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Hi guys
First time post & more importantly first time for us travelling to Europe from the land down under



Here’s what we are thinking of doing after our river cruise finishes in Hungary

Flying from Budapest to Podgorica staying 1-2 nights around Budva then arranging a tour guide to Dubrovnik Croatia

Staying 2-3 nights then

Flying to Ljubljana Slovenia spending 2-3 nights

Then flying to Switzerland 1-2 nights

Catching the Bernina Express from Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy

Then remaining days in Italy working our way down to Rome

In all we have 15 days between Budapest & Rome

Are we crazy by trying to do too much in these 15 days


If we need to get rid of some we can cut Croatia & Slovenia
We def want to do Dubrovnik
& Train Chur to tirano which is only 4.5hr journey

Was told it’s easier flying into Podgorica than Dubrovnik from Budapest

Just trying to work out what will fit best or any recommendations of travel guide planers would be appreciated

Thanks
 
Hey there! I think it might be a bit too much, depending on how active you like to be. I like the fact that you are planning on moving from Switzerland down to Italy, but maybe it's a bit of a stretch? So maybe if you really want to reach Rome then yes, I would suggest you skipped Croatia and Slovenia.
 
Your trip sounds really exciting, but it’s a lot to fit into 15 days. If it starts to feel too full, maybe think about skipping either Slovenia or Montenegro—especially since Dubrovnik and the Bernina Express are high on your list.

I saw an Europe itinerary kind of similar to this—not the exact same places, but it helped show how important it is to leave some space between travel days. Things always take longer than expected, and it’s nice not to feel rushed.

Flying into Podgorica is a smart move too—definitely easier than getting straight to Dubrovnik from Budapest. Hope the planning goes well!
 
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It sounds like an exciting trip! While 15 days is a bit tight for such an extensive itinerary, it’s definitely doable if you plan carefully. Cutting out Slovenia and Croatia could give you more time to enjoy your stops in Hungary, Switzerland, and Italy without feeling rushed. Since you're keen on Dubrovnik and the Bernina Express, I'd suggest keeping those, but maybe consider extending your stay in one or two spots to soak in the experience. Booking local tours ahead could also help streamline travel time and make the most of your limited days. Enjoy!
 
Ljubljana is amazing you'll love it. I'd recommend having a day or twos rest in between since that does seem very hectic
 
Hi everyone thanks for advice to date, & yes I agree it’s probably too much to do in 15 days so after much more research we have decided to do Switzerland & Italy
So looking to fly into Zurich from Budapest spend a day touring Zurich then head to Lucerne stay there 3-4 days then make our way to Chur & catch the Bernina Express to Tirano
Then to Lake Como 3 nights
Venice 3 nights
Florence 3 Nights
Rome 2 Nights

We are obviously flexible to days we stay at these or any other ideas are most welcome
Thanks in advance
 
Pretty packed for 15 days. Especially with flights, transfers, and sightseeing in multiple countries. I’d probably prioritize Dubrovnik and the Bernina Express, and then focus on either Slovenia or Switzerland.
 

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