7-Day Europe Highlights Tour from Istanbul under $1000 Flight Budget

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Budapest

Budapest, Hungary on June 5, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Istanbul to Budapest

Take an early morning budget flight from Istanbul to Budapest to start your European journey efficiently. Flights by Ryanair or Wizz Air usually cost under $350 per person roundtrip if booked early.
USD350, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Hall

Enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes like goulash and lángos at the Central Market Hall, a vibrant place for local cuisine and shopping.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Buda Castle

Explore Buda Castle, a historic palace complex with fantastic views of the Danube and the city. Open 9am - 6pm.
HUF2500 (approx USD8), 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Chain Bridge & Danube Promenade

Take a scenic walk along the Chain Bridge and riverside promenade to see iconic landmarks like Parliament from across the Danube.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paprika

Dine at Paprika, renowned for authentic Hungarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 2: Budapest Historic Sights

Budapest, Hungary on June 6, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at New York Café

Start your day at the luxurious New York Café, famed as one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, serving great Hungarian and international breakfast options.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Tour Hungarian Parliament Building

Join a guided tour inside the stunning Hungarian Parliament to discover its impressive architecture and history. Open 8am-6pm. Book tickets in advance.
USD25, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gerlóczy Café

Relax with French-Hungarian fusion cuisine in a charming Parisian-style setting.
USD18, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend your afternoon unwinding in one of Europe’s largest medicinal baths, featuring indoor and outdoor pools. Open 6am - 10pm.
HUF6500 (approx USD20), 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Menza

Dine at Menza, popular for modern Hungarian cuisine with a lively atmosphere in the city’s trendy Liszt Ferenc Square.
USD25, 1h30m

Day 3: Travel to Vienna & Explore

Vienna, Austria on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Train from Budapest to Vienna

Take an early morning direct train (about 2h45m) for a scenic, comfortable trip to Vienna. Trains depart hourly and cost about $25 per person.
USD75, 2h45m

11:00am

Check-in & Coffee Break

Check into your hotel and enjoy Viennese coffee and cake at Café Central, an iconic spot with rich history.
USD12, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Explore Vienna’s famous outdoor market with options from local to international fare.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the lavish Schönbrunn Palace and gardens, the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Open 8am - 5:30pm.
EUR22 (approx USD24), 2h

5:00pm

Walk in Stadtpark

Relax in Stadtpark and see the famous golden Johann Strauss statue.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Try the renowned Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmüller, a classic Viennese restaurant.
USD30, 1h30m

Day 4: Vienna Museums & Culture

Vienna, Austria on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

Enjoy pastries and coffee at Demel, a historic Viennese bakery and café.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Belvedere Palace

Explore the Baroque Belvedere Palace housing impressive art collections including Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss'. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR20 (approx USD22), 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Plachutta

Savor traditional Tafelspitz (boiled beef), a Viennese specialty, at Plachutta.
USD30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore MuseumsQuartier

Spend your afternoon exploring modern art and design museums in Vienna’s cultural hub, MuseumsQuartier. Most open from 10am-6pm.
EUR15 (approx USD17), 3h

6:30pm

Dinner & Concert at Kursalon

Enjoy Viennese dinner and classical concert at historic Kursalon. Book in advance for combined dinner and music.
USD60, 3h

Day 5: Travel to Prague

Prague, Czech Republic on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Train from Vienna to Prague

Board an early train to Prague, a comfortable journey of around 4 hours. Advance booking costs about $30 per person.
USD90, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lokál Dlouhááá

Taste authentic Czech home-style meals at Lokál, known for fresh and local ingredients.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Old Town Square

Wander historic Old Town Square to see the Astronomical Clock and gothic architecture.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Prague Castle

Take a short tram or walk to Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Open 6am-10pm.
CZK350 (approx USD15), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mlejnice

Enjoy traditional Czech dishes like wild boar or dumplings at cozy Mlejnice.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 6: Prague Sights & Leisure

Prague, Czech Republic on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Savoy

Start with a refined breakfast at Café Savoy offering great pastries and coffee in a grand setting.
USD15, 1h

10:00am

Walk the Charles Bridge & Kampa Island

Enjoy a scenic and historic walk across Charles Bridge and the adjacent Kampa Island park.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eska

Relish modern Czech cuisine with a twist at Eska, known for innovative flavors.
USD25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit John Lennon Wall & Letná Park

See the colorful John Lennon Wall and enjoy panoramic views of Prague from Letná Park.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuchyň

Dine with a fantastic view near Prague Castle at Kuchyň, serving fresh Czech fare.
USD20, 1h30m

Day 7: Return to Istanbul

Prague, Czech Republic on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Prague to Istanbul

Catch an early direct flight back to Istanbul via low-cost airlines such as Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines; flights approximate $350 for 3 persons.
USD350, 2h30m

10:00am

Morning Free in Istanbul

Arrive and rest, or take a light walk and breakfast near your accommodation.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Karaköy Güllüoğlu

Savor authentic Turkish baklava and light meals at this famous bakery and café.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

Explore iconic Istanbul landmarks within walking distance. Both open 9am - 7pm in June.
Hagia Sophia: Free / Blue Mosque: Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hamdi Restaurant

End your trip with spectacular views of the Golden Horn and delicious kebabs.
USD30, 1h30m