Compare Eastern Europe, Croatia & the Balkans by G Adventures vs Budapest - Prague - Dubrovnik by Air by TripMasters

Day 1 Berlin

Arrive at any time.

We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

Day 2 Berlin

Explore this amazing city. Opt to visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, world-class museums, or the Berlin Television Tower for a sweeping view of the area.

Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.

Day 3 Berlin/Krakow

Travel to Krakow, Poland's cultural hub, stopping at the Pławniowice Palace grounds along the way. Take an orientation walk upon arrival and use the evening to explore this lively city.

Watch the scenery go by as you journey to Krakòw. En route, stop by the Pławniowice Palace grounds, one of the best maintained in Silesia. With free time in Krakòw, opt to explore the different neighbourhoods like the Jewish section and main square. Dip into a local milk bar for a real Polish meal.

Day 4 Krakow

Visit Auschwitz for a sobering look at the region's history. Spend the rest of the day exploring charming Krakow.

You may want to end your day embracing Polish social traditions in one of Krakow’s many cellar restaurants and pubs. Dive into the thriving social scene over a few vodkas in one of these cheerful establishments, Zubrowka (Bison Grass Vodka) is a must!

Day 5 Krakow

Take a free day to explore.

Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.

Day 6 Krakow/Prague

Take a scenic day train into Czech Republic. Soak up the atmosphere of Prague, a unique community where every street, ghetto, inn and theatre tells a story.

If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs, which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place to find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine such as fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.

Day 7 Prague

Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO before exploring all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.

Day 8 Prague

Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO before exploring all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.

Day 9 Prague/Český Krumlov

Travel to Český Krumlov. Spend time wandering the small city or visiting the small town's castle.

Day 10 Český Krumlov/Vienna

Take private van to Austria in time for a walking tour of Vienna's most beautiful sights, including the Hofburg and St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, check in to your accommodations, a G Adventures supported social enterprise.

There's plenty of time here to visit world-famous museums, the opera house or indulge in typical Austrian desserts like strudel or Sacher Torte.

Day 11 Vienna

Wander the elegant streets a little more, take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries or just settle yourself on a café terrace, order up a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake and watch the world go by over coffee.

Day 12 Vienna/Budapest

Travel to Hungary to explore the beautiful city of Budapest. Visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café for a welcome drink. Opt to visit Buda Castle, window shop in Pest or soak in the city's famous thermal baths.

With the Danube River dividing old town, Buda, from the newer area, Pest, there is plenty to see and do. To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Day 13 Budapest

Spend a free day exploring this charming and historic city. Opt to take a boat trip down the Danube, or travel further afield to the Etyek wine country.

Day 14 Budapest

Spend a free day exploring this charming city.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 15 Budapest/Novi Sad

Today we will be traveling by local bus to Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine.

Cross into Serbia and enjoy time in the second largest city. Spend an evening wandering this cultural hub.

Day 16 Novi Sad/Belgrade

Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bus ride to Belgrade.

Day 17 Belgrade

Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets.

Opt to visit the National Theater or National Museum. The city offers a wealth of churches and cathedrals as well as an interesting Ethnographic Museum. Learn more about Serbian culture, traditions, costumes, and tools used throughout history.

Day 18 Belgrade/Sarajevo

Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place.

Walk around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town while taking in the architecture of its diverse places of worship.

Day 19 Sarajevo

Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.

Day 20 Sarajevo/Mostar

Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived.

After visiting the bridge, wander through the small streets and opt to sit in a café, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. For a sobering look into the city's recent history, wander through town, passing buildings still riddled with bullet holes. Visit a bank that was completely destroyed during the war and past houses in shambles. While life continues and progress is made, these sights remain as reminders of the evils of war.

Day 21 Mostar/Kotor

Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired.

Arrive in time to start exploring this gorgeous area. If relaxing is more your style, the beach of Kotor offers a great escape.

Day 22 Kotor

Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.

Day 23 Kotor/Dubrovnik

Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Visit the G Adventures-supported Deša project, a non profit dedicated to empowering and employing women in the community. Then, choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.

The red roofs of the old city make for spectacular photos and the seaside cafés serve up tasty seafood.

Day 24 Dubrovnik

Enjoy a free day to explore the Dalmatian Coast.

Day 25 Dubrovnik/Hvar

Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports.

Filled with sunshine, the beautiful island is known for its lavender fields and vineyards in the interior and detailed Venetian-inspired architecture in the towns.

Day 26 Hvar

Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.

Day 27 Hvar/Split

Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town.

Opt to visit the local market and gobble up some Croatian delicacies. For a little more activity, visit Marjan's peak with gorgeous views over the city or hit up some of the hiking and biking trails in the area.

Day 28 Split

Depart at any time.

We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.

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!