Journeys: Explore Central Europe
9 days, Berlin to Budapest
Itinerary
Day 1Berlin
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Berlin
Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO before exploring sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian and delving deeper into its political and social history. Opt to take a river tour or visit galleries and museums with free time.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and is a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Walk the Berlin Wall with a Historian
Walk sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian to discus the the barrier that divided a country between east and west. Examine the political, social and cultural aspects of the wall from its beginnings to the fall.
Free Time
Opt to visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, world-class museums, the Reichstag, or the Berlin Television Tower for a sweeping view.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall
FreeThe very name Berlin conjures images of the famous Berlin Wall. Two sections of the original structure still remain on display; the East Side Gallery, where artists have decorated the remaining section of the wall, and the Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer). View these remnants of history that once divided east from west.
Judisches Museum Visit
8EUR per personThe Judisches Museum is one of the largest Jewish museums in Europe. See how architect Daniel Libeskind's design evokes three important elements of the past two centuries; the intellectual, economic and cultural contributions of Jewish citizens in Berlin, the reality of the Holocaust, and the recognition of their absence from Berlin (and beyond) following the Second World War. See evocative collections and displays.
Reichstag Visit
For those interested in Berlin's government, past and present, visit the Reichstag, home to the German parliament. Climb the stairs to the glass dome for a 360-degree view of the city, or learn about the fascinating history of the building, restored following damage suffered during the bombing raids of the Battle of Berlin in 1945.
Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit
13-23EUR per personFor an amazing view of Berlin, visit the famous Berlin Television Tower. Bring your camera and take panoramic photos from the viewing room, then grab a drink and snack at the cafe located 203m (666 ft) above ground.
The Berlin Wall Memorial
FreeLearn about the history of the “Iron Curtain,” the physical, political and emotional barrier that once separated Berlin under the Communist Eastern Bloc and their neighbours to the west. At Berlin Wall Memorial (Gedenkstatte Berliner Mauer), see a complete section of the wall, and look from the east side to see the remains of an electric fence in the so-called “death strip.” Discover the stories of those who died trying to escape to the freedom of West Berlin.
Brandenburg Gate Visit
FreeThe Brandenburg Gate is a spot of great historical significance. Witness the spot where hundreds of thousands of people were finally able to cross from the east side to the west after the fall of the wall. Walk the cobblestones of the surrounding Pariser Platz and mingle with locals who continue to gather here to see stage shows and celebrate public events.
Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit
17.50EUR per personDown the street from the Berlin Wall is the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, a museum that documents the history of the wall, and interestingly, many of the different ways people tried to escape. From hot air balloons to one-man submarines, learn about the tenacity and creativity used by those desperate to cross from the east to western side.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Berlin/Prague
Head to the capital of the Czech Republic by train. Enjoy a guided tour of the old town, including the Jewish Quarter, astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square.
A great way to spend the evening is watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Prague Guided City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the old town including the Jewish quarter, astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. Visit all the major sights of the Old Town and simply soak up the atmosphere of a unique community where every street, inn, or theatre tells a story.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Letná Beer Garden Visit
Free-3EUR per personWatch the sunset from the heights of the Letná Beer Garden in Letná Park, along the banks of the Vltava River. Sample a pint of Gambrinus 10° Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost. Grab a grilled sausage and soak in the scenery.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Prague
The day is free to explore. Wander the quarters to shop or relax at a local café. Opt to visit Prague Castle, museums, and galleries.
Charles Bridge by day is packed with vendors and street musicians. At night, it is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering.
If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place for it. You'll find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine like fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.
Free Time
Enjoy this lively city with a full free day to explore.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Letná Beer Garden Visit
Free-3EUR per personWatch the sunset from the heights of the Letná Beer Garden in Letná Park, along the banks of the Vltava River. Sample a pint of Gambrinus 10° Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost. Grab a grilled sausage and soak in the scenery.
Malá Strana Visit
Cross the Charles Bridge and find yourself in picture-perfect Lesser Town (Malá Strana). Browse small shops, explore cobblestone side streets, visit churches and then find a Czech pub or restaurant to relax and revel in the ambience of this ancient district.
Petřín Hill Hike
Free-30CZK per personPrague certainly has no shortage of breathtaking views and Petřín Hill, near the Prague Castle, offers a less obstructed panoramic vista of the "city of spires."
Prague Castle (Hradčany) Visit
250-350CZK per personIf you like a challenge, climb 200+ steps up to the famous Prague Castle (known as Hradčany), the Castle of the Bohemian Kings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest castle complex in the world, and includes Roman-style buildings from the 10th century. Still got energy? Climb the lookout tower of St. Vitus Cathedral and be rewarded with a glorious view of the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Prague/Český Krumlov
Travel to the charming town of Český Krumlov. Opt to embark on a guided ghost walk or visit the castle.
The inclusion of Ceský Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. It sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov Tour
360CZK per personTour the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau, complete with hidden passageways, a unique Baroque theatre, a hedge maze and beautiful gardens. The castle and surrounding complex is one of the largest in central Europe. Built between the 14th and 19th centuries, the well-preserved layout, structure, interior and architectural details earned it a spot on UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage Monuments.
Guided Ghost Story Walk
250CZK per personThe Old Town of Cesky Krumlov is a unique spiritual location and its ancient houses and historical figures are legendary. Hear the stories that have been passed down through many generations during this ghost walk.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Český Krumlov/Vienna
Drive across the border into Austria, where we take an orientation walk with the CEO. Visit the historic Hotel Sacher and taste the world-famous Sacher Torte. Enjoy free time this evening to visit the opera house or simply enjoy a walk around the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Foodie Moment: Hotel Sacher Visit and dessert
Visit the historic Hotel Sacher and get a taste of the world-famous Sacher Torte. It's a cultural experience as well as a delicious cake.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Vienna Boys' Choir Visit
56-200EUR per personSit back and be transported by the sweet voices of the one of world's best known choirs. Founded in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is made up of boys aged 10-14 from Austria and around the world. Attend a live concert and learn what it means to be moved by music.
*Please note that the price of the ticket will vary depending on the seating you choose.
Vienna State Opera House Visit
8EUR per personVisit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Vienna
This morning, visit the famed Naschmarkt with a culinary expert, exploring the stalls and lanes to sample some of Vienna's finest treats. This afternoon is free to wander the elegant streets. Take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries, visit the stunning Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Vienna Riding School, experience mass with the Vienna Boys Choir, or settle into a café and order a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Naschmarkt Walk
Vienna’s famous Naschmarkt was established in the 16th century as a marketplace for wooden milk bottles. Today, it’s the city’s most popular market and a major destination for visitors. Discover its bounty of stalls and lanes with the guidance of a local chef, who’ll talk about the history of the market and provide professional insight on the local cuisine and food culture of this historic city. Learn all you ever wanted about Austrian cheeses, sausages, spices, and oils and take part in tastings throughout. This perfectly tasty experience is ideal for foodies and novices alike.
Free Time
Enjoy the city as you wish.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit
FreeSt. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of Vienna’s main landmarks complete with a 343-step climb up a spiral staircase to look out over the city.
Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour
11-15EUR per personEnjoy a guided tour of the stunning summer palace designed by Empress Maria Theresa herself. The palace gardens are free to all visitors.
View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna
14EUR per personPay a visit to the gorgeous grey Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Witness the birthplace of "airs above the ground," or classical dressage, known for its highly controlled movements and jumps.
Vienna State Opera House Visit
8EUR per personVisit the famous Vienna Opera House and soak in its exceptional architecture. Opt for a guided tour to see the opera house's main features and learn about the history of the building.
Vienna Boys' Choir Visit
56-200EUR per personSit back and be transported by the sweet voices of the one of world's best known choirs. Founded in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is made up of boys aged 10-14 from Austria and around the world. Attend a live concert and learn what it means to be moved by music.
*Please note that the price of the ticket will vary depending on the seating you choose.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Vienna/Budapest
Catch a train to our last stop, Budapest, Hungary. Enjoy an orientation walk and opt to "take the waters" at a thermal bathhouse or visit the stunning castle.
You might like to have an optional dinner at a local restaurant on Váci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Enjoy some time to explore on your own.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Buda Castle Visit
1500HUF per personSet on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube River and Pest, Buda Castle was once home to the Hungarian kings of Budapest. Admire the gorgeous architecture and visit its two museums; the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Permanent collections depict the past 500 yrs of Hungary's art history, including Medieval and Renaissance stonework, Gothic wood sculptures, and Gothic altars.
Thermal Baths Visit
4200-5000HUF per personBring two towels, your bathing suit and an aching body and prepare to be healed in the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Built in 1913, you can test the waters of 18 different pools (15 of which are spring fed) amidst stunning neo-Baroque architecture. Play chess on floating chessboards, relax in the whirlpools and explore the wonderful mosaic domes of these historic thermal steam rooms.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Budapest
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.