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Map of Highlights of Central Europe including Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary

Experience the highlights of Central Europe on a journey through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

Travel through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary and experience some of the best bits of Central Europe. From the sleekness of Vienna, and from the architectural triumphs of Prague to the contrasting twin cities of Budapest, see how history, folklore and tradition are threaded through the fabric of modern life. Visit centuries-old castles, be spoilt by greenery in urban jungles, fall in love with Bohemian fairytale towns, marvel at the artistic talents of European masters and dig into a Hungarian feast cooked by a private chef especially for you. This adventure has it all.

Start
Prague, Czech Republic
Finish
Budapest, Hungary
Destinations
Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
AMKB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Hit three of Central Europe’s big cities; Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Better yet, enjoy an orientation walk in each city to take in all of the sights, find the best spots and learn the little-known facts about these mesmerizing cities.

  • Immerse yourself in the history and culture in the Czech Republic’s capital city of Prague. Experience Prague Castle – the largest castle complex in the world – and be awed by its 9th century architecture.

  • Join a local guide in the south Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov and learn about the town’s history and thriving folk-culture. Afterall, there’s no one better to show you around than the people that live there.

  • Be treated to sweet delicacies just like grandma would make at Vollpension café in Vienna, where elderly grandparents bake the best cakes and share the best hospitality with their visitors. More than just a cafe, the team here are working to bridge the age gap and provide extra income for seniors.

  • Toast to your epic adventure with a 3-course, home-cooked, Hungarian feast on your final evening, prepared especially for you and your new-found travel companions by a local chef.

Is this trip right for you?

  • We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train and bus stations and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40C/105F). Please consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • The accommodation we use in Cesky Krumlov is full of character and perfectly represents the spirit of a medieval central European town. This means that the comfort level may be slightly lower compared to the rest of the accommodation used on this trip, however the rustic charm makes up for this.

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Austria_Vienna_Lunch_Flower_Al-fresco
czech-republic_prague_busking-band-bridge
Hungary_Budapest_Bar_Beer_Cheers
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Itinerary
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Vítejte v Praze! Welcome to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires and the capital of the Czech Republic. Meet your new travel buddies and group leader at 6 pm then enjoy a special welcome dinner together. Tuck into a delicious meal at a Czech pub, where you’ll enjoy traditional food like sausages, dumplings and salads, and fresh, crisp beer straight from the tank – just like a local. By the way, did you know that the beer in the Czech Republic has three colours? Gold, amber and black – we recommend you try them all to see which one you like best.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Prague - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Head to Prague Castle this morning and spend time exploring the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus’ Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and the colourful Golden Lane. Then, the rest of the day is free to do as you wish. You could wander the countless museums, or stroll the cobblestone streets, perhaps, café-hopping as you go. In the evening, maybe grab dinner with your new travel buds or otherwise hit the town solo. Your leader will have some great recommendations, no matter what you feel like.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Prague - Castle Visit
Optional Activities
  • Prague - Jewish Quarter - CZK500
  • Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK260
  • Prague - Mucha Museum - CZK300
  • Prague - Museum of Communism - CZK380
  • Prague - National Museum - CZK350
  • Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Prague today and travel by local bus to the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is like something out of a fairy-tale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced 'Chess-kee Kroom-love') means 'crooked meadow', which is befitting of a town that's nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Today, join a local guide for a walking tour of the town and hear tales of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. Later you might like to visit the town's castle or art gallery, or head out on an optional cycling or canoeing excursion.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cesky Krumlov - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour - CZK200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Rafting or Canoe Trip (per person) - CZK1200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Egon Schiele Art Centrum - CZK200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour - CZK300
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Depart Cesky Krumlov by private minivan this morning and cross the border into Austria, continuing to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre. Stop at the gothic-style St Stephens Cathedral, wander past the grand neo-classical Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Stop by Vollpension, where you can be treated to sweet eats just like your grandma made. This café aims to bridge the generation gap and bring people together through food by employing baking masters who happen to be ‘grandmas and grandpas’ to bake the freshest cakes in all of Vienna. Then, finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter. In the evening, perhaps head out for some Viennese cuisine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
  • Vienna - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Wake up without an alarm today as you have the whole of today to explore Vienna and its surrounds at your leisure. You might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, although there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Vienna is a beautiful city, so try to capture its essence as best you can while you're here.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) - EUR26
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Sisi Museum - EUR18
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - St Stephen's Tower - EUR6
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The gardens of Schonbrunn Palace are free to visit, but entrance and tours of the palace require payment. Avoid queues by pre-booking your tickets at schoenbrunn.at.

We also recommend pre-booking tickets for the Spanish Riding School at srs.at/en/

The Spanish Riding School and State Opera House don’t offer public performances in July and August.

Today, you’ll take a scenic train journey across the border into Hungary to reach Budapest. Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. On arrival, enjoy an orientation walk with your leader to explore some of the most interesting sights. See the Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen's Church and The Chain Bridge. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. You’ll enjoy views of the Freedom Statute and the Citadel, Gellért spa baths and Buda castle along your walk today. Afterwards, one unmissable activity you might like to partake in is a soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. This evening is free to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 3 hours.

Today is free for you to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer. It's the spa capital of the world so if you want to do nothing more than soak all day, you won't be judged here. Otherwise, the architecture around the city is simply unbelievable and a stroll past the Danube Palace, Parliament and many churches along the river is well worth it. In the evening, get ready for a feast for the senses with a 3-course Hungarian dinner cooked especially for you by a private chef. The perfect way to end your epic trip, over chicken paprikash and Gerbeaud cake you can toast to your new friends, great food and unforgettable adventures.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Private dinner with a local chef
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting - EUR21
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's not much time in Budapest, it's recommended that you stay an extra few nights so you can truly experience this beautiful city. If you need help booking additional accommodation, our reservations team can help (subject to availability).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Public bus, Taxi, Tram

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Prague - Welcome Dinner
  • Prague - Castle Visit
  • Cesky Krumlov - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
  • Vienna - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Budapest - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Budapest - Private dinner with a local chef

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of Central Europe trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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