Imperial Central Europe Journey
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day family adventure through the heart of Central Europe's most enchanting cities. From Prague's fairytale spires and Vienna's imperial grandeur to Salzburg's alpine charm and Budapest's Danube splendors, this journey blends rich cultural heritage with exhilarating outdoor experiences.
Destination: Europe
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Travel Style: Cultural
Theme: ❤️ Top Rated
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit these cities is during the spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months.
Highlights
- Exploring the vast, historic Prague Castle complex and its stunning city views.
- Wandering through the opulent rooms and manicured gardens of Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace.
- Capturing postcard-perfect memories in the breathtaking alpine village of Hallstatt.
- Witnessing Budapest's Parliament building illuminate the night on a Danube River cruise.
- Stepping back in time in the enchanting, UNESCO-listed town of Cesky Krumlov.
Inclusions
- 11 nights accommodation in specified or similar hotels on a triple-sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast at the hotel from Day 2 to Day 12.
- Private airport transfer on arrival in Prague in a 4-Seater vehicle.
- Private transfer from Prague hotel to train station in a 4-Seater vehicle.
- Private transfer from Budapest train station to hotel in a 4-Seater vehicle.
- Private airport transfer on departure from Budapest in a 4-Seater vehicle.
- Prague Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (24-hour ticket).
- Prague River Cruise on a shared basis.
- Full-day excursion to Cesky Krumlov on a shared basis.
- Vienna Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (24-hour ticket).
- Entrance ticket to Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
- Half-day excursion to Hallstatt on a shared basis.
- Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (48-hour ticket).
- Danube River Cruise with Welcome Drink in Budapest on a shared basis.
- Budapest Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit on a shared basis.
Exclusions
- International and domestic airfare.
- Schengen visa charges and processing fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Inter-city train tickets (Prague-Vienna, Vienna-Salzburg, Salzburg-Budapest). These can be booked at an additional cost.
- Mandatory city taxes to be paid directly at the hotels.
- Lunches, dinners, and any meals not specified in the inclusions.
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions not explicitly mentioned.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and mini-bar charges.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Cost for any optional activities or excursions.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions of the City of a Hundred Spires
Morning: Arrive at Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG). Your personal chauffeur will greet you at the arrivals hall and assist with your luggage for a smooth, private transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and take some time to refresh after your flight. Settle into your room and acclimatize to the new time zone.
Evening: Embark on a gentle orientation walk around your hotel's neighborhood. Discover the vibrant atmosphere of the Florenc district and perhaps find a quaint café for a traditional Czech pastry, Trdelník.
Night: Enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner, savoring your first taste of Czech cuisine.
Day 2: Castles, Bridges, and a Vltava River Voyage
Morning: After breakfast, begin your exploration with a Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour. Prioritize the Castle route first. Alight at Prague Castle to explore the vast complex including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.
Afternoon: Continue your Hop-On Hop-Off tour, crossing the river to explore the Old Town Square. Witness the famous Astronomical Clock strike the hour, and climb the Old Town Hall Tower for panoramic views.
Evening: Walk across the iconic Charles Bridge at sunset, admiring the statues and street performers. As dusk falls, proceed to the pier for your enchanting Prague River Cruise.
Night: Enjoy the illuminated cityscape from the water on your shared cruise. Afterwards, have dinner in the charming Malá Strana (Lesser Town) district.
Day 3: A Journey to the Medieval Gem of Cesky Krumlov
Morning: After an early breakfast, join your shared coach for a full-day excursion to Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenic drive through the South Bohemian countryside is part of the experience.
Afternoon: Upon arrival, take a guided walk through the labyrinthine cobbled streets. Explore the magnificent Cesky Krumlov Castle, which towers over the town. For an adventurous twist, take a brisk walk up through the castle gardens for stunning views.
Evening: Enjoy some free time to browse the unique shops for souvenirs or enjoy a coffee by the Vltava River before beginning your return journey to Prague.
Night: Arrive back in Prague and enjoy a late dinner at your leisure, perhaps trying a restaurant you spotted earlier.
Day 4: From Bohemian Charm to Austrian Grandeur
Morning: Enjoy a final Czech breakfast at your hotel. Complete your check-out procedures.
Afternoon: A private transfer will take you to Prague's main train station. Board your high-speed train to Vienna, a scenic journey through the European countryside. (Train tickets are optional and not included).
Evening: Arrive at Vienna Hauptbahnhof (main station). Your hotel is a short walk away (approx. 450 meters). Check-in and settle in. Take a leisurely stroll to get acquainted with the area around the Belvedere Palace.
Travel Tips
- Purchase inter-city train tickets well in advance for better prices and availability.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be exploring historic city centers with cobbled streets.
- Always carry some local currency (Czech Koruna, Euro, Hungarian Forint) for small purchases, although cards are widely accepted.
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local languages like 'Hello' and 'Thank You'; it's always appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the train tickets between cities included in the package price?
No, the inter-city train tickets (Prague to Vienna, Vienna to Salzburg, Salzburg to Budapest) are not included in the package cost. This allows for flexibility in choosing your preferred class and time. We can book these for you at an additional cost upon request.
Is this itinerary suitable for children or elderly family members?
This itinerary is family-friendly but involves a significant amount of walking, especially in historic city centers with cobbled streets. While enjoyable for active families, it might be challenging for very young children or elderly travelers with mobility issues. We can customize the pace and activities upon request.
What kind of clothing should we pack for late May/early June?
The weather will be pleasant spring transitioning to summer, but it can be unpredictable. We recommend packing layers: light jackets, sweaters, t-shirts, and comfortable trousers. A waterproof jacket and an umbrella are essential for occasional rain showers. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes!
How do we get to the starting points for the shared tours?
For all shared (Seat-in-Coach) tours, you are required to make your own way to the designated pickup point. The exact location and time will be mentioned on your tour vouchers. These points are usually centrally located and accessible via public transport or a short taxi ride.
Can we customize this itinerary to spend more time in one city?
Absolutely. This itinerary is a suggestion and can be fully customized to your preferences. If you wish to spend an extra day in Vienna or reduce your time in Budapest, we can modify the hotel bookings and activities accordingly. Please contact us to discuss your ideal European journey.
