A 12-Day Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava Itinerary

12 Day Tour of Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest

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Trip Map
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12 Days 11 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Castle & Palace Tours

History Buffs

Journey through the heart of Central Europe, where imperial splendor and romantic vistas await. This adventure, steeped in the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, takes you from Prague's medieval charm to Vienna's imperial opulence, and from the quaint allure of Bratislava to Budapest's Danube beauty. Enjoy private guided tours that reveal local secrets, providing an intimate experience in each city. With private airport pickups and comprehensive travel guidance provided, your trip combines the allure of majestic castles, thermal baths, and trendy shopping streets with the ease and comfort of well-planned logistics.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the Charles Bridge in Prague's Malá Strana
Wander the exhibits of Vienna's Hofburg Palace, feeling the echoes of an imperial past
Soak in the soothing waters of Budapest's famous thermal Széchenyi baths
Cross the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge and visit the massive Dohány Street Synagogue
Marvel at the beauty of the Matthias Church in Budapest's Castle Hill

Enjoy breathtaking views from the Charles Bridge in Prague's Malá Strana
Wander the exhibits of Vienna's Hofburg Palace, feeling the echoes of an imperial past
Soak in the soothing waters of Budapest's famous thermal Széchenyi baths
Cross the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge and visit the massive Dohány Street Synagogue
Marvel at the beauty of the Matthias Church in Budapest's Castle Hill

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Spanish Riding School

Cultural

Bratislava Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Central Market

Street Markets

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Must see sights

Prague Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Spanish Riding School

Cultural

Bratislava Castle

Castles & Chateaux

Central Market

Street Markets

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Starting from

$2200

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:

Jewish Quarter

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

New Town

Early Evening/Evening:

Evening Boat Cruise

Day 1

Arrive Prague

Day 1

Arrive Prague

To Be Determined

Arrival in Prague Airport & Transfer by Taxi

Mid-Day/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.

Late Afternoon/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.

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 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.

Afternoon to 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

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 4

Prague to Vienna

Day 4

Prague to Vienna

Day 4

Prague to Vienna

Day 4

Prague to Vienna

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

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.

3:45 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.

16:45 - 20:49

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.

8:49 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.

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

9:00 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.

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.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

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 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.

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 7

Vienna to Bratislava

Day 7

Vienna to Bratislava

Day 7

Vienna to Bratislava

Day 7

Vienna to Bratislava

Morning

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.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

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.

5:15 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.

18:16 - 19:22

Rail Journey to Bratislava

Your scenic journey to Bratislava along the Danube River should take about 1 hour - the two cities are very close to together, in fact, the closest of any two capital cities in the world. 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, any Czechoslovak civilian entering this area risked being shot and killed. Even though Communism is now over 20 years past, you will still see a significant difference in wealth, although this difference is rapidly being closed as the Slovak economy has been growing more quickly than Austria’s in recent years. As you exit Vienna, you will pass over a series of islands, forest, and canals while crossing the Danube River.

7:22 PM

Arrival in Bratislava and Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival in Bratislava, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will find taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Bratislava, especially at the rail station, are sometimes dishonest, so we'll provide detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi and avoiding an overcharge.

Day 8

Bratislava

Day 8

Bratislava

Day 8

Bratislava

Day 8

Bratislava

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Guide Walking Tour of the Bratislava City Highlights

Regale yourself with the picturesque Old Town of Bratislava, starting with Hviezdoslav Square, Bratislava`s first public promenade crowned by the majestic building of the Slovak National Theatre. Stroll around the Main Square up to the Primate`s Residence and see priceless tapestries while learning about the mysteries that surround them. Your guide will provide you with entertaining history lessons not only about Bratislava but also the Kingdom of Hungary, Austria-Hungary, and Czechoslovakia.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Take in the Views from Bratislava Castle

Revel in sights both ancient and new from this cliffside castle above Bratislava. The gleaming fortress is a far cry from its original 9th-century hill fort, and its high, white walls change color with the day, capturing sunlight from morning until evening. Sunsets are particularly romantic for the views across the Danube or admiring the last glints of light across Old Town. One may enjoy the Slovak National Museum housed inside the castle as well; it's a great place to take time and understand the rich and very long history of the Slovakian land.

Late Afternoon to Evening

Improve your outlook at Kamzík

The Kamzik Television Tower is far and away the highest point in and around Bratislava. It's easy to arrive nearby with public transport followed by a very pleasant half hour walk through the surrounding forest park. The reasonably priced Altitude Restaurant halfway up the tower with a revolving floor provides fantastic panoramic views of four countries as you dine.

Day 9

Bratislava to Budapest

Day 9

Bratislava to Budapest

Day 9

Bratislava to Budapest

Day 9

Bratislava to Budapest

9:20 AM

Taxi to Bratislava Rail Station

Your hotel front desk will be happy to arrange a taxi pick up for you. 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.

10:05 - 12:28

Rail Journey to Budapest

Tickets and seat reservations for this roughly three-hour journey to Budapest are included with the purchase of an itinerary. In most cases, the journey will be aboard one of Central Europe's nicest and most modern trains. You will also receive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets.

12:28 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.

Afternoon/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 to 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 10

Budapest

Day 10

Budapest

Day 10

Budapest

Day 10

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

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.

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 11

Budapest

Day 11

Budapest

Day 11

Budapest

Day 11

Budapest

Morning

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.

Afternoon/Late 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.

Early Evening/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 12

Depart Budapest

Day 12

Depart Budapest

Day 12

Depart Budapest

Day 12

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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A 12-Day Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava Itinerary

12 Day Tour of Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest

$2200

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.