Summer 2011 Eastern/Central Europe

[smspence31]

Hello!

I'm backing through Europe for two and a half months after my study abroad semester ends in France. I'll be in France and Belgium in May, and I'll be in the UK in July. But for a month in June I am planning on focusing on Central/Eastern Europe. I'm just having problems narrowing down where I'd like to go.

I'm hoping to visit:
Berlin (3 days) *+ 1/2 day for travel*
Prague (4 days) *+ 1/2 day for travel*
Vienna (4 days)
Budapest (4 days) *+ day for travel*
Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes (7 days) *+ day for travel within Croatia*
then fly from Dubrovnik to London

Am I being too ambitious? Should I devote more time in certain places? And as Croatia is in the middle of my backpacking trip I kind of wanted to take a break and relax (hence the more time).

As for Vienna, I've heard it is really touristy and expensive, but I'm really passionate about Klimt and I want to go to the Belvedere Gallery.

Any advice or constructive criticism is much appreciated! Thanks

[Eagle]

smspence31,

Welcome to the Boards! I have a few comments regarding your proposed trip.

The order of cities looks good, however I might adjust the times a bit. You might want to drop a day in Prague or Budapest and add it to Berlin. Berlin is reportedly a "hot" destination at the moment, with lots happening. I'm also planning a visit there later this year, but unfortunately won't be there until after your visit so I can't offer many specific tips.

Based on your description, I can understand why you've structured the trip like that. I assume you'll be using rail travel primarily between cities?

This is about all the "constructive criticism" I can think of at the moment.

Happy travels!

[madamtrashheap]

Berlin is an amazing city so if you can add an extra day to your itinerary there, then go for it. However, just to through a spanner in the works, if you already have 3 full days there (rather than nights, ie 2 full days), then keep 4 days for Prague and consider either a day trip to Kutna Hora or an overnight trip to Cesky Krumlov (bus is the better way to travel there).

You may find that 4 full days in Vienna are 1 too many, but as for it being "touristy", no more than any other European city. Expensive, yes, but again many European cities are in that category (although Austria seems to be a little higher up the expense ladder). You won't regret going there, especially if you intend on visiting Klimt and the Bellevedere. Consider less expensive eating options like the Rosenburger Restaurant just off Karntnerstrasse (the Opera end), which should reopen this month after a fire, or cafes around the student/university area of Josefstadt (you'll already be there when seeing Klimt) or Alsergrund (behind the Votiv Kirche).

Again, 4 full days in Budapest may be one too many but of course this depends on your interests and what you want to see there. You may want to add one of these days to Croatia as travelling between cities there can take more time than expected. Dubrovnik to Split, is only around 4 hours by frequent departure bus (train is far more fiddly, the ferry takes around 9 hours but would constitute a relaxing boat ride, sunbathing and sightseeing) and you may even want to consider time on Hvar if it's relaxation you're looking for. Split to Plitvice Lakes will depend if you want to take a day trip with a tour or travel there yourself and stay overnight. A one way trip by bus is around 4 hours I believe.

I'm not sure how you intend to get to Croatia (ie flying, bus, train) or where you want to start (ie, is your order as shown or just an idea). Consider points of entry and exit in terms of where you're coming from and where you intend to travel next (London) and check flights from Split (check EasyJet) if you intend on starting in Dubrovnik, or vice versa (check BA for Dubrovnik).