Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, 15 Days of Must See Sights & Local Scenes

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Prague Castle & Royal Route Guided Walk

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.

Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to 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.

Early Morning to Evening

Excursion to the Spa-Town of Karlovy Vary

In Karlovy Vary, you will discover one of the world’s most famous spa towns and will stroll a promenade lined by grand Art Nouveau style buildings filled with smart cafes and posh shops. You can also visit the Moser crystal factory, visit one of the town’s famous spa hotels, and tour the city center.  In the city center, you will find colonnaded pavilions where you can taste the water flowing out of the springs located beneath the town. The town is located about 2 hours from Prague by a direct and comfortable bus route.

8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Guided Hike to Konopiště Chateau

Konopiště chateau is the spectacular estate of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Habsburg throne whose assassination in 1914 led to the outbreak of World War I. Situated on a hill overlooking a lake and surrounded by gardens, parkland, and forest, even the setting of Konopiště is fantastic. When you add in the fairy tale romanticism of the architecture, the sumptuous decorations of the interiors, and the impressive collections of art, hunting trophies, and medieval armor and weaponry, a trip to Konopiště by hiking trail and train is memorable to say the very least.

7:45 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that the cheapest and sometimes fastest way to reach your hotel may be by public transport. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app. Information on finding your departure platform is provided in the itinerary mobile app.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk through Vienna's 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.

Early Morning to Evening

Danube Cruise in the Scenic 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.

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit the 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.

Morning/Mid-Day

Tour the 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.

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds

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.

Early Morning to Mid-Day

Váci street and the Central Market

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.

Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to the town of Szentendre

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.

Morning/Mid-Day

Hungarian Parliament and its Surroundings

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.

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi

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.