Old World Opulence
This sample 12 day (11 night) itinerary covers many of the highlights of Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic, with stays in Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague. The services we provide as part of our comprehensive packages include luxury accommodations (with options from palaces to a clifftop castle in Salzburg), private transfers to and from airports and cities, and a rich program of activities, from private day trips to the wineries, castles, and monasteries of Eger in Hungary and the Wachau Valley upstream from Vienna, to tours of Prague's Strahov Library and concerts in Vienna and Salzburg, to ensure that you enjoy the very best that your Central European vacation is memorable and packed with fun. 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 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 arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) 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 firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.
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What's Included
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.
Budapest
Vienna
Salzburg
Prague
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- 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
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.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.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.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.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.3 Nights in Budapest
3 Nights in Budapest
3 Nights 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.
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.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Budapest
When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.
Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.
Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Budapest
Pest Private Walking Tour
Buda Private Tour
Want to learn more about the history of Budapest's oldest section? This is the perfect tour for you. You'll hear all about the Turkish invasions, other wars, plagues, kings, queens, local life, and many more fascinating stories from Buda Castle. Your guide will show you around the different periods of what was once the separate city of Buda. You'll visit the incredible Mathias Church and you can enjoy the breathtaking views from the Fishermen's Bastion. We recommend taking this tour after the Pest Private Walking Tour. That way you'll have a complete picture of the city.
A Drop of Luxury - Budapest's High End
Exclusive 4-Course A La Carte Menu Dinner Cruise
If you'd like to see Budapest from a different point of view, this Candlelight Dinner Cruise is the perfect option. You'll float peacefully along the river, enjoying a romantic dinner while seeing the castle, Parliament, and all of the city's most iconic buildings from the water. It's the perfect way to take your visit to Budapest to the next level.
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Budapest
Budapest's Leading Stars
Although Hungary has long had a reputation for having the region's best cuisine, Budapest itself has become a gastronomical Mecca, thanks to its seven Michelin-starred restaurants. Costes was the city's first Michelin-starred restaurant, earning the distinction in 2016 with a reputation for elevated Hungarian cuisine. Costes' sister location, Costes Downtown is somewhat less formal, with a modern design, open kitchen, and wooden tabletops. Stand is the fine-dining take on Stand25, a beloved casual restaurant, mixing haute cuisine and local traditions. Borkonyha ("Wine Kitchen") has just the cellar you'd expect, with 200 Hungarian wines on offer alongside pan-European fare. Babel focuses on dishes from Transylvania, the head chef's original home, and is known for its theatrical presentation. Choose from the Portuguese or Hungarian menu at essencia, or Salt for a Scandi-meets-Hungarian fine dining place where you can enjoy a 15-course tasting menu.
Had Enough of Budapest? See the Countryside!
As Hungary's centrally-located capital, all roads (and trains) lead to Budapest, making it a good base for exploring the rest of the country. For wine lovers we recommend taking a trip to most famous wine regions, Eger or Tokaj. If you'd prefer to stay closer to Budapest, visit Szentendre, where the artistic heritage is reflected in its quirky decorations and many shops and galleries.
Private Day Trip to Eger with Wine Tasting and Lunch
With 23 different wine regions, Hungary is once more becoming famous for its wines, some of which were the favorites of royalty from across Europe. Eger is at the center of one of the country's best wine regions, home to the memorable Bull's Blood cuvee, but even without the wine, its scenery along would be worth a visit or two. Soon after you arrive to the city of Eger situated in a valley between the Matra and Bukk mountains, you’ll get to take in the medicinal baths and fine local wines. The excellent red and whites of this historic wine region are served in wine cellars that have been refined over hundreds of years. Along the way, you'll try the region's speciality: Bull’s Blood, a cuvee made from merlot and kekfrankos grapes that tastes wildly different from cellar to cellar.
Szentendre Artist's Village Private Tour
Szentendre is a quirky, beautiful town just upstream from Budapest. It's home to many artists. Come for the baroque architecture, churches, colorful houses and narrow, cobbled streets, and stay for the magnificent artwork on display just about everywhere. On this tour, you'll be driven to Szentendre by a guide and shown around.
Private Day Trip to Tokaj with Wine Tasting and Lunch
Tasting some of the best and most famous wines in the Tokaji region, home to wines beloved of royalty across Europe. You'll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation and transported during the entirety of this 12-hour tour, so all you'll have to do is sit back and relax!
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Vienna by Train
The impressive, imperial city of Vienna is waiting for you today. Thanks to the great train connections between Budapest and Vienna, you can choose a convenient departure time; we will have arranged second class tickets with seat reservations for the roughly 3-hour journey. Our driver will take care of bringing you to the Budapest train station. If you'd prefer, first class tickets can be arranged as well for additional fee. To save time and enjoy a relaxing ride, we recommend door-to-door service with our private transfer option. For an additional fee, a driver will pick you up in Budapest at your convenience and bring you directly to your accommodation in Vienna.
You can upgrade your transfer
Vienna by Private Transfer with a Stop in Tihany at Lake Balaton
Upgrade for an additional cost
3 Nights in Vienna
3 Nights in Vienna
3 Nights in Vienna
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.
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.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Vienna
A driver will greet you at Vienna's Hauptbahnhof Train Station and take you to your accommodations.
Baroque Beauty: Visiting Schonbrunn Palace
Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Vienna
Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna
Tour Vienna's Old Town and listen to captivating stories from one of our local guides on this special excursion. The tour includes a perfect blend of old and new, from historic buildings to modern architecture, and insider info on places to eat and drink. This private English-language walking tour not only offers a great introduction to the city, but also delves deep into the city's amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments.
Vienna's Luxurious Side
Vienna has a host of surprises for bon vivants and all those who prefer the finer things in life. And it wouldn’t be Vienna if the extravagance were not accompanied by a hint of the city’s typical charm: Shop at the flagship stores of international luxury brands, or at the official purveyors for the former imperial court. Dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Seek exclusive insights at museums or purchase art at palace auctions. Vienna offers many possibilities for those wishing to be pampered. Ask your local representative for recommendations and directions.
Day 6
Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Vienna
Highlights of the Wachau Valley
Visit several wineries that offer a variety of vintages, from crisp, fruity whites to dessert wines and everything in between. This small group tour is the perfect choice for wine lovers looking for a unique wine tour experience. You'll take a break at a traditional Austrian wine tavern for lunch, then dine at one of the many local restaurants offering local and seasonal cuisine, spend time exploring the magical town of Durnstein. Based on the season, you'll be able to cruise on the Danube or visit Melk Abbey.
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/
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Salzburg by Train
A number of trains run daily between Vienna and Salzburg, so we'll arrange tickets with seat reservations on the train of your choice. A driver will also be provided to transfer you from your Vienna accommodation to the Vienna Westbahnhof railway station. We included a standard train ticket class but if you'd prefer, we can arrange an update for the 1st class for a small additional fee. The journey takes around 3 hours.
You can upgrade your transfer
Salzburg by Private Transfer with a Stop in Hallstatt
Upgrade for an additional cost
2 Nights in Salzburg
2 Nights in Salzburg
2 Nights in Salzburg
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.
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.
Day 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Salzburg
Upon your arrival in Salzburg a driver will meet you at the train station and bring you to your hotel.
Luxury at Twilight
Make your holiday a celebration and enjoy the highest quality of food, drink, and location in Salzburg. Sky restaurants and bars like Imlauer and Cool Mama await you with the finest dishes, an excellent selection of wines, and first class service. Would you like to combine fine dining with enjoying a good cigar after your city discovery? Carpe Diem, a restaurant and cigar bar sporting a Michelin star and two Gault Millaut Toque, will make for an ideal match. Concerts in the city's many fascinating venues with VIP seating call for classic music aficionados.
Day 8
Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Salzburg
Discover the Northern Rome
Discover the beauty of Mozart's hometown as an experienced guide leads you on a walk through the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg. Your walk includes all the sightseeing highlights, such Mozart's Birth House, Mozart's Residence, Getreidegasse, the Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and Mirabell Palace with its splendid gardens. If you come across anywhere you'd like to spend more time and and go inside, your expert local guide will tailor the tour to your interests. This is the best way to discover the city.
Exclusive Mozart Concert and Dinner
This will be an unforgettable evening and perhaps the highlight of your visit to Salzburg. It's an evening of fine dining and world-class music as you enjoy fantastic entertainment at your own private table in the fabulous Baroque hall of Saint Peter's Monastery, making for a great way to sample the high culture of this musical city. This popular possibility sells out fast.
Day 9
Day 9 - Traveling to Prague by Private Transfer
You are exchanging one musical city for another today as you leave Salzburg and head off to Prague. We'll arrange for a private driver to pick you up and bring you directly to your accommodations in Prague in about 5 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. If you'd like to make a day of the journey, we highly recommend stopping midway in the fairy tale UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov for 3 hours. We can arrange this stop for you for a small additional fee.
3 Nights in Prague
3 Nights in Prague
3 Nights 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.
“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.
Day 9
Day 9 - Arrival in Prague
Your driver will bring you straight to your accommodations in Prague.
Indulge in the Finer Side of Life in Prague
Day 10
Day 10 - Your First Full Day in Prague
Prague Private Walking Tour
This three-hour walking tour of the Golden City is the ideal way to get to know the beautiful historic center of Prague. You will walk the Royal Route, originally used for the king's coronation procession. The walk takes you through the center of Old Town, where you'll see all of the most famous sights, and also learn about the fascinating history that has made Prague a unique destination throughout the ages. Crossing Charles Bridge, your guide will tell you all the stories of the past as you head up to Lesser Town, where the tour finishes.
Strahov Library and New World Private Tour
Day 11
Day 11 - 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.
Day 12
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.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations
Our JayWay Travel experience was pure magic from start to finish, with every detail planned so seamlessly that we never had to worry about a thing. It was the most effortless and memorable family trip we’ve ever taken.
– Amanda, Michael & Mackenzie, Florida
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov, Prague
Rating :
Our experience with JayWay was excellent from beginning to end. We felt it was a good value for the money, and would recommend JayWay without hesitation.
– Bridget & Jeffrey, California
Visited : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary
Itinerary : Prague, Vienna, Budapest
Rating :
JayWay Travel made our trip to Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic unforgettable. From start to finish, everything ran seamlessly—spotless cars, punctual drivers, and knowledgeable, friendly guides who brought each destination to life. The online “Guest Page” was a treasure trove of information. I’ll happily use JayWay again and highly recommend them to anyone wanting a hassle-free, perfectly planned trip.
– Jo & Robert, California
Visited : Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic
Itinerary : Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Cesky Krumlov, Prague
Rating :