Jewish Heritage and Scenic Rivers: A Journey through Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

12 Day Tour of Budapest, Vienna and Prague

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Trip Map
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12 Days 11 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Day Cruises

Jewish Heritage

Jewish history, culture, and stunning landscapes converge in this captivating journey through the heart of Central Europe. Begin in Budapest, soaking in the rich thermal baths and exploring the vibrant Jewish Quarter. Continue to Vienna, the city of imperial grandeur, where the majestic Belvedere Palace and the opulent Vienna Opera House await. Finally, discover the medieval charm of Prague, including the iconic Charles Bridge, the remarkable Jewish cemetery, and the impressive Prague Castle. Enjoy private guided tours, luxurious accommodations, and detailed travel guidance via our mobile app, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Gaze upon Budapest from the Fisherman's Bastion and tour the Great Synagogue, Europe's largest.
Sail the Danube through the Wachau Valley, amidst stunning vineyards, castles, & charming villages.
Enjoy private walking tours focused on Jewish Heritage in Vienna and Prague.
Stroll across the historic Charles Bridge and explore the medieval streets of Prague.
Make a poignant visit to the Terezín concentration camp, built to fool Red Cross observers in WWII.

Gaze upon Budapest from the Fisherman's Bastion and tour the Great Synagogue, Europe's largest.
Sail the Danube through the Wachau Valley, amidst stunning vineyards, castles, & charming villages.
Enjoy private walking tours focused on Jewish Heritage in Vienna and Prague.
Stroll across the historic Charles Bridge and explore the medieval streets of Prague.
Make a poignant visit to the Terezín concentration camp, built to fool Red Cross observers in WWII.

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

Chain Bridge

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

Must see sights

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

Chain Bridge

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

Starting from

$2675

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 to Late Afternoon:

Jewish Quarter

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Central Pest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

Day 1

Arrive Budapest

To Be Determined

Private Transfer from the Budapest Airport

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Visiting the Jewish Quarter

Budapest was once the site of one of Europe's largest and most vibrant Jewish communities and contains the world's second largest synagogue – the Dohány Street Synagogue. A visit there is an impressive reminder of the wealth and influence the Jewish community in Hungary once possessed. A small but vibrant Jewish population still inhabits the Jewish Quarter today.

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.

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.

Early Evening to Late Evening

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.

Day 3

Budapest

Day 3

Budapest

Day 3

Budapest

Day 3

Budapest

Early Morning to 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

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.

Early Evening/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 4

Budapest to Vienna

Day 4

Budapest to Vienna

Day 4

Budapest to Vienna

Day 4

Budapest to Vienna

Morning

Szechenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, Zoo, and Heroes' Square

The Széchenyi Baths are the largest and the most popular of all the city's baths. With eighteen indoor and outdoor pools and impressive neo-Baroque architecture, the baths make for an unforgettable visit. Nearby, you will find the fascinating Vajdahunyad Castle, a delightful zoo, and the monumental Heroes’ Square, which tells a 1,000-year old tale of Hungarian history.

2:40 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.

15:40 - 18:21

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.

6:21 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.

Evening/Late Evening

Dine with locals in the Spittelberg Quarter

One of the most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spittelberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are filled with pleasant traditional restaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the 1600’s when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants from Hungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’s court.

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

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 to Late 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 to 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.

Day 6

Vienna

Day 6

Vienna

Day 6

Vienna

Day 6

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.

Day 7

Vienna

Day 7

Vienna

Day 7

Vienna

Day 7

Vienna

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Guided Jewish Heritage Walking Tour

This walking tour of Vienna's old town highlights the tragic history of the Jewish Community in Vienna. You will pass the oldest synagogue in town, which is also the only one that survived the Night of Broken Glass. On Judenplatz (Jewish Square) you will hear about Vienna's first Jewish community in the Middle Ages and you will see the heart-rending Holocaust Memorial.

Mid-Day to Evening

Excursion to Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia since 1994, is one of the youngest European capitals. It is a city of change and contrast. Situated on the Danube River, it was long a crossroad of trade routes and a meeting point of different cultures, even serving as the capital of Hungary for three hundred years. Unfortunately, much of the city's physical heritage was destroyed during communism, however, its small but charming and mostly crowd-free Old Town with medieval buildings, baroque palaces, and pretty churches is definitely worth a visit.

Day 8

Vienna to Prague

Day 8

Vienna to Prague

Day 8

Vienna to Prague

Day 8

Vienna to Prague

8:10 AM

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.

09:10 - 13:11

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.

1:11 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.

2:30 PM - 6:00 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.

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 9

Prague

Day 9

Prague

Day 9

Prague

Day 9

Prague

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Guided Walk in Prague's Jewish Quarter, including the Cemetery & Synagogues

During this 3 hour guided walk through the former Jewish Ghetto, the tragic fate of Prague's Jewish community will come alive as you learn about the important milestones in its history: the first settlement, the Pogroms, the horror of World War II. You will also experience the rich culture that Prague's Jews created. You will enter the synagogues and walk through the Old Jewish Cemetery, and learn how the Jews of Prague maintained their faith and lived their daily lives amidst a sometimes hostile surrounding population.

Afternoon/Late 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.

Early Evening/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.

Day 10

Prague

Day 10

Prague

Day 10

Prague

Day 10

Prague

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

Mid-Day to Late 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 to 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 11

Prague

Day 11

Prague

Day 11

Prague

Day 11

Prague

Early Morning to Afternoon

Excursion to the Terezín Concentration Camp

The former Terezín Concentration Camp is where the Nazis created a model “Jewish Town” intended to fool the Red Cross and other observers into thinking that the Jews in Europe were being humanely treated. While the ruse worked, the reality, of course, was that almost all of the Jews located in Terezín were killed, either in Terezín or later in Auschwitz. You can visit the ghetto museum, barracks, and prison, and see exhibitions of music, artworks, literature, and a theater, all created by the prisoners themselves.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

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.

Day 12

Depart Prague

Day 12

Depart Prague

Day 12

Depart Prague

Day 12

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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Jewish Heritage and Scenic Rivers: A Journey through Prague, Vienna, and Budapest

12 Day Tour of Budapest, Vienna and Prague

$2675

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.