Pearls of the Empire: A Central European Odyssey

Discover why this pedestrian walkway along the Danube River, with it's beautiful views of the river and castle, is a favorite of both locals and visitors alike.

This promenade above the river embankment was the place to see-and-be-seen in 19th century Budapest. Cafes and luxury hotels lined the promenade, taking advantage of stunning views of the castle. They were destroyed in WWII and replaced with large modern hotels, eliminating some of the charm. The view, however, is still incredible.

Shop in a huge market hall built in the late 19th century.

This restored neo-gothic Market Hall is a favorite with visitors but also still visited by locals for its outstanding food stands and grocery stalls on the ground floor. On the upper levels, you can shop for souvenirs and traditional Hungarian goods & crafts.

Central Market & Váci Street

The Central Market Hall is a mezzanine shopping arcade first opened in 1897. Today the Central Market teems with activity like small shops and stands offer a remarkable assortment of goods, including fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, fish, flowers, and Hungarian specialties. There are also many souvenirs available on the second floor of the market.

Walk one of Budapest's main pedestrian thoroughfares, which is very popular with shoppers and tourists.

The street is lined by shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Many elegant buildings line the street, most dating to the late19th century. Numerous courtyards and passageways branch off from the street. Although touristy, it is an integral part of the city and an interesting place to stroll.

Guided Walk in Budapest

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

Guided Walk in Budapest

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

Guided Walk in Budapest

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

Guided Walk in Budapest

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

A square overlooking the town that is missed by many visitors.

The Templom square above Fő square provides a nice viewpoint from which to admire the town, and the Church of St. John is also worth a peak if open. Also on the square is a small art museum dedicated to Béla Czóbel (1883-1976), a Hungarian avant-garde painter.

A colorful pedestrian square in the heart of the town.

You will find restaurants and shops lining the cobblestoned square. Also on the square is the Szentendre Gallery, which is located in the ground floor of a building dating back to 1720. The Orthodox church adjacent to the square is also definitely worth a look.

A Hungarian folk culture open-air museum

The museum consists of an entire village, taking visitors back in time to 18th- to 20th-century rural and farming life. You can see reconstructed farm dwellings and a museological collection.

Szentendre Excursion

The little cobblestoned town of Szentendre lies charmingly nestled alongside the Danube River and is less than an hour away from Budapest by train or car. Nearly every building in the town dates back to the period of baroque architecture. It is now a haven for artists, who sell their works throughout town.

A baroque Orthodox church and museum with stunning Orthodox icons and other religious art.

The museum features art collected from Hungary's formerly Serbian churches. The churches were closed as Serbs emigrated to Serbia or integrated into the Hungarian population, and the finest art from the churches was saved and sent to Szentendre. An 800 HUF admission covers both the church and the museum – you may even have the museum to yourselves.

A square overlooking the town that is missed by many visitors.

The Templom square above Fő square provides a nice viewpoint from which to admire the town, and the Church of St. John is also worth a peak if open. Also on the square is a small art museum dedicated to Béla Czóbel (1883-1976), a Hungarian avant-garde painter.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Guided Walk of the Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Explore the twisting narrow lanes of this delightful monastery town.

Named for the castle that overlooks it, Dürnstein is probably the most-visited stop in the Wachau valley. Reached by an ancient tunnel leading from the boat docks,  it is well-known for its wine as well as the beautiful blue church tower of its Augustinian monastery.

Hike to the dramatic ruins of a medieval castle built in 1100's.

The hike leading to the castle is steep, but the amazing view you are rewarded with makes it all worth while. The fascinating ruins are extensive and can be freely explored. The castle was made famous by its most illustrious prisoner, King Richard the Lionhearted of England, who was held there for ransom.

Wachau Valley

A one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Vienna brings you to the town of Melk, where you can tour the vast Melk Abbey. From there you can begin a 22-mile cruise through the Wachau Valley, considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. You'll pass medieval castle ruins, hills covered in vineyards, and several charming villages, where you can debark to try some wine or take a hike up to a castle. The valley is also a perfect destination for cyclers and winery tours.

Tour a huge and splendid Baroque monastery.

Founded in 1089 when the Austrian duke gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks, Melk Abbey is now both a place of pilgrimage and a major tourist attraction. Visitors come for the museum of religious artifacts, the jaw-dropping library, and the sublime church. The town square below the abbey is also a great place for a meal or wine.

Stop to taste the wine in a postcard-pretty town surrounded by vineyards.

Spitz is a favorite stop due to its bucolic atmosphere and abundance of wine taverns and restaurants. It is also home to the Tausendeimerberg or "House of a Thousand Buckets" (so named for the abundance of wine fields) and the castle ruins of Hinterhaus, which make for a nice (if steep) hike from the village.

Explore one of the world's most important natural history collections.

The museum is a treasure trove of anthropological and archeological exhibits, including dinosaurs and other extinct animals, precious gems, and more. It also holds the famous pre-historic finds from the Austrian village of Hallstatt, where an ancient salt mine was located.

Find artistic bliss in this lavish 19th-century museum housing art collections & antiquities.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Art History Museum, is one of the world's most important collections of art. It houses many masterpieces as well as ancient and classical art antiquities. Its amazing interior is worth seeing just on its own merits, and includes an incredible mural painted by Gustav Klimt.

Ring Street

The Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna's old town where the city walls once stood until the 19th century. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was at the height of its prosperity at the time the walls were torn down, and so it lined the wide Ringstrasse with monumental buildings such as the neo-Gothic town hall and neo-Classical parliament buildling. A fun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of the Ringstrasse, soaking in the full richness of the spectacle.

Get in touch with the local vibe at the Rathausplatz, a huge square in front of the Vienna City Hall.

The 19th-century city hall was built in a fanciful neo-Gothic style with 30 million bricks. It is an important center for social life in the city, hosting balls, concerts, and other events. The square in front of the hall is home to activities all year long, including markets, food fairs, exhibitions, and the city's biggest Christmas Market.

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Royal Route Guided Tour

On this charming guided walk, you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that occurred there. Your tour guide will then take you either through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex, or through the upper part of the castle district around the oversized palaces of the old Catholic nobility and the top of the Castle Steps for incomparable views over the red rooftops of the Little Quarter.

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.

Wander in a graveyard where many prominent Czechs are buried, such as famed composers Dvořák & Smětana.

The cemetery is filled with many tombs which are works of art in themselves, including several arcades with beautiful art-nouveau frescoes. The monumental Slavin tomb is a sort of pantheon of the Czech people, with over 55 prominent persons buried within it. Dvořák and Smětana have their own more modest graves.

Enjoy stunning city views from atop the fortress walls.

Prague Castle and most of the city can be seen from above the cavernous Gorlice Hall. A walk along the fortress walls is a delightful experience, as you will enjoy numerous excellent vantage points on all sides of the fortress, enjoying Prague from a different perspective without all the crowds.

Vyšehrad Fortress

The castle of Vyšehrad was the seat of Bohemia's kings from the 11th to the 12th centuries. Due to its strategic position on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and Prague, it became an important army garrison in the 17th century, and it was transformed into a fortress with huge walls, gates, and ramparts. Walking along these ramparts will offer you wonderful views of the city and river. The interior of the fortress is now given over to a pleasant and quiet park which is a favorite of locals.

Venture within the fortress's massive 17th-century walls and gates.

A tour through the Brick Gate on the fortress's north side will take you through the narrow underground passageways and casemates of the fortress. You will see a historical exhibit on Vyšehrad as well as the underground Gorlice Hall, where the original statues from the Charles Bridge are stored for safe-keeping (many of the statues on the bridge are copies).

Discover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.

Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.

See the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe and also one of Prague's earliest Gothic buildings.

When built it was Prague’s newest synagogue, but over time became its oldest – hence the “Old-New”. A beautiful ark holds the Torah and legend says its attic is the hiding place of the legendary clay Golem.

Jewish Quarter

Jews have lived in Prague since its beginnings in the 10th century and have endowed it with a rich heritage. The ghetto was created in the 12th century, as Jews were forced to live separately from Christians. Despite persecution, the community prospered, but sadly, only a small minority survived the Nazi occupation. A lasting legacy remains, including synagogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery.

Take an unforgettable visit to one of Europe's largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.

As the Jewish Ghetto was quite cramped, there was no room to expand the cemetery. Unable to acquire further land, and not wishing to dishonor ancestors through the demolition of existing graves, Prague's Jews buried their loved ones in multiple levels. Gravestones are packed in tightly and in some areas the burials reach 12 layers!

Hotel Transfer from Krakow Rail Station

Upon your arrival in Krakow, your driver will meet you on the platform. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Hotel Transfer from Krakow Rail Station

Upon your arrival in Krakow, your driver will meet you on the platform. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Hotel Transfer from Krakow Rail Station

Upon your arrival in Krakow, your driver will meet you on the platform. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Hotel Transfer from Krakow Rail Station

Upon your arrival in Krakow, your driver will meet you on the platform. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Schindler's Factory Museum

During World War II Oscar Schindler saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews by employing them in his enamelware factory in Krakow. Until recently still used as a factory, the building now houses one of Europe's most impressive new museums. It tells not only the story of Schindler and the Jews he protected, but of the wider experience of Krakow during World War II.

Wander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.

Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".

Schindler's Factory Museum

During World War II Oscar Schindler saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews by employing them in his enamelware factory in Krakow. Until recently still used as a factory, the building now houses one of Europe's most impressive new museums. It tells not only the story of Schindler and the Jews he protected, but of the wider experience of Krakow during World War II.

Wander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.

Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".

Transfer to Airport

Krakow has one main airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and fast way to reach the airport is by train. The regional train takes less than 20 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Krakow. Your hotel can also arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Transfer to Airport

Krakow has one main airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and fast way to reach the airport is by train. The regional train takes less than 20 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Krakow. Your hotel can also arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Transfer to Airport

Krakow has one main airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and fast way to reach the airport is by train. The regional train takes less than 20 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Krakow. Your hotel can also arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Transfer to Airport

Krakow has one main airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and fast way to reach the airport is by train. The regional train takes less than 20 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Krakow. Your hotel can also arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.