Current as of: May 1, 2024 - 12:43

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Austria, Czech Republic (Czechia), Hungary, Slovakia
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    1 out of 7 - Leisurely

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AVU

Trip Overview

Discover captivating cities and fairytale landmarks in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia

A must for any inquisitive adventurer, Central Europe is a treasure chest of cultural wonders and architectural masterpieces. Join this immersive trip to uncover the highlights, including all four alluring capitals in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. We also take in fairytale castles and history-soaked towns, making a special stop at the Unesco-listed Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, often named among the prettiest towns in Europe. Private transport allows us to optimise our time, while an expert leader and guided tours unlock the intriguing past and fascinating culture of this picturesque region.

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

At a Glance

  • Seven nights in comfortable three- and four-star hotels
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by private minibus
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure

Highlights

  • Take a guided tour of the beautiful Old Town in Prague
  • Explore the cobbled streets and quaint squares of Cesky Krumlov
  • Visit the magnificent Lednice Chateau estate, a Unesco-listed masterpiece
  • Sip local wines in a vineyard in Skalica
  • Soak up the majestic landmarks of Vienna on a guided tour
  • Cap the adventure with an evening cruise down the Danube

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

Land Only

  • Start City: Prague
  • End City: Budapest

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Prague

The tour begins in Prague in the late afternoon. If you arrive early, the Czech capital is the perfect place to wander: cut through the alleys of the medieval Old Town, sample the much-lauded Czech beer or try the hearty local cuisine. If you’re interested in visiting the top city attractions, such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or Wenceslas Square, your leader can point them out on the free maps available at the hotel.

If you wish to explore this beautiful city in more detail, we recommend booking an extra night pre-tour.

Accommodation: Hotel Lunik (or similar)

Day 2
Full day in Prague and free afternoon

Spend a full day exploring the wealth of attractions Prague offers, with a guided sightseeing in the morning followed by free time. We explore the Old Town, including: the Old Town Square; Wenceslas Square, which houses the impressive Lucerna concert hall; the Jewish Quarter; and Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Entrance fees are not included and payable locally. We then spend our second evening in the Czech capital.

Accommodation: Hotel Lunik (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Transfer to historic town of Cesky Krumlov

We hop into our private minibus for a transfer (approximately two hours) to the historic town of Cesky Krumlov, home to petite squares, narrow cobbled streets, an open-air theatre with a revolving auditorium, and a magnificent castle. We enjoy a guided walk of the town in the early afternoon before free time. The early evening and morning are particularly good to see this enchanting town, when the light reflects off the red roofs and surrounding hills.

Accommodation: Penzion Prelat (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Visit the Renaissance town of Telc; onto Lednice Chateau; transfer to Mikulov in the wine region of Moravia

After breakfast, we travel (approximately two hours) to the Czech town of Telc; a great example of Renaissance architecture that has changed little over the past century. The Renaissance chateau here is a favourite with filmmakers – featuring in more than 50 movies – and the town square is flanked by traditional buildings, many of which display historic coats of arms that provide a glimpse into a bygone era.

The next stop is Lednice (approximately two hours) where we visit the Unesco-listed Lednice Chateau, a neo-gothic masterpiece wrapped by one of the largest parks in Europe. We enjoy a boat trip to the minaret before returning to the chateau, taking a walk through the manicured grounds.

We end our day in the wine-growing town of Mikulov, enjoying a guided walk, where we can explore Znojmo Catacombs, a subterranean labyrinth built to defend the population against invaders.

Accommodation: Hotel Galant (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Visit the royal town of Skalica; onto a local vineyard for a tasting; transfer to Bratislava

After breakfast, we cross the border into Slovakia and to the royal town of Skalica (approximately one hour), where we take a guided walk of the landmarks. Here we’ll unravel the captivating history and cultural highlights nestled within the remnants of ancient city fortifications.

We then have a short transfer to a vineyard, where we can have a picnic lunch after we sample local wines with an expert wine producer. We will savour the unique flavours of locally produced wines, including the illustrious Skalický Rubín, also known as Skalica’s Ruby.

We then transfer (approximately 60-90 minutes) to Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, where we have a guided tour and explore famous street statues and eventually make our way to Bratislava Castle.

Accommodation: Hotel Bluebell (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6
Unforgettable daytrip to Vienna

This morning, we transfer to Vienna, Austria, for a day of sightseeing in this fabled capital city. We have a guided tour and then free time to visit impressive sites such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the majestic Schoenbrunn Palace (summer palace of the Hapsburgs), the popular Kunsthistorisches Museum and Hundertwasser Hause or a visit to the Mozart Museum (all entrances payable locally).

No visit to Vienna is complete without a café stop for coffee and a cake or you could watch the world go by in one of the many parks or beer gardens.

You then have the option to take the bus back to Bratislava or cruise back on the Danube River. This optional boat trip is around €25.

Accommodation: Hotel Bluebell (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Cross the border into Hungary, full day in Budapest

This morning, we transfer to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. The mighty Danube splits this great city into halves: Buda, dominated by the Castle Hill palace complex high above the river, and Pest, the bustling and more cosmopolitan centre of trade. We spend the morning visiting the Castle Hill area, perched above the Danube, and the inner-city area. In the afternoon or evening, there is an optional boat cruise on the Danube, offering close-up views of the spectacular neo-gothic Parliament building on the waterfront. There also may be the chance to visit Budapest Great Market Hall.

We finish the week with an evening cruise down the Danube before heading to our farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Benczur or Hotel Verdi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
End Budapest

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. If you wish to explore this fascinating city more, we recommend booking an extra night post-tour. Please ask your sales representative for more details.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels and pensions

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

The accommodations selected for this adventure are a mix of three- and four-star hotels and a pension, each chosen for comfort and convenience. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip.

Prague: Hotel Lunik (nights 1 and 2)

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

On a quiet street in the Královské Vinohrady district, this traditional family hotel is just a few minutes’ stroll from the historic city centre. There’s free wifi (and a computer corner should you need it), plus the hotel lobby sells Nespresso coffee and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Cesky Krumlov: Penzion Prelat (night 3)

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

Stay just a moment’s walk from a bend in the Vltava River and the historic centre of Cesky Krumlov with a night at Penzion Prelat. The historic, red-roofed building has been revamped with care taken to preserve its original charms, including antique furniture and wood-beamed ceilings in many of the rooms. There’s also a social area with a bar, where the group can gather and discuss their adventures.

Mikulov: Hotel Galant (night 4)

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

Kick back at this four-star in the centre of town. For a small entrance fee, there’s a wellness centre with an indoor pool for a quick dip, plus an open roof terrace with two whirlpools, deckchairs and views over the Mikulov landmarks. It also has two Finnish saunas, plus a small infrared sauna. Elsewhere, there’s a restaurant serving selected local wines and the hotel’s own homemade beer.

Bratislava: Hotel Bluebell (nights 5 and 6)

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

Offering modern, homely rooms, the Hotel Bluebell is the ideal place to sink into for a couple of nights. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the centre of Bratislava, while each room comes with tea- and coffee-making facilities should you wish to simply relax.

Budapest: Hotel Andrassy (night 7)

In the capital of Hungary, we typically stay in Hotel Andrassy, a modern hotel in the city centre. Rooms are traditional and unfussy and include an En-suite with massage shower. You’ll dine in the the Andrássy garden restaurant for breakfast.

Single supplement from USD 367

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

The cuisines of Central Europe possess many similarities yet retain their own gastronomic traditions. Hearty soups, noodles, dumplings made from wheat or potato, and meat dishes consisting of pork, beef and game are regional staples. You will also find a large variety of sausages and vegetables featuring prominently in many dishes. Dairy products, including cheeses and creams, are heavily used here too.

  • Breakfasts are usually continental with a choice of eggs
  • Lunch is the main meal of the day in Central Europe; we usually stop en route for a hot lunch at a restaurant or cafe
  • Desserts are plentiful and varied with each country having unique sweets and cakes
  • Czech beer is renowned for its quality and taste, while many of the countries visited on the trip also offer good wines and local spirits

Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but there may not be the same variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking.

The leader will accompany the group to a restaurant each evening but will provide recommendations if you wish to explore separately.

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus for all transfers.

Weather & Seasonality

The weather here is comparatively stable, particularly during midsummer. Temperatures are usually between 15C-25C (54F-77F), but can be hotter at the height of summer, and rainfall although relatively low is possible throughout the year.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Lunik, Londýnská 609/50, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady
Phone: +420 224 253 974
Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer 

Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way 

You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. You can catch the 119 bus to Dejvická Metro Station and take Line A to Náměstí Míru. Hotel Lunik is about a two-minute walk away. Alternatively, there is an airport taxi service for a fixed rate of around 590 Czech koruna (US$25). Upon arrival at the hotel, make staff aware you are part of an Exodus group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Budapest Airport (BUD) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Prague
Location end: Budapest

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Long trousers (pants)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • A couple of warm layers
  • Sunscreen
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sandals

Optional Equipment

  • Swimwear (some hotels have spa and wellness centres)

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary or Slovakia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Czech Republic (Czechia)

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Austria

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Hungary

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Slovakia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.

Local Time

Czech Republic (Czechia)'s time zone: Europe/Prague (UTC +02:00)

Austria's time zone: Europe/Vienna (UTC +02:00)

Hungary's time zone: Europe/Budapest (UTC +02:00)

Slovakia's time zone: Europe/Bratislava (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Czech Republic (Czechia)'s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Austria's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Hungary's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Slovakia's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

Money

Czech Republic (Czechia)'s currency: Czech koruna (CZK)

Austria's currency: Euros (EUR)

Hungary's currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)

Slovakia's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

In every town, you can withdraw the local currency from an ATM, but we recommend you bring some spending money in cash from home. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Meals in the capital cities will be more expensive than in the rural towns depending on the establishment. Please see below for a rough guide for meal prices in each country:

  • Czech Republic: Approximately 500 Czech koruna (US$20) per meal
  • Slovakia: Approximately €10 per meal
  • Austria: Approximately €15‐€20 per meal
  • Hungary: Approximately 4,000 Hungarian forint (US$9.50) per meal

Tipping

Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we recommend €15-€20 per client per week. It is also customary to tip the driver, we recommend approximately €10-€15 per person. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the trip.

People, Places & Planet

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.