Discounted

Budapest to Prague Adventure

Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia - Trip code CZP Discovery
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218Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Explore Eastern Europe's picturesque capitals on this one-week tour. Travel from Budapest to Bratislava and Vienna to Prague, discovering historic castles, photogenic riverbanks and atmospheric churches. From the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest to the Charles Bridge in Prague, this holiday ticks off all of the bucket list sites and then some.

Why we love this trip
  • Prague - Uncover the mysteries of the castle, Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter and the Astronomical Clock.
  • Vienna - Travel by train into Austria and see the capital's main sights before having the chance to cruise back along the Danube River.
  • Chateau Lednice - Take a scenic walk through the UNESCO-listed castle grounds known as 'the garden of Europe'.
  • Why Not Extend Your Trip? - This trip can be combined with our Krakow to Budapest Adventure (trip code: CZ) to make a two-week holiday.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 6

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Train

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    Accommodation

    6 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Budapest, Hungary; orientation walk of the city

Our Eastern European adventure begins in Budapest, Hungary's picturesque capital and our home for tonight. Situated on a beautiful stretch of the Danube River, Budapest consists of two parts - Buda and Pest. Buda is the city's graceful older sibling, with cobbled streets, medieval buildings and the famous castle, while Pest is its younger counterpart - a hub of colourful street art, modern galleries and a thriving culinary scene.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 4:30pm for a welcome meeting. After the meeting, we'll use local transport to take an orientation tour of Budapest's main sites. We'll see the Basilica of Saint Stephen and the Parliament buildings before crossing the Chain Bridge to the Castle District and Watertown. Here lie Buda's most ancient gems - Castle Hill with the Old Town, Fisherman's Bastion and the Royal Palace. After the tour, there'll be the chance to go for dinner.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Budapest Airport (BUD). If you want to join the orientation tour, you must arrive at the hotel by 4.30pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. It's around a 45-minute drive from the airport to the hotel, therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 2.30pm. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will leave you information giving the meeting time for the next day in the hotel reception and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Budapest is a real European gem and it's impossible to see all of the sites in just one day. We recommend adding a night or two to the start of your tour to make the most of your time in the stunning city.

Accommodation:

Roombach Hotel, Budapest Center (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Drive to Bratislava, Slovakia with a walking tour on arrival

This morning, we'll say goodbye to Budapest and drive towards our next stop - Slovakia's capital, Bratislava. The drive takes around three hours by private bus - please note, that there may occasionally be delays at the border crossing.

On arrival, we'll have a leisurely afternoon discovering the highlights of this historic city. Bratislava was once the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom and was known as 'Pressburg' - it went through tough times at war with the Ottoman Empire. We'll walk through the Old Town's maze of pretty Medieval streets and squares, surrounded by cafes and trendy bistros. Along the way, we'll pass by Michael's Gate which is the only remaining old entrance to the city, the pretty Main Square, Neoclassical Primate's Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Martin.

After our walk, you can continue your discovery by visiting one of the oldest castles in Slovakia or by enjoying a bird's eye view from the city's most famous landmark, the so-called UFO bridge, which affords views over the 'panelaky' - typical communist era blocks of flats and various other fairly radical urban projects.

Accommodation:

Hotel Matysak (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Train to Vienna, Austria; chance to travel back by boat

We'll head out to discover another historic capital today - Vienna. Making use of the local rail system, we'll hop on a train to Vienna's beautiful capital, a journey of just one hour.

On arrival, we'll take a walking tour to take in the city's must-sees and get our bearings. Our walk will include the Karlsplatz, Heroes Square, Hofburg (Imperial Palace Complex), Imperial Treasury, National Library, Spanish Riding School, Vienna's ancient housing estates, Saint Stephens Church and the Opera.

While we won't have time to look inside any of these landmarks on our walk, afterwards you're free to explore solo and will have plenty of time to tick them off. You can choose to return to Bratislava by train at your leisure (you'll be given a return ticket) or you might prefer to book a boat trip back along the Danube River, taking approximately two hours and costing €30 per person.

Accommodation:

Hotel Matysak (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Visit to Lednice-Valtice region and wine tasting in Mikulov, Czechia

We have another short train ride ahead of us this morning (just one hour), followed by a short bus journey to the beautiful town of Mikulov. Filled with history embodied in architectural monuments, this small town offers something for everyone. Situated in the very heart of the wine region, it has plenty of walking paths with local and family-run wine cellars or wine-tasting centres along the way.

En route to Mikulov, we'll stop at Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's one of the largest artificial landscapes in Europe and we'll take a walk around the castle park of Chateau Lednice.

In the afternoon, we'll sample some of Mikulov's local produce with a wine tasting before visiting the Jewish Cemetry, which is home to centuries-old tombs. We'll finish up with a walking tour of the old town.

Accommodation:

Hotel Galant (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Train to Prague and explore on foot

The final destination of our Eastern European tour is Prague, the capital city of Czechia. We have a slightly longer train journey ahead of us (four-and-a-half hours total) including one connecting train.

Twelve centuries have adorned Prague with a labyrinth of old streets, wonderful palaces and photogenic bridges. We'll enjoy a guided city tour to take in some of the main highlights including the Old Town Square and City Hall, set amid antique houses and arcades. Other sites include the Astronomical Clock, Powder Tower and Prague Ghetto, which includes the Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues. We'll also see Charles Bridge, the most handsome bridge over the Vltava River and the area of Hradcany which contains the castle of the Bohemian Kings.

Accommodation:

Hotel Lunik (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Free day in Prague with the option to visit Konopiste Castle

Today, you're free to enjoy Prague at your own pace. You might like to catch the train to the 700-year-old Konopiste Castle. The castle was once owned by Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered the start of World War I. Another option is to take a boat trip on the Vltava River. There are also many classical music concerts on offer and if the timing is right, you might be lucky enough to see a performance in one of the old atmospheric churches. Alternatively, you could visit the Bunker Museum, where a range of Cold War relics are on display from an age when paranoia and spying was at an all-time high - interestingly, this museum is housed in a former communist bunker underneath the city.

Finish up your day with a hearty meal at one of Prague's traditional restaurants, serving up steaming goulash and dumplings and, of course, local beer.

Accommodation:

Hotel Lunik (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Trip ends in Prague

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Prague.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Prague at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Prague Airport (PRG).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Czechia

Climate

Czechia has a temperate continental climate, with relatively hot summers and cold, cloudy and snowy winters. Most rain falls during the summer. The temperature difference between summer and winter is relatively high, due to the landlocked geographical position.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Mainly Christian

Language

Czech

Hungary

Climate

Summer days are generally quite hot and sunny with usually between 9-10 hours of sunshine daily. Winter days are usually quite windy and temperatures are regularly around or just below freezing. Night time temperatures can drop quite low in the hills whilst most rain falls in spring and early summer. Sudden rain showers can, however, occur at any time of the year.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Christian

Language

Hungarian

Slovakia

Climate

Summers are short in the mountains. July to August is the hottest period, when daytime temperatures average 20-22°C, though it may be much cooler in the early morning or late evening. During the winter, snow and ice is not uncommon, with snow generally starting in December and continuing to early February. Mountain weather is notoriously changeable and it can be cold at any time of year, so be prepared.. Early July is the best time for flowers.

Time difference to GMT

+1

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Slovak

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Vienna:
Spanish Riding School performance tickets £22.00 per person. This optional is subject to availability and performances may sell out. We recommend booking tickets in advance through the official website, from 1pm onwards on the day you are visiting Vienna - https://www.srs.at/en/tickets-events/

Prague:
Theatre tickets £5.00 to £60.00 or concert tickets £15.00 to £70.00 per person.
Train to Konopiste £3.00 and a guided tour of Konopiste Castle £8.00 per person.
Boat trip on Vltava River including dinner £20.00 per person.

Also allow about £10.00 for various museum and site entrance fees during the trip.

Clothing

Summers can be hot so pack cottons and light weight clothing with warmer layers for the evenings and a rain jacket, just in case. Medium weights in spring and autumn are recommended along with a windproof and waterproof jacket. If you are travelling in winter then wrap up warmly - layers work best including a hat, gloves and scarf.

Footwear

Comfortable trainers or sandals for city sightseeing and relaxing. If you're travelling in winter then bring good non-slip footwear as the cobbled streets can be slippery underfoot when they're wet or icy.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a day pack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.

This trip is at a full on pace, including several train journeys with shorts walks and/or stairs between platforms, stations and accommodation, so for this reason please take care to make sure you can comfortably carry your own luggage throughout the trip.

Equipment

Bring a water bottle, a sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses and a torch just in case of emergencies. Don't forget your camera.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow approximately £12.00 in local currency for tips. In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leaders may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Czechia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£12
Beer price
£1.5
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euros; Czech Koruna
Recommended Currency For Exchange
British Pounds Sterling and US Dollars are readily exchanged
Where To Exchange
In most major towns. Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival. When exchanging money always keep your receipts for changing the money back
ATM Availability
Most major towns
Credit Card Acceptance
Most major credit cards are accepted, but ask first

Hungary

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£18
Beer price
£1.5
Water price
£1.1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Hungarian Forint2
Recommended Currency For Exchange
British Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can be exchanged locally for Euros
Where To Exchange
GBP, USD and Euros cash are accepted at exchange offices
ATM Availability
All the main towns and cities have ATM's for cash withdrawal
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted

Slovakia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£7
Dinner price
£15
Beer price
£2
Water price
£1
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
British Pounds Sterling, US Dollars and Euros are accepted at exchange offices and banks
Where To Exchange
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival
ATM Availability
Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival, but please be aware that some ATMs will charge 5% commission and outside of the main cities ATM's can sometimes be difficult to find
Credit Card Acceptance
At most shops and restaurants
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Train

Accommodation notes

We stay in comfortable-grade hotels throughout this tour. In general, comfortable-grade accommodation is three-star equivalent with good amenities. You can expect basic facilities such as WiFi, air-conditioning and en-suite rooms. Some hotels might have extras such as a restaurant, spa or swimming pool.
We've chosen our accommodation based on comfort, location and authenticity to give you a real flavour of our destinations. We tend to stay within walking distance of the main sites or local transport, so exploring is easy. It's worth noting that standards may differ from those at home.

Czechia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Hungary

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Slovakia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Slovakia: Visas are not required by UK, US, Canadian, Australia and New Zealand citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Austria: Visas are not required by UK, US, Canadian, Australia and New Zealand citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Hungary: Visas are not required by UK, US, Canadian, Australia and New Zealand citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

Czech Republic: Visas are not required by EU, Canadian, US, Australia, New Zealand and Japanese citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. Please note that you should carry your passport with you at all times when in Czech Republic for identification purposes as police officers may fine or arrest you if you fail to do so.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Included activities

This trip is designed to acquaint you with the highlights of four fascinating countries in 7 days. There's so much to enjoy and a lot of ground to cover, so please be prepared for the busy nature of this enthralling and varied holiday.

Ability to swim

No

Czechia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Hungary

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Tickborne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Slovakia

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Europe, at specific times of the year. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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