Budapest, Vienna & Prague: 8-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour with Schönbrunn Palace & Prague Castle Visit

Watch grand architecture, royal history and rich culture come together during a luxury small-group tour of Budapest, Vienna and Prague. Let these fascinating European cities capture your imagination amid quaint cobbled streets, ornate churches and stunning fairytale castles as you experience the cities’ landmark sites.

From the majestic Hungarian Parliament Building that stands proud on the banks of the Danube River to the impressive architecture of the late-gothic Matthias Church, the hills of Buda and the flat district of Pest – Hungary’s capital has a lot to offer. Riverside Vienna is a culture lover’s dream thanks to its historic architecture, imperial palaces, museums and famous former residents such as Beethoven and Mozart. En route to Prague, visit the quaint town of Český Krumlov, one of the most picturesque parts of the Czech Republic. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Český Krumlov evokes feelings of having stepped inside a fairytale with its stunning castle set above the Vltava River, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and old town square. Prague, the Czech Republic’s fascinating capital, is home to the largest castle complex in the world and a vibrant treasure trove of history and culture.

Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.

Your Package Includes:

• Seven nights of luxury accommodation – including two nights at the boutique Mystery Hotel Budapest, three nights at the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere, part of the renowned Hyatt group, and two nights at the Boutique Hotel Jalta in Prague
• Daily breakfast and two dinners
• Budapest city tour including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church
• Vienna walking tour of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Belvedere Palace and more
• Schönbrunn Palace audio-visual tour of the royal Habsburg family’s iconic summer residence
• Visit the quaint UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Český Krumlov and its grand palace
• Prague city tour including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prague Castle complex with St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower
• All airport transfers and air-conditioned transport throughout
• The services of an expert local, English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees per itinerary

Christmas Departure Available – Travel in December for a magical festive experience

Experience the twinkling lights, hot mulled wine and fragrant spiced gingerbread of Europe’s Christmas markets with a December departure available. Watch Budapest, Vienna and Prague transform into a winter wonderland brimming with boutique stalls selling everything from trinkets to festive treats.

With free time in every city, stroll through the colourfully-decorated wooden huts, soak up the cities’ cheerful ambience as you listen to Christmas carols and enjoy hearty food and a glass of local mulled wine.

The Accommodation – Boutique luxury in Budapest, Vienna and Prague

Immerse yourself in a treasure trove of boutique luxury at The Mystery Hotel Budapest, an eclectic Hungarian palace built in the 19th century. Beautiful details and surprises wait around every corner, from the ornate marble pillars to the grand staircase, twinkling chandeliers and plush velvet curtains. Each room is individually styled, many with replicas of classic artworks and playful touches including vibrant wallpaper and matching bedding. Pamper yourself at The Secret Garden Day Spa, one of the most unique spas in Europe. The interior of the beautiful eclectic building is a real enchanted Baroque garden, where you can relax under magnificent sculptures, fountains and huge palm trees.

Discover renowned luxury at the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere – part of the Hyatt group – and inspired by the stunning architecture of the city. Heavily influenced by Prince Eugene of Savoy, one of the leading developers and art collectors of his time and the man behind Belvedere Palace, the Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere showcases contemporary local art and design that immerses guests in the history of the city.

Take in views over Wenceslas Square and the National Museum from Boutique Hotel Jalta in Prague. Perfectly located for sightseeing, this unique hotel offers deluxe rooms and an original screen print of Franz Kafka by Andy Warhol.

Your tour starts in Budapest (BUD) and ends in Prague (PRG).

Important: International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Budapest on your chosen tour start date.

Private return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.

You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements you may wish to make, including assistance with flights, with no booking fee to you.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor’s website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.

Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary

Welcome to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Blessed with natural beauty, Budapest’s glorious setting astride Danube River is rivalled by few European cities.

On arrival at Budapest Airport (BUD), you will be met by a local representative who will transfer you to your luxury hotel in downtown Budapest. Tonight, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group, then enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Mystery Hotel Budapest

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Explore Budapest

This morning we take in some of the city’s best and most iconic landmarks. Its two sides, Buda and Pest, were separate cities until 1873, which is still visible today. Royal palaces, wooded hills and Ottoman spas await in Buda, while Pest is home to fine museums, the Jewish Quarter and incredible Art Nouveau buildings.

In Buda, stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and the river below, and see the exquisite Matthias Church and Gellert Hill with its citadel. In Pest, we head over to the impressive Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city landscape, then conclude at the beautiful area around Heroes’ Square.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy the city as you please. You might like to join one of the popular river cruises, sitting back and relaxing as you take in the sights.

Accommodation: Mystery Hotel Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Budapest to Vienna, Austria

After breakfast, check out and drive to Vienna, the capital and largest city of Austria. Vienna is romantic place, full of imperial nostalgia, opera houses and delectable cakes.

Upon arrival, check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to roam and discover the grandeur of Vienna. Alternatively, you can take this evening to relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere*

Meals: Breakfast

*Note: 19 October 2020 departure will be staying at the Meliá Vienna.

Day 4: Explore Vienna

This morning after breakfast, embark on a walking tour of the city of Vienna. Learn the captivating stories of Vienna’s history, culture and politics as you travel, tracing back to its Roman roots and involvement in the world wars. Admire the iconic landmark of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a cherished mark of Viennese freedom. Visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace, built in the 13th century and the former residence of the monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty. Continue to the Prater Amusement Park and UN buildings.

Afterwards, we head over to Belvedere Palace and visit the Austrian Gallery Upper Palace. The palaces, with their extensive gardens, are considered one of the world’s finest Baroque landmarks. From the upper side of Belvedere Palace you can enjoy a splendid view of the entire old city of Vienna.

The remainder of the day is yours to further explore Vienna. You may like to immerse yourself in the thriving Viennese culinary scene, sampling iconic delights such as Sachertorte cake, Wiener Schnitzel and Goulash stew.

Accommodation: Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Schönbrunn Palace

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be met at your hotel lobby for a Grand Tour of Schönbrunn Palace. Visit the magnificent summer residence and the gardens of the imperial family Hasburg. Our guide will take you on a journey back in time as you stroll through the formal gardens and catch a glimpse of the Gloriette, a hilltop arch overlooking Vienna’s forests. Inside the palace, enjoy an audio-visual guided tour of this magnificent building. Become familiar with Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth (Sisi) as you head over to the Rococo state rooms of the palace. Visit the Great Gallery, the Yellow Salon, and Franz Joseph’s private suite.

After the tour, you will have some free time for lunch (own cost) or for some further photo opportunities. Return to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Vienna - Prague via Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Begin with an early breakfast before driving to Český Krumlov en route to Prague. Upon arrival we are met by our local guide for a tour of this enchanting fairytale-like city with its quaint houses, grand castle and winding river. Stroll up to the famous castle which dominates the city and is the second largest fortress in the Czech Republic, then wander the hilly streets in the centre of town, taking in the Baroque-era buildings and intimate squares.

After lunch (own cost), we transfer to Prague, capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, arriving in the late afternoon.

Upon arrival, check in to your luxury hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Jalta*

Meals: Breakfast

*Note: 13 July & 24 August 2020 departures will be staying at Carlo IV Prague.

Day 7: Explore Prague

This morning, after breakfast, we set off to explore Prague and its surroundings.

The beautiful city of Prague was built on seven hills more than a century ago, and today is home to incredible architecture, green hills and picturesque bridges across the Vltava River.

During our walking tour, we will visit Prague Castle with the cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Quarter, Town Hall and the world-famous Astronomical Clock.

There will be some free time for lunch (own cost) before we begin a panoramic tour of the city. The tour starts with a drive past the famous Wenceslas Square, a major hub of the city and home to the National Museum. Continue to the Strahov Stadium and Castle Square before your tour concludes mid-afternoon.

In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant for your final night of the program.

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Jalta

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Depart Prague

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Prague Airport (PRG) for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast