Compare Budapest, Vienna and Prague by SmarTours vs The Backpacker by Interrailing Packages
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 22 days |
| Price From | $ 2,599 | $ 1,694 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 77 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Description |
During this escorted Prague, Vienna and Budapest tour package from the U.S., we’ll visit three UNESCO World Heritage listed capital cities (of 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. |
If you’re looking for an interrail holiday that has Europe’s bucket list cities packed into one unforgettable 3-week trip, The Backpacker can offer you exactly that. Over the course of the 3 weeks, you will visit the likes of Krakow, Budapest, and Ljubljana, to name only a few! This package is suitable for all types of travellers that want to make the most of their interrail holiday experience! |
Day 1: Depart from the U.S.
Your fascinating journey to Eastern Europe begins this evening with an overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary. Your tour includes round-trip airfare from the U.S.
*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Budapest on Day 2.
Day 2: Arrive In Budapest, Hungary
Meals: Dinner
Landing late morning 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.
Up Hotel Budapest or similar
Day 3: Budapest City Tour and Budapest at Leisure
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, your guide will introduce you 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, set sail with a leisurely 1-hour cruise on the romantic Danube River to take in city views from the water. Two drinks per person included.
Day 4: Danube Bend Excursion and Budapest at Leisure
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. You’ll have 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.
Day 5: Budapest/Vienna, Austria
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
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.
Parkhotel Schönbrunn or similar
Day 6: Vienna
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. In the afternoon, Vienna is yours to explore with some free time.
Day 7: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
Embrace all the 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.
Day 8: Vienna/Prague, Czech Republic
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Vienna House Diplomat or similar
Day 9: Prague
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 capital. This morning, tour the impressive Hradčany castle and the Old Royal Palace, one of the oldest parts of Prague Castle, dating from 1135. You’ll also see the 14th-century Charles Bridge, Old Town, and more. The afternoon is at leisure to explore more.
Day 10: Prague
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Enjoy a day of free time to unwind at an outdoor cafe, shop the bustling markets, or delve into more of Prague’s intriguing sights. You might also opt to book a tour of the fascinating Jewish Quarter. See Optional Tours for details. Tonight, celebrate this great trip with your fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Depart Prague/Arrive in the U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, end this captivating European adventure with a transfer to the airport for your non-stop flight back to the U.S.
*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today in Prague.
DAY 1: Arrive in Amsterdam and stay overnight in Amsterdam
Day 2 and 3: Explore Amsterdam and overnight in Amsterdam
First stop on your interrail holiday around Europe's glorious cities is Amsterdam, often referred to as 'Venice of the North'. The capital of the Netherlands is a city on everyone's bucket list, and I think it's safe to say you need to visit the Dam at least once in your life! From unconventional restaurants, local craft beers to world-class museums, it's easy to see why it's at the top of everyone's list. Don't forget that this city has more bicycles than people, therefore the only way to explore is in true Netherlands style!
Day 4: Train from Amsterdam to Berlin and stay overnight in Berlin
Days 5 and 6: Explore Berlin and stay overnight in Berlin
Our Backpacker holiday package takes you to the city in Europe often compared to New York, as it never sleeps! The locals of Berlin are known as the lotus-eaters of Germany as they love nothing more than a good time. Don't let this put you off! As this city is pulsating with museums, tasty beer, and an unimaginable history! It's safe to say that Berlin is a city loved by those on an interrail trip. Remember that history will greet you at every corner, as Berlin once staged a revolution, headquartered by Nazis, bombed to bits, divided in two and then finally reunited.
Day 7: Train from Berlin to Prague and stay overnight in Prague
Days 8 and 9: Explore Prague and stay overnight in Prague
It's no secret that Prague is one of Europe's most magical, affordable and beautiful cities, a perfect addition to any interrail route. The 'City of a Thousand Spires' is an architectural gem, the city has been an important UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts more and more tourists every year! The narrow streets open up onto fantastic squares which host to medieval-looking homes and historical buildings for you to explore! Start in the centre of the Old Town, home to the major sights and has been the city's main marketplace for a millennium.
Day 10: Train from Prague to Krakow and stay overnight in Krakow
Day 11: Explore Krakow and stay overnight in Krakow
When you take a holiday in Europe, you will find that there are many beautiful cities, but nothing compares to the beauty of the Old Town in Krakow. You can take on this city on foot as all the main sights are within walking distance. All of the cobbled streets and squares, scenic parks and medieval castle walls are added extras! Thousands of people visit this city every year with the aim to visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, which is unquestionably the most important trip to do on this interrail route.
Day 12: Train from Prague to Vienna and stay overnight in Vienna
Day 13: Explore Vienna and stay overnight in Vienna
Vienna, a beautiful city in Eastern Europe that looks like it was lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale, with its clean, wide boulevards, efficient transport system, pleasant sights, and large green spaces. It's not hard to fall in love with this beautiful city. Vienna holds a considerable reputation for being the music capital of the world, with the likes of Mozart calling this place home. Coffeehouses have been an essential part of the city's cultural fabric since 1685. They make for great places to gather for a coffee, gossip and to eat Sacher Torte, of course. Finding your favourite is one of the real joys of visiting this city on any holiday in Europe!
Day 14: Train from Vienna to Budapest and stay overnight in Budapest
Day 15 and 16: Explore Budapest and stay overnight in Budapest
Visit the city in Europe nicknamed the City of Spas for a reason, as it's filled with beautiful baths all with healing properties on this Backpacker holiday. Not to mention, the architecture surrounding the baths is a sight to see on its own! Take a walk through the streets of this city and you will notice the beauty becomes apparent. You will soon understand why many tourists flock here for a city break every year. The buildings here take on many architectural styles and the city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. Budapest's foodie scene is increasingly interesting, with plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local dishes such as goulash!
Day 17: Train from Budapest to Ljubljana and stay overnight in Ljubljana
Day 18 and 19: Explore Ljubljana and stay overnight in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city is the hidden gem of Europe and is loved by our customers! A holiday to Europe deserves to have Ljubljana included. This is a city renowned for green space, beautiful bridges and buildings. As well as dozens of different urban design elements such as lamposts, pillars, and pyramids. While you're here you need to visit Lake Bled. This is definitely one of the most spellbinding places in Slovenia, if not Europe. This incredibly scenic lake near the Alps looks too good to be real! With the island church, clifftop castle, and mountain backdrop, you're sure to find more than enough to keep you entertained here!
Day 20: Train from Ljubljana to Venice and stay overnight in Venice
Day 21: Explore Venice and stay overnight in Venice
Welcome to the ancient town built on a lagoon, Venice! This city has a collection of domes and spires rising out of the Adriatic Sea. Filled with life and stunning architecture. Venice is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants where locals and travelers meet up to have a good time with food and a drink or two. This city built on water is famous for the beautiful gondola rides which take you back in time and allow you to appreciate the rich beauty of this city, a holiday experience in Europe you will never forget!
