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    Self-Guided Austro-Hungarian Empire

    Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 8 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

    Sophia , Travel Expert

    Sophia
    Travel crafter

    The perfect trip for lovers of history, delve into the cultural heritage of three of the most enchanting capital cities in Europe as you set off on a train by train independent journey through Prague, Vienna and Budapest!

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Vienna
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Budapest
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Prague

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. Airport transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until December 2026

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + £ 140

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. superior included

    3. luxury from + £ 1,100

    4. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    £ 1,439

    £ 999

    /person

    -30%

    Book with an expert:

    +44 20 76 60 34 10

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    Get to know the magical cities and charming culture of Central Europe on a journey through three incredible capital cities by train! In Prague, stroll through the fairytale streets of this 'City of a Hundred Spires' before discovering the artistic legacy of enchanting Vienna. Finally, explore the Hungarian capital of Budapest, on the banks of the River Danube.

    1st Day: UK/Ireland - Prague

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    Set off for your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to the Czech capital of Prague. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Prague.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Harmony or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    37 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: Prague

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Alternatively, enjoy an optional folklore-themed dinner* in a traditional Czech restaurant. Overnight stay in Prague.

     

    *Optional Folklore Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a typical Czech restaurant which includes dance and live music performances, a truly unforgettable evening basking in Czech culture.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Harmony or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    37 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Prague City Tour

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Czech Folklore Dinner

    Light

    See more

    3rd Day: Prague

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Prague at your leisure. Get to know its atmospheric old town, people-watch from the cafe terraces or explore Prague's various museums and art galleries. Alternatively, enjoy an optional boat ride through Prague's canals*. Overnight stay in Prague.

     

    *Boat Ride Through Prague's Canals: Embark on a boat ride along the canals of ‘Little Venice’ and gaze at the most emblematic monuments from the Vltava River. Cross the famous Charles Bridge to the historical center district, Malá Strana, and end the excursion at the fascinating Charles Bridge.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Harmony or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    37 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Boat Ride Through Prague's Canals

    Light

    See more

    4th Day: Prague - Vienna

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    After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer* to the train station to catch a train to Vienna, a journey of around 5.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer* to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.

     

    * Transfers to/from train stations are not included. You will have the possibility to add private transfers from/to the stations to the hotels in the next step of the booking process.

     

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Austria Trend Hotel Beim ... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    903 Reviews

    See our full selection

    5th Day: Vienna

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the 'City of Dreams' today on a Vienna city tour. Take the Ringstrasse ring road to see some of the capital's most important buildings including the State Opera House, the Museums of Art History and Natural History, the Museumquartier, the Imperial Palace (the former winter residence of the Emperor), the Parliament, the City Hall and the Burgtheater. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Vienna at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to enjoy a classical music concert*, a must-do activity while in the city! Overnight stay in Vienna. 

     

    *Optional Classical Music Concert: Sit it on what is sure to be an unforgettable and truly authentic experience while in Vienna, a classical music concert.

     

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Austria Trend Hotel Beim ... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    903 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Vienna City Tour

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Classical Music Concert in Vienna

    Light

    See more

    6th Day: Vienna - Budapest

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a train this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 2 hours 50 minutes. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer* to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Alternatively, take part in our optional cruise** along the Danube River.  Overnight stay in Budapest.

     

    * Transfers to/from train stations are not included. You will have the possibility to add private transfers from/to the stations to the hotels in the next step of the booking process.

     

    **Optional Danube River Cruise from Budapest: Embark on a river cruise of the Danube and enjoy architectural views of the city from a different perspective. From the Parliament, to the many  bridges and even the Royal Palace Walls, complete this romantic sail across the city with a glass of champagne.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Baross City Hotel or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1026 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Danube River Cruise from Budapest

    Light

    See more

    7th Day: Budapest

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on a fantastic panoramic guided tour of the beautiful city of Budapest. Start the tour at Heroes' Square, the largest and most impressive square in the city and emblem of the Golden Age of Pest. Pass by the spectacular neo-Renaissance theater of the National Opera and the imposing Budapest Parliament, one of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the city. 

    Arrive at the banks of the mighty Danube, where you can appreciate a spectacular panoramic view of the part of Buda, the former capital of Hungary until unification in 1873. See the famous Castle Hill, the Buda Castle and the amazing neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion are located. Finally, enjoy a magnificent view of the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you see fit. Alternatively, you can join our optional Buda City Tour*. Overnight stay in Budapest.



    *Optional Buda City Tour: Embark on a charming two-hour tour of historic Buda. Start your adventure in the picturesque Castle District, where you can explore the majestic Matthias Church and the iconic Fisherman’s Bastion. Then, marvel at the panoramic views from Gellért Hill. The tour begins at the impressive Chain Bridge, passes by the imposing Parliament, and crosses the majestic Danube into Buda. Afterward, return to the city center to conclude your journey on the vibrant pedestrian street Váci utca, renowned for its lively atmosphere and shops.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Baross City Hotel or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    1026 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Pest City Tour

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Buda City Tour

    Moderate

    See more

    8th Day: Budapest - UK/Ireland

    arrow-icon

    Breakfast at the hotel*. It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip. 

     

    * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.



    Categories

    charm

    From £ 999

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Charm category hotels.
    check-icon
    superior

    From £ 999

    • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
    luxury

    From £ 2,099

    • Accommodation in Luxury category hotels.

    Pick a date and start customising your trip

    Learn more

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    May 2025
    June 2025
    July 2025
    August 2025

    Included activities

    Included

    Prague City Tour

    Included activity for day 2 in Prague

    Take a city tour of Prague. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. End the tour at Charles Bridge.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Before your departure you will receive a voucher with the meeting point and presentation time.

    more information
    Included

    Vienna City Tour

    Included activity for day 5 in Vienna

    Discover the best-known sights of Vienna as you take a city tour around the Ringstrasse, the circular boulevard that borders the historic heart of the city. Discover Vienna's most emblematic landmarks and architectural treasures.

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Before your departure you will receive a voucher with the meeting point and presentation time.

    more information
    Included

    Pest City Tour

    Included activity for day 7 in Budapest

    Set off on a city tour of Pest to see the city's most emblematic sights such as Heroes Square and the amazing Parliament building. Continue to the Danube's river banks to enjoy the panoramic views of the Chain Brige and the Buda Castle.

    Duration 02:00h Approx.

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Before your departure you will receive a voucher with the meeting point and presentation time.

    more information

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Czech Folklore Dinner

    Suggested activity for day 2 in Prague

    Have dinner in a traditional Czech restaurant where the theme of the night is folklore and enjoy the full experience including dance and live music performances as you feast on a delicious meal.

    Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Boat Ride Through Prague's Canals

    Suggested activity for day 3 in Prague

    Embark on a boat ride along the canals of ‘Little Venice’ and gaze at the most emblematic monuments from the Vltava River. Cross the famous Charles Bridge to the historical center district, Malá Strana, and end the excursion at the fascinating Charles Brid

    Duration 00:45h Approx.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Before your departure you will receive a voucher with the meeting point and presentation time.

    more information
    Optional

    Classical Music Concert in Vienna

    Suggested activity for day 5 in Vienna

    Attend a typical Vienna-style classical music concert sure to leave you awe-struck

    Duration 01:30h Approx.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Danube River Cruise from Budapest

    Suggested activity for day 6 in Budapest

    Sail across the city in this romantic cruise of the Danube River where you will get to gaze at Budapest from a completely different perspective while you enjoy a glass of champagne.

    Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information

    Show more

    The price includes

    • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
    • International flights: UK/Ireland - Prague, Budapest - UK/Ireland.
    • 2nd Class Train Journeys: Prague - Vienna, Vienna - Budapest.
    • 7 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 7 breakfasts.
    • Airport-hotel-airport transfers included.
    • Visits and entrance fees as is indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Panoramic tours of Prague, Vienna & Budapest.
    • ATOL Protection.
    • Guide/s during the excursions.

    Not included

    Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included. Transfers to and from train stations.

    Please note: this itinerary is an independent tour, not a group tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and some transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip, nor will you be traveling in a group.

  • Czech Republic
  • Austria
  • Hungary
    • Entry requirements

      Passport with the minimum validity required.

    • Visa

      No advance visa is required.

    • Currency

      Czech Koruna.

    • Language

      Czech, English.

    • Electricity

      220 V. No adapter required.

    • Health

      There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 01:00.

    • Other useful information

      You should leave between 5% and 10% of the total bill as a tip.

    • Tourist Office website

      http://www.czechtourism.com/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

    The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

    The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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