2025: Prague, Brno, Vienna, Bratislava, Lake Balaton & Budapest
Experience the perfect blend of historic and culture-rich cities like Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest; and picturesque countryside visits including Brno, and Lake Balaton, a lake so large it could be mistaken for the ocean. We’ll see stunning cathedrals, palaces, and basilicas, explore lively pedestrian streets and “old town” neighborhoods, enjoy quintessential experiences like seeing Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge, enjoying a panoramic drive to Vienna’s “Ring”, and taking in Budapest’s beautiful skyline during a one-hour cruise down the Danube River. Along the way we’ll enjoy hands-on experiences like strudel-making, a Heuriger (wine tavern) tasting, and a Hungarian “Csarda” dinner and show.
Extend Your Trip! Enjoy our Best of Central Europe with Poland tour visiting the same three classic cities plus Poland including Kraków, and Warsaw.
Itinerary at a Glance
2025 Tour Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Prague
- 1 night in Brno
- 3 nights in Vienna
- 1 night in Lake Balaton
- 2 nights Budapest
Tour Highlights
- Prague city tour – Hradčany castle, Old Royal Palace, Charles Bridge
- Prague walking tour of Old Town & Jewish neighborhood
- Brno Underground tour
- Vienna city guided visits of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, and Schönbrunn Palace
- Vienna strudel-making demonstration & tasting
- Vienna Heuriger (wine tavern) tasting & dinner
- Walking tour of Bratislava (Slovakia)
- Lake Balaton
- Wine tasting in Badacsony, Hungary wine region
- Memento Park guided by a local who lived during Soviet Occupation
- Budapest city tour – Fisherman’s Bastion, Castle Hill, Matthias Church
- Budapest river cruise
- Hungarian "Csarda" restaurant with wine and entertainment
Your Tour Includes
- Intra-Europe ground transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodations at first class hotels
- 13 meals: 9 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
Welcome to Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," and the capital of the Czech Republic. This evening our tour director hosts an orientation followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Adria Hotel Prague or similar
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast today, we'll start exploring Prague, once the illustrious capital of the Holy Roman Empire. We'll cross the Vltava River to see the Royal Castle of Hradčany and visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. Next, we'll explore the old part of the city to view the Old Town Square, the famous Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, the Charles Bridge, and more. The rest of the day is free to explore Prague independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Our exploration of Prague continues with a walk along the Charles Bridge with a view of Prague Castle, down the streets of Mala Strana, to the the romantic island of Kampa, around Old Town, and into the Jewish Quarter.
We'll have some free time before we depart for Brno, the second largest city in Czech Republic and one of the oldest cities in Central Europe. When we arrive, we'll see Brno's most important monument, the world-unique functionalist gem – Villa Tugendhat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Mies van der Rohe, is a monument of modern architecture. After our visit we'll check into our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Hotel International Brno or Clarion Congress Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, meet our local guide for a tour of Brno Underground. We'll explore the city's medieval history, and discover the maze of corridors, dark corners and entertaining exhibitions. Afterward, we'll visit Castle Lednice, to admire its Neo-Gothic style of one of the most visited monuments in Czech Republic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We'll continue to Vienna, the “City of Waltz” and the cultural, economic and political center of Austria. Upon arrival we'll enjoy a panoramic drive to view the "Ring" where important sights of Vienna are. Our drive includes a stop at Belvedere Palace for an exterior visit before we continue to the hotel for check-in and evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Our day starts with a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, located at the heart of the city. One of Austria's most beloved landmarks, this limestone cathedral features colorful roof tiles that form the Royal and Imperial double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna. Just a short walk away is the Hofburg Palace, a 13th century palace that characterizes the opulence of the Habsburg dynasty. We'll enjoy the afternoon at leisure and come together for a special dinner in a typical Viennese wine taverns called the "Heuriger".
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we'll visit the nearby Café Residenz where we'll experience a strudel-making demonstration and tasting. Our next visit is the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn. Feauturing 8th-century architecture, interiors, and vast gardens. this palace is among the most impressive baroque structures in Europe. After our visit, we'll have more free time to explore Vienna or consider an optional excursions to Vienna Woods.
Meals: Breakfast
Today we say goodbye to Vienna and depart for Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. For centuries, this city has been famous for its charm and beauty. The beautifully restored old town with its winding lanes and medieval courtyards is nestled between the steep Castle Hill and the Danube River. On a guided walking tour we'll explore the historic, lively pedestrian streets of this charming city where local street vendors offer regional gifts. Later, we'll cross into Hungary, and end the day in Hévíz, located on Lake Balaton. Lake Balaton is Hungary's stunning and iconic lake. As one of the largest lakes in Central Europe, it can be mistaken for a sea. In Heviz, we'll check-into the hotel and enjoy dinner.
Accommodations: Hotel Európa Fit or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we'll explore the scenic shores of Balaton Lake and enjoy a wine tasting in Badacsonytomaj. This region holds some of Hungary's best vineyards and thanks to the surrounding hills, there are different microclimates producing a variety of wines. Here, we'll switch to jeeps to drive to the cellar for the wine tasting. Afterwards, we'll have a short visit of the Tihany Abbey and Balatonfured. Later, we'll continue on to Budapest where we will learn about Hungary's history during the Soviet Occupation from a local who has vivid memory of those days. After hotel check in, the evening is free for us to enjoy dinner on our own.
Accommodations: NH Budapest City or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, our local guide will introduce us to Budapest’s fascinating history and sights. We'll enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view from the lookout terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion, located on Castle Hill. We'll also see Matthias Church, which was used for centuries for the coronations of Hungarian kings. This afternoon, we'll set sail on a leisurely one-hour cruise on the romantic Danube River to take in city views from the water. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure or consider an optional tour to the famous Szechenyi Thermal Spa. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner in a typical Csarda restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made online or by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Featured Accommodations
Václavské nám. 26, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Website
Husova 16, 602 00 Brno-střed, Czechia
Website
Jeremenkova 36, 779 00 Olomouc 9, Czechia
Website
Rennweg 16, 1030 Wien , Austria
Website
Hévíz, Jókai u. 3, 8380 Hungary
Website
Budapest, Vígszínház u. 3 H, 1137 Hungary
Website
Pre- & Post- Night Stays
Slow the pace of your tour with a pre- and/or post-night stay so you can arrive refreshed, acclimate to the time zone if needed, and depart leisurely, ensuring a seamless transition into and out of your journey.
- From $99 per person based on double occupancy
Start our tour off on the right foot! Arrive a day early and enjoy more time to recover from travel, adjust to any time differences, and feel well-rested and relaxed on our first day of touring.
- From $119 per person based on double occupancy
Extend your stay by one night at the end of our tour to make the most of additional free time for exploring our final city, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or dining at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Or, use this extra day to relax before beginning the journey home or to your next destination.
Optional Tours
Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Day 6 Afternoon Tour
Drive outside the city to the Vienna Woods, passing the Liechtenstein Castle, family seat of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Visit the Heiligenkreuz Abbey (the oldest continuously active and inhabited Cistercian monastery) and the former Mayerling hunting lodge (where Austrian crown prince Rudolf executed a murder-suicide with his lover that set off a chain of events, changing Europe’s fate). Return to Vienna via Helenental and Baden.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Széchenyi Thermal Spa is one of the largest and famous spa baths in Europe. This Neo-Baroque complex features mineral-rich hot springs, indoor and outdoor pools, and more.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
New in 2025: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2025, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.
Some of the walking tours cover long distances and encounter uneven surfaces and stairs.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Ellen S
1 month ago
I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on my recent experience with Smart Tours, on a journey that took us through the captivating cities of Budapest, Vienna, and Prague, starting September 19th, 2024.
With a background spanning 25 years in the travel sector, including significant tenure with a few of the industry's top tour companies, I consider myself quite discerning when it comes to selecting tours. My expectations are notably high, and I tend to scrutinize the services provided very carefully.
In this instance, I'm pleased to report that the tour was outstanding in every aspect. The accommodations were consistently impressive, each offering four-star luxury combined with exceptional locations that enhanced our overall experience.
A standout element of our trip was our guide, RENATA MIKULOWSKA. Her expertise and enthusiasm for the cities we visited were evident, and her personality added a delightful layer to our daily explorations. Renata's deep knowledge of the area greatly enriched our understanding and appreciation of each destination. Additionally, her recommendations for activities during our leisure time were invariably well-considered, ensuring we enjoyed quality experiences. Renata's attentive and personalized approach to guiding made our journey smooth and enjoyable. If I were to rate her performance, she would certainly deserve top marks for her contribution to our travel experience.
In summary, this tour with Smart Tours delivered a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable experience, highlighted by excellent accommodations and guided by an exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging tour leader. For those in search of a high-quality tour experience across these beautiful European cities, I can heartily recommend this particular journey as a superb choice.
Alisa P
4 months ago
Fast paced but balanced trip. Included lots of history, food, culture, some quaint small towns on the way between large cities. Hotels in Prague and Budapest were very centrally located. Breakfast buffet in Vienna was particularly sumptuous. Would have liked more free time but feel we saw the major sights in each city.
Maligaspe f
4 months ago
over all it was an great tour.
Yin W
1 year ago
Good arrangements and services.
Ilya Y
1 year ago
The trip to Budapest, Viene and Prague May 18 to May 27 was very nicely composed by SmarTours
Although, on some day tours the walking portion was a bit excessive, but overall spirit of the group
was remained very positive only!
It should be specifically highlighted the work of our Tour Director Renata Mikulowska, whose every day energy and very high professional knowledge made this trip even more enjoyable.
Renata Mikulowska were able to manage all timing issues, including transportation and overall schedule challenges.
Thanks to SmartTours with Very Good overall rating!
Louis R
2 years ago
The tour exceeded my expectations. Our tour director, Renata, was extremely personable & knowledgeable. The hotels in each of the locations were modern & for the most part located in convenient locations within the cities.
There was a good balance between guided touring and free time to explore on my own. I highly recommend SmarTours for an exceptional travel experience and would definitely book future trips with them.
Wallace H
2 years ago
Great trip. Great tour guide. Met some wonderful people on our tour
Karen G
Wonderful tour through Eastern Europe. Pavel was an excellent tour director/guide as were the individual guides we had in each city. We received comprehensive overview of each stop on our itinerary and had time to experience sites on our own. Highly recommend
karen g
Wonderful tour through Eastern Europe. Pavel was an excellent tour guide as were the individual guides from each city we visited.
Karen B
If you are lucky enough to have Pavel Cernos as your tour director and guide on this great tour, you will go deep into the history, life and people of the countries that you think you know. My sister chose this tour and I was not excited about it but I am so glad I went because I would have missed out on so much on many levels. This tour is walking history and for Americans who did not experience the War or Communism, it is eye opening in a moving way. All of the cities visited are beautiful, the people welcoming, the sites a feast for the eyes, the optional tours great value and fun. And I have to give a shout out to our fabulous bus driver Marion, who never missed a turn and always offered a hand.