Vienna, Budapest & Prague 11 days
About This Experience
The spire-studded skylines and impressive architecture only hint at the energy on the streets in these dynamic cities. Dotted with hilltop castles, ornate cathedrals and imperial palaces, these three cities will captivate your eyes and stimulate your mind. But that’s only the beginning of the story in Vienna, Budapest and Prague. You’ll also discover vivid World War II history, radical art movements and non-stop street life.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Austrian wine & Czech beer
The beauty of Budapest by night
Artists & artistry on the Charles Bridge
The opulent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
The whimsy of Art Nouveau architecture
Dark coffee & flaky pastries in bohemian cafes
Overnight Flight1 night
Budapest3 nights - hotel info
Day2
Make your landing in the two-sided city of Budapest
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Budapest, a city divided by the Danube River into its old and new sections, Buda and Pest. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then escorts you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin acquainting yourself with the Hungarian capital. At an included dinner this evening, meet your fellow travelers.
Day3
Explore the city’s highs and lows, from Castle Hill to Heroes Square
Breakfast
Parliament, Matthias Church
This morning’s included tour highlights the major landmarks of both Buda and Pest. Trace the stormy history of this fiercely independent nation on your stop at Heroes Square. Tour the lavishly decorated interior of the Parliament building, modeled on London’s Palace of Westminster. Then cross the Danube and arrive in Buda, where you will ascend the imposing Castle Hill. The castle has witnessed several invasions, the most recent having occurred during World War II. After taking in the breathtaking views from Fisherman’s Bastion, visit the medieval Matthias Church, once the site of Hungarian coronations.
Day4
Take a walk behind the Iron Curtain
Breakfast
During a free day in Budapest, continue your personal exploration of the city. You might browse through the shops on Budapest’s sophisticated pedestrian shopping streets, take a short journey outside to the Vadaskert (Game Park) or tour the Jewish Museum. You may also opt to explore Budapest’s communist legacy on a Walk Behind the Iron Curtain.
Optional Excursions
Budapest: A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain $115* pp
Discover the turbulent, tragic and heroic history of the communist period in Budapest on A Walk Behind the Iron Curtain. The first stop is the Parliament building, starting place of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, where damage from the Soviet invasion is still visible. Visit the nearby statue of Imre Nagy, Hungary’s Prime Minister during the revolution, who is an enduring symbol of freedom. Liberty Square is just a stroll away, home to the U.S. Embassy, a statue of Ronald Reagan and the only remaining monument to Communist troops. From St. Stephen’s Basilica, take the historical Metro Line 1 up the iconic Andrassy Ave. Stop for an included coffee amidst the the Neo-Renaissance splendor of Book Café, the regular meeting place of the intelligentsia during the Soviet occupation. End the day at the House of Terror, where you will take a guided tour through this chilling museum and moving monument to the victims of communism and fascism in Hungary.
Vienna3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Travel down the river to the artsy outpost of Szentendre
Breakfast, Dinner
Journey west through the countryside on today’s transfer to Vienna. Along the way, stop in Szentendre, a picturesque artists’ colony nestled on the banks of the Danube, where your tour director leads a walking tour. Arrive in Vienna late this afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax before an included dinner.
Day6
Experience delightful, delicious Vienna in all of its imperial majesty
Breakfast
Schönbrunn Palace
On today’s guided sightseeing tour of Vienna, you’ll tour the ornate interior of Schönbrunn Palace, summer home of Empress Maria Theresa. You’ll also see the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the estate. Continue your tour of this brilliant city, as you travel along the Ringstraße and pass the Hofburg, the winter palace of the long ruling Hapsburg dynasty. This afternoon is free at leisure. This evening, opt to attend our Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening. You’ll take a ride on the Prater Ferris Wheel and dine at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy wine made by the same people serving dinner.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Viennese Heurigen Evening $99* pp
After a brief drive, your first stop is Vienna's Prater Ferris Wheel. Take a breezy ride to the top, which offers a one-of-a-kind view of the city. Next, continue to the picturesque village of Grinzing. At a local restaurant, you'll indulge in a festive night of music and food. Dinner will feature dishes typical of traditional Austrian Heurigens, or wine taverns. During your meal, you'll have the chance to try some of the tavern's own locally made wine—the perfect addition to your cozy Old-World setting.
Day7
Take a cruise on the blue Danube
Breakfast
Spend the day at your leisure. You might wish to take a stroll through Vienna’s pedestrian zone, stopping at the Hotel Sacher for a taste of its world-famous Sachertorte, or view the elegant Lipizzaner horses in the Spanish Riding School. Or choose to join an optional riverboat cruise along the scenic banks of the Danube with a stop in Dürnstein.
Optional Excursions
Danube River Cruise $95* pp
After a short drive to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was held captive, embark on a leisurely cruise on the Danube. Your ship will take you through the Wachau Valley, home to age-old castles and picturesque villages. After the cruise, stop in Melk for a visit to one of Europe’s most beautiful Baroque monastery, an architectural wonder perched high atop a cliff. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and runs from mid-April through October.
Prague3 nights - hotel info
Day8
Day9
Wander the City of 100 Spires, from Hradcany Castle to St. Vitus Cathedral
Breakfast
Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus' Cathedral
On this morning’s guided sightseeing tour, discover why Prague is known as the City of One Hundred Spires. The pinnacles of the city’s churches and palaces create one of Europe’s most majestic skylines. Visit the spectacular Castle of Hradcany, from which Charles IV governed the Holy Roman Empire and Vaclav Havel restored democracy. Later, admire the soaring Gothic vaults of St. Vitus’ Cathedral. During your free time this afternoon, you may choose to wander through the medieval lanes of the Old Town. Discover Wenceslas Square, Prague’s cosmopolitan heart, or cross elegant Charles Bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Alternatively, join our optional walking tour of Prague’s Jewish Quarter and Europe’s oldest synagogue.
Optional Excursions
Walking Tour of Prague's Jewish Quarter $79* pp
Follow a local guide on a walking tour of Josefov, Prague’s Jewish Quarter, nestled between the Vltava River and Old Town Square. Discover the Quarter's remains, which survived devastation during World War II and oppression during the Communist era. Afterward, pay a visit to the Jewish Museum of Prague, housed in a collection of former synagogues, one of which displays the names of all the Czechs sent to concentration camps. Along your tour, learn about the Golem myth, a story forever entwined with Prague’s Jewish history. You’ll also see sights once frequented by Franz Kafka, the enigmatic author of The Trial and Metamorphosis, who made his home in Prague. Lunch is included.
Day10
Imagine yourself an exiled French aristocrat at Chateau Sychrov
Breakfast
Enjoy a day in Prague at leisure. You can journey inside St. James Church and its evocative Gothic interior or check out the rococo façade of Kinsky Palace. This evening, join an optional excursion to Château Sychrov for a concert and dinner. Included meals: breakfast
Optional Excursions
Château Sychrov $139* pp
Visit Château Sychrov, a 17th-century Baroque estate north of Prague. Take a guided tour through the estate, paying special attention to the elaborate carvings along the stairway, in the chapel and in the dining room. Then, tour the gallery of French kings and the château's gardens. Later, attend a private concert of classic Czech music and an included dinner. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
Extend Your Stay
Add Salzburg $499*
Dubbed the “Rome of the North”, Salzburg is a beautiful city filled with museums, mansions, parks and churches. The birthplace of Mozart and the setting for the Sound of Music, lovers and music-lovers will delight in this romantic destination.
Salzburg3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Absorb the ancient castle and atmospheric Old Town at Cesky Krumlov
Breakfast
Stop in one of the Czech Republic’s most delightful villages, where you’ll tour the ancient castle of Cesky Krumlov. Arrive later in Salzburg. The rest of your day is free to begin your explorations of this delightful city.
Day2
Sing along to the Sound of Music in Salzburg
Breakfast
Mozart House
Discover the highlights of Salzburg on today’s guided tour, including the Mirabell Gardens. Tonight, join our optional Mozart Concert & Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert & Dinner $115* pp
Step inside the 1,200-year-old St. Peter Stiftstkellar, the oldest restaurant in Europe located within St. Peter's Abbey, for an evening of fine dining and Mozart. Mozart composed over 600 works in his short life, and tonight, you'll hear his masterpieces as you sample local delicacies. Let the music carry you late into the night. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservations and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
Day3
Ascend into the Bavarian Alps for stunning scenery
Breakfast
Discover more of Salzburg on your own today or join an optional excursion Salzburg’s salt mines and the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreate built as a birthday gift for Adolf Hitler.
Optional Excursions
Eagle's Nest & Salt Mines $105* pp
Drive through the Bavarian Alps to the mountain village of Berchtesgaden, where you'll tour the 450-year-old salt mines that brought wealth to Bavaria and Salzburg. Continue to Obersalzberg, where a scenic bus ride along steep gorges offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped Alps. Here, you’ll visit the Eagle’s Nest, built as an Alpine retreat for Adolf Hitler's 50th birthday. Please note: The elevation of the Eagle’s Nest is approximately 4,500 feet, which may not be advisable for travelers with heart/lung problems or other altitude-related limitations. This optional is seasonal from mid-May through late October.
Passport & Visa
This itinerary includes the following countries: Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling on this tour. However, it’s always advisable to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates.
Cuisine
One of the pleasures of traveling is the variety of local cuisine. In Austria, thick soups of paprika and onion, veal, beef and venison with cranberries are all popular, as is the renowned Wiener Schnitzel. For fish-lovers there are excellent wild trout, roast carp and crayfish. It is perhaps desserts that provide the most memorable aspect of Austrian cuisine: strudels made with all kinds of fruit and nuts, soufflés and elegant chocolate cakes such as the world-famous Sachertorte. Hungary boasts goulash as its national dish, but also is known for its excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, fresh-water fish and preserved fruits. Czech food is hearty, and you will find large portions of veal, beef and potato dishes. Some of the world’s finest beers are produced here, including the original Budweiser and Pils.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Budapest and depart from Prague (or Munich on extension). Included transportation is by private motor coach. In your free time, you may wish to explore the cities by public transportation. Vienna has a top-notch transportation system—one of the best in Europe. You can purchase tickets in singles or in bulk for S-bahn (above ground), U-bahn (underground), tram and bus lines. The waiting time for trains and subways is usually no more than five to 10 minutes. Budapest also has an all-inclusive transportation system with links between the metro, “green trains,” yellow trams and red trolleybuses. Purchase tickets from newspaper stands, vending machines or metro entrances. Prague is best explored on foot, but if you need to access the suburbs or transport to a hotel, trams and local buses are readily available.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Currency
The euro (in Austria), Hungarian forint and Czech crown are the currencies you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Three Beautiful Cities!
We wanted a tour to introduce us to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague and this tour did exactly that. Our visit to each city started with a tour to help us see some of the most interesting sights and get a feel for the area. Then we could either choose from a list of optional tours or have free time on our own. My husband and I mostly chose the free time because there was so much we wanted to see in each city. We loved each city and will probably return to all three some day. In Budapest we had dinner one night in a local restaurant and were treated to some music by a visiting men's choir from Norway. In Vienna we entered a small, crowded, local restaurant and were seated with two lovely Viennese ladies with whom we shared a wonderful evening meal. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see Budapest, Vienna, and Prague!
Great tour!
I loved this tour! I only wished we'd had more time in Vienna - it was SUCH an amazing city. I especially liked the spa in Budapest at the Gellert Hotel.
Great trip and wonderful guide!!
Overall, the tour to Budapest, Vienna and Prague was great, The tour guide Ildi was amazing. She was a real gem and extremely knowledgeable. In addition to the set tours, she took the time to take interested group members on other tours looking at various aspects not normally covered, for example, the architecture, symbols in the buildings that we'd otherwise miss, various neighborhoods outside of the touristy areas, what it was like pre and post Communism, etc. Her knowledge and expertise was extremely valuable and helped make the trip even better. She was always available to answer questions and help plan visits to interesting places during the free time. Each city was very different and beautiful in its own way. I especially loved the walking tour of the Jewish quarter in Prague. Amazing that the buildings were not demolished and horrifying to find out why. It was very powerful to see the Holocaust Museum and the cemetary there. Mine was a small group and, as a result, most of the options arranged by GoAhead had to be cancelled due to not having enough people interested. I liked it that other tour options were then made available, for example, a dinner boat cruise on the Danube in Budapest and a concert in Vienna. I was somewhat surprised that the hotel in Budapest was so horrible. Even though it was centrally located, I would rather stay in a hotel further away than one that is unclean, uncomfortable and overall disgusting like this one was. I know I was not the only one who thought the same. Much to my relief, the other hotels were much, much better! The one in Vienna was exceptionally clean (thank goodness!) and although it was not in the city centre, it was a quick walk to the subway and only took about 10 minutes to get into the city centre. It was great to experience these cities that are so very different than those in North America and other European cities I have visited. I would recommend this tour to others.
Wonderful experience
My tour to Prague, Budapest and Vienna far exceeded my expectations. Ildiko, our tour guide was truly wonderful. She was very knowledgable about the three cities. We had ample time to explore on our own without the entire group. Being seasoned travelers, my brother and I felt comfortable venturing out on our own. Ildie was always there to give each member of the group the support they needed. I would recommend this tour to my friends.
Vienna, Budapest & Prague
This was a wonderful tour and I enjoyed it very much. The only negative thing I have to report is the fact that the tour director was a substitute guide because the regular one had gotten sick. The substitute guide was very nice but did not provide much, if any, guidance. It was clear that his expertise was not in these countries. It would have been great to have a knowledgeable docent/guide. The only other complaint is the cheap dinners provided in the package.
Bon voyage!
At the departing port of Logan, my flight was delayed five hours due to an engine problem. I missed a connecting flight at Amsterdam and had to arrive at Budapest later than originally scheduled. I remembered the instructions and called the number. The Go Ahead Tour office told me to take a taxi and go directly to the hotel so that I would not miss the orientation. You can imagine how relieved I was to find a taxi company representative waiting at the Budapest airport holding a sign with my name on it! I made it to the orientation and joined my group without a delay. It is good to know that Go Ahead Tour will take care of you in case of emergency. The hotels in Budapest and Prague were centrally located and were very convenient to explore the cities. I was a bit concerned about the location of a new hotel in Vienna across the Danube. It turned out that the metro station was near- by and the grocery store was right next to it. Once I started to use the commuter train, there was no problem. The metro system was very efficient and easy to use. In fact, I enjoyed looking at the people on the train. Besides, the hotel provided the best buffet breakfast of all. The room I stayed in was large, comfortable and very modern. Another concern was the transportation between three countries. Well, I did not have to worry about it at all. The Go Ahead Tour provided the most comfortable large buses to ride and most skilled and gracious drivers to take us to all our destinations. I was very impressed how we moved from places to places on time and without any incidents. I really appreciated the tour included free time in the schedule. I wanted to see the Art Nouveau and was particularly thrilled to view the paintings of Gustav Klimt in the Secession Building and Belvedere in Vienna and the art of Alphonse Mucha in Prague. In addition, I was able to visit the Liszt Museum in Budapest, Mozart House in Vienna and Antonin Dvorak Museum in Prague. And I still managed to take part in two of the optional tours. This is the first time I traveled with Go Ahead Tour and will never be the last time. The agency was recommended to me by my travel companion. I am very happy to recommend the tour to anyone who would like to explore the charms of Eastern Europe. Bon voyage! Kaori S. Kelts
Vienna, Budapest, Praque
As always enjoyed the tour. It was well organized, the tour director was friendly and knowledgable and made the experience enjoyable. The trip was well worth the money. What I like about Go Ahead is that the optional tours they offer are always very interesting and you don't get them on other tour companies. Also the individual tour directors always come up with interesting side things to do that are not listed - this too makes for a more exciting trip.
Vienna, Budapest & Prague
This was a personal trip for me since I visited part of my gene pool. I'm a 1st generation American born in the USA, but raised by 19th C Europeans.who originated from Slovenia, Austria and who knows where else. I found Budapest alive and full of hope for the future. But, I also saw the aftermath of the Communist occupation. Vienna is Vienna, maybe a little subdued by WWI and WWII but still a center of culture. I remember my Uncle telling stories of how he and my Grandfather would take the train from Lubljanna to Vienna. Vienna must have been unimmaginably beautiful when it was fresh and new. The Austrians must have been very proud of their city. Prague was the center of so much science and culture before the World Wars. I was glad to see that they are taking pride in their history and looking to the future. This trip gave me food for thought. I have much to see and probably won't return to any of these places because I don't have much time left, but southeast Europe will always be a favorite place.
Great tour
It was a wonderful experience, visiting three historic cities in three historic countries. Our tour director Lorena was very efficient and responsive to our questions. I higly recommend this tour.
A trip to remember
The Budapest, Vienna and Prague tour helped me learn and understand these 3 countries and their present and past. THis was the most informative and interesting trip I have had. Ssimilar backgrounds for these countries with different outcomes. My knowledge of cental Europe has improved. THere is interesting contast between countries with similar pasts. The cities were elegant with wonderful historical buildings, cultures and atmosphere. A WOW trip!
