass that allows travel in and out of that city at a good value.
If you want a beautiful and centrally located boutique hotel in Vienna, the Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth is wonderful. Walking distance to the Hapsburg complex (i.e. the horses' Winter arena), Stephansdom, major tube stop, etc. We had a family room large enough for four and loved it there. Probably paid about $300/night last June, with full breakfast buffet.

Michael

Train vs. car is an issue of cost and what you want to see. If you think you would be interested in visiting places like Telc or the Altenburg Monastery near the Czech-Austrian border, then driving might be the thing to do. If you really are not that interested in what is between the cities and take pleasure in seeing the scenery from a train window, then take the train. Finally, I suspect that the train might be cheaper than the car when you take into account the cost of fuel and the cost of parking in the big intermediary cities (Vienna and Budapest if you are doing a round trip from Prague). In none of the cities you mention would a car be an advantage.

luckyerthanthou

If you are from Canada, make SURE you have a visa for the Czech Republic. I had the old idea that Canadians are welcome anywhere. NOT IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC. I don't knopw what the Canadian gov't did to the Czechs,but I was met on the train from Munich by ten very polite border policemen, armed to the teeth. They must have thought I was going to try to escape and actually enter their country without a visa. I was dropped off in a village smaller than Walhachin, BC, the one I came from originally. They took my passport, but did actually return it when it bacame obvious I was not as great a despeado as I may have appeared.
Luckyer Than thou

janestuart

If you are interested in the Lippizanners, I recommend you go and watch their prctice session which starts at 10:00 AM. Last September we had no problem getting in - did'nt wait in any line to speak of. You can go later which might be a good idea as the more spectacular moves and leaps are practiced then (11:00?). Also, be sure to check that they will be in town when you are there, to avoid disappintment.