Vienna, Budapest plus countryside?

[damnable]

Starting to think about a two week summer holiday with teen DC, and trying to put together an itinerary that will keep everyone happy. After a discussion of what everyone wants, the key requirement is variety: a bit of history/art/architecture/culture, a bit of hiking, a bit of wildlife, a bit of lake swimming, a bit of chilling out, and a lot of nice food. Can't be too hot. Short haul, probably fly-drive.

I've been musing over a map of Europe, and wondering whether we could manage a couple of nights in each of Budapest and Vienna, plus a week in the countryside. Anyone done this? Any tips? Is it practicable and doable, or would it be better to stick to one city? And where would you go for the countryside bit?

Also open to other suggestions entirely that would fit this bill.

i don’t know that part of the world very well but the Austrian alps will be within easy reach of Vienna. Very scenic over there!

If you want lake swimming, Lake Balaton would be an obvious choice. I’d aim for more than a couple of nights in Budapest as there’s lots to see and lots of day trip options - four nights wouldn’t be excessive. I don’t know Vienna at all so can’t help there.

In Hungary Lake Balaton. Good for lake swimming, great area to do short trips with plenty of history.

But it's quite a running around. I would stick to either Vienna and some time in Austria or Hungary with Lake Balaton and Budapest.

NB: It can get very hot. Not relentless, but quite likely.

Have you thought about doing some of the itinerary by boat? It would take a few days but it is possible (some of the Danube steamers will let you get out along the river at several points, if you are not sleeping on them). Maybe go halfway by train for speed and then through the Krems/Wachau region on the boats, which will give you countryside and lovely 'pensions' to stay.

Vienna to Budapest is one easy train so would be fine to do both cities. Not sure about countryside options but be warned it can get very hot there in the summer.

I came on to say Lake balaton too. Some bits are 'party', some quiet so do your research!
The bit we stayed was very family with lots of parks on the lakeside. It was only low 20s in August but had been 40ish in Budapest!
I'd say 4 nights in each location. We hired a car.
There is tons to do in Budapest it's a very sprawling city and very child friendly.

Thank you very much. I wonder if this could be too hot for us - perhaps Vienna only plus Austrian alps might be better, and leave Budapest to a non-summer weekend some time.

The Alps (and higher ground/ lake edges) are much less hot than Vienna. It's a landlocked city with very little breeze.