Compare Budapest, Vienna and Prague by SmarTours vs European Whirl (Paris, Base) by Trafalgar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 11 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,599 | $ 3,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 236 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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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. |
The tring-tring of bicycles sounds the start of your European Whirl. Kick back on the canals of Amsterdam and Venice, in the quiet lakeside beauty of Lucerne and among the Tuscan hills near Florence, with flavors of Italian Chianti setting the tone for an unforgettable trip. |
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: Welcome to London
The vibrant British capital where you will spend the next two nights, enjoying the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new.
The Tower
Day 2: Discover Historic London
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour to see the iconic sites of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping on Carnaby Street, consider visiting one of London’s museums or wander along the Thames watching ambitious Londoners pound the pavements.
The Tower
Breakfast
Day 3: Eurostar™ to Brussels and on to Amsterdam
This morning we meet our Travel Director before traveling to London's St. Pancras International where we will board the Eurostar™ for a high-speed train journey to Brussels and a luxury coach journey to Amsterdam. Enjoy an orientation of this historic Dutch city before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner cruise on its canals.
Mercure City
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Journey to the Rhineland and a Scenic Cruise
Driving through the lush landscapes of the Netherlands and Germany, we arrive in Boppard where we board a cruise along the Rhine to St. Goar, passing vineyard-clad hills and medieval castles perched above riverside towns. Arriving in the Baroque city of Heidelberg, we explore its unexpected highlights before traveling to our Rhineland hotel.
Sinsheim
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Off to Innsbruck
Crossing the Swabian Alps on the edge of the Black Forest, we arrive in the Bavarian capital of Munich. Our orientation takes us past the Hofbrauhaus, reputedly the most famous Beerhall in the world, and the neo-Gothic Town Hall which dominates the Marienplatz. We cross the Austrian border next, arriving in Innsbruck, the capital of the Alps. Admire the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the Old Town, including Emperor Maximilian's famous Golden Roof with its ornate façade and consider an evening of traditional Tyrolean entertainment.
Tivoli Innsbruck
Breakfast
Day 6: Onwards to the Canals of Venice Make Travel Matter
Journey through the emerald-green landscape along the Brenner Pass into Italy and across the Dolomite Mountains to Venice. We cruise the beautiful Venetian lagoon by private launch to the gateway of Venice, St. Mark's Square. View the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound made by condemned prisoners as they took one last longing look at their beautiful city before meeting their fate. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of Venetian glassblowing. You’ll learn how the master craftsmen shape the molten glass to make the exquisite and delicate works of art that adorn homes all over the world and perhaps be inspired to buy your own souvenir as a reminder of this special visit. There’s time later to enjoy the city your way. Get lost in Venice, cross bridges and discover hidden campi where locals share their daily stories over a glass of Venetian Spritz.
Novotel Mestre Castellana
Breakfast
Day 7: All Roads Lead to Rome Connect with Locals
Travel south across the Veneto Plain, passing Bologna and the dramatic Apennine Mountains as well as the green and golden fields of Lazio before reaching Rome, the 'Eternal City'. En route, we Connect With Locals over lunch at a Be My Guest experience and enjoy true Tuscan hospitality with a local family on their private estate in the Chianti countryside.
A. Roma Lifestyle
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Discover Ancient Rome and the Vatican City
Our first stop today sees us discover the divine beauty of the Vatican City. We'll visit St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist to view Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. We continue to Ancient Rome to view Roman Forum, the walls of the iconic Colosseum and Circus Maximus, once the site of exhilarating chariot races centuries ago. The afternoon is yours to explore the city on your terms. Sit on the Spanish Steps savoring a tasty gelato, shop up a storm on the trendy Via Condotti or perhaps join an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoed ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
A. Roma Lifestyle
Breakfast
Day 9: Continue to Renaissance Florence
From Rome, we travel north through the rolling countryside of Tuscany and along the Arno valley to the 'Cradle of the Renaissance', Florence. Delve into the rich Medici heritage of this beautiful medieval city with your Local Specialist. Visit the political hub of the city, Piazza della Signoria, with its impressive sculptures and stunning palazzi. View the imposing Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi’s dome, and the Baptistery, renowned for its sculptured bronze doors.
Hilton Metropole
Breakfast
Day 10: Across the Alps to Lucerne
Drive via the scenic Italian Lakes District, across the Alps into beautiful Switzerland, where we'll spend the next two nights in the medieval lakeside city of Lucerne. View the mournful, mortally wounded lion hewn from rock to commemorate the Swiss Guards who lost their lives defending Louis XVI. Walk along the flower-lined 14th-century covered Chapel Bridge, crossing the river Reuss.
Grand Europe
Breakfast
Day 11: Explore Lucerne
This morning join an exciting Optional Experience to one of the surrounding peaks for breath taking views of the Swiss countryside. We have some time later to discover the best Swiss chocolates in town.
Grand Europe
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: On to Captivating Paris
Crossing the border into France this morning, we travel past the picturesque vineyards and country towns of Burgundy en route to the 'City of Lights'. Spend some time this evening strolling along the Seine and grand boulevards in search of a cozy bistro for fine French cuisine or consider an Optional Experience to a colorful Parisian cabaret.
Evergreen Laurel
Breakfast
Day 13: Discover the Sights of Paris
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of this romantic city. View the sophisticated Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Our European Whirl is almost at its end, we spend the evening with fellow travelers and our Travel Director, enjoying a Farewell Dinner in a local bistro.
Evergreen Laurel
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Farewell Paris
Today bid adieu to your fellow travelers and Travel Director at the end of your memorable experience.
Breakfast
