Czech Republic, Slovak Republic & Hungary tour from Adventures Abroad: We land in the heart of Europe when we touch down in the Czech Republic and the ever-exciting atmosphere and stunningly attractive setting of Prague sets the perfect pace for this magnificent 21-day tour through three of Eastern Europe's most rewarding destinations.
Truly one of the world's most magical cities, Prague seldom fails to spellbind, whether it be due to the spectacular vistas from the battlements of the castle, to one of the many quaint, fountain-lined courtyards, to one of the intricately carved historic sites in the Old Town, or to the charming ambiance that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Renaissance chateaux, Gothic fortresses and centuries-old monasteries and churches mark our route as we travel via the famous spa town of Karlovy Vary en route to Marianske Lanze, with its unique singing fountain, and Cesky Krumlov, one of the most exquisite towns in the country.
The 16th century World Heritage town of Telc is our final destination before we cross the border through the Small Carpathians into Slovakia.
From touring the oldest centres of Slovakia's capital, Bratislava - a city that was under Hungary's dominion for one thousand years from the 10th century until 1918 - we head into beautiful countryside at Pieniny National Park and to the foothills of the Low Tatras, where we explore fascinating caves and ascend glorious mountainsides in chairlifts for some of the best views in Central Europe.
Hopping over to Budapest, Hungary, we wander wide avenues lined with stately old buildings and admire an array of architectural style that encompasses Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque and Hungarian influences.
Budapest yields no shortage of activity and attraction, but when we leave the glittering capital bound for Holloko, one of the most enchanting towns in the country, and to quaint villages in the Bukk Hills, we get the chance to see another side of Hungary; one that is not geared to, nor been altered by, mass tourism.
Hortobagy National Park and Wildlife Preserve on the Great Hungarian Plain never fails to leave a lasting romantic impression.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $1350 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $680 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.
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Day 1 Arrive in Prague
Today we arrive in Prague and transfer to our hotel.
Prague lies on the seven hills flanking the banks of the Vltava River with the most outstanding views being from Prague Castle. Sometimes it is called Prague the Golden, sometimes Prague the City of 100 Spires. It is compared with Florence and Rome in its beauty. Thomas Mann said it was one of the world's most magical cities; Goethe called it the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world. Virtually untouched by war, its architecture is Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Empire and Art Nouveau.
Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Prague: Old Jewish Quarter & Wenceslas Square
Our WALKING tour today takes us to the Old Jewish Quarter and the old Town Square with its famous town bell and astronomical clock.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is an incredible sight. The second oldest in Europe, it was established in the 15th century. Burials took place from 1439 to 1787. Today there are 12,000 tombstones jammed together, leaning one on another, every one at a different angle and size, the whole creating a graphic and surreal image. We also visit the museum/memorial and the Klaus Synagogue with a permanent exhibition called "Jewish Customs and Traditions" highlighting the significance of the synagogue and Jewish festivals.
We continue to the Old Town Square. The 15th century designer of the astronomical clock located here was master clockmaker Hanus of Ruze. According to legend, he was blinded by Prague's town councilors for fear that he would make another like it for another town; so magnificent and applauded was his creation. One day toward the end of his life, he asked a friend to lead him to his great creation. As the figure of Death tolled the hour, Hanus thrust his hand into the clock's apparatus; the clock stopped, and it was centuries before a craftsman could be found who was skilled enough to make it work. In World War II, the clock is said to have stopped again after the Nazi murder of hundreds of citizens of Prague.
We finish our walking tour at Wenceslas Square in time for lunch (your own account). The balance of the day is at leisure. Prague is famous for its concert halls: The Municipal House, Rudolfinium, Mozart Theatre, National Theatre, The State Theatre -- all of them close to the center of the city with performances almost every night. Your Tour Leader can help organize optional evening activities.
Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
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Day 3 Prague: Prague Castle & Old Town
Our morning sightseeing tour of Prague travels through the city centre to Prague Castle. We begin our WALKING tour near Pohorelec Square before the Cernin Palace. As we head towards the castle we will pass the following: Strahov Monastery, the Loreta, the Cappucin Monastery, and the Archbishop's Palace. Before entering the castle, we will pause by the wall for a city panorama and orientation before our 2-hour visit of the castle.
We enter into first courtyard with its famous fountain and walk over to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. We continue to the St. Vitus Cathedral and visit the choir and crypt before heading to the third courtyard. Here we enter the Old Palace from St. George Square and then continue toward the Golden Lane (Kafka's House) where we pause for a break and refreshment, and then carry on the Old Castle Steps with photo stops along the way.
We will stop at Nikolas Church before crossing the ancient Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), an artistic masterpiece famous for its vendors and artists. For over four hundred years, this work of art, built by King Charles IV in 1357, was the only link between the two halves of Prague. We admire the many sculptures as we walk across. We finish the formal part of our tour in the Old Town, an excellent spot for lunch. The afternoon is free to further explore this amazing city.
Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Prague - Konopiste - Karlstejn - Karlovy Vary
After our morning departure from Prague we visit the Renaissance chateau of Konopiste and its priceless interiors. Set in a hilly wooded park, this castle was built as a stronghold at the end of the 13th century, the present appearance dates from alterations made at the turn of the 19th to 20th century by the last owner, Franz Ferdinand d'Este.
After a lunch break we enjoy a tour of the Karlstejn Castle, a Gothic fortress and home to the imperial crown jewels. After our visit we continue east toward the famous spa of Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad). This town is beautifully located in the valley of the Tepla River and is famous for being one of the oldest and largest health spas in Europe. The hot medicinal spring water is famous the world over.
Overnight in Karlovy Vary.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Karlovy Vary
This morning we have a half-day WALKING tour of Karlovy Vary, an elegant spa town, and favourite retreat of crowned heads and international celebrities. "When the disorder becomes a disease, doctors prescribe the hot waters of Carlsbad." Our walking tour will take in all the sights, including the many springs and the graceful Mill Colonnade. A ride up the nearby funicular provides us with great views of the surrounding landscape of beech and oak forests.
The afternoon is at your leisure in this charming town.
Overnight in Karlovy Vary.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Karlovy Vary - Marianske Lanze - Cesky Krumlov
This morning we depart for Marianske Lazne. The historic centre of the town stretches along the spa colonnade with its unique singing fountain and the main avenue lined with pastel coloured Art Deco facades. Most of the old state spa buildings date from the second half of the 19th century and are set amidst thickly forested hills. After our visit we depart for Southern Bohemia, where many towns have a Bavarian or Austrian flavour. In the late afternoon we arrive in the town of Cesky Krumlov.
Medieval arcades and etched Renaissance facades in apricot, beige, and pea-green shades; rust-red, pink, and golden Baroque buildings surround this cobble stoned square with a Plague Monument (Morovy sloup) in its centre. Here you can explore the square, the side streets, and the winding River Vltava that separates the Old Town from the towering castle. This is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite towns in the Czech Republic.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Cesky Krumlov: Castle Tour
Cesky Krumlov is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite towns in the Czech Republic, and always a favorite among travellers. Today we will visit the mighty Renaissance castle of Cesky Krumlov, once the seat of the powerful Lords of the Rozmberks and the Schwarzenbergs. The castle houses a rich collection of period furniture, tapestries and historical weapons. The present castle complex is one of the largest in Central Europe and was recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992
The great castle complex dominates the town of Cesky Krumlov. Under the Castle Complex lies the old town with its winding alleys and venerable Gothic and Renaissance houses. The historical centre of the town is on the UNESCO Heritage list, and after our castle tour the rest of your day will be free to stroll in this historical city centre. Explore the backstreets, visit the small shops and cafes, and wander the pathways along the river.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Cesky Krumlov - Telc, Czech Republic - Bratislava, Slovak Republic
This morning we travel through the spectacular countryside of carp ponds to the medieval town of Trebon. The houses lining the thin main square are as romantic as they come, and the three gateways of the town wall have survived from the 16th century. After our visit in Trebon, we continue on to the historic town of Telc. The town of Telc dates from the 16th century and the historic houses which surround the central square are all linked by continuous arcades. In 1992 UNESCO added the historic centre of Telc to the World Heritage List.
We continue to travel through the rolling hills of Southern Moravia, a region famous for its orchards and vineyards. Picturesque villages, towns and chateaux punctuate the landscape. After crossing the border into the Slovak Republic we will travel through the Small Carpathians, a thin strip of limestone hills altogether different from the soft, pine-clad hills of the Czech lands.
In the late afternoon we will arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava is situated on both banks of the Danube and a promontory of the Little Carpathians. During the second half of the 20th century, Bratislava finally became a Slovakian city where an ambitious rebuilding and restoration program has transformed the city.
Overnight in Bratislava.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Bratislava - Trencin: Castle Tour
Bratislava is the youthful, dynamic, and bustling capital of Slovakia. It is also an historic town full of traditions, nostalgia and music, and proud of its rich past. This is where three different countries meet with their languages, traditions, and cultures producing something very pleasant and attractive, a certain microcosm of central Europe.
Our morning city tour takes us to the main sights of Bratislava, including the historic Old Town, the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin, and the 14th century Tower of St Michael in the ancient city walls.
After lunch in Bratislava we travel to Trencin in western Slovakia. Upon arrival we enjoy a walking tour of Trencin, including Trencin Castle. Together with Nitra and Bratislava, Trencin is one of the oldest of Slovak cities, chronicled as early as in the 11th century. Its strategic location near three Carpathian Mountain passes on the crossroads of commercial routes, has always determined the character of the city as a significant landmark. As early as in the ancient times, the famous Amber Road used by the Etruscan, Greek, and later Roman merchants to transport the precious stone from the Baltic region, was crossing through Trencin.
The city is dominated by Trencin Castle, which is the third-largest castle in Slovakia. Trencin Castle, with extensive fortifications, has several palace buildings that surround the central medieval tower. Today this remains the highest point of the city. Below the castle, on the hillside, is a small square that is reached by a historic covered stairs as well as by winding side streets. The old town also has a large main square, with a large baroque church and a variety of shops.
Overnight in Trencin.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Trencin - Bojnice - Ruzomberok - Horny Smokovec
Today's journey takes us via Bojnice, a small town in the center of the country at the upper Nitra River. This is one of the oldest spa towns in Slovakia and home to the famous Bojnice Castle, which we will visit during our stop here. We will take a short walk through the town itself is situated just below the castle. We will also stop today in the town of Ruzomberok situated in the Vah River Valley. Established by German colonists in 1223, Ruzomberok became renowned for its guilds, industrial production, tinkers and craftsmen.
Horny Smokovec is the gateway to the High Tatras National Park, founded in 1948 and forming the northernmost section of the Carpathian Mountains. This geographic region is home to numerous glacial lakes and has a distinctly alpine character.
Overnight in Horny Smokovec.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Pieniny National Park
Our sightseeing for today takes us first to the Pieniny National Park, crown jewel of the most impressive areas of natural beauty in central Europe. Our visit to the park region will include a tour of the medieval Cerveny Klastor, at one time a Carthusian monastery. Adjacent to the monastery runs the Dunajec River, a natural border dividing Slovakia and Poland. From here we will continue on to the open-air museum of folk architecture in Stara Lubovna. This visit gives us the opportunity to walk amongst a collection of precious wooden houses dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
After lunch we continue on to the town of Kezmarok where part of our tour includes a visit to the famous German built wooden Lutheran Church, a unique work of great carpentry and artistry. From here we return to Horny Smokovec.
Overnight in Horny Smokovec.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Horny Smokovec - Bratislava
Today we journey back to Bratislava, a scenic route through the mountain ranges of the High Tatras to the Low Tatras -- mountain peaks and hiking trails, still green forests, bubbling streams, and haystacks like miniature, peak-roofed houses. We arrive in the mid-afternoon.
Overnight in Bratislava.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Bratislava, Slovak Republic - Budapest, Hungary
This morning we travel by road from Bratislava to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Hungary is a land of beautiful monuments and romantic music. Buda and Pest, two of the city's three regions, both face the mighty Danube, which forms the physical and spiritual centre of the Hungarian capital. It is its centrepiece, its heart, and its pulse. Its relationship with the city is even more intimate than that of the Seine with Paris or the Arno with Florence.
On arrival we will embark on a walking tour of city's urban heart. This area is full of stately old buildings, grand avenues, and innumerable tiny streets. We will take local transport to the huge neo-Gothic Parliament (Orszaghaz), the most visible building of Budapest's left bank. Built by 1000 workers between 1885 and 1902, this building has now become the symbol of the capital with its slender towers, spacious arcades, high windows and vast central dome. Nearby one can see the magnificent building housing the Museum of Ethnography. Walking southeast we come to the stately and sprawling Liberty Square (Szabadsag ter). In the square's center remains a gold hammer and sickle atop a white stone obelisk, one of the few monuments to the Russian 'liberation' of Budapest in 1945. Passing by Roosevelt Square we soon come to the famous Chain Bridge, the oldest and most beautiful of the seven road bridges that span the Danube in Budapest. Before it was built, the river could be crossed only by ferry or by a pontoon bridge that had to be moved when ice blocks began floating downstream in the winter.
We continue along the pedestrian 'Promenade' with great views of Gellert Hill and Castle Hill on the opposite bank. We will stroll past the Concert Hall (Vigado), which is a curious mix of Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque and Hungarian motifs. From here we walk to one of the liveliest places in Budapest, Vorosmarty Ter, a large square that the north end of Budapest's best known shopping street--Vaci Utca. This is a fantastic pedestrian-only area of the city that has undergone a full transformation over the last 10 years.
Eventually we will arrive at the famous 19th century Central Market Hall. This cavernous three-story market teems with people browsing stalls packed with everything from salamis and red-paprika chains to folk embroideries and souvenirs. We finish our day back at our hotel with a break before dinner.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Budapest: City Tour
This morning we depart for a bus tour of Budapest.
We start our day at Heroes Square and nearby Vajdahunyad Castle, where we briefly learn a bit about the history of Hungary. Our tour will continue toward Margaret Bridge over which we cross to the Buda side. Our next stop is the Citadel, a great place for panoramic views of the whole city. After a quick picture stop we continue to castle hill where we spend the rest of the day. A visit of St Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastions is by many seen as a highlight of the day.
After a lunch break we continue on foot to the Royal Palace, where we visit the National Gallery dedicated exclusively to Hungarian art.
At this point you are free to continue independent exploration or return on our bus back to the hotel. Your Tour Leader can help you to plan the rest of your day.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Budapest: At Leisure
The day is yours to explore on your own. You may choose to return to the promenade, explore a museum, or enjoy a coffee and cake in one of the many coffeehouses. The coffeehouse has a long tradition in Budapest; at the turn of the 20th century there were more than 400 coffeehouses in the city, many of them patronized by struggling writers. The coffeehouse was a cornerstone of Budapest literary life.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 Budapest - Szentendre - Holloko - Eger
This morning we travel by private coach to the riverside town of Szentendre, along the 'Danube Bend'. Szentendre is known for its museums, galleries and artists. Populated for well over a millennium, under the Romans it was called Ulcisia Castra, meaning Wolf Castle. Today its south European atmosphere with baroque architecture, churches of various faiths, narrow side streets, and cobblestone roads characterizes this town. You tour leader will take you on a walking tour through this gorgeous little town.
From Szentendre we continue on towards Eger. We will make a stop in the UNESCO protected village of Holloko, a small town of approximately 650 people. What sets this village apart from others is the 'Old Village' where 50 houses have been listed and declared historic monuments. Throughout time Holloko has managed to preserve its unique ethnographic and folk art values. The village itself is picturesque, with its cobbled streets and little white houses. Atop the nearby hill we can view what remains of a 13th century castle that was blown up by the Hapsburgs.
From here we continue on to Eger, situated in the Eger Valley between the Bukk and Matra Hills. Eger is famous for Red Bull's Blood (Egri Bikaver) wine, its medieval library, and for having the northernmost minaret in Europe. There are still many accessible sites and much charm to the narrow streets, arcaded buildings, wrought-iron gates, and Baroque towers and domes of the Old Town. This is the perfect walking city with something interesting at every turn. The nearby peaks of some of Hungary's highest mountains provide a natural backdrop for this city's historic monuments.
Overnight in Eger.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Eger: Town Tour
Eger has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the early Middle Ages the area was inhabited by German, Avar and Slavonic tribes. Taken over by the Hungarians in the 10th century, Eger reached an age of prosperity during the 14th-16th centuries. Winegrowing, for which the town is still famous, began to be important at that time. During the Turkish occupation of Central Hungary, Eger became an important border fortress, successfully defended by Hungarian forces in the 1552 Siege of Eger, in the face of overwhelming odds.
Our walking tour today will include a visit to the famous castle of Eger with its museum and underground casements. We will also see the Archbishop's Palace, Franciscan Church, and Turkish Minaret.
Overnight in Eger.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18 Eger - Paks - Siklos - Pecs
Today we depart early for our journey from Eger to the region of Southern Transdanubia, a region of undulating hills, forest clad ridges and rural ambience.
After passing Budapest we start our route south, traveling parallel to the Danube River for much of our journey. After passing by Paks, a town in central Hungary on the banks of the Danube River, we will continue to the city of Pecs. Pecs has been selected to be the European Capital of Culture in 2010, sharing the title together with Essen and Istanbul. This is a city not to be missed; as it is a major art center and university town. Here we will take a walking tour of the Old Town, and will see the historic cathedral, synagogue, mosques and fourth-century Christian necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with burial chambers decorated in murals.
Overnight in Pecs.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19 Pecs - Villany - Pecs
This morning we will venture towards the southern border to visit the historic town of Siklos and its well-preserved medieval castle. Wine has been produced in this region since the Romans settled here at a place they called Seres. After our visit to the castle we will break for lunch before an afternoon of sightseeing, starting with the the famous Villany-Siklos Wine Road, 30 km long and covering eight villages.
The Romans finds uncovered at the base of the hills prove that people have been growing grapes and making wine here for over 2,000 years. Today the Villany-Siklos wine region covers an area of about 2000 hectares. We return to Pecs for our overnight.
Overnight in Pecs.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 20 Pecs - Lake Balaton Region - Budapest
Today we proceed north to the Lake Balaton Region. Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and is often affectionately called the "Hungarian Sea".
Our day will be spent exploring this region. We will cross the lake by ferry from Szantod to Tihany. The Tihany Peninsula was declared a national park in 1952, and the peninsula is well known for its historical monuments, beautiful panorama and its Mediterranean climate. Balatonfured is a small town on the northern shore of the lake and is part of a region that was important to social life in the 18th century, even before bathing and swimming took off as a mass pastime 100 years later. This is the place where the first Balaton steamship started its trips, and the first yachtsmen's association began here. Here were built the villas of 19th-century celebrities, and the town is still the center of festivities. Patients have been treated here for three hundred years with the help of the mineral water sources, as the water is good for diabetes and digestive malfunctions.
here we'll visit the Benedictine Abbey Church at Tihany. Built in 1754 on the site of King Andrew I’s church, this twin-spired, ochre-coloured church is Tihany's dominant feature. Don't miss the fantastic altars, pulpits and screens carved between 1753 and 1779 by an Austrian lay brother named Sebastian Stuhlhof, each a baroque-rococo masterpiece in its own right. King Andrew's remains lie in a limestone sarcophagus in the atmospheric Romanesque crypt.
We also stop in Veszprem, a quaint and quiet town away from the lakeshore region, and here we will take a walk in the Castle Quarter.
At the end of our day we travel back to Budapest for our last night in Hungary.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 21 Departure
Departure from Budapest.
BON VOYAGE!!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily. All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall the most popular of which is are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild and crowds thinner. Showers quite possible in spring and fall, somewhat less so in summer though can occur any time. Summers can be humid though long daylight hours maximize exploration.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest. There may not be porters available in all locations. We also make use of public transit in some cities in order to maximize sightseeing where vehicles are impractical (most people quite enjoy this insight into daily life).
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3 star) throughout. Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite toilet and bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available; you MUST be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Bounties in the Slovak Republic lie copious and abundant and we need the best part of a week on our Slovakia, Hungary, Romania & Bulgaria Tour to explore fully the historic, cultural and natural features of this unique country.
From the centuries-old quarters of the cosmopolitan capital city, Bratislava, and the ornate churches, towers and architectural marvels therein, to the breathtaking natural glory of the Pineny region and the dizzying heights of the Carpathian Mountains, our route showcases the many faces of the Slovak Republic and its majesty.
We descend to investigate underground caves and ascend the slopes of the second highest mountain in the Low Tatras Range in a chairlift, before ending the Slovak Republic leg and heading to Hungary's capital, Budapest. We tour the dynamic capital, spending time amid stately buildings and meandering along narrow streets, all the while soaking in the attractions, like the neo-Gothic Parliament, the Museum of Ethnography, the concert hall and the Chain Bridge.
Through towns and villages that at times seem forgotten by time, we admire rural scenery that would not be out of place over a century ago, like the traditional garb of the women in Holloko and the town's cobbled streets. Our trip to see the stalagmite pyramids and red and black stalactite drip stones in the Aggtelek Caves is one not soon forgotten and we leave Hungary via the wine-producing region near Debrecen and the Hortobagy National Park and Wildlife Preserve.
In Romania, we check out the famous Bucovina Monasteries and their collections of Byzantine art, the mythical home of Dracula at Bran Castle, 'the Pearl of the Carpathian Mountains' at Sinaia and one of the most beautiful castles in Europe at Peles Castle.
We then head into Bulgaria to spend our final eight days seeing the capital city, Sophia, hiking in the Valley of the Roses, visiting the Rila Monasteries and wandering around ancient Thracian cities admiring the sights and meeting the friendly locals.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 4 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Hungary, Romania, Slovak & Czech Republic Tour from Adventures Abroad: Experience the best of culture, spectacle and nature on this 28-day adventure through four highly memorable tour destinations in the heart of Europe.
Prague, the capital city and jewel in the crown of the Czech Republic, presents the perfect introduction to a region of the world steeped in history and brimming with attraction, both modern and ancient.
This magical city has a wholly unique atmosphere and having remained largely undamaged by the Second World War, boasts mazes of cobblestone alleys, mediaeval courtyards and historic site by the dozen.
We visit the castle, the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter and Wenceslas Square, allocating enough time to let the poignant beauty of this metropolis sink in and then it's off to tour Renaissance chateaux, Gothic fortresses and the world-famous spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Visits to Cesky Krumlov and the Heritage Site of Telc bring our Czech Republic leg of our tour to an exquisite close. In Slovakia, we travel from the exciting capital, Bratislava, through picturesque rural sceneries punctuated by quaint towns and striking chateaux and on to one of Central Europe's most beautiful natural environments at Pieniny National Park.
We come across unique wooden architecture amid the Low Tetras mountain range and mediaeval monasteries near the border with Poland before crossing into Hungary and heading for its capital, Budapest.
Known as 'the Paris of Central Europe', Budapest is as romantic and harmonious as a city can be, a feature that is mirrored in the enchanting towns of Holloko, where traditional dress is still worn by women, and Debrecen, the largest town in Eastern Hungary and today an important market town.
As we make our way through glorious Hungarian countryside, stopping in at villages to mingle with friendly locals, taste local culinary delicacies and get a feel for rural lifestyle, we discover that there's so much more to this country than its famously bewitching capital.
Last on our destination list is Romania, a country with a fascinating blend of old and new. From the garden city of Bucharest, via the Bucovina monasteries with their stunning displays of Byzantine-influenced art, the Carpathian Mountains and UNESCO-designated fortified churches atop the Transylvanian plateau, we see the spectacular variety of man-made and natural wonder that Romania has to offer and discover its true character for ourselves.
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 5 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovak & Czech Republic Tour from Adventures Abroad: This epic, 35-day extravaganza of a tour is the ultimate showcase of the histories, cultures, landscapes and natures of these five exciting destinations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Beginning in Prague, a city that is often compared to Florence and Rome for its beauty and one that Goethe once called the prettiest gemstone in the crown of the world, we begin our Czech Republic leg of the tour basking in the glories of one of the most stunning and memorable metropolises on the planet.
We also visit world-famous spa towns; take a ride up a funicular to admire striking vistas; and spend time in the UNESCO-designated historic centre of Cesky Krumlov, perhaps the most exquisite city in the country.
We travel through regions famous for orchards and vineyards in the Slovak Republic en route to Bratislava, the capital and often the most popular attraction in the country.
After comprehensive exploration of the country's largest urban centre, we head to one of the most impressive areas of natural beauty in Central Europe at Pieniny National Park, before pressing on to Budapest, Hungary.
From Hungary, we cross into Romania, starting this leg of the adventure in Bucharest, once known as 'The Paris of the East'. A historically fascinating destination, Romania is home to over 2,000 fresco-brimming monasteries, dozens of picture-perfect castles and countless fortified villages.
Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe
Countries visited: Czech Republic; Slovakia and Hungary
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
The hotel consists of three structurally connected historical buildings of Gothic Renaissance origin located between the square and Kájovská and Na louži streets. Within the years each hotel building went through Renaissance and Baroque reconstructions and refurbishments.
