Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, 15 Days of Must See Sights & Local Scenes

15 Day Tour of Prague, Vienna and Budapest

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15 Days 14 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Experiencing the Local Scene

Local Cuisine & Wine

Explore the lively and local sides of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest on this 15-day tour! Start in Prague, a city known for its beauty but also it's cafes, pubs, and wine bars. Next, admire the Hofburg Palace with a Viennese coffee on the Michaelerplatz, or imbibe a cocktail from one of Vienna's many rooftop clubs. In Budapest, take an evening stroll on a river promenade to enjoy views of the Danube and stunning buildings like the Hungarian Parliament. This trip includes 3 guided walks and 2 private wine and culinary tours, as well as our famously comprehensive travel directions, meaning you'll experience the cities like a local.

Tour Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge, and relish the sight of Old Town from Petřín Hill
Make an evening visit to Žižkov, Prague's hippest neighborhood, and drink world-renowned Czech beer
Get your thrills at Vienna's Prater amusement park and ride its famous Giant Ferris Wheel
Sip coffee & people watch in Vienna's elegant cafes and visit vineyards in the Wachau river valley
Ascend Budapest's Castle Hill and experience the Gothic architecture of the Matthias Church
Enjoy a glass of Hungarian wine in one of city's famous "ruin bars" such as Szimpla Kert

Tour Prague Castle, cross the Charles Bridge, and relish the sight of Old Town from Petřín Hill
Make an evening visit to Žižkov, Prague's hippest neighborhood, and drink world-renowned Czech beer
Get your thrills at Vienna's Prater amusement park and ride its famous Giant Ferris Wheel
Sip coffee & people watch in Vienna's elegant cafes and visit vineyards in the Wachau river valley
Ascend Budapest's Castle Hill and experience the Gothic architecture of the Matthias Church
Enjoy a glass of Hungarian wine in one of city's famous "ruin bars" such as Szimpla Kert

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Wenceslas Square

European History

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Museumsquartier

Museums & Galleries

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

Central Market

Street Markets

Szechenyi Baths

Spa & Wellness

Must see sights

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Wenceslas Square

European History

Hofburg Palace

Castles & Chateaux

Museumsquartier

Museums & Galleries

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Hungarian Parliament

Architecture

Central Market

Street Markets

Szechenyi Baths

Spa & Wellness

Starting from

$2750

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Prague

Day 1

Arrive Prague

To Be Determined

Arrival in Prague Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Prague has one main airport, Václav Havel Airport Prague, where almost all visitors arrive. Taxis are available directly at the terminal exit, or you can arrange a private transfer for added convenience.

Day 1

Arrive Prague

To Be Determined:

Airport Transfer

Mid-Day/Afternoon:

New Town

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Old Town

Day 1

Arrive Prague

Day 1

Arrive Prague

To Be Determined

Arrival in Prague Airport & Transfer by Taxi

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.

Day 2

Prague

Day 2

Prague

Day 2

Prague

Day 2

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 to 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.

Late Afternoon to 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 3

Prague

Day 3

Prague

Day 3

Prague

Day 3

Prague

Morning to Afternoon

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.

Late Afternoon

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.

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Prague Wine Tasting

The alcoholic beverage most associated with the Czech Republic is obviously beer, but actually, the Czech lands have been cultivating grapes and producing wine even longer than they've been growing and brewing hops. On this three-hour guided wine tasting tour, you will be taken to three different wine bars in the aptly named Prague district of Vinohrady('Vineyards') to sample a variety of delicious Bohemian and Moravian wines.

Day 4

Prague

Day 4

Prague

Day 4

Prague

Day 4

Prague

Early Morning to Evening

Excursion to the Spa-Town of Karlovy Vary

In Karlovy Vary, you will discover one of the world’s most famous spa towns and will stroll a promenade lined by grand Art Nouveau style buildings filled with smart cafes and posh shops. You can also visit the Moser crystal factory, visit one of the town’s famous spa hotels, and tour the city center. In the city center, you will find colonnaded pavilions where you can taste the water flowing out of the springs located beneath the town. The town is located about 2 hours from Prague by a direct and comfortable bus route.

Day 5

Prague

Day 5

Prague

Day 5

Prague

Day 5

Prague

8:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Guided Hike to Konopiště Chateau

Konopiště chateau is the spectacular estate of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Habsburg throne whose assassination in 1914 led to the outbreak of World War I. Situated on a hill overlooking a lake and surrounded by gardens, parkland, and forest, even the setting of Konopiště is fantastic. When you add in the fairy tale romanticism of the architecture, the sumptuous decorations of the interiors, and the impressive collections of art, hunting trophies, and medieval armor and weaponry, a trip to Konopiště by hiking trail and train is memorable to say the very least.

Early Evening/Evening

Venture out to Žižkov

The "Žižkov Republic" that lies just east of the main train station and north of Vinohrady has always enjoyed an identity separate from Prague's Old Town. Once known as Red Žižkov – because it was so working class and such a Communist party stronghold – today it retains something of its old working class ambiance, although it also is partially on its way to gentrification. As a result, it is flourishing and full of students, artists, and musicians enjoying its relatively cheap rents in comparison to nearby Vinohrady.

Day 6

Prague to Vienna

Day 6

Prague to Vienna

Day 6

Prague to Vienna

Day 6

Prague to Vienna

7:45 AM

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.

08:44 - 12:49

Rail Journey to Vienna

Your scenic journey to Vienna should take about 4 hours. After departing Prague, you will first pass through the rolling countryside of central Bohemia. You will then enter an enchanting region of deep forests and river valleys, followed by the wine-growing region of southern Moravia, and then approach the border to Austria. The passage over the border is interesting when you consider that it used to be a closely guarded and heavily garrisoned no man’s land during Communism. The countryside is relatively flat by Austrian standards but quite pleasant, with a mix of fields, forests, and small lakes. As you enter Vienna, you will pass over a series of islands, forest, and canals as you cross the Danube River.

12:49 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.

Afternoon/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.

Early Evening/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 7

Vienna

Day 7

Vienna

Day 7

Vienna

Day 7

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

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.

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 8

Vienna

Day 8

Vienna

Day 8

Vienna

Day 8

Vienna

Early Morning to 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 9

Vienna

Day 9

Vienna

Day 9

Vienna

Day 9

Vienna

Morning/Mid-Day

Visit the Karlskirche & Belvedere Palace

Two of Vienna's greatest architectural treasures lie just beyond the Ring Street - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles's Church). Often missed by visitors, these Baroque wonders represent Austria at the peak of its prestige and power and deserve to be on every visitor's list.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

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.

Early Evening/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 10

Vienna to Budapest

Day 10

Vienna to Budapest

Day 10

Vienna to Budapest

Day 10

Vienna to Budapest

Morning/Mid-Day

Tour the Schönbrunn Palace

The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see how Maria Theresa and other past imperial residents lived. No visit is complete without a stroll in the vast gardens surrounding the palace.

3:40 PM

Transfer to Station by Taxi or Public Transport

Your hotel front desk will also be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. Vienna taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your itinerary will provide more information on ordering a taxi, as well as detailed information on navigating the train station and finding your train, making the whole process simple and stress-free.

16:42 - 19:19

Rail Journey from Vienna to Budapest

The scenic journey to Budapest 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.

7:19 PM

Private Transfer from the Budapest Rail Station

Upon your arrival in Budapest, 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.

Day 11

Budapest

Day 11

Budapest

Day 11

Budapest

Day 11

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 12

Budapest

Day 12

Budapest

Day 12

Budapest

Day 12

Budapest

Early Morning to Mid-Day

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.

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 to 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 13

Budapest

Day 13

Budapest

Day 13

Budapest

Day 13

Budapest

Morning to Afternoon

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.

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Cultural Culinary Guided Walk in Budapest

You'll enjoy food tastings from the best specialty food shops, ethnic eateries, local restaurants, as well as an "off-the-beaten-path" glimpse of "Life in Budapest" - the history, culture, architecture, and old-fashioned bars that locals frequent. You will have a sit-down food tasting at a restaurant, enjoy traditional cakes in a famous patisserie and a 4-tier wine tasting from award-winning winemakers.

Evening/Late 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 14

Budapest

Day 14

Budapest

Day 14

Budapest

Day 14

Budapest

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

Andrássy Avenue & the State Opera House

The wide, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue is Budapest's most prominent street, and is lined by imposing neo-Renaissance palaces and buildings. It is home to the breathtakingly beautiful State Opera House, making it the musical heart of Hungary. You will also find the superb House of Terror museum, which focuses on the horrors inflicted by 20th century totalitarian regimes.

Early Evening to Late Evening

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.

Day 15

Depart Budapest

Day 15

Depart Budapest

Day 15

Depart Budapest

Day 15

Depart Budapest

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi

Budapest has one main airport, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, where almost all visitors depart. Your hotel can arrange a reliable taxi (there is no Uber in Budapest). You can also arrange a private transfer. If you are picked up about two hours and forty-five minutes before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with about two hours to spare, depending on traffic. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra fifteen to thirty minutes.

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Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, 15 Days of Must See Sights & Local Scenes

15 Day Tour of Prague, Vienna and Budapest

$2750

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 Prague Airport & Transfer by Taxi

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.