Separated by some 525 kilometres of land, Prague and Budapest are two of Central Europe’s most fascinating cities to explore.
(Photo: Europeamundo / Courtesy Tourradar)
The grandeur of the Habsburg Empire can still be seen in huge stately buildings, Gothic architecture and sturdy castles dotted across both cities. After all, this is a land that has been shaped by centuries of warfare and tumult. Add to that the Soviet era, remembered still today by many of the inhabitants who lived through it. While many of the region’s cities are chained together by the Danube River, Prague is an outlier to the north. Here are five of the best tours that run between Prague and Budapest.
Eastern Whispers
Taking place over 8 immersive days, this tour invites you to discover some of the very best that Central Europe has to offer, including its rich history, eye-catching architecture, diverse food, vibrant culture, fascinating people and scenic beauty. In the company of an English-speaking guide, highlights include the chance to explore historic Prague, the Czech capital, washed down with some local beers, seeing how jewellery is made at the Swarovski Museum in the Austrian market town of Wattens, admiring the picture-postcard gardens of the amazing Schönbrunn Palace in the Austrian capital Vienna, and cruising along the Danube in the Hungarian capital Budapest. All accommodation is in select mid-range hotels and breakfast buffets each morning are also included in the tour price. From $1,217 per person.
Once in a Lifetime
(Photo: Europeamundo / Courtesy Tourradar)
For a more extended experience, this tour takes place over more than two long weeks as part of a group of up to 72 fellow guests. The additional time means you can see even more of the region than the above tour, including stop-offs in some of Switzerland and Italy’s most famous destinations. Your experienced guide will be with you for the duration of the tour, always on hand to offer insights and ensure everything is running smoothly. This will be of extra benefit when visiting attractions such as Prague Castle, where visitors may be keen to learn more about its distinguished history, rather than simply looking around independently. As well as all breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner are also inclusive of the tour price. From $2,498 per person.
Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary Tour
Some of the Imperial capitals of Europe take centre stage on this 10-day tour that encompasses five cities spanning four countries. Join a local Hungarian family in their winery for a hearty meal, be spellbound by the stunning views of Charles Bridge and Prague’s Old Town, catch a performance at the magnificent Opera House in Vienna, and enjoy VIP admission to the city’s Kunsthistorisches Museum – that’s just a taster of what you’ll get to experience as you travel through the continent’s most historic destinations. Nine breakfasts and three dinners are included in the tour price. From $1,621 per person.
Prague and Budapest
(Photo: Wingbuddy / Courtesy Tourradar)
Ideal for those with limited time and budget, this semi-organised tour lets you discover two jewels of Central Europe – Prague and Budapest. Rather than being accompanied the entire time by a dedicated guide, this tour mixes options for hiring guides along the way with with the opportunity to explore independently as and when you wish. However, for maximum convenience, the package includes 1st class train tickets, all transfers between the airport, hotels and train stations, and accommodation in centrally-located mid-range hotels with breakfasts. From $815 per person.
Private Tour: 3 Countries in One Week: Prague – Vienna – Budapest
For a more excusive and intimate experience, this week-long private tour may well fit the bill. Accompanied by an expert guide throughout, you and your select group of up to 10 family or friends will enjoy an extraordinary 7 days of exploration and adventure in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria. See Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, enjoy a folklore dinner with unlimited drinks and stroll through Vienna, before the chance to relax with private transfers between stops. All accommodation throughout the trip is in 4-star hotels. From $2,661 per person.