BUDAPEST, VIENNA, PRAGUE, SZENTENDRE, MORAVIA & TELC
During this escorted Prague, Vienna, and Budapest tour package from the U.S., we’ll visit three UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital cities (of the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, respectively), and awe-inspiring towns and areas along the way. It’s a popular combination of some of Eastern Europe’s most enthralling destinations, rich in centuries of history, arts, and culture. You can relax and simply appreciate the best of these awe-inspiring stops, as the smarTours® guide by your side imparts context, dining ideas, and customized tips for spending free time.
Extend Your Trip! Enjoy our Prague, Vienna & Budapest with Poland tour visiting the same three classic cities plus Poland including Krakow, and Warsaw.
Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options
for groups of 15 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
2023 Tour Itinerary:
- 3 nights in Budapest
- 3 nights in Vienna
- 3 nights in Prague
2024 Tour Itinerary:
- 3 nights in Prague
- 3 nights in Vienna
- 3 nights in Budapest
Tour Highlights
- Budapest city tour – Fisherman’s Bastion, Castle Hill, Matthias Church, Citadel
- Széchenyi thermal bath
- Danube Bend river region, Szentendre (Hungary)
- Vienna city tour – Ring Boulevard, Hofburg, Vienna State Opera, Saint Stephen’s Cathedral
- Strudel-making demonstration & tasting
- Heuriger (wine tavern) tasting & dinner
- Moravia (Czech Republic)
- Dürnstein (Austria)
- Telč (Czech Republic)
- Prague city tour – Hradčany castle, Old Royal Palace, Charles Bridge, Old Town historic core
- Jewish walking tour & museum in Prague
Your Tour Includes
- Optional round-trip airfare from the New York (JFK) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Ground transportation in an air-conditioned motorcoach
- Accommodations at first-class hotels
- 2023 Departures: 13 meals: 9 breakfasts, and 4 dinners
- 2024 Departures: 12 meals: 9 breakfasts, and 3 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
- Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director and local guides
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 2024: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2024, 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.
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Landing in this delightful Hungarian capital, we’ll be met and escorted to our centrally located, upscale hotel. This evening, our Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing.
Accommodations: Up Hotel Budapest or similar
Meals: Dinner
This morning, our guide will introduce us to Budapest’s fascinating history and sights. Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view from the lookout terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion, located on Castle Hill. We’ll also see the Citadel on Gellért Hill and Matthias Church, which was used for centuries for the coronations of Hungarian kings. In the afternoon, we'll set sail on a leisurely 1-hour cruise on the romantic Danube River to take in city views from the water. Afterward, we'll visit the famous Szechenyi Thermal Spa, one of the biggest natural hot spring spa baths in Europe. Enjoy a relaxing medicinal soak in a historical setting.
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on a morning excursion to the scenic Hungarian countryside. We’ll journey to the artist’s town of Szentendre, a gem at the gateway to the picturesque Danube Bend river region. Enjoy free time to explore its cobblestoned streets and Baroque charms. Then, return to Budapest, where you can revel in its fine arts and architecture at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Next, we bring you across the border into Austria and drive to Vienna for sightseeing in the heart of the Habsburg Empire. Tour along the Ring Boulevard, encircling the city center, past the Hofburg (official residence of the President of Austria), Vienna State Opera, and Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.
Accommodations: Parkhotel Schönbrunn or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today brings us to the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn—with its 18th-century architecture, interiors, and vast gardens, it’s among the most impressive baroque structures in Europe. After the visit to the Palace, continue to the nearby Café Residenz where you will experience a strudel-making demo and tasting. After we've enjoyed our delicious strudel, enjoy free time to explore Vienna.
Meals: Breakfast
Embrace all that Vienna has to offer with a full day of independent exploration—you can discover more popular attractions and even take in some of the culture with stops at cafes and shops along the way. This evening, we'll visit a local Heuriger, a wine tavern known for its comfortable and cozy atmosphere. It usually has a traditional rustic interior and serves its own wine and food. Heuriger’s culture is an important part of Austria's cultural history. Visit nearby Grinzing, famous for being one of the best Vienna Heurigen places in the area. There are more than 25 Heurigen in Grinzing each with its own unique special history, atmosphere, wine, and food. Enjoy the beautiful nature and enjoy a special tasting & dinner on this tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, take a leisurely scenic drive through rich farmlands to the rolling hills of Moravia. You’ll first visit the quaint town of Dürnstein before continuing over the Czech Republic border, stopping to see the charming buildings and beautiful surroundings of Telč along the way. Later in the day, we’ll reach Prague, one of Europe’s most vibrant and colorful cities.
Accommodations: Vienna House Diplomat or similar
Meals: Breakfast
Beautiful Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” once served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and is now the Czech Republic's capital. This morning, we'll tour the impressive Hradčany castle and the Old Royal Palace, one of the oldest parts of Prague Castle, dating from 1135. We'll also see the 14th-century Charles Bridge, Old Town, and more. The afternoon is at leisure to explore more.
Meals: Breakfast
Sightseeing continues this morning with a visit to the Jewish Quarter of Prague with an included visit to the Jewish Museum. Today's touring ends at the hotel with an afternoon of free time to unwind at an outdoor cafe, shop in the bustling markets, or delve into more of Prague’s intriguing sights. Tonight, celebrate this great trip with your fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast. Travelers who purchased the air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our non-stop flight back to the U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.
For flight details, see Before You Depart.
Welcome to Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," and the capital of the Czech Republic. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. This evening our tour director hosts an orientation followed by a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Adria Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner
Today we'll explore beautiful Prague, which once served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. After breakfast, we'll cross the Vltava River to see the Royal Castle of Hradčany, the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Here, we'll visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. Later, in Prague's old town, we'll view the Old Town Square, the famous Astronomical Clock, St. Nicholas Church, the Charles Bridge, and more. The rest of our day is at leisure to explore Prague independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Our sightseeing continues this morning in the Jewish Quarter of Prague, a former Jewish ghetto dating back to the 13th century. Here, we'll visit the Jewish Museum. Originally established in 1906, this is one of the oldest Jewish museums in Europe. During our visit, we'll learn more The balance of the day is at leisure with time to unwind at an outdoor cafe, shop in the bustling markets, or delve into more of Prague’s intriguing sights.
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll depart Prague for Vienna, "the City of Waltz." Our drive takes us through rich farmlands to the rolling hills of Moravia (the Easternmost province of the Czech Republic). We'll see the charming buildings and beautiful surroundings of Telč, before we continue across the Austrian border to the quaint town of Dürnstein. Later in the day, we’ll reach Vienna, one of Europe’s most elegant and grand cities. We'll have a short orientation tour of the city by bus with our tour director before arriving at our hotel for check-in.
Accommodations: Arcotel Wimberger 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. Next, we'll view the baroque Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, and the UN Buildings. The rest of the day is at leisure. We can explore Vienna independently, or consider an optional excursion to the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald).
Meals: Breakfast
Today brings us to the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn—with its 18th-century architecture, interiors, and vast gardens; it’s among the most impressive baroque structures in Europe. After the visit to the Palace, we'll continue to the nearby Café Residenz where you will experience a strudel-making demonstration and tasting. After we've enjoyed our delicious strudel, we'll have more free time to explore Vienna. We'll punctuate the day with dinner together in the Grinzing suburb, in one of the typical Viennese wine taverns called the “Heuriger”.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we say goodbye to Vienna and depart to 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 explore historic, lively pedestrian streets of this charming city where local street vendors offer regional gifts. Later, we'll continue on to Budapest where we'll begin our visit with a short orientation tour by bus. After check in, the evening is free for us to enjoy dinner on our own.
Accommodations: Mercure Budapest Korona Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, our local guide will introduce us to Budapest’s fascinating history and sights. Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view from the lookout terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion, located on Castle Hill. We’ll also see the Citadel on Gellért Hill and 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. Afterward, we'll visit the famous Szechenyi Thermal Spa, one of the biggest natural hot spring spa baths in Europe. Here, we'll enjoy a relaxing medicinal soak in a historical setting.
Meals: Breakfast
Today we'll embark on a morning excursion to the scenic Hungarian countryside. We’ll journey to the artist’s town of Szentendre, a gem at the gateway to the picturesque Danube Bend River region where we'll have free time to explore its cobblestoned streets and Baroque charms. Then, we'll return to Budapest, where we can revel in its fine arts and architecture at our own pace. Tonight, we'll celebrate our great trip together at a festive farewell dinner at a typical “Csarda” restaurant, including dinner, a glass of wine, and entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast. Travelers who purchased the air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our flight back to the U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
Instant Savings of up to $400 per person for a handful of spots on select dates. While supplies lasts, ends Sep 29.
Prices listed as “with flights” below include round-trip
airfare from one or more airports in the USA.
Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only,
and arrange their own arrival in destination.
Please note this may change your tour start date.
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$4,199
$3,949 |
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$2,699
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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.
Optional Tours
Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended 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.
2023 departures only. Day 3 Evening Tour
Transfer from your hotel to a local restaurant, where you are greeted with a welcome drink (Hungarian brandy) and Gypsy music. Savor a sumptuous dinner of local specialties while being entertained by Hungarian folk dancers and listening to typical folk songs.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Day 6 Morning Tour (2023 departures) or Day 5 Afternoon Tour (2024 departures)
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!
Featured Accommodations
Csengery Street 31.
H-1067 Budapest
Website
Experience imperial Vienna on a truly personal level: The hotel is located in the restored former guest house of Emperor Franz Joseph I. Among its amenities are restaurants, a café and a bar.
Hietzinger Hauptstrasse 10-14 • 1130 Vienna, Austria
Website
Evropská 370/15, 160 41 Praha 6, Czechia
Website
Václavské nám. 26, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
Website
Neubaugürtel 34-36, 1070 Wien, Austria
Website
Kecskemeti utca 14, NTAK: SZ19000369, szálloda, 1053 Budapest, Hungary
Website
Yin W
Good arrangements and services.
Ilya Y
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
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
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.
Susan G
I am never sure is SmarTours can take credit for the group on their tours. I travel alone; yet I never feel that way. This group was wonderful; the best from the three tours I have taken. And I know that I have made many new friends with whom I would love to meet on future destinations.
Our Tour Manager was Renata Mikulovska. She was sublime. Professional, patient, organized, funny, compassionate. And most important, she shared her knowledge as if it was her first tour… she imparted information to a group of adults who were seeing the treasures of each city as novices. I am sure that she’s done this trip tens of times; yet her delivery was never stale. A true talent.
For the actual tour itself: hotels good, food good. For me, I was unhappy that we spent a day each to travel from one capital to the other. It meant that we had less time in each city. This was particularly evident in Vienna, where were really had only one full day, so I had little time to see the museums. [I would suggest travelling at night and arriving in each city in the morning].
Jack A
Another great SmarTours adventure. The hotels were great, the people we traveled with became friends quickly and our Tour Director, Renata, made the whole trip educational and entertaining. Could not have asked for more (maybe better weather) Food was to die for, and the architecture superb. Well done!
Jack A
Just another of Smartours fantastic adventures. From start to finish, an amazing trip. Renata, our tour director, was so compassionate, so personable, and abpove all so knowledgable about our destinations. Our 5th trip with Smartours...can't wait for the next one.
Lisa B
The trip was memorable and quite extensive. We had amazing weather which made it very pleasant. Two things could be improved- the first hotel in Warsaw was very comfortable and very close to the sights and the Old Town. From there on, the hotels were very far from town centers, and the last thing you want to do after a long day on a tour bus is try to take public transportation. Its unfortunate- Budapest was ok, but Prague, Vienna, and the other cities had hotels miles from anything walking distance. There was ALOT of walking and people were exhausted at the end. Its definitely a higher level than Explorer.
Dorna
The trip was wonderful. Renata our guide was excellent The Hotels in some countries could have been a little closer to the "action. The trip home from Prague to Helsinki and then to New York was complicated. The flight from New York to Baltimore did not give us enough time to catch our flight to Baltimore so we had to take a cab into the city and take a train home, an extra added expense. D. Remenick
Anonymous
Mostly, competent, interesting guides. We covered a lot of territory in 13 days, and always had support when anything untoward happened. It was also fun having time on our own. We go over our photographs with fond memories.
Anne
I recently participated in the Great Cities of Eastern Europe SmarTours. The scheduled tour as is planned is well done with a tour guide in each city. Our tour director, Renata, enhanced our experience with her first hand knowledge of each area as well as the historical background she shared. Renata made the trip exceptional. We enjoyed the SmarTours Optional Excursions that gave us an additional experience in the countryside around the Cities. We enjoyed a very compatible group of travelers which made the motorcoach travel and our meals together very enjoyable. The hotels in Warsaw, Krakow, and Budapest were great hotels and were all within walking distance of the Old Towns. It was disappointing in Vienna and especially Prague that the hotels were both long distances from the City Center. There was an underground line relatively close to both hotels. Overall this was a fantastic glimpse of Eastern Europe. I look forward to returning to this area as well as experiencing another part of our world with SmarTours!
Jacqueline O
We throughly enjoyed our Sept. 15 tour with Renata. It was like walking through the pages of a history book. One of the best tours we have taken and Renata and the local were wonderful. Anyone who loves history will enjoy this tour especially.
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