Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague
10 Days from $2,420 per person
These three capitals, lush with magnificent cathedrals, imperial palaces and majestic castles, stand at the geographical heart of mainland Europe. Their history and culture are majestically intertwined by the powerful Habsburg dynasty.
Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
These three capitals, lush with magnificent cathedrals, imperial palaces and majestic castles, stand at the geographical heart of mainland Europe. Their history and culture are majestically intertwined by the powerful Habsburg dynasty.
Easy Pace Budapest, Vienna & Prague also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Welcome to Budapest
On arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, enjoy a complimentary transfer to your hotel at 10 am, 1 pm or 3:30 pm. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 6 pm. Tonight you are in for a treat with your Welcome Dinner at Gundel, one of Budapest's most renowned restaurants for over a hundred years. Dine in elegance as you savor hearty, Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially selected Hungarian wine.
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Day 2: Budapest, Queen of the Danube
Drive along the elegant boulevards en route to Heroes' Square. Across the river in Buda, walk with your Local Expert along the medieval cobblestone streets of the Castle district to visit Matthias Church and admire sweeping views from the Fisherman's Bastion over the exquisite Parliament building. Make your way to a traditional strudel house to see pastry chefs at work, as they prepare delicious sweet strudel by stretching the dough and readying fillings. Enjoy a delectable taste of this famous delicacy paired with a rich aromatic coffee. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure. This evening, perhaps you could stop for an aperitif of Hungarian Pálinka in an elegant café in the old city or maybe opt for a glittering dinner cruise along the Danube.
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Day 3: Free Time in Budapest and Dinner with the Locals
The day is at leisure to immerse yourself in Budapest's history, culture and gastronomy. Perhaps, visit a thermal bath (an institution in Budapest), spend time browsing the boutiques on Vaci Street or relax in a sidewalk cafe. In the evening, you are invited by your EatWith host to a Dine-at-Home experience. Sit down to a hearty Hungarian meal and learn about life in this enchanting city.
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Day 4: Along the Danube to Szentendre and on to Stately Vienna
Travel past the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum and along the Danube to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre. This community has long been the haunt of artists, enchanted by its brightly colored houses and quaint churches. Then, journey westward for a stop in the pretty town of Győr, located on the confluence of the Danube, Rába and Rábca rivers. Cross the border and continue to stately Vienna, known for its elegant coffee houses and lavish architecture steeped in history. This evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience from you choice of specially selected restaurants.
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Day 5: Vienna and the Habsburgs
Much of Vienna's present-day charm is due to the long reign of the Habsburgs. Join a Local Expert for a private visit of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Then ready your camera for a dazzling drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence, Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. The afternoon is at your leisure.
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Day 6: Vienna at Leisure
Discover the regal grandeur of Vienna, as you explore at your own pace. Perhaps start at St. Stephen's Cathedral—one of Europe's great Gothic structures—or browse the shops of the bustling Kärntnerstrasse. You may wish to add another capital to your travels with a visit across the Slovakian border to Bratislava. Ask your Travel Director to recommend local attractions and restaurants, as you appreciate the long, warm summer evening in European style.
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Day 7: Charming Český Krumlov and Golden Prague
Once over the Czech border, continue to picturesque Český Krumlov where you'll start with a brief orientation tour of this fairy-tale town, straight out of the Middle Ages. Enjoy some free time to explore and appreciate views of the Vltava River. Wander through the cobblestone, traffic-free streets, past colorful houses that lead up to the finest castle in the land. In the afternoon, continue through the green Bohemian countryside to Prague.
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Day 8: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires
Join a Local Expert for a guided visit to one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities. Start with the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, where you can admire the stained glass of St. Vitus Cathedral and spectacular views over the Old Town. Finish in the Old Town Square where the mechanical antics of the Astronomical Clock's glockenspiel delight onlookers each hour. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route. Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local lagers, alongside Czech the cuisine.
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Day 9: Prague at Leisure
Wind along cobbled lanes and discover a treasure-trove of hidden gems, as you explore Prague at your own pace. Perhaps cross the river to the castle district and experience the real Prague, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This evening, tantalise your taste buds with a rousing Celebration Dinner of local specialties at a restaurant offering magnificent views over the city. Dobrou chuť!
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Day 10: Depart Prague
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Prague airport at 8 am and 10 am.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Jun 19 | 16 Jun 19 |
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$2,950pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 21 Jun 19 | 30 Jun 19 |
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$2,750pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 5 Jul 19 | 14 Jul 19 |
|
$2,750pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 12 Jul 19 | 21 Jul 19 |
|
$2,750pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 Jul 19 | 28 Jul 19 |
|
$2,750$2,420pp | SAVE: $330Promo Code: PPLMD321AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 Book Now | ||
| 2 Aug 19 | 11 Aug 19 |
|
$2,750pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 23 Aug 19 | 1 Sep 19 |
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$2,825pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 6 Sep 19 | 15 Sep 19 |
|
$2,950pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 19 | 13 Oct 19 |
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$2,875pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Oct 19 | 20 Oct 19 |
|
$2,775pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $560 per person
Triple Room Discount: $10 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $116 per person.
Airport Transfers: On arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Departure transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Prague airport at 8 am and 10 am.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
Included Quality Dining
9 breakfasts, 1 morning tea, 5 dinners with wine, plus tea or coffee.
Top Rated Highlights
- Visit Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest • Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna • Prague Castle
- City tours of Budapest and Prague, both with Local Experts
- See Heroes' Square, Váci utca and the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest • the ruins of Aquincum • the churches and colorful houses of Szentendre • the charming Baroque town of Győr • Hofburg Imperial Palace and Opera House in Vienna • Český Krumlov Castle • Prague's Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock
- Budapest: In new town Pest, visit Heroes' Square and spend some time in the popular pedestrian shopping street of Váci utca.
- Budapest: With a Local Expert, visit the colorful Matthias Church in the heart of Budapest's Castle District.
- Budapest: Gaze out over the Danube and giant domed Hungarian Parliament Building from the heights of the Fisherman's Bastion.
- Szentendre: Explore the maze of lanes, churches and colorful houses in this pleasant riverside village.
- Győr: Stop in this pretty town known for its Baroque charm.
- Vienna: The sheer opulence of Schönbrunn Palace indulges your senses. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a six-year-old prodigy.
- Vienna: Tour the Ring Road seeing the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Opera House, Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Český Krumlov: Roam the cobbled streets of the picture-postcard town as you discover views of the famous castle.
- Prague: Bewitched by the gargoyles of St. Vitus Cathedral and ghosts of Bohemian Kings, experience a private tour with a local historian through the atmospheric courtyards of Prague Castle.
- Prague: Visit the Old Town Square and see the Astronomical Clock that delights onlookers every hour.
- Scenic Drives: Relax and admire the scenery as you travel through the Vienna Woods and Bohemia.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
As for your flights, we are sorry to hear that you were rushed for your international connections. We do reserve the most direct flights available at the time of booking, but it appears as if there were several time and routing changes made by the airlines on your flights.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary must have a current passport that is valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering these countries.
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Currency
The currency in the Czech Republic is the Koruna, in Austria is the Euro, and in Hungary is the Forint. While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive on your trip, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
If you like meat and potatoes, chances are you’ll love the food in the Czech Republic. The country is also known for its long-standing tradition for beer. Most towns have at least one brewery, so it’s no surprise that the Czech consume more beer per capita than any other country. In Austria you’ll find more hearty cuisine, but nothing beats the desserts. Try delicious treats like Viennese Sachertorte (dense chocolate cake) and apple strudel. In Hungary you’ll find hearty specialties including goulash, winter salami, pork stew, and chicken paprikash.
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Packing
We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. It’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
When dining out it’s appropriate to leave up to 10 percent gratuity for good service at restaurants.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Budapest
Danube Cruise Dinner & Drinks
The most leisurely way to discover this fairy-tale city is a private cruise on the Danube with a glass of fine Hungarian wine in hand. See Margaret Island, the Houses of Parliament, Castle Hill with its Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, the Citadel and the University. While cruising, enjoy a lavish, gourmet buffet meal of Hungarian specialties and drinks.
Adult Price: €63
Sissi's Gödöllő Palace
Venture northeast of Budapest to visit the 18th-century baroque treasure that is Gödöllö Palace! From the Grassalkovich family to its golden age with the Habsburgs, we delve back to its glorious past to see and hear about what made this imperial residence so special. It is here, that the much-loved and enigmatic Queen Elisabeth, or Sissi, invested much of her time, and huge amounts of wealth to tailor the palace to her tastes, making Gödöllö her favourite summer retreat!
Adult Price: €36
Revolution Walk & St Stephens
Venture back in time to learn of the incredible journey Budapest has taken to once again become the Queen of the Danube. With our local expert, we’ll begin with the moving memorial; “Shoes on the Danube Bank” before discovering Kossuth Lajos Square, situated next to the jaw-dropping Parliament building. We’ll visit the 1956 Underground Museum to hear about the local populace facing off against the might of the Soviet Union during the famous uprising of that year. From darker days to the golden age, we’ll stop in one of the city's many cafes before completing our historic stroll with a visit to the Basilica of St Stephen, whose treasures include the most important relic in Hungary, the miraculous Holy Right Hand of the country’s first King, St Stephen.
Adult Price: €38
Vienna
Hidden Treasures Of Old Vienna Walk
A leisurely walk with an expert historian unveils the hidden squares and tucked-away corners of the old city. See the Hofburg Palace, which was the official residence of the Habsburg Empire for more then 600 years. Admire the beautiful baroque Church of St. Peter's and the Column of the Holy Trinity. See the most important House of Mozart, where "Marriage of Figaro" was composed. Finally, visit St. Stephen's Cathedral where your local expert explains its importance to Austrian culture and history.
Adult Price: €30
Gala Viennese Concert
Enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese Classical music performed by highly acclaimed soloists and dancers. During this special evening, enjoy a glass of champagne along with some of the most famous works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. (On occasion dinner will be included EURO 103)
Adult Price: €58
Excursion To Bratislava
The Slovakian capital of Bratislava is only a short drive from Vienna. During its long history, the city has belonged to Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia - in fact, it was even the Hungarian capital for a time. Our local expert will take us for a leisurely walk through the old town showing you all its fascinating sites. Then some free time before we head back to Vienna.
Adult Price: €43
Dinner In A Country Mansion
Cross the Danube, passing the famous Prater Park en route to one of Austria's most famous restaurants. Former patrons include Napoleon, the Emperor Franz Joseph, Liz Taylor and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Once through the door of this historic country mansion you're transported to a different world! Old memorabilia, autographed photos and other paraphernalia cover the ceilings, walls and even the rest rooms. Choose from traditional Austrian fare, enjoy unlimited drinks and be serenaded by musicians at your table. A fun-filled experience never to be forgotten!
Adult Price: €63
Heurigen Dinner & Kahlenberg
A short drive takes us through the edge of Vienna Woods to the Kahlenberg Mountain for spectacular views over Vienna and its surround. Then we head to the characteristic Wine village of Grinzing for a traditional 'heurigen Dinner' with the locals and Schrammel music. This optional will occasionally be offered without dinner for €30.
Adult Price: €58
Prague
Magical Prague
Discover the hidden world of Prague's Malá Strana district on foot, accompanied by our expert local. Continue to the famous Charles Bridge, built in 1357, before enjoying a private cruise on the Vlatava. Enjoy a drink as you glide past the magical sights of Prague.
Adult Price: €42
Traditional Dinner & Folklore Entertainment
Hearty and delicious, Czech cuisine borrows heavily from its Central European neighbours, but also boasts a few unique twists of its own. In a local restaurant, enjoy a traditional Czech meal accompanied by the planet's most perfect pilsner. During dinner, lively musicians in traditional dress set the mood with songs and dances from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia.
Adult Price: €59
Day Trip To Dresden
Cross into Germany to explore the beautiful baroque city of Dresden, known as the “Florence on the Elbe” due to its artistic and architectural jewels. A local expert shows you the Cathedral, Semper Opera House, Zwinger Palace and the extraordinary treasures collected over the centuries by the Saxon rulers in the Green Vault. There is free time for lunch and shopping before returning to Prague.
Adult Price: €64
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
