A Week in Eastern Europe: Prague, Krakow & Budapest
9 days | 11 days with Budapest extension |
Traverse four nations in a week, uncovering the resilient spirit that defines Eastern Europe.
Eastern Europe was at the center of many of the 20th century’s most significant political movements—and today, its cities and countryside reveal stories of reinvention and remarkable beauty. Wander among Prague’s Gothic spires and Baroque palaces, then journey to Krakow—Poland’s cultural heart—where medieval grandeur meets profound history. In Budapest, admire regal architecture along the Danube after a stint in Slovakia’s High Tatras Mountains for alpine peaks and charming villages. As you roam, you’ll learn about local traditions from the resilient people who call this region home—sharing meals, stories, and insights that bring Eastern Europe’s complex past and hopeful future to life.
Your tour package includes
- 7 nights in handpicked hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 3 sightseeing tours led by passionate local guides
- 1 wine tasting in the celebrated Tokaj wine region
- 1 top-tier Tour Director, dedicated to making this your best trip yet
- Pre-booked transportation, including 1 private deluxe motor coach
- Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines
Included highlights
- Gazing up at the Gothic spires of Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle complex in the world
- Standing beneath the golden domes of Wawel Cathedral, Poland’s royal coronation site
- Wandering the colorful, timber-framed streets of Kezmarok in the shadow of the High Tatras
- Rolling your own pierogi with a local chef and tasting your handiwork fresh from the pan (if you take the excursion!)
- Sipping Hungary’s legendary Tokaji wines in vineyards where they’ve been made for centuries
- Marveling at the gilded grandeur of the Hungarian State Opera House
Itinerary

Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to Prague today.
Prague2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Prague
Included meal: Dinner
Welcome to the Czech Republic! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Prague
Included meal: Breakfast
Discover why Prague is known as the “City of One Hundred Spires” on a sightseeing tour, led by a local guide.
- Visit Prague Castle. Considered the largest ancient castle on the planet, this 1,150-year-old structure isn’t just a relic: Once the seat of Bohemian kings, it currently serves as the Czech presidential residence.
- Admire the vaults of St. Vitus Cathedral, the final resting place of Rudolf II, Charles IV, and other Holy Roman emperors.
- Walk down to the red shingles and Baroque buildings of the 13th-century Mala Strana district and pop into a local cafe for a cup of coffee before continuing to the banks of the Vltava River.
- Cross Karluv Most—the elegant Charles Bridge. Hewn from Bohemian sandstone and lined by statues of Catholic saints, it has connected Mala Strana to Prague’s Old Town since the 15th century.
- Stroll through the Old Town Square to the Old Town Hall, where you’ll find Prague Orloj—the city’s famous astronomical clock. First hung in 1410, it’s the oldest timepiece of its kind still in use, marking each passing hour with a mechanized “Walk of the Apostles.”
Sail the Vltava River past Prague’s illuminated spires and bridges, savoring Czech cuisine and live music, on our optional excursion—or spend the evening strolling the Old Town’s cobblestone lanes, hunting for the perfect local pastry or a cozy beer garden.
Kraków2 nights
Day 4: Transfer to Krakow
Included meal: Breakfast
Pass through the dramatic landscapes of Moravia before reaching the historic Polish city of Krakow, Poland. On the way, you’ll pause to stretch your legs and grab lunch. When you arrive in Krakow, you’ll have a free evening. Use it to stroll the Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny) at sunset, when the Gothic St. Mary’s Basilica is beautifully lit and the bugler plays their hourly trumpet call.
For a tasty, traditional treat to end your day, join us for an optional Polish cooking demonstration. You’ll learn the history of the pierogi, the country’s signature dumpling; fold and pinch a few pillowy pierogies yourself; and end the evening feasting on your creation with a tipple of cherry liqueur.
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Krakow
Included meal: Breakfast
Straddling the Vistula River at the base of the Carpathian Mountains, the former royal capital of Krakow still influences Polish life as a cultural hub. Get to know it with help from a local guide.
- Pause at the site of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory, which employed Jewish workers who would’ve been sent to extermination camps during the Nazi occupation of 1939-45.
- Visit Wawel (“VA-vel”) Cathedral, the final resting place of Casimir III the Great, a 14th-century king fondly remembered for his prolific building projects and astute diplomacy. This active Catholic church, built in the Gothic style, stands on its namesake hill—also home to the Wawel Royal Castle, which contains over 1,000 artworks.
- Stroll through Rynek Glowny, Europe’s largest market. On weekends, it floods with vendors, offering a great chance to sample local specialties. If you’re feeling ambitious, buy a ticket and climb the Town Hall’s tower for an incredible view of the square and its surroundings.
- Pass the beautiful Sukiennice, or the Krakow Cloth Hall—often regarded as the world’s oldest shopping mall. Then, visit the Jagiellonian University, the oldest institute of higher learning in Poland.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Krakow to explore the city at your own pace—perhaps visiting local museums or strolling through historic neighborhoods. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to one of Europe’s most sobering landmarks: Auschwitz.
High Tatras Region1 night
Day 6: High Tatras Region via Kezmarok
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Savor your final moments in Krakow with a free morning to wander its charming streets, grab a last coffee in the Old Town, or pick up a few souvenirs. Then, journey into the heart of the High Tatras Mountains, where the stunning Slovakian countryside awaits. Along the way, stop in Kezmarok to visit its UNESCO-listed articular church, a remarkable example of 17th-century woodworking and religious heritage.
Continue to your hotel in the High Tatras region and sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Budapest 2 nights
Day 7: Budapest via Tokaj wine region
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting
Pass through the rolling hills of the Slovakian countryside and cross into Hungary to visit the Tokaj wine region.
- Discover the history of Europe’s first appellation, or controlled wine region.
- Learn about the regulations winemakers must follow in order to create a true Tokaji wine and how these rules inspired the designation of other appellations including Champagne, Chianti, and Burgundy.
- Tour the vineyard and cellar to hear about the characteristics of the wine.
- Sample four types of Tokaji wine, including the famous sweet dessert varietal.
- Sit down to enjoy a lunch of Hungarian specialties at the winery.
After, continue to Budapest, Hungary, and settle in for the evening.
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Budapest
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Divided by the Danube River, the once-separate towns of Buda and Pest merged in 1873 to form one of Eastern Europe’s most exciting and lively capitals. Start your day with a relaxed morning, catching up on rest. This afternoon, you’ll dive into the beautiful architecture, distinct culture, and intriguing history of Budapest alongside a local guide.
- Trace this nation’s stormy past at Heroes’ Square, a sprawling plaza adorned with statues of national leaders and the legendary seven chieftains of the Magyars.
- Tour the lavish interior of the Hungarian State Opera House. Rich golds and crimsons carry the eye to statues symbolizing operatic voices and the four cardinal virtues—prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice—all framed by delicately painted murals.
- Cross the Danube and ascend Castle Hill via funicular. Topped by the UNESCO-listed Buda Castle, this outcrop was the historic home of the Hungarian Kings for more than 800 years until the title was dissolved after World War I.
Celebrate your trip with your groupmates this evening at a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Please note: The Opera House auditorium closes during rehearsals; in that case, you’ll be led through a different section of the building. Additionally, in bad weather, a bus transfer to Castle Hill may replace the funicular ride.
Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Budapest to expand your understanding of its history and culinary traditions.
Budapest extension
What’s not to love about seeing stunning art nouveau architecture, or sipping really (really) good coffee inside historic cafes pretty enough to be palaces? Extend your adventure in the Pearl of the Danube to savor moments like this with your Tour Director’s expert guidance.
Budapest2 nights
Day 9: Sightseeing tour of the House of Terror Museum
Included meal: Breakfast
Travel on the Budapest Metro to the House of Terror Museum for a look at Hungary’s complex 20th-century history. This former secret police headquarters now honors the victims of Nazi and communist rule through compelling exhibits. After a guided tour of the museum, return to your hotel via the historic subway with the afternoon free to enjoy at your own pace.
Lean on your Tour Director for suggestions on what to see and where to eat today; they’re your local expert!
Day 10: Free day in Budapest
Included meal: Breakfast
Use your free day in Budapest to get a gentle start to the morning, then consider soaking the day away in the healing waters of the Szechenyi or Gellert Baths—two of Budapest’s iconic thermal spas. These grand art nouveau pools are a quintessential Hungarian experience, perfect for unwinding with locals while enjoying the ornate architecture.
Haven’t made lunch plans? Join us for an optional excursion and get ready to roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Hungarian cooking class. You’ll master chicken paprikash, fried pork patties, and apple strudel under the guidance of local chefs, then devour your creations with wine in hand and recipes to take home.
Raise a glass and toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening, surrounded by your travel companions.
Flight home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Reviews
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Prague - NH Prague City
This modern hotel is located in the Smíchov district of Prague. Guests enjoy a gym and sauna, restaurants with terraces, and a tennis court. Nearby, you’ll find Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, and Petřín Tower.
Kraków - Hilton Garden Inn Kraków
This hotel is located steps away from the Kazimierz neighborhood. Guests enjoy spa packages, a fitness center, and bicycle rentals. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of museums, shops, and restaurants, as well as the historic...

High Tatras Region - Hotel Panorama Resort
This modern hotel is located in Štrbské Pleso. Guests enjoy comfortable apartment-style accommodation, a wellness area, and magnificent panoramic views. Nearby, you'll find the picturesque Štrbské Pleso lake, the Tatra National...

Budapest - Hotel Novotel Budapest Centrum
This historic art nouveau hotel is located in downtown Budapest. Guests enjoy the fitness center, bar, and beautiful Palace Restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the New York Café, the city’s famous ruin bars, and the Hungarian...
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
FAQ
- This tour visits the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2026, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2026, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code WEE.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Prague and depart from Budapest.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Prague, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a steady-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- 3 full days of included activities in a row (more if you add excursions)
- All transportation by motor coach
- Daily drive time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Stone pathways and cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- In the summer months, June-September, travelers can expect high temperatures from 70Fs -80Fs and lows from 50Fs-60Fs with occasional extreme heatwaves.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- Most transportation on this tour is by private motor coach. Private motor coaches have steps required to board and often do not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels and airports.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- All destinations visited on this tour operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- This tour includes one lunch and three dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Czech food is hearty, and you’ll 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.
- When in Poland, fill up on favorites like kielbasa and pierogi. Don’t miss out on trying the bagels—they were born here.
- Slovakian cuisine shares many characteristics with its neighbors. Dishes are rooted in a history where villages had to be self-sufficient, and easy-to-preserve staples like wheat, potatoes, pork, onions, and sauerkraut remain favorites.
- Hungary claims goulash as its national dish, but also is known for excellent salamis, cheeses, nut-flavored pancakes, freshwater fish, and preserved fruits.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Czech koruna in the Czech Republic, the Polish złoty in Poland, the euro in Slovakia, and the Hungarian forint in Hungary.
- 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 and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- All destinations on tour are one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.















































































