Begin your journey in Budapest - the Hungarian capital, built on the Danube River. Take a stroll across the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge, visit the impressive Buda Castle, and relax in one of the many thermal baths the city has to offer. Take a night cruise on the Danube for a beautiful view of the city lights.
Prague, known as the "City of a Hundred Spires", is a historical and cultural gem. Visit the iconic Charles Bridge and the colourful Old Town Square, home to the famous Astronomical Clock. Get a panoramic view of the city by climbing the Petřín Tower.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a city of imperial palaces and beautiful parks. Visit the stunning Schönbrunn Palace and be awed by the grandeur of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Take a stroll in the popular Naschmarkt, the city's biggest market with over 100 food stalls and shops.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a charming city on the banks of the Danube River. Visit the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral and the imposing Bratislava Castle. Take a stroll in the old town and be sure to spot the famous Cumil statue.
Kraków is a city with a rich history, royal traditions, and a lively cultural scene. Its Old Town is the largest medieval city square in Europe, featuring the Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Basilica. Visit Wawel Castle and Cathedral, which hold some of Poland's most important national treasures.
Pay your respects at the former concentration camp where over 1 million people were killed during World War II. The museum is a haunting reminder of this tragic period in history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Warsaw was almost completely destroyed during WWII, but it has been rebuilt into a modern, vibrant city. Visit the Royal Castle and the Old Town Market Square, which have been meticulously reconstructed to their former glory. Take a walk in Łazienki Park and enjoy the beautiful Palace on the Water.
Vilnius is a charming city with an impressive Baroque Old Town. Visit the iconic Vilnius Cathedral and the castle tower on Gediminas Hill for a panoramic view of the city. Take a stroll in the bohemian neighbourhood of Užupis, a self-proclaimed republic with its own constitution and president.
Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Art Nouveau district and the monumental Freedom Monument. Take a walk in the medieval Old Town and visit the iconic House of the Blackheads.
Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval and modern architecture. Visit the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the iconic Toompea Castle. Take a stroll in the picturesque Old Town and try some local Estonian cuisine.
Finish your trip in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, which is a bustling city with an international vibe. Visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and the famous Rock Church, which is carved into solid rock. Take a stroll in the beautiful Esplanadi Park and enjoy some Finnish design and culture.
The best way to get around Eastern Europe is by train or bus. Trains are faster, but buses are often more affordable. Domestic flights can be expensive, and most cities have well-connected train stations. A Eurail Pass can be a cost-effective option if you plan to take multiple trains.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the cities of Lviv in Ukraine and/or Berlin in Germany. For a shorter trip, consider skipping Bratislava and spending more time in Budapest or Prague.
The main airports in this itinerary include Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), located approximately 10 miles southeast of Budapest city center, and Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), located approximately 6 miles southwest of Warsaw city center. Helsinki Airport (HEL), located approximately 10 miles north of Helsinki city center, is also a major airport in the region.