I am trying to plan a trip through eastern europe this summer and am trying to get some information on the Vienna area. I am a male student and will be traveling alone so I am also trying to budget lightly as possible. I plan on taking the bus from Krakow to Vienna. I know that Brno and Bratislava are very close destinations from Vienna and have also been told that a ferry ride on the Danube to Bratislava is an unforgettable experience. However, since I am unfamiliar with this area, I am unsure how long to stay. I would like a chance to visit Bratislava and Brno as well as make my way through Vienna without being rushed. What would be a typical timetable for visiting this area?

Thanks for all suggestions.

Bratislava is a charming town, but it is much smaller than Vienna. A day should be enough, I'd say, if you plan about three days for Vienna.

As for the boat ride between Vienna and Bratislava: it's certainly nice, but not *that* spectacular.