Pearls of the Empire: A Central European Odyssey

12 Day Tour of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Krakow

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Trip Map
Itinerary
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12 Days 11 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

History Buffs

Day Cruises

Experience the best of Central Europe with Go Real Travel on a journey through the heart of Central Europe, where the legacies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire come alive. Discover Budapest, Vienna, Prague, and Krakow, cities renowned for their charm and steeped in history, each boasting architectural marvels stretching back to the Middle Ages. Enjoy private guided tours and explore these magnificent cities at your own pace with detailed travel guidance available through our mobile app. Revel in the magic of river cruises along the Danube in Budapest and the Vltava in Prague, and sail the stunning Wachau Valley in the Austrian countryside.

Experience Budapest's thermal bath culture in the elegant Gellért Baths or the exotic Rudas Baths.
Enjoy an enchanting evening cruise on the Danube River, taking in Budapest's illuminated skyline.
Ride a tram along Vienna's Ring Street, admiring its grand neo-Gothic & neo-Classical structures.
Watch the enchanting display of Prague’s Astronomical Clock and cross the iconic Charles Bridge.
Wander through the historic Wawel Castle in Krakow, the heart of Poland's royal history.

Experience Budapest's thermal bath culture in the elegant Gellért Baths or the exotic Rudas Baths.
Enjoy an enchanting evening cruise on the Danube River, taking in Budapest's illuminated skyline.
Ride a tram along Vienna's Ring Street, admiring its grand neo-Gothic & neo-Classical structures.
Watch the enchanting display of Prague’s Astronomical Clock and cross the iconic Charles Bridge.
Wander through the historic Wawel Castle in Krakow, the heart of Poland's royal history.

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

National Museum

Museums & Galleries

Central Market

Street Markets

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Must see sights

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

National Museum

Museums & Galleries

Central Market

Street Markets

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Starting from

$2350

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

We will schedule a pick up for 30 minutes after your flight's arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by a driver holding a sign with your name on it. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride is included in your package, and you will not have to pay the driver. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined:

Private Budapest Airport Pickup

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

Hungarian Parliament & Nearby

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Central Market & Váci Street

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Hungarian Parliament and its Surroundings

The Hungarian Parliament building is a magnificent sight as it rises above the waters of the Danube, and the interior is also quite jaw-dropping. As a visitor, you may even feel a bit overwhelmed by the sumptuous décor and attention-to-detail. You could be forgiven for expecting a queen to arrive or an aristocratic ball to break out at any moment.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Váci street and the Central Market

The Central Market Hall is a mezzanine shopping arcade first opened in 1897. Today the Central Market teems with activity like small shops and stands offer a remarkable assortment of goods, including fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, fish, flowers, and Hungarian specialties. There are also many souvenirs available on the second floor of the market.

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2

Budapest

Day 2

Budapest

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Best of Budapest: Half-Day Walking Tour of Highlights & Hidden Finds

During your tour you will take in a gorgeous vista of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion, explore the winding streets of the Castle District, gaze in awe at the striking interior of St. Stephen's Basilica, travel along the city's most elegant avenue and more. Along the way you will experience the city as a local does, stopping to check out intimate courtyards, enjoying a pastry and soaking in the ambiance of Budapest's most elegant cafes.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Budapest Castle and the Castle Hill

The historic Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Buda's hilltop Castle District make it feel like a quaint step back in time. Indeed, in the little squares and narrow lanes of the Castle District, you will find the heart of historic Hungary. Numerous points in the Castle District also provide breathtaking views over the Danube and the Pest side of the city.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring Central Pest

In Central Pest you will discover the beating heart of the city, with grand apartment houses and art nouveau architectural gems. No visit to Budapest is complete without seeing its highlights, including St. Stephen's Basilica, which dramatically rises above the city, and the Chain Bridge, which regally spans the Danube.

Evening

Evening Cruise on the Danube

The Danube River defines Budapest, as it divides the metropolis into two distinct city environments - Buda and Pest. It is spanned by a succession of stunning bridges which are best appreciated from the water. An evening river cruise is a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the city, as you enjoy a drink or meal, and watch as the brightly-lit buildings cast reflections on the water.

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Morning/Mid-Day

Excursion to the town of Szentendre

The little cobblestoned town of Szentendre lies charmingly nestled alongside the Danube River and is less than an hour away from Budapest by train or car. Nearly every building in the town dates back to the period of baroque architecture. It is now a haven for artists, who sell their works throughout town.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Gellért Hill, and the Gellért and Rudas Baths

You can enjoy the best view in Budapest from the peak of Gellért Hill. Just beneath it you will find two of the city's most famous baths. The Secession-style Gellért baths, with an elegant collonaded main pool and incredible tile-work, and the 500-year-old Rudas Baths, which were built by the Turks when they ruled Hungary.

5:40 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

There are three mail rail stations where visitors depart Budapest. You'll likely depart from Budapest-Keleti (i.e. East Rail Station), although you may also depart from the Budapest-Nyugati (western) or Budapest-Déli (southern) stations. 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 - all three rail stations are co-located with metro stations. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi for you. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. The mobile app provides information on navigating around the station and finding your departure platform.

18:40 - 21:20

Rail Journey from Budapest to Vienna

The scenic journey to Vienna takes a little less than 3 hours. Even though separated only by a political border, the look and feel of the natural setting changes between Austria and Hungary. It is interesting to consider that the border area used to be a closely guarded and heavily garrisoned no man’s land. During Communism, any Hungarian civilian entering this area risked being shot and killed. Today you will pass empty stations and checkpoints.

9:20 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Vienna's Main Station (Wien Hbf) station, but if coming from the west, you may be able to get off at the west station, Wien Westbahnhof, which may also be closer to your hotel. 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. Taxis are available at all rail stations and are generally honest. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

Day 4

Vienna

Day 4

Vienna

Day 4

Vienna

Day 4

Vienna

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Walk through Vienna's Inner City

This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna's early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Experience the Imperial Vienna

Discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Within the vast Hofburg Palace complex, which was once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators, you will find palaces, museums, a famed riding hall, the Austrian national library, and much more. The State Opera House and other major monuments are also nearby. Majestically stunning, the buildings and squares of Imperial Vienna still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Exploring Vienna's Inner City

When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day.

Early Evening to Late Evening

An Evening out in the Wine Village of Grinzing

Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughly translated as coziness) than the wine villages and vineyards which hug the gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to wine taverns known as Heurigen. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing, which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its closeness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you to the countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create a charming village atmosphere.

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Early Morning to Early Evening

Danube Cruise in the Scenic Wachau Valley

A one-and-a-half-hour train ride from Vienna brings you to the town of Melk, where you can tour the vast Melk Abbey. From there you can begin a 22-mile cruise through the Wachau Valley, considered the most beautiful stretch of the entire Danube River. You'll pass medieval castle ruins, hills covered in vineyards, and several charming villages, where you can debark to try some wine or take a hike up to a castle. The valley is also a perfect destination for cyclers and winery tours.

Early Evening/Evening

Hip Vienna; the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter

The centuries-old market known as the Naschmarkt and its surroundings are a great destination for those who love shopping, art, cafes, and nightlife. With a population of students and young professionals this area is one of Vienna’s youngest, and not coincidentally, it’s most hip and bohemian. Even the nearby Museum Quarter is happening, as it's abuzz with activity even well after its outstanding museums have closed.

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

Morning/Mid-Day

Along Vienna's Ringstraße (Ring Street)

The Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna's old town where the city walls once stood until the 19th century. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was at the height of its prosperity at the time the walls were torn down, and so it lined the wide Ringstrasse with monumental buildings such as the neo-Gothic town hall and neo-Classical parliament buildling. A fun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of the Ringstrasse, soaking in the full richness of the spectacle.

2:10 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from Vienna Main Station (Wien Hbf) station. If traveling to the west though, there is a good possibility you will leave from the west station (Wien Westbahnhof). 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. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app.

15:10 - 19:13

Rail Journey to Prague

Your scenic journey to Prague should take about 4 hours. As you leave Vienna, you will pass over a series of islands, forest, and canals as you cross the Danube River. You will then travel through the countryside of northeast Lower Austria. The country is relatively flat by Austrian standards but quite pleasant, with a mix of fields, forests, and small lakes. The passage over the border to the Czech Republic is interesting when you consider that the border area used to be a closely guarded no man’s land during Communism. Once in the Czech Republic, you will find yourself in the wine region of southern Moravia and then pass through an enchanting region of deep forests and river valleys, before emerging in the rolling countryside of central Bohemia in which Prague is located.

7:13 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.

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/Early Evening

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/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

Vyšehrad Fortress; a Favorite of the Locals

The castle of Vyšehrad was the seat of Bohemia's kings from the 11th to the 12th centuries. Due to its strategic position on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and Prague, it became an important army garrison in the 17th century, and it was transformed into a fortress with huge walls, gates, and ramparts. Walking along these ramparts will offer you wonderful views of the city and river. The interior of the fortress is now given over to a pleasant and quiet park which is a favorite of locals.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

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.

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.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event

A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treat on many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of the world's best and are the product of a long-lasting national obsession with the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one of the only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity, which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concert seats per resident than any other city in the world. Symphony, ballet, opera, and more are all on offer.

Day 9

Prague

Day 9

Prague

Day 9

Prague

Day 9

Prague

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

Stroll through Petřín Park

Petřin Park is Prague's most prominent park, as it is located on the side of a large hill overlooking the city. The park is filled with cherry orchards, beautiful forests, and lawns, and is crisscrossed by numerous paths as well as the medieval Hunger Wall built by Emperor Charles IV. At the top of the park is an Eiffel Tower-like observation tower which provides an unobstructed view of the city.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Walk from the Royal Garden to Letna

Three inter-linking public gardens provide a great walking experience free of noise and traffic in the very heart of Prague, ending at the most famous of Prague's beer gardens and a stone's throw from the city's best interactive museum experience at the National Technical Museum. The Royal Garden is part of the Prague Castle complex and contains a number of interesting buildings, including the former presidential residence and Queen Anne's Summer Palace.

Early Evening

Discover the Neighborhood of Vinohrady

Vinohrady, which translates literally as 'vineyards', is a beautiful residential area of Prague that carries a reputation of prestige and elegance. Most of its grand Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Pseudo Baroque, and Neo-Gothic buildings come from the second half of the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, and many have been and continue to be restored in an amazing array of color and architectural detail. It also contains an eclectic range of restaurants, wine bars, cafes and pubs that offer great venues for an evening meal or a night out.

9:15 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains depart from 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 cheapest and sometimes fastest way to reach your hotel may be by public transport. If staying at a hotel, they can order a reliable taxi. Some private transfers will even help with your bags. Uber is also available for those with the app. Information on finding your departure platform is provided in the itinerary mobile app.

22:14 - 06:10

Overnight Rail Journey from Prague to Krakow

The direct overnight train to Prague is a convenient way to save daylight for touring while also sparing a night's lodging cost. Overnight trains are not the best for light sleepers though. Budget-conscious travelers can choose compartments with 4 to 6 bunks, while those willing to spend a little more can get compartments with 1-3 single beds. The fare tickets for the journey, and the reservations for the bunks/beds, are two separate things. Be sure that you are buying tickets that cover both, otherwise you will have to hope that a sleeper is still available for purchase. If not, you will have an uncomfortable night on the train in a regular seat (if there's one available).

Day 10

Krakow

Day 10

Krakow

Day 10

Krakow

Day 10

Krakow

6:10 AM

Private Transfer from Krakow Rail Station to Your Hotel

Upon your arrival in Krakow, your driver will meet you on the platform. He will be carrying a sign with your name on it. The driver will drop you off at your hotel. This is a private transfer. The price of the pickup is already included in your itinerary cost so you will not have to pay the driver. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware the car service can fit up to 1 checked item of luggage and 1 personal item per person, such as a purse or small backpack. If you think you will have more baggage, please inform your travel consultant as this may result in an additional fee.

Morning/Mid-Day

Tour Wawel Castle, the historic heart of Poland

Krakow's dramatic castle is situated on top of Wawel Hill, a limestone hill rising above the Vistula River and the city. During the earliest days of Polish history a castle was built here and throughout the Medieval and Renaissance era, it was home to the country's kings. The kings were also coronated and then buried in the castle's beautiful cathedral, making the castle arguably the historic heart of Poland.

2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Walking Tour of Krakow's Historic Center

On this three-hour guided walking tour, you will discover the history and legends of old Krakow and gain an excellent overview of the city. The many layers of the city will be revealed to you as your guide points out medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. You will learn about not only Krakow's glory days many centuries past but also about its more recent struggles during Nazism and Communism oppression.

Early Evening/Evening

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Krakow

As a cultural center of Poland, Krakow's music offerings punch well above their weight for such a small city. It also possesses several nice concert halls and theaters. The Slowacki Theater, for instance, is one of the most beautiful venues in Europe. The city supports its own talented philharmonic and opera companies, and numerous smaller concerts cater to both locals and visitors. Poland has an especially rich folk arts tradition, meaning visitors can also enjoy performances of folk music and dancing.

Day 11

Krakow

Day 11

Krakow

Day 11

Krakow

Day 11

Krakow

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit to the Schindler's Factory Museum and the Former Ghetto

During World War II Oscar Schindler saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews by employing them in his enamelware factory in Krakow. Until recently still used as a factory, the building now houses one of Europe's most impressive new museums. It tells not only the story of Schindler and the Jews he protected, but of the wider experience of Krakow during World War II.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Exploring Krakow's Old Town

Krakow's Old Town is the part of the city once contained within the historic Medieval walls. While the walls are now mostly gone, you will still discover a rich heritage of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The Market Square is one of the largest and most breathtaking town squares in all of Europe. The two most famous attractions on the Market Square are St. Mary's Basilica and the Cloth Hall.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Explore Kazimierz and its Jewish Quarter

The district of Kazimierz was once home to one of Europe's largest and most influential Jewish communities. This tiny area became the cultural center of European Jewry, drawing immigrants from around Europe. It was filled with synagogues, Jewish schools, and printers, and was home to famous scholars such as Rabbi Moses ben Isserles. While most of its residents were tragically killed in the Holocaust, they left behind a rich and fascinating historical legacy to explore.

Day 12

Depart Krakow

Day 12

Depart Krakow

Day 12

Depart Krakow

Day 12

Depart Krakow

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Train

Krakow has one main airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. The most affordable and fast way to reach the airport is by train. The regional train takes less than 20 minutes and leaves directly from the main station in central Krakow. Your hotel can also arrange a reliable taxi or if you have the app, Uber is also a good option. You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and 45 minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with over 2 hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

Click to See Details

Pearls of the Empire: A Central European Odyssey

12 Day Tour of Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Krakow

$2350

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

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

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.