I have already been recommending JayWay to friends and plan to use for future trips.
- Tess, Thomas, Joshua & Susan - District of Columbia
Movie Tour of Central Europe
- Price
- from $5,225
- Duration
- 12 days
- Destinations
- Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague
Get a price estimate for this trip
Attention, movie buffs! Get to know Central Europe's four famous cities from another aspect. How often does Budapest or Prague play itself in a movie? Who is haunting the city of Vienna? Is Salzburg known for any other film but The Sound of Music? Which of these four can double for each other? Private movie-themed walking tours will answer all these questions and more. Alongside these tours, we suggest visiting local film museums and studios or discover movie locations individually. Once you've absorbed all the film-related information you wanted, it's time to fill your days with some not-to-miss experiences. Cruise on the Danube River, or visit the world's third-largest Parliament building in Budapest. Attend a Vienna Boy's Choir concert or see the graceful Lipizzaner horses in the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Pay tribute to Mozart in Salzburg and see the world's grandest castle complex from inside in Prague. So that you can see more movie-related sites, we organized this itinerary with private transfers. That's why Hallstatt and Cesky Krumlov are also part of this comprehensive package.
Centrally located accommodations of your choice, private walking tours, and transfers with stops along the way are inclusive of this 11-day tour holiday. The integrated services guarantee a flawless and unforgettable holiday for film fans, their family, or friends.
In addition to the tours included we can arrange a number of excursions based on your own interests. All of our tours are custom, and this is just a sample meant to give an idea of what our trips are like, and the opportunities our destinations provide. One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange additional local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon your arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our first-hand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Budapest
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.When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.
Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise
You're invited for a panoramic boat ride at night, when the city will be beautifully lit up for your pleasure. Glass in hand, you will be able to experience how the legends of Budapest come alive. Look behind the walls of the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the bridges, and other splendid sights all bathed in light.
Included in your vacation package price
Day 2 Your First Full Day in Budapest
Pest Private Walking Tour
When arriving at a new capital for the first time, it's best to have a knowledgeable local show you around. On this tour, an expert local guide will take you around the Pest side of Budapest, home to most of the city's landmarks and history, showing you not just the big-name sights, but introducing you into the everyday lives of the city's citizens.Included in your vacation package price
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.Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package
Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Budapest
Retro Trabant Private Tour to Memento Park
Chug along the streets of Budapest in a tiny, idiosyncratic East German Trabant car. You'll visit Memento Park, a famous collection of communist statues, where you'll spend an hour with an expert guide, and drive to the panoramic Citadel, high above the Danube, which offers perhaps the best views of Budapest.Included in your vacation package price
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.
Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package
The Impressive Museum Of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts on Heroes' Square (facing the Palace of Art) makes its contents clear start with its Renaissance Revival/Neoclassical facade. Within, you'll find works from big names like Da Vinci, Raffaello, Rembrandt, and Monet. The museum's spacious, grandiose halls are themselves works of art, with classical pillars and marble floors, and have attracted more than just fans of art. The museum has been the settings of films from Die Hard V to The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 4 Traveling to Vienna by Private Transfer / Arrival in Vienna
Be prepared for an interesting day today as you say goodbye to Budapest, hello to Vienna, and have a brief visit to Korda Filmpark which is the first movie-themed visitors center in Central-Eastern Europe. The Filmpark can be found amongst the stages and backlot sets of Korda Studios, where international feature films such as Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, Season of the Witch, Inferno, The Martian and TV mega-productions The Borgias and World Without End have been filmed. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will pick you up at your accommodations in Budapest and your journey to Vienna can start. Please keep in mind this is a non-guided transfer. The journey including stops takes about 6 hours. 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.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.
A Night at the Opera
Vienna is home to the world's most famous opera scene, and for many, the renaissance-style Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper) has been the city's cultural zenith. The Vienna State Opera (the "Staatsoper") also played a major role in one of 2015’s biggest movies – Mission Impossible 5: Rogue Nation. Naturally, Vienna has several other storied opera houses and companies to choose from. The People's Opera (Volksoper Wien) focuses on German-language productions. Finally, the Theater on the Wien (Theater an der Wien) rounds out any listing of the city's prestigious opera houses. For the complete program and tickets visit https://www.viennaconcerts.com/Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 5 Your First Full Day in Vienna
The Third Man – Post-War Vienna in the Footsteps of a Film Classic Private Tour
More than half a century after his dramatic death in the sewers of Vienna, Harry Lime (Orson Welles) still haunts the city of Vienna. Follow your guide through the cobbled streets and courtyards of Vienna that inspired author Graham Greene, director Carol Reed and Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Krasker, and see the places where Harry Lime lived, appeared and disappeared.
Included in your vacation package price
Schonbrunn in Film and TV
Schonnbrunn's gardens and palace have been the location for many films and television series, including the "Sissi" trilogy of the 1950s, "A Breath of Scandal" with Sophia Loren, and the Bond film "The Living Daylights." The comedy "The Great Race" was filmed there in 1965. Jackie Chan shot scenes for "Armour of God" on the grounds. More recently, the television drama "The Crown Prince," starring Max von Thun as Crown Prince Rudolf and Klaus Maria Brandauer as Kaiser Franz-Josef, was filmed there. The classic Austrian police dog procedural series, "Kommissar Rex" has shot several episodes there. Stroll the grounds, and try to spot the places used to shoot these films and series and more.Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Vienna
Take in the Austrian Film Museum
A pilgrimage point for film fans, the Austrian Film Museum has over 31,000 films in its expertly curated archives. Skip the pricy theater experience, with its blockbusters and pricy concessions, and take in classic films for yourself here.Suggestion to explore on your own
The World of Lipizzaner Horses
With a lineage going back over 450 years, Vienna's Spanish Riding School is the world's most famous equestrian venue, with the world's most well-known horses. These UNESCO-protected stables have been the epitome of the classical equestrian world since the Renaissance, and attract crowds, who come to see its morning exercises and performances, or even just tour the grounds and see its Lipizzaner stallions for themselves. Due to the high interest, tickets can't be purchased online for the Morning Exercise, but you can make a reservation for the guided tour and pay on the spot.For more information please visit the official website of the Spanish Riding School and make reservations on your own.Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 7 Traveling to Salzburg by Private Transfer / Arrival in Salzburg
You'll be picked up at your accommodation by your private driver and taken to the charming alpine city of Salzburg today. On your way you'll stop to explore the scenic UNESCO lakeside town of Hallstatt on your own, and have lunch there. The journey takes a total of 7.5 hours including a stop in Hallstatt for 2 hours. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer.With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.When you arrive in Salzburg, you'll be brought directly to your accommodation.
Walk on the Other Side
Salzburg is a walkable city straddling both sides of the Salzach River. First timers on their first night should definitely have a glimpse and a short walk on the riverside, cross the Salzach on one of its pedestrian bridges, and relax for a while with a good wine, beer and some local food. Stay close to the river for a coffee and cake at Monkeys Cafe Bar or We Love Coffee at Mozartsteg, or enjoy the atmosphere of this fascinating Baroque city from the Imlauer Sky Bar.Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 8 Your First Full Day in Salzburg
Sound of Music Private Driving Tour
Visit the land of the Sound of Music, and let the scenes and premises leave the screen and become real. You'll walk the same streets Maria did with the Captain's children, enter palaces, see the infamous lake Maria and the kids fell into, travel to the Salzkammergut Lake District, and visit the Church of Mondsee, the setting for the film's most cathartic moment. Your guide will tell you about historical and behind-the-scenes details of the Sound of Music and the land it features. Breathtaking architecture and nature will embrace you, and if you listen carefully, you might just hear the sound of music.Included in your vacation package price
A Journey into Other Worlds
Gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Salzburg's history, art, and nature by visiting its museums. Get a glimpse into some of the city's treasures, such as Mozart's Birthplace and other institutions dedicated to the world's most famous composer. The Marionette Museum and the "Neue Residenz" await you with more thematic exhibitions. Great readers may discover museums dedicated to local but world-known writers. Don't leave these discoveries for a rainy day!Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 9 Traveling to Prague by Private Car / Arrival in Prague
You're off to discover another Central European gem – Prague. You'll be making a day of the journey and stopping midway in the fairy tale UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov for 3 hours. The whole journey including the stop takes approx. 8 hour. From April to September the small medieval town of Cesky Krumlov can be very busy with day trippers so if you would really like to see it at its best, we suggest staying overnight and enjoying the town without the crowds, from 4 pm to around 10 am the next day. 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. Please note that this is a non-guided transfer.“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.Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodations in Prague.
Get Lost Amid Medieval Streets
On your first night in Prague, we recommend strolling around the center's side streets. It's easy to get lost there, but the river and signage make it easy to find your way to the hotel. With so many buildings lit up, we think this romantic walk will help you fall in love with Prague right away. If you arrive before sunset, visit the House of the Black Madonna - the home of a small Cubism museum, and the only surviving Cubist café in the world – the Grand Café Orient (where even the věneček cream puffs are squares instead of donut-shaped). If you are thirsty after a long journey, grab a beer at Mlejnice, a restaurant famous for its cozy and stylish atmosphere and tasty cuisine.Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 10 Your First Full Day in Prague
Prague in Movies Private Tour
Did you know that the movies Amadeus, Mission Impossible 1 and Bourne Identity (amongst many others) were shot in Prague? During this 3-hour private tour you will walk through the filming locations and your local guide will point out the movie scenes, interesting details from the filming and stories about the actors.Included in your vacation package price
See the Barrandov Film Studios
Fond of the silver screen? Discover the fascinating behind-the-scenes world of the cinema! Barrandov Studio is one of Europe's largest and oldest film studios, and is not only fully committed to furthering film as a craft, but also to presenting it to the general public. Visit the public showroom of the studios, covering its rich history and current projects. Awaiting you is an exhibition on the history of the studios and a presentation on the latest films being made there, as well as the FILMPOINT exhibition space within the historic studio building.Suggestion to explore on your own
Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Prague
Prague Castle Private Tour with Interiors
This tour of Prague Castle is the best way to quickly and easily take in the main star of the city's skyline. Your guide will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the castle by tram. Once inside the castle grounds, you'll see the most impressive sites while your guide fills you in on the vibrant history of the area and its importance for the Czech nation. Highlights of the tour include the Basilica of St. George, the Golden Lane, Daliborka Tower, the Royal Gardens and the Old Royal Palace, to name just a few. In three hours you'll take in all the must-sees at the castle, as well as a few hidden gems.Included in your vacation package price
Strahov Library and New World Private Tour
This unique 2.5-hour tour will show you one of the most beautiful libraries in Central Europe. You will love learning more about the cultural history of the Strahov Monastery, which was established in 12th century. You may recognize the library from Hollywood blockbusters such as Casino Royale and From Hell. After exploring the meditative temple through its doorways, you can enjoy a glass of craft beer in the Strahov Brewery. If you are not a fan of beer your tour guide will invite you for a cup of coffee at New World, a little town within Prague Castle, where time seems to stand still. Although it seems impossible, close to the most visited site in the Czech Republic, New World is a place that tourists haven't fully discovered yet.Included in your vacation package price
Day 12 Departure Day
A driver will pick you up at your accommodation based on your flight time and transfer you to Prague airport for your departure.
Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg and Prague
What's Included in your trip
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes. Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Included
- 3 nights accommodation in Budapest
3 nights accommodation in Vienna
2 nights accommodation in Salzburg
3 nights accommodation in Prague - Breakfast (hotels only)
- Budapest Airport Transfer
Budapest - Vienna Private Transfer with a Stop at the Korda Film Park
Vienna - Salzburg Private Transfer with Stop in Hallstatt
Salzburg - Prague Private Transfer with a Stop in Cesky Krumlov
Prague Airport Transfer - Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise
Pest Private Walking Tour
Retro Trabant Private Tour to Memento Park
The Third Man – Post-War Vienna in the Footsteps of a Film Classic Private Tour
Sound of Music Private Driving Tour
Prague in Movies Private Tour
Prague Castle Private Tour with Interiors
Strahov Library and New World Private Tour
What's excluded in your package
- Flights to and from Europe.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of traveling with JayWay
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A travel advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.
Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.
A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.
A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.
Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
On-trip concierge service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.
Glowing Reviews From Our Guests
Contacting JayWay was my last chance to go on a trip to see my daughter while she was on a separate trip in Europe. They were all responsive and accommodating to our needs. JayWay took care of our family and ensured our trip was a pleasant one to remember!
- Don, Alex & Ellery - Virginia
Everyone we had contact with was wonderful. Very well planned and we would consider another trip with Jayway.
- Jean, Sandra & Lisa - Minnesota