Central European Treasures of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary

See Prague's most photographed moment when the late medieval timepiece constructed on the side of the Old Town Hall Tower comes to life at the top of the hour.

Apostles proceed from the tower’s 1410 astronomical clock hourly, flanked by figures representing vanity, greed, death, and pleasure. You can also take an elevator to the top of the Old Town Hall tower for a great view of the Old Town Square and rooftops. Tours of the town hall and its gothic cellars are also offered.

Count the spires on the Church of Our Lady Týn before discovering the hidden courtyard behind it.

The 14th-century, Gothic church is a stunning structure with asymmetrical towers (note that the one on the right is slightly larger than the one on the left). It is the dominant feature of Old Town square and serves as an extensive gallery of Gothic, Renaissance and Early Baroque works. The church is the final resting place for the great astronomer Tycho Brahe.

Discover a large historical complex of buildings and courtyards "hidden in plain sight" within the Old Town.

Founded as an abbey in the 11th century and later transformed into a Jesuit university, it is the second largest complex of buildings in Prague after the castle and contains four separate churches. Guided tours begin at 10am, and include an awe-inspiring Baroque library hall and the Astronomical Tower, from which you have a beautiful view of the Old Town.

Old Town

A visit to the Old Town transports you to an entirely different era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys surrounds Old Town Square, which has been Prague's municipal center since the Middle Ages. The square is lined by magnificent churches and imposing Renaissance palaces. As you wander through the Old Town, you discover numerous other delights, including several beautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and an outdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages.

Make sure to visit one of Europe's most important, historic, and stunning city squares.

The square is filled with rich history and surrounded by many beautiful old buildings, such as the gothic church of Our Lady before Týn and the baroque church of St. Nicholas. At the center of the square is a large statue of Jan Hus, a church reformer burnt at the stake in 1415, and a lovely and recently-restored column topped by the Virgin Mary. Today the square is filled with street performers, food stalls, and horse-drawn carriages.

See Prague's most photographed moment when the late medieval timepiece constructed on the side of the Old Town Hall Tower comes to life at the top of the hour.

Apostles proceed from the tower’s 1410 astronomical clock hourly, flanked by figures representing vanity, greed, death, and pleasure. You can also take an elevator to the top of the Old Town Hall tower for a great view of the Old Town Square and rooftops. Tours of the town hall and its gothic cellars are also offered.

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.

Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn, i.e. Charles' Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in the Czech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by King Charles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It's massive towers and walls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the Berounka River and commands striking views of the surrounding hills.

Tour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.

The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.

Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn, i.e. Charles' Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in the Czech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by King Charles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It's massive towers and walls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the Berounka River and commands striking views of the surrounding hills.

Tour a closely-guarded and jewel-encrusted chapel decorated with amazing medieval art.

The most important and impressive part of the castle, the Chapel of the Holy Rood, is open only to special guided tours due to the fact that its walls are literally covered in precious jewels.

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 Hike to Maidenstone Castle

Hidden in a thick forest and perched high atop a rocky hill surrounded by a steep river valley, the romantic ruins of the Maidenstone Castle are a wonderfully adventurous destination for a hike. Your guided hike will take you through fields, meadows, and woods, and you will pass several small waterfalls as you follow the Křemžský stream on your way to a stone path leading up to the castle ruins. This tour is approximately 3 to 4 hours in duration.

Guided Hike to Maidenstone Castle

Hidden in a thick forest and perched high atop a rocky hill surrounded by a steep river valley, the romantic ruins of the Maidenstone Castle are a wonderfully adventurous destination for a hike. Your guided hike will take you through fields, meadows, and woods, and you will pass several small waterfalls as you follow the Křemžský stream on your way to a stone path leading up to the castle ruins. This tour is approximately 3 to 4 hours in duration.

Guided Hike to Maidenstone Castle

Hidden in a thick forest and perched high atop a rocky hill surrounded by a steep river valley, the romantic ruins of the Maidenstone Castle are a wonderfully adventurous destination for a hike. Your guided hike will take you through fields, meadows, and woods, and you will pass several small waterfalls as you follow the Křemžský stream on your way to a stone path leading up to the castle ruins. This tour is approximately 3 to 4 hours in duration.

Guided Hike to Maidenstone Castle

Hidden in a thick forest and perched high atop a rocky hill surrounded by a steep river valley, the romantic ruins of the Maidenstone Castle are a wonderfully adventurous destination for a hike. Your guided hike will take you through fields, meadows, and woods, and you will pass several small waterfalls as you follow the Křemžský stream on your way to a stone path leading up to the castle ruins. This tour is approximately 3 to 4 hours in duration.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Salzburg, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. You will then make your way through the beautiful rolling countryside of northern Austria. You will then arrive in Salzburg, at the foot of dramatic Alpine mountains.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Salzburg, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. You will then make your way through the beautiful rolling countryside of northern Austria. You will then arrive in Salzburg, at the foot of dramatic Alpine mountains.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Salzburg, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. You will then make your way through the beautiful rolling countryside of northern Austria. You will then arrive in Salzburg, at the foot of dramatic Alpine mountains.

Shuttle from Cesky Krumlov to Salzburg

A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel in Český Krumlov, N/A, and take you directly to your hotel in Salzburg, N/A. You will climb over the low-lying yet impressive Šumava Mountains. You will then make your way through the beautiful rolling countryside of northern Austria. You will then arrive in Salzburg, at the foot of dramatic Alpine mountains.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.

Visit Salzburg's largest and most impressive church.

The current cathedral was built between 1614-1628 and is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. The cathedral was largely destroyed by an Allied bomb in WWII but was restored by 1959. One of the most significant treasures in the cathedral is the Baptismal Font, which was cast in 1321 and rests on copper lions dating back to the 1100s.

Guided Walking Tour of Salzburg

Salzburg is simply overwhelming in all the best ways. It is alive with fascinating history, grandiose and sublime architecture fills every street and square, culture and music permeate the atmosphere, and it is surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery. This guided tour with a local will provide the context needed to bring all of this beauty into perspective, and to connect the physical city to its history, culture, and environment.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg.

One of several grand squares in the center of Altstadt in Salzburg. In the Mozartplatz you can find a statue of the famous composer.

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.

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.

Stroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".

Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.

Many argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.

Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.

Karlskirche & Belvedere Palace

Two of Vienna's greatest architectural treasures lie just beyond the Ring Street - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles's Church). Often missed by visitors, these Baroque wonders represent Austria at the peak of its prestige and power and deserve to be on every visitor's list.

Stroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".

Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.

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.

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.

This building once housed the Hungarian Supreme Court and the Ethnographic museum. The museum is relocating to City Park and will open in 2022.

It was the second place winner in the competition to design the Hungarian Parliament. Many believe it is as beautiful at the Parliament, especially it's interiors.

Reflect at a waterside sculpture of shoes memorializing the victims of fascism who died at this spot.

This moving memorial consists of empty shoes by the riverbank. Near the end of World War II a fascist party took control in Hungary. Jews were lined up along the river bank, forced to step out of their shoes (so they could be collected later), and then machine gunned into the river.

Hungarian Parliament & Nearby

The Hungarian Parliament building is a magnificent sight as it rises above the waters of the Danube, and the interior is also quite jaw-dropping. As a visitor, you may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the sumptuous décor and attention-to-detail. You could be forgiven for expecting a queen to arrive or an aristocratic ball to break out at any moment.

Tour this massive and stunning Gothic Revival–style edifice with a guide.

The Parliament is ostentatious, but undeniably grand and beautiful. A teeming mass of spires, arches, and towers surrounds the central dome, beneath which the royal crown of Hungary lies under armed guard. Tours of the lavish interiors include the crown, parliament chambers, and grand entry hall. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended as they often sell out well in advance.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Budapest has one main airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi (there is no Uber in Budapest). You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Budapest has one main airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi (there is no Uber in Budapest). You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Budapest has one main airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi (there is no Uber in Budapest). You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Budapest has one main airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi (there is no Uber in Budapest). You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.