Capitals, Canals, and Castles: A 9-Day Tour of Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague

9 Day Tour of Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague

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Trip Map
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9 Days 8 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

History Buffs

Day Cruises

Travel by train on this epic 9-day Amsterdam Berlin Prague tour. Begin your adventure in Netherland’s capital, Amsterdam, famous for its canals and beautiful neighborhoods such as Grachtengordel. Head to Berlin to experience iconic landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and to cruise the River Spree - Berlin’s answer to Amsterdam’s canals. Finally, venture to Prague to discover quaint medieval streets and Prague Castle. You’ll even take a day trip into the countryside to visit Karlstejn Castle. The whole trip is made easy with our detailed travel guidance and mobile app, and you’ll also enjoy private guided tours in each city.

Explore picturesque canals and streets lined by charming gabled houses in Amsterdam.
Reflect at the Holocaust Memorial & pass under the Brandenburg Gate on a private Berlin guided walk.
Ascend the Television Tower, a symbol of Communist East Germany, for sweeping views of Berlin.
Witness the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Prague Castle, a symbol of Czech History.
Lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge.

Explore picturesque canals and streets lined by charming gabled houses in Amsterdam.
Reflect at the Holocaust Memorial & pass under the Brandenburg Gate on a private Berlin guided walk.
Ascend the Television Tower, a symbol of Communist East Germany, for sweeping views of Berlin.
Witness the grandeur of the UNESCO-listed Prague Castle, a symbol of Czech History.
Lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere as you stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge.

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Museum Quarter

Museums & Galleries

Anne Frank House

Historic Landmarks

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Wenceslas Square

European History

Must see sights

Old Town

Historic Landmarks

Museum Quarter

Museums & Galleries

Anne Frank House

Historic Landmarks

The Brandenburg Gate

Historic Landmarks

The Berlin Wall

Historic Landmarks

Checkpoint Charlie

European History

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Wenceslas Square

European History

Starting from

$2240

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

To Be Determined

Arrival in Amsterdam Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Train

Amsterdam has one main airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience. Uber is also available. The cheapest and often fastest way to reach central Amsterdam from the airport is by train, which delivers you in about 20 minutes to Amsterdam's Central station (Centraal), from where you can walk to your hotel, take public transport, or easily hail a taxi that will be much less expensive than from the airport. The NS train station is located directly below the airport terminal, so all you need to do is follow the signs.

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

To Be Determined:

Transfer from Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Old Town

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Grachtengordel

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

Day 1

Arrive Amsterdam

To Be Determined

Arrival in Amsterdam Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Train

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Experience the Pleasures of Old Town

The basis of the old joke that 'God created Earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands' can best be seen in the horseshoe-shaped old center of Amsterdam where the early inhabitants reclaimed much of their city from the sea and built the perfectly straight canals to keep the new land dry. Most of the picture-perfect gabled houses still retain their winch beams and hooks for hauling goods to the attic. These days its most renown historic buildings share space with Amsterdam's famous Red Light District.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Get a Grip on Grachtengordel

The Grachtengordel, or Canal Ring, in Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the city's 17th-century architectural and urban planning. This historic network of canals, designed during the Dutch Golden Age, is lined with elegant merchant houses and bridges, reflecting Amsterdam's rich past. Today, it's a lively district filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques, A visit here is essential to understanding both Amsterdam's past and present.

Day 2

Amsterdam

Day 2

Amsterdam

Day 2

Amsterdam

Day 2

Amsterdam

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Make your introductions to Amsterdam with this 3-hour privately-guided walking tour. After picking you up from your hotel, your professional guide will lead you past many of the greatest highlights of the city, including its center, as well as the Jordaan, the Grachtengordel, and the infamous Red-Light District. The guide will explain how all these feature in the citiy's history and contemporary life. Your guide will be happy to share some great tips for the rest of your stay.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Discover the Museums of the Eastern District

The Eastern Districts of Amsterdam host a wide array of museums and activities that serve all ages. The districts include the areas of Waterlooplein, Eastern Docklands, Weesperbuurt, and Plantage. Get in touch with nature at the Botanical Garden or ARTIS, Amsterdam's famous zoo. Experience some hands-on learning at the NEMO Science Museum. See where the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt, lived and created some of his most famous works. It might not be the most well-known area of the city but there is plenty to explore!

Evening

Dining Out in Amsterdam's Oost District

Eating out in Amsterdam Oost district has never been more popular as it is now, with all its new hotspots. There are so many great options for food and drinks that any foodie will see this district as it is …the place to be! Whether you are looking for fine dining for a family dinner or a great burger for lunch, you can find everything here, from a quick bite to an Instagrammable spot for brunch. Oost has its charm, a district with a nice mixture of everything: busy streets, green parks, historical boroughs or modern cultural gems and of course everything is very diverse and colorful. The neighborhood is continuously developing and is an ideal place to witness the city's lifestyle. Oost is where the first movements in Amsterdam started – a once shady Javastraat is full of the most exciting bars, restaurants, and places to hang out. In Oost, you can find a good mix of different cultures, brown cafes, hip hotspots, and young creatives.

Day 3

Amsterdam to Berlin

Day 3

Amsterdam to Berlin

Day 3

Amsterdam to Berlin

Day 3

Amsterdam to Berlin

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

A canal cruise is one of the best ways to discover Amsterdam! A 1-hour tour includes many of Amsterdam's most famous monuments and memorials. Starting from the dock near the Anne Frank House, you will float along the impressive Unesco Heritage Golden Age canals of Amsterdam, and pass the Jordaan neighborhood known for its famous Prinsengracht (Princes' Canal). Spy the romantic Magere Brug, the Amstel river, the 7 bridges, and the important Golden Bend before returning to land.

Mid-Day

Explore the Lively Streets of the Jordaan Neighborhood

The Jordaan district beckons with its narrow streets and quaint canals, epitomizing the charm and history of Amsterdam. Originally a working-class neighborhood established in the 17th century, Jordaan has evolved into one of Amsterdam's most sought-after areas. Known for its bohemian vibe, the district boasts an array of art galleries, unique shops, and cozy cafes, alongside traditional cafés and indie music venues. The Jordaan is also famous for its outdoor markets, such as the Noordermarkt, where locals and tourists alike browse for organic food, vintage clothes, and antiques. The area's historical architecture, including beautifully restored houses and hidden courtyards, provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks.

2:55 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Amsterdam Central Station (Centraal) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. Trams and the metro deliver you to the main entrance of the station. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Uber is also available for those with the app. There is not such convenient access by car to the Central Station, but your taxi driver will nonetheless be able to drop you off on the lakeside side of the station. To get to the platforms you need to swipe the bar code on your train ticket on the small screen on the automatic gates. The main entry tunnel, as well as two other tunnels, lead you to the station platforms.

15:59 - 21:51

Rail to Berlin

This approximately 6.5-hour rail journey will take you through the Dutch countryside and the German states of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg before reaching Berlin. The scenery along the way is not dramatic, but nonetheless the fertile farmlands, tidy forests, and charming towns and villages of the Netherlands and Germany make for a pleasant and scenic journey.

9:51 PM

Transfer from Rail Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Berlin Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. The station is well connected by public transport to all of central Berlin; U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and bus all service the station. This means public transport is often the fastest and easiest way of reaching the station. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are a good option. Uber is also a good option, and some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Day 4

Berlin

Day 4

Berlin

Day 4

Berlin

Day 4

Berlin

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Highlights of Berlin Guided Walking Tour

On this 3 hour tour, your guide will show you the highlights of Berlin and help you understand what makes this city so unique. Sites visited will include the boulevard Unter den Linden, the Gendarmenmarkt, Check Point Charlie, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Berlin's Most Iconic Sights

Many of Berlin’s most iconic symbols are found within a short walk of each other. Most famous of all is the Brandenburg Gate. First built as a symbol of peace, it became a symbol of division during the Cold War. A few steps away stands the Reichstag, which was destroyed in the climax of World War II but which has been beautifully rebuilt with a glass dome. Meanwhile, the modernistic Sony Center also symbolizes a revitalized and rebuilt Berlin. Also close by is the sobering Holocaust Memorial, with its more than 2700 concrete slabs creating an ominous impression of loss. Just beyond it is another reminder of Germany's darkest period - the site of Hitler's bunker during the seige of Berlin.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

The TV Tower and Berlin's East German & Medieval Legacies

The Television Tower and its surroundings in Alexanderplatz are Berlin's main architectural monument to the former East Germany. Despite the high-rent stores and offices that now fill the buildings, you can still detect quite a bit of that old communist character. Somewhat ironically, you'll find the medieval Nikolaiviertel, the oldest residential area of Berlin, just a few steps away. You'll also find nearby the Marienkirche (Berlin's oldest parish church), the displaced Neptune Fountain, the Red Town Hall, statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and the massive Loxx model railway that even non-model train enthusiasts will gasp at.

Early Evening/Evening

The East Side Gallery & Hip Berlin: Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain

Kreuzberg was a rough, poor area in West Berlin until students, artists, and immigrants began moving there for the cheap rents. Over time it became Berlin’s most hip and happening district, filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars. After 1989, Friedrichshain, a grungy, working-class district just across the river in the former East Berlin, began to compete with Kreuzberg as Berlin's trendiest neighborhood. It's also home to the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall.

Day 5

Berlin

Day 5

Berlin

Day 5

Berlin

Day 5

Berlin

Morning

Wander the Tiergarten and Climb the Victory Column

Once the hunting ground of the Prussian kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, fields, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. Some of Berlin's favorite beer gardens are also located in the park.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Stroll the Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin

In the 1920's the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin's nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, film stars, and artists. WWII left it in ruins, and today at the end of the boulevard you'll discover a chilling reminder of that destruction: the purposefully unrecontructed remains of the Memorial Church. During the Cold War, the Kurfürstendamm and its surroundings were central to West Berlin's revitalized identity. This was perhaps best symbolized by the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of market capitalism lodged in the heart of the Iron Curtain.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Checkpoint Charlie and the Jewish Museum

The best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was the main gateway between the two Berlins for most non-Germans. Next to it is the Mauermuseum recounting the history of the Berlin Wall, while a few hundred yards away is the Topography of Terror depicting the history of the Nazi regime. Nearby, the Jewish Museum explores the fascinating history of Germany's Jewish heritage in a striking modern building - uneven floors, empty spaces, and sharp zig-zags reflect its turbulent experience in Germany.

Early Evening/Evening

Cruise on the River Spree

The Spree is a 250 mile long river that flows through the German states of Saxony and Brandenburg. But it’s best known for its final stretch where it drifts through the city center of Berlin, flowing under more bridges than in Venice and passing the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), the Reichstag and the Charlottenburg chateau. Taking a cruise, whether for an hour or half the day, offers a wonderful way to see the city in a relaxed manner.

Day 6

Berlin to Prague

Day 6

Berlin to Prague

Day 6

Berlin to Prague

Day 6

Berlin to Prague

10:10 AM

Taxi Transfer or Public Transport to Main Rail Station

Most trains depart from Berlin Hbf station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. It is well connected by public transport, including U-bahn, S-bahn, and bus, making it relatively easy and often fastest to reach by public transport. However, if traveling with bags, you may prefer the convenience of taking a taxi, Uber, or private transfer. Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest. If you are staying in central Berlin and are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have time to catch your train.

11:16 - 15:36

Rail Journey to Prague

Your scenic journey should take about 5 hours. The first couple hours bring you to the state capital of Saxony, Dresden. You will then enter an area known as Saxon Switzerland, which is filled with fascinating rock formations. You'll even pass beneath the imposing Fortress Königstein, which towers above the narrow river valley. After crossing the border into the Czech Republic, the beautiful scenery continues as you enter what is now known as Bohemian Switzerland. You'll then follow the Elbe and Vltava rivers through the pretty Bohemian countryside until reaching Prague.

3:36 PM

Arrival & Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that the easiest way to reach your hotel may be by public transport. Taxis are available but are known for taking advantage of tourists. However if you prefer the convenience of not carrying your bags on public transport, they are an option. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber and Bolt Taxis are also available for those with the app.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Wanderings in the Old Town

A visit to the Old Town transports you to an entirely different era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys surrounds Old Town Square, which has been Prague's municipal center since the Middle Ages. The square is lined by magnificent churches and imposing Renaissance palaces. As you wander through the Old Town, you discover numerous other delights, including several beautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and an outdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages.

Day 7

Prague

Day 7

Prague

Day 7

Prague

Day 7

Prague

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Prague Castle & Royal Route Guided Walk

On this charming guided walk, you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that occurred there. Your tour guide will then take you either through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex, or through the upper part of the castle district around the oversized palaces of the old Catholic nobility and the top of the Castle Steps for incomparable views over the red rooftops of the Little Quarter.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Prague Castle and the Castle District

Prague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and for good reason. The castle's history stretches back over a 1000 years, and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. The castle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing a breathtaking and romantic view.

Late Afternoon

Exploring the Little Quarter

The Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightly nestled on the slope and riverbank beneath the Prague Castle. It is filled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobility who wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesque side streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architecture all abound within the Little Quarter.

Early Evening

Vltava River Cruise

Embark on a captivating evening river cruise in Prague on the Vltava River, where the city's historic landmarks come alive under the soft glow of twilight. Glide past Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town while enjoying a glass of bubbly or a gourmet dining experience with fine wines. This enchanting journey offers a unique perspective of Prague's beauty, creating memories against the backdrop of the city's sparkling lights.

Day 8

Prague

Day 8

Prague

Day 8

Prague

Day 8

Prague

Morning/Mid-Day

Excursion to Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn, i.e. Charles' Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in the Czech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by King Charles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It's massive towers and walls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the Berounka River and commands striking views of the surrounding hills.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Visit Prague's Jewish Quarter

Jews have lived in Prague since its beginnings in the 10th century and have endowed it with a rich heritage. The ghetto was created in the 12th century, as Jews were forced to live separately from Christians. Despite persecution, the community prospered, but sadly, only a small minority survived the Nazi occupation. A lasting legacy remains, including synagogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery.

Early Evening

Discover the New Town

Despite being 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město) is the youngest of the original five independent towns that made up Medieval Prague. The heart of New Town is one of the three original markets around which the town was planned, Wenceslas Square. Not fully given over to tourism like the Old Town, the New Town combines a historic atmosphere with the daily commercial and social life of locals, making it a great place to get a taste of the real Prague.

Day 9

Depart Prague

Day 9

Depart Prague

Day 9

Depart Prague

Day 9

Depart Prague

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi

Prague has one main airport, Václav Havel Airport Prague, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber or Bolt is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about 2 hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen minutes.

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Capitals, Canals, and Castles: A 9-Day Tour of Amsterdam, Berlin, and Prague

9 Day Tour of Amsterdam, Berlin and Prague

$2240

Secure Your Customizable Trip Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.

Trip Map & Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Amsterdam Airport and Transfer by Taxi or Train

Secure Your Customizable Trip
Enter your details to embark on a journey that can be tailored just for you.

Craft Your Own Itinerary
Select your interests and destinations for a trip plan inspired by you.