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Prague, Vienna & Budapest

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
10 days From $2,295 per person
4.5 stars(13 reviews)
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Uncover the history of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire while exploring the grand capital cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest by rail.

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2024 Tour code: AV-PVBE-24

About the tour

Impressive capital cities wrapped in old Austro-Hungarian Empire elegance and steeped in the rich culture lie ahead on this independent rail vacation. Your ten-day journey is divided between Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, with each destination unveiling the complex web woven by European history. Sightsee alongside lifeblood rivers and in city districts where gorgeous palaces, towering cathedrals, and beloved cultural sites mingle. With the freedom to explore on your own and complete with thoughtfully chosen sightseeing excursions, this tour brings the old-world grandeur of Central Europe to life.

Unforgettable Experiences

Prague City Sightseeing
Prague City Sightseeing
While exploring the City Center, Jewish Quarter Josefov, and Old Town, see Prague’s defining sites, including Old Town Hall with its swirling Astronomical Clock.
The Vltava River
The Vltava River
Set out on the calm waters of the Vltava River for a new perspective on Prague’s cityscape, relishing the opportunity to look up at iconic landmarks like the Charles Bridge.
Vienna’s Ringstrasse
Vienna’s Ringstrasse
Follow the circular course paved by the Ringstrasse on a guided tour showcasing the capital’s rich Imperial history through its most notable parks, palaces, museums, and buildings.
Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace
Once the summer home of the Habsburgs and now a breathtaking reminder of their reign, Schönbrunn Palace is a featured stop during your tour of the Ringstrasse.
Budapest City Tour
Budapest City Tour
From the sprawling Buda Castle District to the Citadel, Central Market Hall, Heroes’ Square, and beyond, get a comprehensive look at the sites of Buda and Pest on a guided tour.
Danube River Cruise
Danube River Cruise
Enjoy an unmatched vantage point from which to admire Buda and Pest as you embark on a leisurely hour-long cruise on the Danube River.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Prague

Welcome to the Mother of the Cities, Prague. Over 1,000 years of history are carved into the city's footprint, with a cornucopia of Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic, and Art Nouveau buildings demonstrating the many years of its significance. As you arrive, you are greeted by a private driver who takes you to your four-star hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to begin acquainting yourself with this atmospheric destination. Overnight Prague.

Day 2 - Exploring Prague

There is no better way to get to know this unique city than alongside an expert local guide, and today, you have the chance to do just that. Your tour takes place by bus and boat, revealing some of the city's best sites and most alluring architecture. Begin in Republic Square, traditionally the dividing line between Old Town and New, and watch as sites of the city center, Jewish Quarter Josefov, and Old Town unfold. Enjoy time to explore the courtyards of Prague Castle on foot and look at highlights like Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, and St. Nicholas Church. Because the Vltava River is the lifeblood of Prague, this excursion also takes to its waters. Revel in the opportunity to see the city from another perspective and admire new sites, including the Charles Bridge and Petrin View Tower. As the tour concludes, you are welcome to continue the day's momentum with sightseeing on your own. Overnight Prague.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 3 - Prague at Your Leisure

This capital city is brimming with culture and intrigue, giving you no shortage of ways to spend your day at leisure. See how the Lennon Wall has transformed throughout the years, becoming the symbol of world peace it is today, or learn about how the Czech nation preserved its mother tongue with the artistry of puppet shows. There are sites tied to every time period, from the Holy Roman Empire to the present, with breathtaking churches and cathedrals mingling with modern buildings in the skyline. You could look down upon the river while Walking across the Charles Bridge for a different perspective on yesterday's views or look to the city's culinary offerings for inspiration. Overnight Prague.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 4 - To Vienna by Train

Venture further into the ever-changing landscape of Central Europe as you depart Prague by train today. Enjoy a private transfer to the rail station and inspiring views of the cities, villages, and countryside of the Czech Republic and Austria during the four-hour ride to Vienna. Another car awaits your arrival and transports you through the city to your conveniently located four-star hotel. Spend the afternoon enjoying the colorful atmosphere of this classic Imperial city. Overnight Vienna.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 - Sightseeing in Vienna

Once the location of the city's ancient fortifications and now an epicenter of history, music, art, and culture, the Ringstrasse hosts today's sightseeing excursion. Your tour begins at the State Opera House, the first building constructed here. Follow the iconic roadway past stunning buildings like the MAK, the Museum of Fine Arts, City Hall, Parliament, the Hofburg, and the Bergtheater, with interesting commentary from your guide leading the way. As the coach arrives at Schönbrunn Palace, you will have a chance to step off the coach and immerse yourself in the elegance of the Habsburg Empire while touring the summer home's showrooms. The tour concludes as you arrive back at the State Opera House, and from here, you are welcome to continue soaking in the vibrancy of Vienna at your own pace. Overnight Vienna.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 6 - Vienna at Your Leisure

Thanks to Vienna's positioning along the mighty Danube River, the city has been shaped by centuries of trade and culture since the Holy Roman Empire. With all this history, you are spoiled for choice with things to do during your day at leisure. You may wish to tour the museums featured on yesterday's tour or soak in nature's beauty while walking alongside the river or in the city parks. Vienna is a wonderful place to indulge your other senses, as well, as it is the Capital of Classic Music and hosts a famous evening market, the Naschmarkt, which is the perfect place to get a taste of the region's flavors. Overnight Vienna.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 - To Budapest by Train

Look at Vienna's beautiful Baroque buildings one last time as your private driver transfers you to the rail station for your journey to Budapest. The route takes you into northern Hungary's lush hills and forests in just under three hours, finally arriving in the capital city. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day to settle into the historic setting of your new location. Overnight Budapest.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 - Touring Budapest

Budapest is a city divided in half by the course of the blue Danube and sewn back together by the stunning Chain Bridge. Immerse yourself in over 1,000 years of history as you explore both sides - and the river itself - on today's guided tour. Beginning on the Buda side, enjoy highlights like the Parliament Building; the Castle District, where you will have a chance to walk around and see famous structures like Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion; and the Citadel atop Gellert Hill, which boasts an outstanding panoramic view. Your guide then sees you across the Elisabeth Bridge to Pest to see hallmarks of the region, like the Central Market Hall, City Park, Heroes' Square, the Opera House, and St. Stephen's Basilica. After seeing both sides of Budapest by land, take to the Danube for an hour-long cruise showcasing the beauty that can only be found along the riverside. Following the tour, you can relax or explore as you please. Overnight Budapest.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 9 - Budapest at Your Leisure

Revel in the freedom a full day at leisure brings in Budapest. This unique city has much to offer in the way of art, including many murals hidden on walls and buildings, and a rich history that you can explore while walking down the ancient streets or while touring the caves beneath the city. Perhaps ride the Budapest Castle Hill Funicular back to the Castle District to continue sightseeing or venture through the Buda Hills on the one-of-a-kind Children's Railway. If it is relaxation you need, Budapest has plenty of that too. This locale has been characterized as the "City of Spas" for nearly a century and boasts Europe's largest medical bath, Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Overnight Budapest.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 10 - Tour Conclusion

Your memorable trip through the capital cities of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary concludes this morning with a private transfer to Budapest's international airport.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Rail pricing is subject to change until paid in full and ticketed. Seat assignments are not guaranteed and subject to change.

Airfare is not included in the price of this vacation package. 

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

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Reviews

4.5 stars4.5 / 5 · 13 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (6)
  2. 4 stars
    (7)
  3. 3 stars
    (0)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Robert G, Bloomington, MN

5 stars

Submitted 21 Dec 2018

the guides who took care of us were especially wonderful. The accommodations were more than satisfactory and the rail experience was very enjoyable.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Leonora D, Chicago, IL

5 stars

Submitted 18 Dec 2018

Every detail that could possibly have ben covered was and was done professionally and positively every single step of the way. The hotels were well located and first class. The staff was very helpful and patient. The drivers were punctual and informative, especially Leslie in Budapest. The tours were enough to get my bearings and add the farther out sites to my itinerary that I would not have gotten to without transportation. I didn't need more. I have already recommended VBR to others along the way and more since I've returned home. Thank you. Well done.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Ronald B, Mill Valley, CA

5 stars

Submitted 10 Dec 2018

You guys did everything you said and more. The ground hosts were stellar, the hotels more than comfortable and the train rides were great. You even helped us out with an issue that had nothing to do with the package that we paid for.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Kathryn S, Georgetown, UK

4 stars

Submitted 13 Nov 2018

Fabulous way to travel as all the travel and accommodation is looked after. We stayed at K + K in each city. Highly recommended as they are small, clean, friendly and most importantly to us centrally located in the old parts of the city. We walked everywhere.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Daniel

4 stars

Submitted 25 Oct 2018

Hotels in Prague and Budapest were excellent. Especially, Hotel Parlament. Tour in Budapest was excellent. Pegasus transfers were excellent. Train travel was very nice, but scheduled transfer times were tight. Tour in Prague was poorly conceived, disappointing in what it included, guide was uninspiring. Crowds everywhere. Communication from Vacations by Rail prior to the trip was repetitive and confusing at times.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

Ray G, Lebanon, PA

4 stars

Submitted 01 Oct 2018

Everything about the trip went very well. The hotels were comfortable and in good locations. The various transfers went very smoothly and I really enjoyed talking to the drivers. The train rides were quite relaxing. The city tours included in the package gave enough of an overview that I could decide what areas to return to and explore on my own. I especially liked the walking part of the Prague tour at the Castle. I would most definitely contact Vacations By Rail when I decide to travel by train again.

Collected by Vacations By Rail

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