Central Europe Without Limits: An Accessible Adventure

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Prague

   “The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it from the magnificent Old Town Square with its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, evident on every street, especially in the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.

   A driver will be at the airport to greet you and transfer you to your centrally located Prague accommodations.

   

   For Art and History Lovers

   Prague is so full of fascinating sights that it's easy to miss some of the best. For a little bit of peace and quiet, visit the Convent of Saint Anges of Bohemia, where you can find an exhibition on medieval art, and can find tranquility in the gardens, decorated by contemporary Czech sculptures. Our second tip is the Clementinum, a large complex of chapels and other buildings that collectively host the National Library. You can join one of the daily guided tours, or take in a concert in the Mirror Chapel. For more information visit the official Clementinum website.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Prague

   

   Prague Private City Tour by Car

   On this three-hour city tour you'll cover all of the major sites in the center of Prague. Your expert guide will make the past come alive for you as you cruise the streets, admiring amazing monuments and architecture and seeing Prague from a unique vantage point. In just a few hours you'll cover a lot of ground and come to a better understanding of the layout, history and culture of the Golden City. Your tour guide will pick you up right at your accommodation and take you back after the tour finishes.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Prague Old Town Small Group Evening Food Tour

   Enjoy a Prague food tour that lets you taste centuries of Czech culinary history, from traditional dishes to modern twists. With a local foodie guide, explore the evolution of Czech cuisine, from early influences to Communist-era fare and today’s dynamic flavors. Savor authentic specialties like goulash, roast pork, and beef sirloin with dumplings paired with Czech beer or Moravian wine. Discover hidden local favorites and leave with a personalized map of food recommendations to continue exploring Prague’s food scene.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Prague

   

   Karlovy Vary Private Day Trip

   Enjoy the many colonnades of a legendary spa town on this day trip to Karlovy Vary with a private driver and local guide. The hot springs were discovered here in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV, the town's namesake, when he was out on a hunt and their healing attributes were used for treating everyone from Peter the Great to Goethe. En route, you'll stop by the formidable 12th century gothic Loket Castle, where part of Casino Royale was filmed.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Opera, Classical, and Jazz

   The Czechs are big on opera and classical music, with two theaters staging operas throughout the season (year-round except July and August). If seeing an opera in Europe is on your to-do list, then check it off the list here. If jazz is more your style, you’ll find many jazz clubs throughout the Old Town but our pick for jazz with views, is Jazz Dock, right on the river. Your local representative will help you with suggestions and arranging tickets for you but if you'd prefer to purchase tickets in advance, we recommend this website: https://www.pragueticketoffice.com/

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Vienna by Private Car / Arrival in Vienna

   

   Another magnificent capital city awaits you today as you depart Prague for Vienna. Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation and will drive you straight to your centrally located accommodation in Vienna. The direct transfer takes around 4 hours.

   Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

   Your driver will bring you directly to your accommodations upon your arrival.

   

   Visit Belvedere Palace and See "the Kiss"

   If you are in love with art we highly recommend visiting the Belvedere Palace when in Vienna. Visiting the Belvedere Vienna you can happily lose yourself in fine art and beautiful landscaping. While the palace and baroque gardens alone are worth a visit the Belvedere’s Austrian National Gallery impresses with 1,000 years of national art. If you are short on time, focus on the most popular collections such as Gustav Klimt's work, the largest collection worldwide. Actually, his painting The Kiss attracts almost as much attention as the Louvre’s Mona Lisa. Please note that it is recommended to purchase the tickets in advance online.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Vienna Private Driving Tour

   See the best of Vienna and get the perfect introduction to Austria’s fascinating capital city. Your private guide will introduce you to the splendor of the city as you see sights like Schönbrunn Palace — the gorgeous summer home of the Habsburgs, and its stunning Baroque pleasure gardens. Discover Vienna’s most famous street, the Ring, home to imperial landmarks like the Opera House, City Hall, Imperial Palace and many more cultural sights. Drive through charming neighborhoods to see the city’s funkiest apartment building, the Hundertwasserhaus, designed by an artist who was not bound by straight lines.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Vienna Mozart Orchestra Group Concert

   Experience the magic of the Wiener Mozart Konzert, where the Vienna Mozart Orchestra performs in stunning historical costumes and wigs in Vienna’s grandest concert halls. Enjoy an evening filled with symphonic movements, solo concertos, and beloved operatic pieces from Mozart's masterpieces like "Don Giovanni", "The Marriage of Figaro", and "The Magic Flute". Let the enchanting melodies of "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik", "Symphony No. 40", and Symphony No. 41, "Jupiter," transport you back to Mozart’s era.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Budapest by Private Car / Arrival in Budapest

   

   You'll be picked up from your Vienna accommodation today for a private transfer to beautiful Budapest. The journey takes about 3 hours, so you can depart whenever you choose. The driver will take you directly to your accommodation upon arriving in Budapest. If you'd like to take the opportunity to see another capital city on the way, then Bratislava is ideally located and for a very reasonable additional fee we can arrange for a stop and city tour there with a driver guide along the way. You would even get the chance to try some traditional Slovak food at lunchtime! The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

   Upon your arrival the driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   A Drop of Luxury - Budapest's High End

   Affordable luxury is the watchword in Budapest. Regardless of the type of luxury, you will be surprised how cheap it is compared to the West. And honestly, the quality is sometimes even better. Budapest's rich gastronomy scene includes six restaurants with Michelin Stars. Besides fine dining, you can also take an unforgettable private boat ride on the Danube with wine tasting. If you desire physical proof of Budapest's luxury, you can always take a walk on Andrassy Boulevard to explore its seemingly countless designer boutiques. At the end of the day, be sure not to miss out on one of the rooftop bars to enjoy a nice cocktail mixed with a stunning view of the city. Our suggestion is the High Note SkyBar, at the top of the Aria Hotel.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Budapest

   

   Budapest Private City Tour by Tuk Tuk

   One of the best ways to discover Budapest on a hot day is by tuk tuk. Sit back and enjoy a ride with a knowledgeable local guide, who will take you off the beaten path to show you Budapest's best off-the-beaten-path spots, in addition to the regular must-see sights. After exploring the city by land, you'll then enjoy an hourlong cruise on the Danube, to get a literal new perspective on the city.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   A Gastronomic Heaven

   The Hungarians have always emphasized food, and their cuisine is often declared to be the best in Central Europe. During your walks in Budapest, you will see that almost every second place is either a coffee shop, restaurant, or pub. This gives you a chance to try whatever you want, and believe us when we say that it is absolutely worth your time. Suppose you don't want to explore on your own. In that case, we suggest taking one of our favorite food tours with a professional guide who will introduce you to classic local dishes, wines, and spirits while showing you some of the best places to shop, eat, and drink in the city, notably the Great Market Hall (aka the Central Market Hall).

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Budapest Market, Food, and Coffee Private Tour

   One of the best - and definitely a must - tours in Budapest if you consider yourself a foodie or would just simply like to have some delicious Hungarian food. Your guide will show some truly amazing local places, such as the Great Market Hall, a Hungarian restaurant and of course a beautiful coffeeshop.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

   

   Evening Wine, Cheese, & Charcuterie Tasting Group Experience

   Hungary is well known for its wines. Despite its small size, it hosts 23 distinct wine regions. With this tasting, you'll taste excellent wines from across the country (including the legendary Tokaji Aszu), paired with foods.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Dinner Walk - Culinary Small Group Tour

   A true culinary experience in Budapest. As a perfect opportunity to enjoy dinner at multiple restaurants and venues, this tour will surely become one of your favourites in case you are into gastronomy and wines. Discover more about the Hungarian cuisine while you explore some of the history of this amazing capital.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Budapest

   

   Hungarian Parliament Group Tour

   The Parlament of Budapest is part of the Hundred Wonders of the world for a reason. It is safe to say that it is the most spectacular and grandiose building of Budapest, so visiting it during your stay could be a once in a lifetime experience. Tickets sell out fast, so don't hesitate to buy them.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Bathe with the Locals

   Is there anything more quintessentially Budapest than a visit to one of the legendary baths? With more hot springs than any other capital, the city lets you take your pick of various styles, from the old school Turkish Rudas Baths to the Art Nouveau Gellert Baths on the Buda side of the city, or even the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths with a large outdoor pool in Pest’s City Park. These are very much for locals, don't expect day-spa luxury! We've written a handy roundup of Budapest's best baths here.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Traveling to Krakow by Private Car / Arrival in Krakow

   

   A lovely and comfortable drive awaits you today. A private driver will pick you up in Budapest and bring you to your accommodation in Krakow. The journey will be scenic as you'll go through the beautiful countryside of Slovakia, including the Tatra mountains. The advantage of taking a private transfer is that for a small additional fee to cover waiting time you can make a stop along the way. If you just want a lunch stop then a true slice of Slovak life can be sampled at a sheep farm. For a longer stop, there are plenty of UNESCO-listed sites, such as the preserved village of wooden houses at Vlkolinec or the medieval town with a silver-mining museum and not one but two castles, Banska Stiavnica. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

   When you arrive in Krakow, your driver will bring you straight to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Krakow's Architectural Jewels

   As a place with the good fortune to escape WWII with its buildings largely intact, Krakow offers plenty of architectural styles to seek out. St. Mary's Basilica or Wawel Castle are must-sees within the historic center. To the south of this area, you can find distinct architecture in the districts of Kazimierz and Podgorze. Further from the city center, the utopian planned neighborhood of Nowa Huta is a showcase of Socialist Realism and Classicism.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Krakow

    

    Private City Tour on an Eco-Vehicle

    You want to cover most of the Krakow's busy central area without walking too much? Jump on board of the ecological electric vehicle with an audio guide, where you will have an opportunity to hear interesting stories and see the most important monuments of the Old Town, The Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz, and the area where, during World War II, the ghetto was located. While admiring the breathtaking architecture of Krakow, you will have a chance to see the city from a completely different perspective. 

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 1 hour 45 minutes

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Glass Workshop Visit with Private Transportation

    Visit factory of one of the largest glass ornaments producers in Europe located just outside of Krakow, where you are going to see and learn about the process of creating unique glass ornaments. During this program you will see and learn about the different steps (glass blowing, silvering,

    matte, decoration and packing) involved in producing the handmade ornaments. Later in the tour, you will have the opportunity to be a painting decorator yourself as you are going to paint one of the baubles yourself. An excellent opportunity to make some Christmas decoration for your loved ones.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 4 Hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    

    Krakow Wawel Royal Hill Group Tour

    Discover Krakow's aristocratic past on this interesting excursion to the Wawel Royal Castle. It's a great chance to explore the most important hill in Poland while listening to your guide telling you all about the history of Poland's royal families. You'll get a brilliant sensory experience and learn more about history at the same time.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

    

    Auschwitz-Birkenau Private Tour

    Here's an excursion for anyone interested in learning more about World War II. The Auschwitz-Birkenau complex was established in 1940 and throughout the five years of its inglorious operation over 1.5 million Jews, Poles, Italians and Frenchman perished here. The museum was founded in 1947, combining the area of KL Auschwitz (Auschwitz I) in Oswiecim and the Birkenau camp (Auschwitz II) in Brzezinka. It comprises approximately 150 buildings and 300 ruins. The original roads, fences, watchtowers and railway ramps have been preserved, and the buildings house the collection of original exhibits and documents.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 7 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Watch the video

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    Our driver will pick you up in from your accommodation and take you to Krakow Airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.