In March in mostly northern Europe, you will probably experience very cool weather and frequent rain. On the other hand, you will probably find lower prices than in the high season (Summer). You will be too early for the famed tulips in Amsterdam, but there is plenty to see there besides tulips. You can look up the cost of car rental, but usually there is a substantial cost for dropping it off in another country than where you rented. Also, many rental cars are very small, so for four people and luggage, you will probably have to get a more expensive larger car. My own preference is to take trains; since large train stations usually have bakeries and even supermarkets, we just buy food there and have a picnic on the train (train food costs more). You could perhaps save a bit (look up the costs) by renting a car, as you would have to buy four train tickets, but you would also have to pay for gas, parking, and tolls, so you have to research a lot to find what the best solution for you is.

My advice for a first trip, since you don’t have experience yet, would be to limit yourself to fewer places, perhaps three countries in three weeks. Many would disagree with that, but I think there is a lot to learn for a novice traveler, so I would try to simplify the first trip.

I also like to stay in one location longer than a few days, as it gives me time to learn more about it. I do take day trips, such as to Pisa from Florence, while staying in Florence. Each relocation takes up a lot of time with packing, checking out, transportation, finding and checking into you new lodgings, and unpacking. Many people also disagree with this.

In St. Petersburg you will find short days and long nights. We stayed there four days, which was a mistake because we didn’t have time to see all we wanted, but then we spend more time than most in art museums (The Hermitage sells a two-day pass and we took full advantage of it).

Enjoy your trip.

I’d spend 3 days in Bratislava and visit Vienna as a day trip, although the transportation connections are better for Vienna.

I don’t know what kind of issues are involved for you, but Russia involves a Visa for Americans. The visa process is expensive and time consuming. Russia is also a very expensive place to visit. While I highly recommend St. Petersburg, I’m not sure it will work in this fairly short and moderate budget (not sure what your $4000) includes) trip.

You should be able to rent a car in Budapest and if 4 of you split the cost it will be reasonable. Each country you drive in adds expense. Renting in one country and dropping off in another adds expense. Each additional driver adds expense. Drivers under age 25 and particularly under age 21 add expense. If you are all under 21 it may be impossible or prohibitively expensive to rent. An option would be an overnight train.

i love prague one of if not the prettiest city in europe, although i love all that old worldy cobble stone street stuff! Amsterdam fantastic do the heiniken brewery tour. 1 day is enough for bratislava i think, cesky krumlov is good to see about 2.5 hrs south of prague worth a night

Thank you guys for your suggestions!
I am checking out the car rental costs, will post them up once i have some more details!
the fact that 4of us will be splitting the cost of the car, is what might just make it equivalent to train travel..

We all are between 25-28!

Luckily for Indian’s the Russian visa is not much of an issue nor expensive.

your posts are making me think that maybe i should cut down on St. Petersburg and use those 3 days anywhere between Budapest to Berlin! (BUT IV SOOO WANTED TO VISIT S.P)

I know its close to the end of winter time- So i doubt there will be heavy snow in any of the places i plan to go that will restrict my sightseeing..

Besides, its more of a reason to have a few shots of tequilla every few hours!

Anyone feels i can carry out as planned?

RG