Beyond the Basics: Central Europe in Depth
Hidden gems in 3 or 4 capital cities
Experience some of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe on this multi-city rail trip! Stay in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague with the convenience of hotels, rail, and private off-the-beaten-path tours in each city included. Plus, add Berlin to your vacation by choosing the 9- or 12-night option.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Budapest (BUD), out of Prague (PRG)
- 2 nights in Budapest at the Leonardo Hotel Budapest, or similar
- Communism in Budapest: Private Tour with House of Terror Museum
- Economy-class rail from Budapest to Vienna
- 2 nights in Vienna at the Leonardo Hotel Vienna, or similar
- The Historic Centre of Vienna: Private Tour including Mozarthaus
- Economy-class rail from Vienna to Prague
- 2 nights in Prague at the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle, or similar
- Discover the Best Czech Beer: Private Brewery Tour in Prague
Add Berlin with the 9-night option!
Great Ways to Explore
Enjoy an included private tour of Budapest with House of Terror Museum entry.
Enjoy an included private tour of Vienna with Mozarthaus entry.
Enjoy an included private brewery tour in Prague.
Add Berlin to include two additional private tours!
Relax in comfort with scenic rail rides between cities.
Embark on a captivating journey through Central Europe's most majestic destinations. Your vacation will commence in the captivating city of Budapest, followed by the melodic charms of Vienna, and culminate in the timeless medieval allure of Prague.
In every city, you'll have the opportunity to see all the famous highlights and dive deeper than the typical tourist spots thanks to unique included private tours. Learn about the history of communism in Budapest, enjoy classical music in Vienna and sip the best brews in Prague.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Budapest (BUD), out of Prague (PRG)
- 2 nights in Budapest at the Leonardo Hotel Budapest, or similar
- Communism in Budapest: Private Tour with House of Terror Museum
- Economy-class rail from Budapest to Vienna
- 2 nights in Vienna at the Leonardo Hotel Vienna, or similar
- The Historic Centre of Vienna: Private Tour including Mozarthaus
- Economy-class rail from Vienna to Prague
- 2 nights in Prague at the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle, or similar
- Discover the Best Czech Beer: Private Brewery Tour in Prague
Add Berlin with the 9-night option!
Enjoy an included private tour of Budapest with House of Terror Museum entry.
Enjoy an included private tour of Vienna with Mozarthaus entry.
Enjoy an included private brewery tour in Prague.
Add Berlin to include two additional private tours!
Relax in comfort with scenic rail rides between cities.
Embark on a captivating journey through Central Europe's most majestic destinations. Your vacation will commence in the captivating city of Budapest, followed by the melodic charms of Vienna, and culminate in the timeless medieval allure of Prague.
In every city, you'll have the opportunity to see all the famous highlights and dive deeper than the typical tourist spots thanks to unique included private tours. Learn about the history of communism in Budapest, enjoy classical music in Vienna and sip the best brews in Prague.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Budapest, Hungary!
Welcome to the magnificent "Pearl of the Danube" - Budapest! After settling into your hotel, embark on an exciting journey of exploration through the city's enchanting streets. Treat yourself to the delights of a traditional Hungarian goulash meal in the charming Old Town as you celebrate your first night on vacation.
Revel in the luxuries that the elegant, 4-star Leonardo Hotel offers. Dine in the hotel's restaurant or bistro, enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the premises, and utilize access to an underground parking garage and gym.
Rooms boast private bathrooms, air conditioning, safes, satellite TV, a work desk and a mini-fridge, along with a complimentary mineral water offered upon arrival. The hotel rests in Budapest's Ferencvaros district, adorned with charming old town scenery. The metro station is only an 8-minute walk away, and the Szechenyi Baths are a mere 3 miles away.
The 4-star Novotel Budapest Centrum is conveniently located approximately 25 minutes' walk from the expansive Central Market Hall. The hotel's prime location is just a few meters away from the renowned New York Palace and provides easy access to public transportation. Within a short walk from Novotel Budapest Centrum, you'll find popular attractions such as Szimpla Kert, which is about a 10-minute walk away, and Art+ Cinema, located just 5 minutes away. Additionally, there is a grocery store and a supermarket conveniently located nearby.
This hotel offers modern meeting rooms equipped with various business amenities. Guests can indulge in a delightful dining experience at the à la carte restaurant and take a refreshing swim in the on-site swimming pool. Situated in the Jozsefvaros district of Budapest, the property is in close proximity to a café, bar, and several pubs.  The hotel is also situated around 25-minute walk from the notable Heroes' Square. For your comfort and convenience, the hotel rooms are equipped with a coffeemaker, tea/coffee-making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi to keep you entertained. The private bathrooms are furnished with hairdryers and slippers. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast served in the restaurant. The hotel's own Palace Restaurant specializes in European cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience.
Offering beautiful views of the Buda hills and Danube River, The Verdi Budapest Aquincum is a charming hotel adjacent to Margaret Island, on the Buda side. The location provides easy opportunities to explore Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Sziget Festival in the summer.
Amenities at the hotel include an upscale spa & wellness center, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Comfortable guest rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee/tea maker, and private bathroom. Room service is also available.
Day 2. Budapest
Dive deep into history on your included private tour today.
Later, make your way across the renowned Chain Bridge, leading into the serene expanse of Pest. There, you can seek out a charming café to relax and treat yourself to a delectable meal while giving your feet a well-deserved break.
Communism in Budapest: Private Tour with House of Terror Museum
Embark on an exclusive walking tour through the captivating city of Budapest, delving into Hungary's tumultuous political history. This personalized journey will lead you through pivotal moments, from the dark era of Nazi Occupation to the ebb and flow of Communism, culminating in the dawn of democracy.
With your expert guide, you'll traverse hidden alleyways, stand before statues that memorialize history, and gather in commemorative squares that resonate with significance. This is an exploration of Budapest's core, where the threads of its story are woven, from the Ottoman Empire era to the 1800s revolutions, the agonies of World War 2, the grip of Nazi Occupation, the liberation by Soviet forces, the 1956 uprising, the trajectory of 'Goulash Communism' in the 1960s-80s, and the dawn of contemporary democracy in 1989 with the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Your journey commences at Bem József Memorial Square, a site where 1956 witnessed the fervent protests of 200,000 Hungarian students against Soviet dominion. This square also honors Bem József, a pivotal figure in the 1848 Revolution and a Polish-Hungarian national hero.
Strolling along Falk Miksa Street, you'll chance upon an unexpected statue of Columbo, the iconic LAPD detective, a symbol of truth-seeking reminiscent of the efforts to undermine Soviet influence. Your route carries you to the grandeur of Kossuth Lajos Square, showcasing the Neo-Gothic parliamentary edifice, a nucleus of modern Hungarian politics since 1989.
Liberty Square beckons nearby, a serene haven cloaked in greenery, yet shadowed by a turbulent past. Once the site of oppressive Austrian army barracks, it witnessed the torture and execution of Hungarian political prisoners during the 1800s struggle for independence. Over time, it transformed into a focal point of protests, uprisings, and conflict. Presently, Liberty Square stands as a living testament to bygone times, adorned with statues commemorating the Nazi Occupation and the Soviet Liberation.
Culminating in this immersive experience is a visit to the House of Terror Museum, accompanied by your private guide. This poignant institution serves as a solemn tribute to the suffering inflicted within its walls during the fascist and communist regimes of 20th-century Hungary.
Day 3. Budapest, Hungary - Vienna, Austria
Bid farewell to Budapest as you embark on an exciting train journey to Vienna. Upon reaching your destination, settle into your hotel and get ready to explore the city! To kick off your stay in Vienna, indulge in a classic schnitzel. Savor the delicious taste of breaded and fried meat, typically made with veal and served in generous portions. And of course, complement this mouthwatering delight with a refreshing glass of authentic Austrian beer or wine.
Rail from Budapest to Vienna
Indulge in each of the 4 stars awarded to Vienna's Leonardo Hotel, which resides just minutes away from the bustling city center. Guests can enjoy fitness facilities, a 24-hour reception desk, business centers, a bar and lounge, a restaurant, and a lounge with views of the city.
Rooms are chic and offer a minibar, air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, a safe, and private bathrooms complete with a makeup mirror, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries. Just 350 feet away from the Mariahilfer Straße shopping street, and 1,300 feet away from Westbahnhof transport hub that can whisk you away to the city center in 5 minutes, the hotel offers excellent views as well as convenience
The 4-star Linder Hotel am Belvedere is located in Vienna (Landstrasse), close to Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna, Swiss Garden, and Viennese City Park. Also nearby are Konzerthaus and Musikverein. Almost all of the rooms offer stunning views of the Belvedere castle and the hotel itself is less than a 5-minute walk to the Wien Rennweg Bahnhof train station. The on-site Heuriger Am Belvedere restaurant serves traditional Austrian cuisine, and there is a casual bar for guests to relax. The hotel also offers a fitness center, spa, sauna, and steam bath.
Nestled in a serene and distinctive passageway adjacent to City Park in Vienna, awaits the Mercure Grand Hotel Biedermeier Wien. All guest rooms offer an array of amenities including air conditioning, private bathrooms, cable TV, a safe, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Enjoy additional facilities such as a fully-equipped gym, rejuvenating sauna, convenient indoor parking lot, and a restaurant that tantalizes your taste buds with delectable Austrian and Viennese specialties, as well as international cuisine.
With the city center a mere 15-minute stroll away, the CAT train station just a 5-minute walk, and the Rochusgasse Underground Station a mere 500 feet from the hotel, its location provides an ideal base for exploring Vienna.
Day 4. Vienna
Get an insider's look at Vienna today with your included private tour and learn about the life of it's most famous resident, Mozart.
Later on, consider making your way to the renowned Naschmarkt. In German, "nasch" means to snack, and that's exactly what you can do at this vibrant food market. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere and treat yourself to a variety of mouthwatering goodies from the array of tempting stalls.
The Historic Centre of Vienna: Private Tour including Mozarthaus
This captivating half-day tour spotlights Vienna's most enchanting attractions in a city teeming with resplendent gilded palaces, statues of bronze, stately mansions, and regal buildings crowned with domes. As one of Europe's grandest capitals, Vienna boasts a wealth of exquisite architecture and cultural treasures that mirror its storied past.
Your guided walking tour will lead you to the finest architectural marvels, including the Austrian Parliament Building, the Alte Burg, the Spanish Riding School, and the Austrian National Library. The architectural splendor within Vienna's historical core is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a rich blend of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Art Deco, and Jugendstil designs, all set against the backdrop of St. Stephen's Cathedral's towering 370-foot spire.
Your excursion culminates at the entrance of the MozartHaus Museum, where you'll step into the world of the classical virtuoso and unravel his captivating narrative at your own pace. Your guide will bid you adieu here, allowing you to savor your independent exploration of this exceptional museum.
Day 5. Vienna, Austria - Prague, Czech Republic
Take a convenient train ride to the captivating city of Prague, the stunning capital of the Czech Republic! Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before setting off to uncover the wonders of this marvelous city.
After dinner, be sure to try trdelnÃk, a delicious cinnamon sugar "chimney cake" that you'll find on just about every corner.
Rail from Vienna to Prague
Located in the historic center of Prague, the Lindner Hotel Prague Castle is set in the grounds of the Strahov Monastery. The hotel is footsteps away from iconic sights like the Charles Bridge and the "Prague Eiffel Tower.“
The hotel is a heritage building dating back to the 16th century, reflecting the elegant charm and spirit of the "Golden City“ in its design. The quiet yet central panoramic location makes the hotel an ideal destination for forays through the town.
Hotel Roma is a 4-star hotel located in historical Mala Strana. A buffet style breakfast with vegetarian friendly options is available daily, and the lobby bar and lounge serve everything from Italian espresso and Czech beer to light lunches. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an on-site barbershop, a fitness area and sauna, and concierge services. The hotel also features a garden where guests can relax with a drink.Â
Guest rooms are spacious and subtly decorated with Italian ceramic or wooden floors. Breakfast is available in the room. Other amenities include a private bathroom, air-conditioning, a TV, minibar, and coffee maker.Â
The hotel is conveniently located to many historical attractions in Prague. Within a short 15-minute walk, guests can explore places such as Charles Bridge, Petrin lookout tower, Rose Garden, and Prague Castle. Additionally, Old Town Square is just a 20-minute stroll from the hotel.
Day 6. Prague
Hope you're thirsty! Learn all about the famous Czech beer culture on your included private brewery tour today!
Discover the Best Czech Beer: Private Brewery Tour in Prague
The Czech Republic proudly claims the title of Europe's foremost beer-consuming nation, with a staggering 181.7 liters per capita in 2020. This beer-tasting expedition will unveil the profound connection between Czech culture and this beloved beverage.
Boasting over a millennium of brewing expertise, the Czech Republic's fertile soil conditions are ideal for cultivating hops. Amidst our journey, your beer expert will lead you through Prague's enchanting streets, regaling you with captivating city tales and intriguing trivia. Delve into the intricacies of Czech beer production, gaining a deep understanding of its nuances. Hear captivating tales of Czech beer history from local master brewers, explore four distinct beer halls and breweries, and savor the distinct flavors of Pilsner Urquell and other Czech-crafted beers.
In this exclusive brewery excursion, your beer expert will guide you to charming local pubs and breweries. Immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere while relishing a diverse range of Czech artisanal beers from the country's extensive collection of more than 80 distinct brands.
Day 7. Depart Prague, Czech Republic
Your incredible multi-city vacation in Europe has unfortunately come to an end. It's time to depart the hotel, head to the airport, and board your flight home.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
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Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
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