Highlights of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow & Warsaw in 15 days

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.

Morning/Mid-Day

Exploring Central Pest

In Central Pest you will discover the beating heart of the city, with grand apartment houses and art nouveau architectural gems. No visit to Budapest is complete without seeing its highlights, including St. Stephen's Basilica, which dramatically rises above the city, and the Chain Bridge, which regally spans the Danube.

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.

Morning/Mid-Day

Along Vienna's Ringstraße (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.

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.

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/Mid-Day

Discover the New Town

Despite being 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město) is the youngest of the original five independent towns that made up Medieval Prague. The heart of New Town is one of the three original markets around which the town was planned, Wenceslas Square. Not fully given over to tourism like the Old Town, the New Town combines a historic atmosphere with the daily commercial and social life of locals, making it a great place to get a taste of the real Prague.

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit Prague's 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.

6:10 AM

Private Transfer from Krakow Rail Station to Your Hotel

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.

Early Morning/Morning

Visit to the Schindler's Factory Museum and the Former Ghetto

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.

9:00 AM

Taxi Transfer to Kraków Główny Rail Station

Most trains depart from Krakow Main Rail Station (Kraków Główny) 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 public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option - trams drop off directly in front of the station. 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.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Half-Day Guided Walking Tour of Old Town

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, you will be shown around Warsaw's UNESCO-listed Old Town, including the old market square and the famous Mermaid Monument in the middle of it. You will be taken along the beautifully recreated cobbled streets around the square while your guide recounts the stories of the historic building lining them, as well as the story of their post-WWII reconstruction.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Communism Tour in Warsaw in a Retro Van

On this 4-hour guided tour, you will be intrigued by a visit to Constitution Square, discover the utopian plans of the Ministry of Agriculture, feel the propaganda at the Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN), and learn about the hitherto unknown secrets of the former Central Committee headquarters. Your guide will also take you to the Museum of Life under Communism (“Charm of the PRL” Museum) where you will go back in time to understand the reality of the communist regime. You also will have a chance to watch some propaganda movies and relax for a while in a cozy communist-style café.

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Train

You will likely depart from Warsaw Chopin Airport, although if flying RyanAir or another budget airline you may depart from Warsaw Modlin Airport. The most affordable and sometimes fastest way to reach Warsaw Chopin airport is by train. The S2 and RL trains depart from Warszawa Śródmieście station, which is co-located with Warsaw Central Station. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach the airport.  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 for the maximum convenience. 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.