Compare Budapest - Prague - Dubrovnik by Air by TripMasters vs Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS by Exoticca

Day 1 in Budapest

Welcome to Hungary! If you are arriving at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel, a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Whether you arrive by air or rail, make your way to central Budapest and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin the trip by sampling one of the most famous coffeehouses in Budapest: Cafe Gerbeaud, the New York Cafe, and the Ruszwurm Confectionery are the best-known. From there, head north on the Buda side of the river to the Aquincum Museum, and learn about the settlement the Romans built close to modern-day Budapest.

While on the Buda side, pay your respects at the tomb of Gul Baba, a poet and cleric who helped Suleiman the Magnificent claim these lands in the sixteenth century for the Ottoman Empire. To round out the day, visit the whale-shaped New Budapest Gallery and event space to view the finest works of applied art on display anywhere in the capital. End the evening by taking a visit to Szimpla Kert in Pest, a popular `ruin bar` which has become an expatriate and tourist meeting place.

Day 2 in Budapest

This morning we recommend that you start at the Opera House with a short ride by Millennium metro (the first underground metro line in continental Europe) to reach Heroes` Square and Varosliget, Budapest`s City Park. Afterwards, visit of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex followed by a stop at the Szechenyi thermal baths where the guide will explain about Hungarian bath culture. If you wish, go to the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens afterward, also on the City Park property.

Continuing on, you will see the areas of Ferenc Deak Square, Elisabeth Square and St. Stephen`s Basilica before taking a break in a cafe for a taste of Hungary`s pastry called `retes`, which is a strudel. Following a short stroll along Vaci Street, the best-known pedestrian shopping street in the city, and Vorosmarty Square, you will head down to the Danube Promenade, where you can view the Shoes on the Danube Holocaust Memorial and see spectacular views of Gellért Hill and the Citadella, the Buda Hills, and the Buda Castle district.

After a brief stop at Lajos Kossuth Square in front of the Hungarian Parliament, you will cross the famous Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest bridge connecting Buda and Pest. Then you will climb up the stairs (or take the funicular) up to the Buda Castle district to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and Fisherman`s Bastion.

From Fisherman`s Bastion, sip a glass of wine as you watch the sun set over Pest. Wander through the old cobbled stone streets while you wait for darkness to fall - the views of Parliament and the Chain Bridge illuminated at night are absolutely breathtaking!

Day 3 in Budapest

Budapest is home to many museums, including the Ethnographical Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hungarian National Gallery. An afternoon in the Jewish district (District VII) will not disappoint. The Dohány Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe. In the rear courtyard, you will see a weeping willow sculpture, the Raoul Wallenberg Holocaust Memorial, which lists the names of the Hungarian Jews murdered during World War II, and also honors Raoul Wallenberg and other `righteous among the nations` who helped Hungarian Jews escape Hitler`s regime. The smaller Rumbach Synagogue is right around the corner.

A trip to the Central Market Hall is not only a good place to pick up souvenirs, but also a fun place for people watching. The balcony overlooking the whole market is an experience you should not miss. Cross the Liberty Bridge afterward and make your way to either the Gellért Baths or the Rudas Baths near Elisabeth Bridge and relax at one of these healing spas.

If you have time, we suggest a trip to Memento Park. These days most people have forgotten that the city was once filled with statues to Lenin, Marx and other representations of the Communist era. In the aftermath of 1989, a plan was conceived for an outdoor museum, Memento Park, for these unwelcome reminders of those difficult times. Besides the 42 statues, you will find a lot of symbolism and metaphors for the ugly realities of Communism.

Additional Days in Budapest

Should you be able to spend additional days in Budapest, then try a day trip outside of the city to experience even more of the rich history and culture of Hungary. We suggest you take public transportation such as the commuter rail line #5, which will take you to the picturesque artists` village of Szentendre where you will visit the magnificent Caprice Hungarian Jewellery Center. If you would like to experience more of Hungary`s history further afield, consider arranging for transportation to take you to Visegrad, the former Royal Residence and to Esztergom, center of the Catholic Church.

Return to Buda and visit Sandor Palace, the current residence of the President of Hungary. Afterwards, visit Pest once more and tour the House of Terror, largely dedicated to life, struggles, and torments as Hungary experienced them during the Soviet-dominated era from 1949 to 1989.

Your Last Day in Budapest

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Prague

Welcome to Prague! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! The city of a thousand spires awaits you!

Begin your visit in the Old Town (Staré Mesto). Old Town Square is the historical heart of Prague and it is here that you will find the Old Town Hall and its famous Astronomical Clock, dating from the 14th century. Be sure to see the hourly procession of the apostles on the clock and then climb (or take the elevator) to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city, including the Gothic spires of the Tyn Church and Jan Hus monument. Then stop for lunch (and more amazing photos) at the rooftop restaurant of the U Prince restaurant on the square or try the traditional goulash and roast pork knee with cabbage and dumplings served at U Vejvodu, one of the original restaurants of the Pilsner brewery, located on Jilska street.

This afternoon, explore the Jewish Quarter (Josefov) including the Maisel Synagogue, the Pinkas Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Jewish Museum. Afterwards, head to Powder Tower, one of the historical gates to Old Town, before continuing next door to admire the exquisite Art Nouveau interiors of Prague`s Municipal House, where the Czechoslovak Declaration of Independence was signed. This is a good place to stop for a cup of coffee or bite to eat in the ground floor restaurant. You can also have dinner in the famous Sarah Bernhardt restaurant, located in Hotel Paris, opposite the Municipal House. Finish your evening with a romantic stroll across the Charles Bridge at night.

Day 2 in Prague

Wake up early today and head for Charles Bridge to gaze upon its many statues and touch the Cross of St. Jan of Nepomuk. (You can climb the towers at either end of the bridge for panoramic views of the city.) Across the Vltava River, in Lesser Town (Mala Strana), you will want to visit the baroque Church of St. Nicholas as well as the Church of Our Lady Victorious, home to the famous `Infant Jesus of Prague`. Afterwards, explore the quaint streets of this area that were once home to diplomats and merchants and now house many foreign embassies.

From Mala Strana continue to the beautiful cloisters of Strahov Monastery, where you can stop for a refreshing beer and snack, before visiting the Prague Loreto, Castle Square and Prague Castle, which in not a single building, but rather a complex of buildings and churches. Your tour of Prague Castle, founded in the 9th century, should include visits to St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, St. George`s Basilica and Golden Lane.

After a busy day of sightseeing, board a relaxing dinner boat cruise along the Vltava River and admire the sights of Prague by night. Or if you enjoy opera, you can catch a performance at the famous Estates Theatre where Mozart`s Don Giovanni was first staged in 1787.

Day 3 in Prague

Begin your day exploring Wenceslas Square, the busiest and liveliest part of the city. There are many choices for dining and shopping in this area, especially on Na Prikope Street. Here, you should visit the National Museum at the top of the Square, with its Hall of Fame devoted to famous Czech personalities, as well as the Alfons Mucha Museum on Panska Street, parallel to the square. This relaxing oasis showcases the Art Nouveau designs of the famous artist.

This afternoon, head into New Town (Nove Mesto), to see the New Town Hall and Charles Square before continuing towards the river to Dancing House and the Manes Exhibition Hall, dominated by a 15th century water tower and dedicated to all forms of visual arts. Its juxtaposition of old and new makes it one of the most photographed landmarks in Prague. Afterwards, follow the river up to the National Theatre then cross the Legion Bridge.

Time permitting, make your way to Ujezd tram stop and follow the signs for `Lanove drahy` to ride the funicular up to the Petrin Tower (Little Eiffel Tower) for the most amazing views of the city! Finally, spend your last evening wandering around the quaint shops and restaurants of Kampa Park before making your way across the Charles Bridge one last time.

Additional Days in Prague

Should you be able to spend additional days in Prague then try a day trip outside of the city to experience even more of the rich history and culture of this beautiful country. By far the most popular destination in the Czech Republic after Prague is the medieval Karlstejn Castle. It was built by the King of Bohemia, Charles IV, to safeguard the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire.

Afterward, return to the city and see some sights you might have missed. Take in a concert of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra at the Rudolfinum; learn more about the torments the Czech people endured under Communism at the aptly-named Museum of Communism; take a stroll through the largest park in the city, Stromovka; or you can see the ornate Wallenstein Palace, meant to rival Prague Castle, now serving as the meeting place of the Czech Senate.

Another popular city for tourists to visit is the town of Kutná Hora. After Prague, this medieval town was the most important town in Bohemia due to its rich silver deposits. The historic center and Kutná Hora`s main draw, St. Barbara`s Cathedral, have been on the UNESCO list for more than 10 years. Cesky Krumlov, with the second largest castle complex in the country, the spa town of Karlovy Vary and the haunting Terezin Memorial are also great choices so be sure to inquire about visiting these places during the booking process.

Your Last Day in Prague

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.

Day 1 in Dubrovnik

Welcome to Croatia! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Dubrovnik and arrive at your hotel. Check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Most of you will be arriving by air, so you will be coming from the east and arriving in Dubrovnik`s Old Town at Ploce Gate. Enter the Old Town and visit the Dominican monastery, which houses a museum featuring hundreds of local artifacts dating back centuries. Afterwards, visit the Old Synagogue of Dubrovnik, the second-oldest continuously operating Jewish house of worship in the world. Then walk south a block to the Stradun, the wide main avenue of the Old Town. This area boasts a lot of shops and cafes, so stroll to your heart`s content and stop in at every place you like along the way.

To get the full experience, walk east and start your Stradun journey at Luza Square, where many sights are close by, and then head west. Sponza Palace, the home of the Dubrovnik branch of the National Archives, sits just off the square, as does the Church of St. Blaise and the smaller of the two Onofrio fountains. Once you get to the end of the Stradun, you will reach Paskoje Milicevic Square, where there is the Renaissance-era votive-style Church of St. Saviour, the larger of the two Onofrio fountains, and the Franciscan monastery. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day; you can catch taxis and local buses outside Pile Gate, adjacent to Paskoje Milicevic Square.

Day 2 in Dubrovnik

Wake up early and explore the Pile neighborhood, stopping in at such important sights as Fort Lovrijenac, `the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik`, and Kolorina Bay, the original public beach in Dubrovnik. Then, head to the Dubrovnik Cable Car station and take the cable car up to the top of Srd, a foothill of the Dinaric Alps overlooking Dubrovnik. When you`re at the top, you can visit the nineteenth-century Fort Imperial, you can dine at a panoramic restaurant, and you can visit the large cross donated to the city by the Archbishop of Brac.

After you made it back down the hill, walk through Pile Gate, the western entrance into the Old Town. From there, walk to the Convent of St. Claire, which housed one of the oldest orphanages in the world. The next stop is the Church of St. Ignatius, perhaps one of the finest examples of Baroque religious architecture in Croatia. Another impressive Baroque church in the Old Town is the grand Dubrovnik Cathedral, north and east of St. Ignatius. After stopping by at the Cathedral, visit the museum inside the Rector`s Palace, the seat of governance during the time of the Republic of Ragusa.

Exit the Old Town at Ploce Gate and tour the Lazzarettos of Dubrovnik, which were once used to quarantine travelers arriving by sea to Dubrovnik. Next door is Banje Beach, the most popular public beach in the city. You can sun yourself on its sands, go swimming in the beautiful blue waters, and enjoy a number of water sports such as jet skiing and paddle boarding. There is also a bar on the beach with a nightclub component, the latter being a popular place to party in the summertime. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day.

Day 3 in Dubrovnik

Start bright and early and walk the entire length of the Dubrovnik town walls. If you get there early, you will beat a lot of the crowds, and you can enjoy a lot of the views in comparative solitude. Stop at the fortresses along the way; there is Minceta Tower at the northern end of the Old Town, Fort Bokar on the southwestern end, and finally in the southeast there is the Fort of St. John, where there is a multi-floor museum as well as an aquarium. Stroll Porporela Pier and people-watch for a while before heading to the Old Port of Dubrovnik, where you can catch a ferry during the high season to Lokrum Island, the former home of the Austrian archduke Maximilian. On Lokrum, you can tour the botanical gardens and a Benedictine monastery. If you are visiting during the low season, go to the Port of Dubrovnik in Gruz and take the Nona Ana catamaran ferry to the island of Mljet, a island 24 miles long that is home to Mljet National Park, a lush, green area with a secluded lake.

If you have time in the afternoon, return to Dubrovnik and head to Lapad. Enjoy some sun and sand time at Bellevue Beach, and afterwards you can eat a delicious dinner at the Michelin-listed restaurant inside the nearby Bellevue Hotel. If you want to experience nature a little more, head west on the Lapad Peninsula toward the Forest Park Velika and Mala Petka, where you can hike in an oak forest up both of the hills that give the forest park its name. Return to your accommodations at the end of the day.

Additional Days in Dubrovnik

If you have extra days, consider hiring your own yacht and exploring the nearby islands. You can look into yacht rentals at the ACI Marina Dubrovnik, located on the ria Rijeka Dubrovacka about 2.5 miles east of the Franjo Tudjman Bridge. From there, you can make your own trips to the Elaphite Islands, consisting of Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan. These islands feature charming villages such as Kolocep, Lopud, Sudurad, and the town of Sipanska Luka. North and west of these three islands is the aforementioned Mljet Island, the largest of the southern Adriatic islands. Take some time to explore Mljet in detail, including the limestone underground Odysseus Caves.

If you want to stay on the mainland, head south from Dubrovnik and stay a night in the village of Srebreno. The village grew in the early 20th century as a summer vacation destination, where the richest families in Dubrovnik owned summer homes. Today, the beachfront in Srebreno is home to top-rated resorts, while still maintaining its quiet ambience. There is also a gem of a destination located on the eastern side of Dubrovnik Airport, in the town of Cilipi. If you are in the area on a Sunday, stop by Cilipi`s main square for a party. Locals dress up in traditional Dalmatian folk outfits and perform dances for visitors, and they want you to know that you are invited to Sunday mass as well!

Your Last Day in Dubrovnik

Depart your hotel and head to the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. We hope you enjoyed the noteworthy sights of Dubrovnik and South Dalmatia!

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Berlin, the Germany capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Berlin

Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 3: Berlin

Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 4: Berlin

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 5: Berlin - Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague, a journey of around 5 hours. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Kozel Brewery, the home of the most famous Czech beer! Overnight stay in Prague

Day 6: Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Overnight stay in Prague.

Day 7: Prague - Vienna

After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna, a journey of around 4.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 8: Vienna

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna

Day 9: Vienna - Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a shared bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 3 hours. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Budapest

Day 10: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 11: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 12: Budapest - US

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.