Overview
Explore the vibrant history of Central Europe on a tour of four of the region’s most alluring cities. Stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge in Prague, along cobbled streets to the hilltop castle of Český Krumlov, down the elegant boulevards of Vienna, and between the unique neighborhoods of Budapest, where East meets West in delightful fashion.
Days: 13
Best time to visit: April-June, September-November
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Departure
Begin your journey on an overnight flight to Europe, connecting onward to the Czech Republic.
Day 2 – Arrive in Prague
Arrive at the Prague Airport in the late morning or early afternoon and settle into your downtown hotel. Spend the day walking the city’s cobblestone streets or along the banks of the Vltava River and explore centuries of incredible architecture—colorful Baroque buildings, Gothic cathedrals, and lively squares.
Day 3 – Prague Old Town & Jewish Quarter Tour
This morning, meet your private guide for a 4-hour walking tour through Prague’s vibrant history. Crossing the famous Charles Bridge, an architectural marvel and open-air marketplace, delve into Prague’s storied Old Town. Visit St. Nicholas Church, with its medieval astronomical clock, and enter into living museum of the Jewish Quarter, its historic structures preserved through centuries of tumult and oppression. Enjoy coffee or lunch in the Old Town Square, with the rest of the day free to explore the city.
Day 4 – Tour of Prague Castle & Mala Strada
Today, your private 4-hour walking tour begins at Prague Castle, which is perched regally on one of the city’s seven hills. The castle complex is an intriguing amalgam of architectural styles stretching back to the 10th century, with the Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral, the Romanesque-style St. George’s Basilica, and more. Next, explore the lanes and alleyways of the Mala Strada neighborhood alongside the castle, an area with rich traditions and cultural history.
Day 5 – Prague to Český Krumlov
Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the train station for your 3 ½ hour journey to the southern city of Český Krumlov. Arrive and settle into your hotel in the early afternoon, with the remainder of the day at your leisure to stroll along the sinuous banks of the Vltava River, relax at one of the many sidewalk cafes, or pop into the historic Eggenberg brewery for a tour and a pint.
Day 6 – Český Krumlov Walking Tour
This morning, meet your guide at your hotel for a private 4-hour walking tour exploring this magnificent UNESCO-listed city. Stroll along the cobblestone streets winding through Old Town, where the 300 protected medieval buildings—homes, shops, inns, and more—are an alluring testament to the city’s rich history. Explore the fascinating architecture of the hilltop castle complex which has expanded from its original 13th-century structures, including the Baroque theater that boasts original elements from the 17th century.
Day 7 – Český Krumlov to Vienna
Make your way to the train station for a 4 ½-hour journey to Vienna, a cosmopolitan capital whose rich history is written in the architectural grandeur of the Hapsburgs and the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Check into your hotel and then start exploring this elegant city.
Day 8 – Vienna City Tour
This morning, join your 3-hour Group City Tour of Vienna, starting with a visit to the imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which has 1,441 rooms. This tour is a great introduction to the city’s most important sights, traveling along the Ringstrasse—Vienna’s main boulevard—you will see Parliament, the Burgtheater, City Hall and the University. Ending at the State Opera, you have the remainder of the day to explore the MuseumsQuartier, an area of shops and restaurants in addition to its many quality museums.
Day 9 – Vienna Walking Tour
Get an in-depth tour of another side of Vienna on a private 4-hour walking tour starting at the 13th-century Hofburg imperial palace, which was the winter residence of the Hapsburgs. The private apartments of the imperial family offer a unique window into a bygone era, and are decorated with ornate tapestries, crystal chandeliers, and 19th-century furniture. Stroll through the pedestrian Kärntnerstrass area to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, whose tower dominates the city’s skyline.
Day 10 – Vienna to Budapest
Check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your 2 ½-hour journey to Budapest, the scintillating capital of Hungary. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the remainder at your leisure—divided by the Danube River, the separate banks are known as Buda and Pest and each have a distinctive atmosphere and history to explore.
Day 11 – Budapest City Tour
This morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a private 4-hour walking and driving tour starting on the hilly, historical Buda side of the city. You will see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, several major museums, and visit Gellért Hill for panoramic views over the city. Cross over to the Pest side, and visit the Central Market Hall, City Park, and Europe’s largest synagogue. With such an abundance of sights to see, you can tailor your tour to visit the landmarks and buildings you are most interested in.
Day 12 – Explore Budapest
Enjoy your final day in Budapest, perhaps indulging in a soothing soak in one of the thermal baths and spas that the city is known for. Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Pools, one of Europe’s largest public baths, has thermal pools, steam baths, plunge pools, and more—15 of the 18 pools are naturally spring fed. Beyond bathing, this is a city of adventurous cuisine and exciting nightlife. Enjoy!
Day 13 – Depart for Home
Head to the airport for a late morning flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
Keep on Looking
Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.