Morning: Flight from Melbourne lands in Prague late at night, so you’ll rest and settle into your hotel. A brief walk to the nearby tram stop lets you get a feel for the city’s quiet streets.
Afternoon: After a short rest, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café near Old Town Square. The square’s historic atmosphere is perfect for a gentle introduction to Czech culture.
Evening: Stroll across the illuminated Charles Bridge as the sun sets, capturing stunning views of the Vltava River. End the night with a traditional Czech dinner in the Old Town.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin at Prague Castle, exploring the St. Vitus Cathedral and Royal Palace. Allocate plenty of time for the castle’s gardens and panoramic city views.
Afternoon: Wander down to Charles Bridge again, this time stopping at the statues and street musicians. Continue to the Lesser Town for a bite of hearty Czech fare.
Evening: Return to Old Town Square for the famous Astronomical Clock show. Enjoy a riverside dinner with live jazz in a historic cellar.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the vibrant Jewish Quarter (Josefov) to see historic synagogues and the Old‑Jewish Cemetery. Follow with coffee at a bohemian café.
Afternoon: Take a tram ride to the modern Žižkov Tower for a view of the city’s rooftops. Afterwards, relax in Letná Park, soaking up sunshine and local life.
Evening: Dine on Czech specialties in a traditional tavern, then enjoy a classical concert at the Estates Theatre or a nightcap at a rooftop bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Board an early EuroCity train from Prague to Budapest (≈7 hours). Enjoy scenic views of the Danube Valley en route.
Afternoon: Arrive and check into your hotel near the Danube. Begin with a walk to the iconic Parliament Building, admiring its neo‑Gothic façade.
Evening: Cross the Chain Bridge to the Buda side and enjoy dinner with river views. End the night with a relaxing soak in a local spa bath.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend a rejuvenating session at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, exploring both indoor and outdoor pools.
Afternoon: Climb up to Fisherman's Bastion for sweeping panoramas of the city and the Danube. Visit the nearby Matthias Church for its stunning interior.
Evening: Cruise on the Danube River at sunset, watching the illuminated bridges and monuments. Dine on Hungarian goulash in a historic ruin bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the bustling Great Market Hall, sampling local cheeses, paprika, and pastries. Continue to the historic St. Stephen’s Basilica for its dome view.
Afternoon: Wander the elegant Andrassy Avenue, stopping at the Hungarian State Opera House. Take a short tram ride to Heroes’ Square and the City Park.
Evening: Enjoy a night out in the vibrant Jewish Quarter, tasting craft beers and tasting the famous chimney cake.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch an early train from Budapest to Venice (≈12 hours with connections), then a quick regional train to Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Afternoon: After checking into a mountain lodge, begin exploring the town’s charming streets and the famous Corso Italia for shopping and cafés.
Evening: Savor a hearty Alpine dinner of speck and polenta, followed by a gentle walk to the foot of the Dolomites under starry skies.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the Lagazuoi Cable Car up to the World War I museum and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Dolomite peaks.
Afternoon: Hike to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a moderate trek offering dramatic rock formations and alpine lakes.
Evening: Return to town for a relaxing evening at a spa pool, followed by a dinner featuring local mountain herbs and wines.
Find HotelsMorning: Embark on a guided mountain bike tour along the Val di Fanes, soaking in pristine valleys and fresh air.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Church of Saint Philip and then enjoy a leisurely lunch on Corso Italia with gelato for dessert.
Evening: Attend a cultural evening with traditional Ladin music and folk dancing at a local venue.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a regional train from Cortina to Venice (≈3 hours). Store luggage at the Santa Lucia station lockers.
Afternoon: Explore St. Mark's Square, visiting the Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Take a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal to admire the palazzos.
Evening: Stroll across the iconic Rialto Bridge at sunset, then enjoy a seafood dinner beside the canal. Retire to a nearby hotel for an early night before the cruise departure.
Find HotelsIf you need more time in any city, consider adding an extra night by shortening another stay—Prague and Budapest both have excellent night‑life and museums that can be explored in half‑days. Conversely, you can condense the itinerary by taking overnight trains (e.g., Budapest to Venice) and skipping one of the shorter activities, ensuring you still catch the Venice night before your cruise.