Friend staying-rude to ask how long for?

[marantha]

A close relative of mine is having a friend to stay, I would like to know how long this visit will be for as I would like to attend for a day during friend's visit, too.
I need to know the dates but my relative will not ask EXACTLY how long friend is staying as it would be somehow 'rude' to ask (?)
Also, the friend has not volunteered information (must add both relative and friend are retired, I am not).
How to approach the matter of length of stay?

assuming you know the friend? call her and ask yourself as you want to visit and want to plan when.

Just ask relative to ring friend and say "marantha would like to visit while you're here, when shall I tell her it's convenient?"

That way they can give you an exact date that suits their plans and you'll know where you stand.

When friend arrives ask your relative to sneak into friend's bedroom and secretly count how many pairs of pants she has packed in her bag.

That's what they did in 2 point 4 Children to find out how long Nana was staying!!

:)

Mspontipine, she could be planning to rinse pants through in the sink, a la Jimmy Saville.

A vague "what are your plans for your visit?" never offends, Marantha

Oh yes... MUST think these things through!!!

Thanks for advice. By the way, is it rude to ask how long a person is staying for (generally speaking) ? I mean I'd want to know if I had a person staying with me, is it out of turn to ask?

I don't think it's rude in itself to ask...it's all about the context.