Need 2B in Serbia Dec. 08/Where 2go Jan 1-10 afterwards? 1st time E. europe
 

Hi, Everyone,

First time in E. Europe - will be going to Serbia - ending up in Novi Sad Dec. 31. From Jan. 1-10 I can travel where ever - & feel like kid in candy shop, as I've never been to E. Europe, and everything seems close. Since I will have only 9 days - I want to try to get to nearby cities, and also not break the bank.

Have been told by a Serbian friend - Budapest, Vienna, Prague. Is this too much to do in essentially 9 days?

Train seems on average 3 hours between cities. Some up to 8 hours if stops. Looks like average cost for train is $100 US. Flights can be low - $50US but taxes are over $100(!).

I can really go anywhere - didn't know what would be best in January. Have been to Switzerland ages ago, but never Austria. Have been told Vienna is "so so?" It's a pity this isn't the summer, but I have no choice as
to time period.

Thank you so much!

Bossa Nova

Budapest is great, definitely a good choice. I kinda agree that vienna is so so. maybe didn't spend as much time doing stuff there as I should have. and prague is popular for a reason.

Another option would be to head east to croatia or slovenia, or bosnia if you so choose. Not sure what the weather would be like in croatia in jan, so might not be worth it, but amazingly beautiful. Also, slovenia is an alpine country so would probably be beautiful in jan.

Thanks - and any info on EuroRail? Good/bad/better than flying?
 

Thank you! Yes, was considering Slovenia because I actually know someone there - and Croatia - was told by a Serbian that it is really best to go in good weather as there is more to see/do.

I think Prague is a definite "yes."

Does anyone know if it's best to fly or take train? Called EuroRail folks - can't book trains until 60 days prior. Also - they didn't know if trains even run on Jan. 1. They also mentioned there can be other problems - like weather - taking the trains in Europe at this time.

At present trains are on average $100 US. Anyone have experience with this company - EuroRail? The Co. said I will not be able to reserve a seat on a Serbian train, only on the connection. Seems like a gamble - whether or not a seat will be available. Maybe not too many Serbians traveling on Jan. 1.

Thanks so much!

Budapest and Prague would be a must if that was the direction you were heading. I concur that Vienna is so so, it kinda felt soul-less to me!
I travelled two years ago from Prague to Budapest on Eurolines Buses which cost £7 and was so luxurious. I have never been on anything like it!

If you however decided to go west towards Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia I would deff recomment Bosnia, Mostar is stunning and so facinating.
Furthermore Zadar, Split and all up the Croatian coast is out of this world. (I did feel that Dubrovnik was a little like Disneyland for the over 60s however)
This route would undoubtably be cheaper!
In 9 days you could def see Sarajevo, Mosar, Split and perhaps visit a near by island such as Brac or Hvar.

I hope you have a good trip!