12-Day Central European Cultural Journey: Prague, Vienna & Budapest Itinerary

Day 1: Prague Historic Start

Prague, Czech Republic on April 18, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Savoy

Enjoy a classic Czech breakfast with fresh pastries and strong coffee at this elegant café open from 8am, setting a perfect start to your trip.
CZK350, 1h

10:45am

Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock

Explore Prague's medieval Old Town Square and watch the Astronomical Clock's hourly show, a must-see historic spectacle.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mlejnice

Savour traditional Czech dishes like goulash and dumplings in this cosy, well-rated restaurant near Old Town.
CZK400, 1h

2:00pm

Charles Bridge Walk

Stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge to take in views of the Vltava River and Prague’s skyline, perfect in the afternoon light.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Prague Castle Complex

Visit the extensive Prague Castle complex including St. Vitus Cathedral, open until 5pm, and enjoy panoramic city views.
CZK350, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuchyň

Dine at this restaurant within the Castle grounds featuring authentic Czech cuisine with fresh local ingredients, open until 9pm.
CZK500, 1h30m

Day 2: Prague Art and Culture

Prague, Czech Republic on April 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Eska

Modern Czech fare for breakfast in a trendy spot blending traditional recipes with contemporary style, open from 8am.
CZK300, 1h

9:45am

Jewish Quarter Tour (Josefov)

Discover the history of Prague's Jewish community and visit synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery; opens at 9am.
CZK350, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lokál Dlouhááá

Experience authentic Czech comfort food in a lively pub-style setting, open for lunch from 11am.
CZK350, 1h

1:30pm

National Gallery Prague - Trade Fair Palace

Explore modern and contemporary art collections within a stunning functionalist building; open 10am–6pm.
CZK300, 2h

3:45pm

Vltava River Cruise

Enjoy a 1-hour scenic cruise along the Vltava River with views of major landmarks; departures in the afternoon until 5pm.
CZK350, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mlýnec

Upscale dining with views of Charles Bridge, offering creatively presented Czech cuisine, open until 10pm.
CZK700, 1h30m

Day 3: Prague Castle District

Prague, Czech Republic on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Louvre

Historic café frequented by famous intellectuals, serving continental breakfast from 8am.
CZK300, 1h

9:30am

Lennon Wall and Kampa Island

Visit the vibrant Lennon Wall with its colourful street art and stroll nearby Kampa Island’s charming park.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Strahov Monastery Library

Tour the spectacular 18th-century baroque library, one of the most beautiful in Europe; open until 4pm.
CZK200, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at U Černého Vola

Traditional Czech pub offering great local fare and beer, open for lunch from noon.
CZK350, 1h

2:30pm

Petřín Hill and Observation Tower

Climb or take the funicular up Petřín Hill for panoramic city views, open until 6pm, and wander its gardens.
CZK150 (funicular ride), 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Café Savoy

Enjoy an early evening coffee or dessert in this classy café before dinner, open until 10pm.
CZK200, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bellevue

Fine dining overlooking the river with fusion Czech-inspired cuisine, reservations recommended; open until 11pm.
CZK900, 2h

Day 4: Final Prague Morning & Vienna Travel

Prague, Czech Republic to Vienna, Austria on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Můj šálek kávy

Enjoy premium specialty coffee and light breakfast in Prague’s vibrant café scene, open from 8am.
CZK250, 1h

9:30am

Visit Vyšehrad Fortress

Explore this historic fort offering great views over Prague, peaceful walking paths, and impressive architecture; open daily.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Depart for Vienna

Take the direct train from Prague to Vienna (approx. 4h journey), making the route efficient and comfortable.
EUR40, 4h

4:00pm

Check-in and Refresh

Arrive in Vienna and settle into your accommodation, resting ahead of the evening activities.
Varies, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Taste Vienna’s famous schnitzel in this renowned restaurant open until 10pm, near city centre.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 5: Vienna Palaces & Gardens

Vienna, Austria on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Historic café famous for its pastries and intellectual atmosphere, open from 7am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Schönbrunn Palace Tour

Visit this former imperial summer residence with its stunning gardens, palace interiors open 8:30am–5:30pm.
EUR25, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

Hidden gem in MuseumsQuartier offering Austrian bistro cuisine in a peaceful garden courtyard; open from noon.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Belvedere Palace Museums

Explore the Baroque palace complex with notable art collections including Klimt’s 'The Kiss'; open 10am–6pm.
EUR18, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in Stadtpark

Stroll through the park known for its statues and serene environment, perfect for a late afternoon break.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Enjoy traditional Viennese Tafelspitz in this classic restaurant, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 6: Vienna Museums & Historic Centre

Vienna, Austria on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

World-famous pastry shop serving traditional Viennese sweets and breakfast, open from 8am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Kunsthistorisches Museum

Explore one of the world's foremost fine arts museums with masterpieces from ancient to Renaissance periods; open 10am–6pm.
EUR20, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Sperl

Enjoy typical Viennese café dishes with a historic ambiance, open for lunch noon to 10pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

St. Stephen’s Cathedral Visit

Tour Vienna's iconic gothic cathedral in the city centre, open from 6am to 10pm.
Free (tower access extra EUR6), 1h

4:00pm

Coffee & Cake at Café Mozart

Relax with traditional coffee and Sachertorte in this classic café close to the cathedral, open until midnight.
EUR12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner and Classical Concert at Musikverein (optional)

Combine Viennese dining with a world-class classical music concert at the Musikverein; check event schedule and book in advance.
EUR100+, 3h

Day 7: Vienna to Budapest Transfer

Vienna, Austria to Budapest, Hungary on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Naschmarkt

Sample a variety of fresh produce and breakfast options at Vienna’s bustling market, open all morning.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Morning at Prater Park & Giant Ferris Wheel

Enjoy a stroll and iconic views from the Giant Ferris Wheel; open 10am–10pm, perfect to visit before departure.
EUR12, 1h30m

11:30am

Travel from Vienna to Budapest

Take the direct train from Vienna to Budapest (approx. 2h30m journey) to make the transition smooth and scenic.
EUR30, 2h30m

2:00pm

Check-in and light lunch

Check into your Budapest accommodation and grab a light lunch at a nearby café, such as Gerlóczy Café.
HUF2500, 1h

4:00pm

Walk Along the Danube Promenade

Explore the famous riverside promenade with views of Buda, including the Parliament and Chain Bridge.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Borkonyha Winekitchen

Modern Hungarian cuisine paired with excellent wines in a Michelin-starred setting, open until 10pm.
HUF14000, 1h30m

Day 8: Budapest Castles and Baths

Budapest, Hungary on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Begin your day in a grand historic café known for its ornate interior and sumptuous breakfast offerings, open from 7am.
HUF4500, 1h

9:30am

Buda Castle & Budapest History Museum

Discover the historic castle complex and its museums, open 10am–6pm, with sweeping views of the city.
HUF3000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Traditional Hungarian dishes served in a charming setting in the castle district, open from noon.
HUF4000, 1h

2:30pm

Relaxing at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Unwind at one of Europe’s largest thermal bath complexes, open 6am–10pm, known for its healing waters.
HUF6200, 2h

5:00pm

Evening Walk at Heroes’ Square

Visit the iconic square with statues of Hungarian leaders and nearby City Park, ideal for sunset photos.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gundel Restaurant

Savour fine dining and traditional dishes in an elegant restaurant by City Park, open until 10pm.
HUF12000, 1h30m

Day 9: Budapest Markets & Parliament

Budapest, Hungary on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Szimply

A contemporary café with creative breakfast options, open early to start your day refreshed.
HUF2500, 1h

9:30am

Hungarian Parliament Building Tour

Book a guided tour of the magnificent Parliament interior; tours start from 10am and must be booked in advance.
HUF3500, 1h30m

11:30am

Great Market Hall Visit

Explore the largest indoor market in Budapest for local foods and souvenirs, open from 6am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Market Restaurant

Taste fresh local ingredients in a casual spot inside the Great Market Hall, open until late afternoon.
HUF3500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion

Iconic architecture and panoramic views of Pest from Buda’s Castle Hill area, open until 6pm.
HUF2000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at 21 Hungarian Kitchen

Enjoy traditional flavors with a modern twist in a vibrant atmosphere, open until 10pm.
HUF7000, 1h30m

Day 10: Budapest Relaxation & Departure

Budapest, Hungary on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cirkusz Café

Another great café for a relaxed morning with fresh pastries and excellent coffee, open from 8am.
HUF2000, 1h

9:30am

House of Terror Museum

Visit this impactful museum about Hungary’s 20th-century history, open 10am–6pm, essential for cultural understanding.
HUF3000, 2h

12:00pm

Light lunch at Café Csiga

Grab a wholesome light meal before heading to your travel connections, open from 11am.
HUF2500, 1h

1:30pm

Departure preparation

Return to accommodation to collect luggage and prepare for departure, allowing ample time for transport links.
Varies, 1h30m