Compare Highlights of Central Europe by Intrepid Travel vs Prague, Vienna & Budapest by Cosmos
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,668 | $ 1,519 |
| Price Per Day | $ 334 | $ 169 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Travel through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary and experience some of the best bits of Central Europe. From the sleekness of Vienna, and from the architectural triumphs of Prague to the contrasting twin cities of Budapest, see how history, folklore and tradition are threaded through the fabric of modern life. Visit centuries-old castles, be spoilt by greenery in urban jungles, fall in love with Bohemian fairytale towns, marvel at the artistic talents of European masters and dig into a Hungarian feast cooked by a local family, especially for you. This adventure has it all. |
On this splendid Central Europe tour, you’ll discover the former Habsburg Empire. Your tour starts and ends in Munich. Along the way, you’ll overnight in some of Central Europe's most exciting cities: Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg. In Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, join your Local Guides—experts who will share with you the history and secrets in their cities—for sightseeing of the must-see sights. Among the sights you will see in Prague are Charles Bridge, dating to 1357 and one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe, and the Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 with a sinister medieval figure of death who emerges to pull the bell cord. In Budapest, see the Parliament building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the world’s most beautiful parliament buildings, and Fishermen’s Bastion, which overlooks the city. In Vienna, view the Hofburg, the palatial complex and the political focal point for the Hapsburgs. You’ll have time on your own in Vienna to sit in a café with a piece of scrumptious Sachertorte while listening to a legendary waltz, or explore the inside of St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its Romanesque and gothic architecture. In Nuremberg, wander through the charming, pedestrian Old Town with its impressive medieval ramparts. In Salzburg, you may want to walk through the quaint streets of the town center and maybe visit Mozart’s house, or just browse through the typical shops to taste some of the delicious chocolates. Vibrant cities and historic sights—along with some beautiful scenery of the Alps and the Danube River—make this a comprehensive tour through Central Europe for value-minded travel lovers. |
Day 1 Prague
Vítejte v Praze! Welcome to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires and the capital of the Czech Republic. Meet your new travel buddies and group leader at 6 pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, you might like to head out for a special welcome dinner together. You could tuck into a delicious meal at a Czech pub and enjoy traditional food like sausages, dumplings and salads, and fresh, crisp beer straight from the tank – just like a local. Did you know that the beer in the Czech Republic has three colours? Gold, amber and black – we recommend you try them all to see which one you like best.
Day 2 Prague
Head to Prague Castle this morning and spend time exploring the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus’ Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and the colourful Golden Lane. Then, get a taste for Czech cuisine as you tuck into lunch at a local canteen that proudly serves up traditional dishes. There'll be plenty of lunching locals if you want to copy their order for the best dishes on offer. The rest of the day is free to do as you wish. You could wander the countless museums, or stroll the cobblestone streets, perhaps, café-hopping as you go. In the evening, maybe grab dinner with your new travel companions or hit the town solo. Your leader will have some great recommendations, no matter what you feel like.
Day 3 Cesky Krumlov
Depart Prague today and travel by local bus to the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is like something out of a fairy-tale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced 'Chess-kee Kroom-love') means 'crooked meadow', which is befitting of a town that's nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Today, join a local guide for a walking tour of the town and hear tales of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. Later you might like to visit the town's castle or art gallery, or head out on an optional cycling or canoeing excursion.
Day 4 Vienna
Depart Cesky Krumlov by private minivan this morning and cross the border into Austria, continuing to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre. Stop at the gothic-style St Stephens Cathedral, wander past the grand neo-classical Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Stop by Vollpension, where you can be treated to sweet eats just like your grandma made. This café aims to bridge the generation gap and bring people together through food by employing baking masters who happen to be ‘grandmas and grandpas’ to bake the freshest cakes in all of Vienna. Then, finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter. In the evening, perhaps head out for some Viennese cuisine.
Day 5 Vienna
Wake up without an alarm today as you have the whole of today to explore Vienna and its surrounds at your leisure. You might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, although there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Vienna is a beautiful city, so try to capture its essence as best you can while you're here.
Day 6 Budapest
Today, you’ll take a scenic train journey across the border into Hungary to reach Budapest. Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer. It's the spa capital of the world so if you want to do nothing more than soak all day, you won't be judged here. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked Hungarian meal with a local family. You'll be invited into their family home to enjoy a drink and snack on fresh vegetables, cheese, bread and homemade sausages in the garden. After whetting your appetite, you'll get a chance to roll up your sleeves and join the family in the kitchen to learn some of their Hungarian cooking specialties with a cooking masterclass. Then, tuck into your freshly prepared meal and enjoy dinner with your new-found friends and host family. Toast your Hungarian arrival with a taste of palinka, Hungarian fruit brandy.Perhaps rejoin the group for a farewell dinner.
Day 7 Budapest
Dive deeper into Budapest with a walking tour with a local guide to explore some of the city’s most interesting sights. There's no one better to show you all of the best spots and give you local insights like someone who lives here so be sure to follow closely and ask your local guide any of your burning questions about Budapest. You'll see the Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen's Church and The Chain Bridge. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. You’ll enjoy views of the Freedom Statute and the Citadel, Gellért spa baths and Buda castle along your walk today. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy.
Day 8 Budapest
Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's not much time in Budapest, it's recommended that you stay an extra few nights so you can truly experience this beautiful city. If you need help booking additional accommodation, our reservations team can help (subject to availability).
Day 1: ARRIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or discover Munich with the help of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2: MUNICH–NUREMBERG–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Visit Nuremberg with its pretty market square, the medieval castle, and Our Lady’s Church. Next, head east across the border into the Czech Republic. Evening arrival in Prague. Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (Breakfast)
Day 3: PRAGUE
The wealth of Gothic and Baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. Your included guided sightseeing tour features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. (Breakfast)
Day 4: PRAGUE–VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Travel from Bohemia into Moravia, then into Austria and on to Vienna, where included sightseeing starts with the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Reserve some energy for an exciting evening optional excursion. Today’s Distance: 205 mi/ 330 km (Breakfast)
Day 5: VIENNA–BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
A free morning to further explore the city of “Waltz” or maybe just to do some shopping on the Kärntnerstrasse. In the afternoon, head for the Hungarian border and its capital city, Budapest. Today’s Distance: 155 mi/ 250 km (Breakfast)
Day 6: BUDAPEST
Budapest is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from Gothic to Baroque; Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, but also full of history, a food capital and surprisingly rich in thermal waters. Discover all of this and more during the guided city tour. (Breakfast)
Day 7: BUDAPEST–SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
Skirt the banks of the Danube back into Austria, and get a glimpse of the majestic Alps as you approach Salzburg, Mozart’s home town. Today’s Distance: 354 mi/ 570 km (Breakfast)
Day 8: SALZBURG–MUNICH, GERMANY
Morning at leisure in Salzburg, or maybe join the optional The Sound of Music excursion. Then, continue past Lake Chiemsee to Munich. Tonight, an included typical Bavarian dinner at a local restaurant is a must to celebrate your wonderful vacation. Today’s Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km (Breakfast,Dinner)
Day 9: MUNICH
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
