Going to accompany my dad and a few other family members on a trip he wants to do in April. I've been all over western Europe but very little in central.

Dad and I are flying from Austin or DFW to Paris, mostly because the options/prices are the best. From there we are either flying to or taking a train to Munich to meet a shuttle to Passau for a cruise on the Danube. Cruise concludes in Budapest.

So here is where I would really like some input and ideas.

Dad wants to see more of the region. We are thinking we take 3-5 days by rail to get back to Paris. The Eurail map has so many options. I'm thinking west from Budapest. maybe dip through Slovenia, northern Italy, on to Zurich, then back to Paris and fly home.

Thoughts from those who have done it? If we took 3-5 days via rail, where would you stop for the day/night? Any insights, experiences, ideas? Much appreciated.

This may be the last "big" trip I do with my dad as he just turned 80. Thank you/Gig Em.

Urban

If you're in Switzerland it will most likely be cheapest to get a Saver Day Pass for the SBB train system for the day(s) you will be there. It is cheapest to book in advance and they are only good for the calendar day you book them for, but they are good for (almost) every bit of public transit in Switzerland. We just did this and it was cheaper to book the day pass than a 1-way train ticket for what we wanted. Just be aware it only works in Switzerland (we found out the hard way when we tried to board a Swiss train one stop over the border into Italy).

We did the scenic route from Como to Basel over the Alps (St. Gotthard Pass Panoramic route) and it was a really fun little train ride.

Urban Ag said:

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Going to accompany my dad and a few other family members on a trip he wants to do in April. I've been all over western Europe but very little in central.

Dad and I are flying from Austin or DFW to Paris, mostly because the options/prices are the best. From there we are either flying to or taking a train to Munich to meet a shuttle to Passau for a cruise on the Danube. Cruise concludes in Budapest.

So here is where I would really like some input and ideas.

Dad wants to see more of the region. We are thinking we take 3-5 days by rail to get back to Paris. The Eurail map has so many options. I'm thinking west from Budapest. maybe dip through Slovenia, northern Italy, on to Zurich, then back to Paris and fly home.

Thoughts from those who have done it? If we took 3-5 days via rail, where would you stop for the day/night? Any insights, experiences, ideas? Much appreciated.

This may be the last "big" trip I do with my dad as he just turned 80. Thank you/Gig Em.

Urban

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United has a flight to Munich out of Houston.

Trains take up a day. Fly it.

You will love Budapest. Chain Bridge. Walk up the Pest side and get a pic.

Paris is great, London is great, Berlin, Vienna... All are great.

thank you both

UrbanAg

I have visited Budapest 20+ times. Include Fisherman Bastion and Buda Castle to your sightseeing visit. Take the funicular from the Hill down to the Bridge if you have had a long day.

Across the Chain Bridge on the Pest side of the River is the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.
Walkable from those Hotels and general location is the Parliament Building and Saint Stephen Basilica.
Places to eat nearby include the Iguana Bar and Grill and Retro Langos.
(Both relaxed atmospheres). There are a ton of really good Restaurants in the city so finding places to eat will be easy. Another off the beaten path place to visit would be the Budapest Market Hall. Great place to see and try a variety of local foods.

I also recommend visiting at least one Thermal Bath. Szechenyi Thermal Bath is a popular one.
If weather is good and you want peace from the fast pace, try visiting Margaret Island.
Just a note - Budapest can be cool to cold in April. (Think Washington DC Weather)

Budapest is also well known throughout Europe for its Night Life. Not likely your Dads interest but try to visit a Ruin Pub. Public Transportation in the city is excellent so getting around the city is easy. Metro, Street Cars and Buses are all pretty safe.

I recommend at least 2 days in the city after your cruise.
Feel free to reach out to me if you need any more recommendations. There are a lot of places to visit and things to do in Budapest.

You must be doing the same cruise my wife and I did last year. We took a Viking river cruise on the Danube. Passau, Germany all the way to Budapest. We had several stops in Austria including Vienna. You'll love it!