Timeless Central Europe:: From Berlin to Vienna through the Czech Republic

Explore a traditional Berlin alleyway courtyard which harbours a trio of small museums relating to the Jewish experience during WWII.

The courtyard's crumbling and grafittied facades give visitors a feel for Berlin tenement life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Among the museums is the fascinating Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Wendt (free; open 10am-8pm daily). It is located in the former rooms of a broom and brush factory run by one Otto Wendt, whose employees were mainly deaf, blind and Jewish. He managed to protect his workers from the concentration camps by having the factory declared essential to the war effort.

Visit one of the most important legacies of Berlin's pre-Holocaust Jewish community.

The partially reconstructed synagogue was damaged on Kristallnacht, an anti-Jewish Nazi pogrom. It was not completely destroyed thanks to the intervention of the local police chief. Its ultimate destruction was left to Allied bombers and reconstruction didn’t begin until the late 1980s. While large parts remain unreconstructed, it is still possible to visit the interior.

Courtyards of Berlin

With booming 19th-century population growth, nearly every unoccupied space in Berlin was filled by tenement buildings surrounding small courtyards. The Spandauer Vorstadt neighborhood possesses some of Berlin’s most beautiful courtyards, the Hackesche Höfe, as well as other courtyards which better recall the crowded conditions of industrial Berlin. Here you can discover the partially reconstructed New Synagogue, the former site of the Jewish cemetery, and many hidden reminders of a once vibrant community.

Stop for a drink or go shopping within Berlin’s most beautiful courtyards.

These nine courtyards are classic examples of Art Deco. Built in 1905-1907 to house businesses, flats and places of entertainment, Hackesche Höfe was conceived of as an antidote to the dowdy and overcrowded courtyards of working-class Berlin. They are elaborately decorated with blue mosaic tiles and other artistic finishes, but nevertheless preserve a layout that was highly typical of much of pre-war Berlin.

Quadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate

The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a  Germanic cross.

Make your way to the top of the dome enjoying amazing views and looking down at debating members of the German Parliament below.

Officially, the Reichstag is actually the Bundestag, which means the federal parliament. The Reichstag was reduced to a ruined shell by arson in 1933 and by World War II fighting, but it was rebuilt with a striking egg-shaped glass dome. Visitors are given a free audio guide that discusses the building’s history and architecture, while also orientating you to the sites of Berlin. It is an excellent introduction to the city. Note that it is usually necessary to book well in advance!

Guided Walking Tour of Berlin

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Quadriga. Hey, There's a Word to Know When Learning About this Historic Gate

The Brandenburg Gate was built as a symbol of peace, perverted into a symbol of power by the Nazis, and became a symbol of division during the Cold War. Now, however, it is a symbol of reunification. Completed in 1791, it was topped by the quadriga, a chariot drawn by four horses driven by the goddess of peace. Napoleon seized the quadriga as a spoil of war, but after his defeat, it was returned to the city and met by cheering crowds along the way, transforming the goddess of peace into a goddess of victory, holding a  Germanic cross.

Take a Break in a Popular Beer Garden Nestled Within the Park.

Even if you don’t feel like stopping for a drink or a meal, it is still worth a quick peek just to experience the atmosphere. The location is absolutely ideal, surrounded by forest and looking over the lake with its many paddle boaters. There's a formal sit-down café on the terrace and a self-service beer garden, where sharing benches is expected and completely normal.

Shop within the forest at Berlin’s best flea market.

If you are looking for a unique purchase then this is the place. The market takes place every weekend from 10am-5pm. Discover art, family heirlooms, furniture, clothing, souvenirs, food, and more.

Tiergarten

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. Some of Berlin's favorite beer gardens are also located in the park.

Climb the historic column for a panoramic view of the city amidst a sea of green trees.

One of Berlin’s most familiar sights, the column commemorates victories over Denmark, Austria, and France during the mid-19th century. These victories enabled the founding of the German Empire in 1871. It was moved to the current location on the express orders of Hitler.

Stare into the eyes of the famed Egyptian queen Nefertiti and see other ancient artwork and archeological artifacts.

The New Museum was opened in 1859 to relieve pressure on the over-crowded Old Museum. The three exhibition floors were decorated by leading Classical painters, with a focal point being a grand staircase winding up all three stories. Exhibits include the archaeological collections of the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, the Museum of Pre- and Early History, and the Collection of Classical Antiquities. The 3300-year-old bust of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is the showstopper.

Climb 270 steps to the top of this massive 19th century cathedral for a unique panoramic view of the city.

Berlin Cathedral, nestled on Museum Island, epitomizes German neo-Renaissance grandeur with its striking dome. Built from 1894 to 1905 and restored post-World War II, its lavish interior, stained glass, and notable pipe organ draw visitors. Beyond a place of worship, it houses the former imperial ruling family's, the Hohenzollern, crypt, revealing the dynastic past of Germany.

Museum Island

This island in the River Spree is home to five world-renowned museums, which could easily fill up a whole trip just by themselves. The island is covered in trees and green lawns, while the classically-inspired architecture of the museums can be enjoyed without even stepping inside. Unfortunately, the biggest star of the island, the Pergamon Museum, with its wholly reconstructed ancient buildings, is closed until 2026 for renovations. However, you can still visit a massive 360-panorama depicting the ancient city of Pergamon, and there's still more museums to visit than you could possibly fit in. Also to be found on and around Museum Island are the majestic Berliner Dom cathedral and the huge Berlin Palace.

Relive the past in one of the world's premier museums of archealogy and ancient art. You can step into enormous ancient structures, wholly reconstructed.

The museum is a jaw-dropping feast of classical sculpture and monumental architecture from Greece, Rome, Babylon and the Middle East divided into three parts. Highlights include the radiant-blue Ishtar Gate from Babylon, the Roman Market Gate of Miletus and the Caliph's Palace of Mshatta.

Old Town Walking Tour

During this 2 hour tour you will discover the most impressive sights of Dresden Old Town, like the world famous Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, the Cathedral or the Royal Palace. Our guide will give you all the historic background. You will also have a chance to see the reconstructed Frauenkirche, a symbol of reconciliation and peace in the world, a real pride of inhabitants of Dresden.

See why the palace and its gardens were considered beautiful enough to hold some of Germany's most precious artworks.

There is much to see in the Zwinger besides the Old Masters' Gallery. The palace is one of the most admired Baroque structures in all of Germany, if not in Europe, so the architecture and gardens are attractions in themselves. There is also a porcelain collection and Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. The palace was originally built in 1709 as an orangery and garden. However, its beautifully adorned galleries and pavilions were intended to eventually serve as a forecourt for a much larger palace, which would be a testament to the power and greatness of Saxony's then ruler, Augustus the Strong. After his death that plan was dropped, and it would not be until the 19th century that the palace would find a suitable role to live up to its grandness, when it was transformed into a museum complex.

Old Town Walking Tour

During this 2 hour tour you will discover the most impressive sights of Dresden Old Town, like the world famous Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, the Cathedral or the Royal Palace. Our guide will give you all the historic background. You will also have a chance to see the reconstructed Frauenkirche, a symbol of reconciliation and peace in the world, a real pride of inhabitants of Dresden.

See why the palace and its gardens were considered beautiful enough to hold some of Germany's most precious artworks.

There is much to see in the Zwinger besides the Old Masters' Gallery. The palace is one of the most admired Baroque structures in all of Germany, if not in Europe, so the architecture and gardens are attractions in themselves. There is also a porcelain collection and Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments. The palace was originally built in 1709 as an orangery and garden. However, its beautifully adorned galleries and pavilions were intended to eventually serve as a forecourt for a much larger palace, which would be a testament to the power and greatness of Saxony's then ruler, Augustus the Strong. After his death that plan was dropped, and it would not be until the 19th century that the palace would find a suitable role to live up to its grandness, when it was transformed into a museum complex.

Suspension Railway

Enjoy a ride on Dresden's historic funicular up to the top of the foothill on the outskirts of the city with fabulous views over the Elbe River, take a short walk around the magnificent 19th-century villas that survived the devastating 1945 bombing raid, and come back down again on the world's oldest suspension railway.

Restaurant with lovely terrace overlooking Elbe

Reasonably priced restaurant with a great terrace on the one side with wonderful views of the River Elbe.

Suspension Railway

Enjoy a ride on Dresden's historic funicular up to the top of the foothill on the outskirts of the city with fabulous views over the Elbe River, take a short walk around the magnificent 19th-century villas that survived the devastating 1945 bombing raid, and come back down again on the world's oldest suspension railway.

Restaurant with lovely terrace overlooking Elbe

Reasonably priced restaurant with a great terrace on the one side with wonderful views of the River Elbe.

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.

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!

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).

Transfer from Prague Bus Station

A car service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to the Na Knížecí bus station, where you will catch your bus.  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.

Transfer from Prague Bus Station

A car service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to the Na Knížecí bus station, where you will catch your bus.  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.

Transfer from Prague Bus Station

A car service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to the Na Knížecí bus station, where you will catch your bus.  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.

Transfer from Prague Bus Station

A car service will pick you up from the N/A and deliver you to the Na Knížecí bus station, where you will catch your bus.  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.

Guided trip to Zláta Koruna

Zlatá Koruna (Golden Crown) is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the Czech Republic. You will be transported to the monastery by van, where you will be given a tour of the monastery. Your exploration of the monastery will take you through halls and cloisters with beautifully frescoed ceilings and delicately sculpted vaulting, and you will be accompanied by a private guide.

Guided trip to Zláta Koruna

Zlatá Koruna (Golden Crown) is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the Czech Republic. You will be transported to the monastery by van, where you will be given a tour of the monastery. Your exploration of the monastery will take you through halls and cloisters with beautifully frescoed ceilings and delicately sculpted vaulting, and you will be accompanied by a private guide.

Guided trip to Zláta Koruna

Zlatá Koruna (Golden Crown) is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the Czech Republic. You will be transported to the monastery by van, where you will be given a tour of the monastery. Your exploration of the monastery will take you through halls and cloisters with beautifully frescoed ceilings and delicately sculpted vaulting, and you will be accompanied by a private guide.

Guided trip to Zláta Koruna

Zlatá Koruna (Golden Crown) is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in the Czech Republic. You will be transported to the monastery by van, where you will be given a tour of the monastery. Your exploration of the monastery will take you through halls and cloisters with beautifully frescoed ceilings and delicately sculpted vaulting, and you will be accompanied by a private guide.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Vienna

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Vienna, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. After making your way through a beautiful rolling countryside of Lower Austria you will reach Vienna, where the next leg of your journey will begin!  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.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Vienna

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Vienna, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. After making your way through a beautiful rolling countryside of Lower Austria you will reach Vienna, where the next leg of your journey will begin!  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.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Vienna

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Vienna, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. After making your way through a beautiful rolling countryside of Lower Austria you will reach Vienna, where the next leg of your journey will begin!  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.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Vienna

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Vienna, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. After making your way through a beautiful rolling countryside of Lower Austria you will reach Vienna, where the next leg of your journey will begin!  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.

Join local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.

With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.

Get lost in the huge imperial gardens.

The beautiful park is a mix of formal gardens and woodlands, and is dotted with enchanting statues & fountains, including a massive fountain of Neptune. The Gloriette pavilion sits on a rise opposite the palace and commands a wonderful view. Kids will love the labyrinth, racing to find the tower at the center of the maze.

Schönbrunn Palace

The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see how Maria Theresa and other past imperial residents lived. No visit is complete without a stroll in the vast gardens surrounding the palace.

Join local families enjoying one of Europe's best zoos.

With an entrance directly connected to the Schönbrunn palace gardens, visiting the zoo can be a great addition to any trip to the palace. Founded as an imperial menagerie in 1752, it is the oldest continually operated zoo in the world, and today is home to many rare species such as giant pandas.

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.

Taxi Transfer to Vienna Airport

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you.  If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight.  If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.

Taxi Transfer to Vienna Airport

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you.  If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight.  If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.

Taxi Transfer to Vienna Airport

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you.  If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight.  If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.

Taxi Transfer to Vienna Airport

Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you.  If you are picked up three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your flight.  If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes or so.