Highlights of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow & Warsaw in 15 days

15 Day Tour of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow and Warsaw

Overview
Trip Map
Itinerary
Inclusions
Reviews

15 Days 14 Nights

Best Time: Jan-Dec

Cultural Exploration

History Buffs

Journey through Central and Eastern Europe on this whirlwind trip, where history whispers from cobblestone streets and ancient castles. Each city on your itinerary offers an intimate encounter with the past, enhanced by private guided tours with local experts in each city, plus an additional Communist-focused tour in Warsaw. Uncover the grandeur of Budapest, the imperial majesty of Vienna, and the poignant history of Prague, before immersing yourself in the vibrant Polish culture of Krakow and Warsaw. Your adventure is complemented by detailed travel guidance, ensuring a seamless experience as you explore these iconic destinations.

Marvel at Budapest's Parliament, reflecting majestically on the Danube
Wander the cobblestoned lanes of Vienna's Inner City, resonating with imperial echoes
Tour the ornate synagogues of Budapest, Prague, and Krakow
Take in breathtaking city vistas on boat cruises in Budapest and Prague
Explore Krakow's impressive Wawel Castle, a legacy of Polish kings
Relax in Warsaw's Lazienki Park, a tranquil oasis amid palace gardens

Marvel at Budapest's Parliament, reflecting majestically on the Danube
Wander the cobblestoned lanes of Vienna's Inner City, resonating with imperial echoes
Tour the ornate synagogues of Budapest, Prague, and Krakow
Take in breathtaking city vistas on boat cruises in Budapest and Prague
Explore Krakow's impressive Wawel Castle, a legacy of Polish kings
Relax in Warsaw's Lazienki Park, a tranquil oasis amid palace gardens

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Old Town Square

UNESCO World Heritage

Must see sights

Castle Hill

Castles & Chateaux

Schönbrunn Palace & Zoo

Parks & Gardens

Charles Bridge

Historic Landmarks

Old Town

Architecture

Old Town Square

UNESCO World Heritage

Starting from

$2575

per person

4.8 (365 reviews)

Not included

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

Start

Travelers

Preferred Hotel Stars

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

Trip Map & Itinerary

Enable/Disable Map Scrolling

Click to See Map

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.

Early Evening/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 to Vienna

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Day 3

Budapest to Vienna

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

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.

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.

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 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

Day 5

Vienna

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.

Afternoon to Early Evening

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.

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 6

Vienna to Prague

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

Day 6

Vienna to Prague

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.

Mid-Day/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.

4:10 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.

17:10 - 21:13

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.

9:13 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 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 8

Prague

Day 8

Prague

Day 8

Prague

Day 8

Prague

Morning/Mid-Day

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.

Mid-Day to Late Afternoon

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.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

Vltava River Cruise

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

Day 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 to Late Afternoon

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.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening

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.

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.

9:00 AM - 12:00 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.

Mid-Day/Afternoon

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.

Afternoon/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.

Day 11

Krakow

Day 11

Krakow

Day 11

Krakow

Day 11

Krakow

Early Morning/Morning

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.

Afternoon to 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

Krakow to Warsaw

Day 12

Krakow to Warsaw

Day 12

Krakow to Warsaw

Day 12

Krakow to Warsaw

9:00 AM

Taxi Transfer to Kraków Główny Rail Station

Most trains depart from Krakow Main Rail Station (Kraków Główny) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option - trams drop off directly in front of the station. 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.

10:00 - 12:20

Rail Journey from Krakow to Warsaw

This comfortable train journey will take about two-and-a-quarter hours. If your train is designated as an EIC (Express InterCity) train, then Wi-fi coverage will be available, and food and drink are also sold on the train. The journey first takes you through the fertile farming country of Małopolska and onwards towards the Polish capital of Warsaw. As you enter Warsaw, you will pass its densely populated suburbs and areas of heavy industry before reaching the central station located beneath the skyscrapers of downtown, which form one of the more impressive skylines of Europe.

12:20 PM

Arrival and Transfer by Taxi or Public Transport

Most trains arrive in Warsaw Central Rail Station (Warszawa Centralna) station, the largest station in the city. Before spending money on a transfer, be sure to check whether your hotel is within easy walking distance. Also consider that public transport is the cheapest and sometimes fastest option. The Central Station is a transport hub, so there are buses, trams, and metro all leaving from the area. Uber is also available for those with the app. Taxis are also available at all rail stations and are generally honest, but there are certainly some drivers that take advantage of tourists. Be sure to use a marked taxi from the station's main taxi stand. Private transfers meanwhile are the most convenient option. Some private transfers even meet you directly on the platform to help with bags.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

Tour the Royal Castle and Old Warsaw

Almost completely razed to the ground during WWII, the Polish capital, Warsaw, has undergone astonishing change and renewal over the past 70 years with the painstaking rebuilding of its old town and castle from virtual scratch. The extensive renovation and development that came with Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004 have left Warsaw looking better than at any time since the end of the war. The Old Town's inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is no accident - although smaller than the historic centers of Prague and Vienna or even Krakow, it's still stunning and the story of its rebirth is truly awe-inspiring. The adjacent 15th century New Town also features beautifully reconstructed cobbled streets and the birthplace of double Nobel Prize-winning scientist Marie Skłodowska-Curie.

Early Evening/Evening

Visit to the Palace of Culture & Nowy Świat

The Palace of Culture and Sciences is the building everybody who has visited Warsaw remembers. It has been a bone of contention for fifty years and still evokes extreme emotions. It has 42 floors, consumes as much energy as a town of 30,000, and remains the tallest skyscraper in Poland, even though it was built in the 1950s as a 'gift' from the Soviets to the Polish people. The extensive sightseeing terrace which surrounds the top tower is on the 30th floor and can be reached in just 19 seconds by elevator. Entry to the Palace is via its eastern side on Marszałkowska St. You can get a feel for 'socialist realist' architecture and Communist-era "luxury for the people" by visiting the cavernous interior on a guided tour to see the opulent Gagarin Hall and the famous Congress Hall where the Rolling Stones and other big stars have performed. Apart from serving as an office complex, the Palace also contains a number of cafes and bars, multiplex cinema with eight screens, four theatres, two museums (the Museum of Evolution and the Museum of Technology), bookshops, a large swimming pool, the aforementioned Congress Hall with seating capacity for 3,000 people, and an accredited university, Collegium Civitas. Directly across the road from the Palace, you can find Warsaw's heaviest concentration of restaurants, pubs, bars, and cafes in a number of pedestrian thoroughfares around Chmielna and Nowy Świat Streets.

Day 13

Warsaw

Day 13

Warsaw

Day 13

Warsaw

Day 13

Warsaw

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Half-Day Guided Walking Tour of Old Town

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, you will be shown around Warsaw's UNESCO-listed Old Town, including the old market square and the famous Mermaid Monument in the middle of it. You will be taken along the beautifully recreated cobbled streets around the square while your guide recounts the stories of the historic building lining them, as well as the story of their post-WWII reconstruction.

Afternoon

Follow the Royal Way to Some of Warsaw's Best Attractions

Like Madrid's Gran Via or Paris's Champs Elysees, Warsaw has its own grand avenue - Krakowskie Przedmieście - not as easily pronounceable as its western cousins, to be sure, but with all the sweep of a historic thoroughfare. Together with another busier avenue - Nowy Świat - it forms the basis of what was once known as the Royal Way along which Polish and visiting kings and queens would proceed on their way to or from the Royal Castle. For centuries the nobility built palaces along this route, and these were faithfully rebuilt after the war. A fine example of Warsaw's palaces is the Ostrogski, which now houses a museum devoted to Poland's greatest composer Frederyk Chopin. Speaking of Chopin, be sure to the inspect the black Chopin benches that line the Royal Way and that feature a button which when pressed unleashes a thirty-second torrent of Chopin. You'll also find beautiful churches, grand hotels, and monuments on the route, including a statue of Poland's greatest poet, Adam Mickiewicz, as well of the great Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The entrance to the green campus of Warsaw University is also located on the Royal Way, and just beyond it you'll find a more modern side of Warsaw on the banks for the Vistula River. If you are interested in modern architecture, you will want to see the very ecologically friendly university library and one of the biggest roof gardens in Europe. And families and science lovers will certainly want to check out the Copernicus Science Center.

Afternoon/Late Afternoon

POLIN: Museum of the History of the Polish Jews

Winner of the 2016 'Oscar' for museum design, the POLIN museum is a brilliant example of the new generation of multi-media narrative history museums, and demonstrates Poland's determination to re-tell its history after decades of suppression under the former Communist regime. Built on a former Jewish Ghetto site in front of the Ghetto Heroes Monument, which memorializes the 1943 uprising within the Warsaw ghetto, the museum's core exhibition occupies more than 4,000 square meters (43,000 sq ft) of space. It consists of eight galleries that document and celebrate the thousand-year history of the Jewish community in Poland – once the largest Jewish community in the world – that was almost entirely obliterated during the Holocaust. The Holocaust fills only one of the eight galleries, and thus does not overshadow the long and rich history that preceded it. Highlights include early Jewish manuscripts, re-creations of 18th century Jewish town life (including a scale replica of the Gwozdziec synagogue with its colorful painted interior), a religious school and a busy Warsaw street from the early 20th century. All this is done using sound effects and modern projection techniques, vintage photographs and films, histories of Polish-born movements from Hasidism to Zionism, and a vast multimedia network encompassing more than 250 computer terminals. This is a museum full of noise and color; with echoes of centuries of Yiddish chatter and the soulful sounds of klezmer music. No visitor will leave unmoved.

Day 14

Warsaw

Day 14

Warsaw

Day 14

Warsaw

Day 14

Warsaw

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Communism Tour in Warsaw in a Retro Van

On this 4-hour guided tour, you will be intrigued by a visit to Constitution Square, discover the utopian plans of the Ministry of Agriculture, feel the propaganda at the Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN), and learn about the hitherto unknown secrets of the former Central Committee headquarters. Your guide will also take you to the Museum of Life under Communism (“Charm of the PRL” Museum) where you will go back in time to understand the reality of the communist regime. You also will have a chance to watch some propaganda movies and relax for a while in a cozy communist-style café.

Afternoon

Visiting the Warsaw Rising Museum

Visit Warsaw's top museum "Warsaw Rising Museum", an interactive, multi-media exhibition designed to play on the emotions and engage the intellect as you journey through the story of the Polish capital's incredibly brave but ultimately failed rebellion in 1944 against the Nazi occupation.

Early Evening to Late Evening

Self-Guided Dining Out in Warsaw

Warsaw has recently become a real dining heaven, which can please even the most demanding foodies. Here, you can find a great variety of restaurants serving different cuisines, as well as offering different dining experiences. Since the city is very spread out, there are many areas where you would be surprised by how much Warsaw has to offer. One of such great places is "Śródmieście Południowe" or simply the south of the Center.

Day 15

Depart Warsaw

Day 15

Depart Warsaw

Day 15

Depart Warsaw

Day 15

Depart Warsaw

To Be Determined

Transfer to Airport by Taxi or Train

You will likely depart from Warsaw Chopin Airport, although if flying RyanAir or another budget airline you may depart from Warsaw Modlin Airport. The most affordable and sometimes fastest way to reach Warsaw Chopin airport is by train. The S2 and RL trains depart from Warszawa Śródmieście station, which is co-located with Warsaw Central Station. It takes less than 30 minutes to reach the airport. 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 for the maximum convenience. 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.

Click to See Details

Highlights of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow & Warsaw in 15 days

15 Day Tour of Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Krakow and Warsaw

$2575

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.