Ultimate Central Europe & Portugal Itinerary: Prague to Lisbon with Scenic Day Trips

Day 1: Arrival & Prague Intro

Prague, Czech Republic on May 25, 2025

10:00am

Check-in and Freshen Up

Arrival from Prague Airport and transfer by taxi to your hotel for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

11:30am

Explore Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock

Visit the vibrant Old Town Square and watch the historic Astronomical Clock show, a must-see for first-timers to Prague.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Louvre

Enjoy classic Czech and Austrian café dishes in this historic café founded in 1902, open from 8 AM to 11 PM.
CZK300 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Walk Charles Bridge

Stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, admiring statues and views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá

Taste authentic Czech dishes like svíčková and goulash at this popular local chain open until 11 PM.
CZK400-500, 1h

6:30pm

Evening Walk along Vltava River and Prague Castle Views

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk alongside the river and view the stunningly lit Prague Castle from afar.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Optional: Letná Park for Sunset

Head to Letná Park for panoramic sunset views over the city, a perfect photo opportunity open until late sunset hours.
Free, 1h
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Day 2: Prague Full Day

Prague, Czech Republic on May 26, 2025

9:00am

Prague Castle Complex

Explore the extensive Prague Castle grounds including St. Vitus Cathedral, Golden Lane, and the Old Royal Palace. Opens at 9 AM.
CZK350, 3h

12:30pm

Walk to Lennon Wall via Mala Strana

Discover the colourful Lennon Wall and enjoy the charm of Mala Strana district on foot.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kampa Park

Have lunch by the river with views of Charles Bridge; known for excellent international and Czech cuisine. Open 11:30 AM to 11 PM.
CZK700 approx., 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Wenceslas Square

Walk through the historic commercial heart of Prague, full of shops, cafés, and important landmarks.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Vltava River Cruise OR Petrin Tower & Park

Choose a relaxing early evening Vltava River cruise (approx. 1h, ~CZK400) or visit Petrin Tower for stunning city views (open till 8 PM).
CZK400, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Savoy or Kuchyň

Enjoy traditional Czech cuisine at elegant Cafe Savoy or family-style meals with castle views at Kuchyň. Both open till 11 PM.
CZK600-800, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Budapest

Prague to Budapest on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Have a light breakfast locally before train departure.
CZK150, 0h30m

9:00am

RegioJet Train to Budapest

Scenic train journey from Prague to Budapest lasting approximately 7 hours, arriving by 4 PM.
EUR40-60, 7h

4:30pm

Hotel Check-in Budapest

Check into your already booked Budapest hotel and freshen up.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

6:00pm

Danube Night Cruise

Enjoy a spectacular night cruise on the Danube River including views of Buda Castle and Parliament brilliantly illuminated. Cruises start around 6 PM.
HUF6000-8000, 1h30m

7:30pm

Light Dinner on Cruise or Nearby

Choose a light meal on board or dine at riverside cafés after the cruise.
HUF3000 approx., 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Vienna Day Trip

Budapest to Vienna on May 28, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Start early with breakfast at the hotel before departing.
HUF1500, 0h30m

7:30am

Train or FlixBus to Vienna

Travel approx 2.5 hours to Vienna; trains and buses available early morning.
EUR15-30, 2.5h

10:15am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the imperial palace and gardens; open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
EUR25, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Central

Renowned historic café offering Austrian classics; open till late afternoon.
EUR20-30, 1h

1:45pm

Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Belvedere Palace

Explore the gothic cathedral and then view Klimt’s famous 'The Kiss' at Belvedere Palace. Both are centrally located and open until 5-6 PM.
EUR20 for Belvedere, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Budapest

Catch an afternoon train or bus back to Budapest.
EUR15-30, 2.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tati Budapest

Enjoy a cozy dinner with modern Hungarian flavors in Budapest, open till 11 PM.
HUF5000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Budapest Full Day

Budapest, Hungary on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Fisherman’s Bastion & Matthias Church

Visit these iconic landmarks offering panoramic views and stunning architecture; open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Free for Bastion; Church entrance HUF1000, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Café Gerbeaud

Historic café famous for delicious Hungarian pastries and meals, open from 7 AM to 10 PM.
HUF3500, 1h

1:00pm

Relax at Thermal Baths (Szechenyi or Gellert)

Spend a relaxing afternoon at famous thermal spas; both open until 8 PM or later.
HUF6000-7000, 3h

5:00pm

Celebrate Mom’s Birthday at New York Café

Enjoy an elegant and memorable dinner at the famed New York Café, often called the most beautiful café in the world.
HUF8000 approx., 2h

8:00pm

Optional Ruin Bars Experience

Explore Budapest’s unique ruin bars, especially Szimpla Kert, open till late for a fun nightlife experience.
Drinks priced variably, 2h
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Day 6: Travel to Salzburg

Budapest to Salzburg on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the train journey.
HUF1500, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Salzburg

ÖBB train travel for approximately 6 hours to Salzburg, arriving at 3 PM.
EUR40-70, 6h

3:30pm

Hotel Check-in Salzburg

Check into hotel and unpack after your journey.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Salzburg Old Town

Visit Getreidegasse shopping street and Mozart’s birthplace museum, open till 5 or 6 PM.
EUR12 approx., 2h

7:00pm

Visit Mirabell Gardens

Stroll around the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, open till dusk, perfect for evening relaxation.
Free, 0h45m
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Day 7: Salzburg Alpine Day

Salzburg, Austria on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Pick up Rental Car

Collect rental car early morning to explore alpine villages at your own pace.
Variable rental cost, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Gosau

Visit the quaint alpine village of Gosau for hiking and mountain views.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Continue to Hallstatt

Drive to the beautiful UNESCO-listed village of Hallstatt beside the lake, an iconic Austrian destination.
Free to explore; Salt mine ticket extra, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hallstatt lakeside cafes

Dine in one of the scenic cafes overlooking Lake Hallstatt, serving Austrian specialties.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Hallstatt

Walk through charming lanes, visit local shops, and enjoy lakeside vistas.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Return Drive to Salzburg

Drive back to Salzburg for evening arrival.
Fuel approx. EUR20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sternbräu

Enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine at a lively brewery restaurant in Salzburg Old Town, open till 11 PM.
EUR25-40, 1h30m
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Day 8: To Frankfurt

Salzburg to Frankfurt, Germany on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast near hotel

Breakfast before departure to ensure a comfortable train journey.
EUR10-15, 0h30m

9:00am

Train to Frankfurt

DB train journey arriving in Frankfurt around 3:40 PM.
EUR50-80, 6h40m

4:00pm

Check-in at Nitesh Maamu’s House

Relax and settle in at your host’s home.
Private stay, 0h30m

5:00pm

Explore Römerberg and Main River Promenade

Walk the historic Römerberg square and stroll along the scenic riverside promenade.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Light Dinner in Sachsenhausen

Try local cider pubs (Apfelwein) with snacks in the lively Sachsenhausen district.
EUR15-25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cologne Day Trip

Frankfurt to Cologne on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Train to Cologne

Morning train to Cologne, approx 1 hour journey.
EUR20-30, 1h

9:30am

Visit Cologne Cathedral

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and its breathtaking Gothic architecture; open from 6 AM to 7 PM.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Walk along Hohenzollern Bridge

Visit the famous love-lock bridge with views of the Rhine River.
Free, 0h45m

11:30am

Chocolate Museum Visit

Discover the world of chocolate manufacturing and history; open 10 AM to 6 PM.
EUR13, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby Café

Have a casual lunch near the museum before returning.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Train back to Frankfurt

Return train to Frankfurt for evening arrival.
EUR20-30, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Accommodation

Rest before dinner or evening activities.
N/A, 1h
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Day 10: Explore Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany on June 4, 2025

9:00am

Visit Palmengarten

Explore Frankfurt's beautiful botanical gardens; open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
EUR7, 1h30m

11:00am

Museumsufer Area

Visit some of the many museums along the River Main’s museum district.
Variable, approx EUR10-15 per museum, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kleinmarkthalle

Enjoy diverse German and international specialties in this indoor market.
EUR10-20, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Zeil Street

Explore Frankfurt’s premier shopping street with many stores and boutiques.
Free to browse, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Main Tower View Deck

Ascend to the top of Main Tower for panoramic city views; open until 9 PM.
EUR7.50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner Near Hotel

Choose a nearby restaurant or local cuisine spot to end the day.
EUR20-30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: To Colmar

Frankfurt to Colmar, France on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Train to Colmar

Take an early morning train to reach Colmar by early afternoon.
EUR40-60, 3h

12:30pm

Check-in & Lunch

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy lunch near the town center.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Petite Venise

Wander through the charming 'Little Venice' area with its canals and half-timbered houses.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner by the Canals

Dine at one of the scenic restaurants by the riverside offering Alsatian cuisine.
EUR25 approx., 1h30m
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Day 12: Colmar Leisure

Colmar, France on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Visit Eguisheim Village

Explore the picturesque nearby village of Eguisheim with its colorful houses and wine cellars.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch in Eguisheim

Enjoy regional cuisine at a local eatery in Eguisheim.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Colmar

Relax and explore galleries, shops or cafés in Colmar’s old town.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner in Colmar

Sample Alsace specialties at a cozy local restaurant.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Optional Strasbourg Trip

Colmar, France on June 7, 2025

8:30am

Train to Strasbourg

Day trip to Strasbourg, approx 30-40 minutes by train.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Strasbourg Cathedral & La Petite France

Visit the beautiful cathedral and walk the historic district known for canals and timbered houses.
Free to wander, cathedral entry optional EUR6, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Bistro

Enjoy French Alsace cuisine in Strasbourg.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Colmar

Spend late afternoon relaxing back in Colmar.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner and Leisure in Colmar

Explore cafés and galleries or an easy dinner near your stay.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: To Milan

Colmar to Milan, Italy on June 8, 2025

8:30am

Flixbus Departure

Board Flixbus at 10 AM for a 6-hour journey to Milan, arriving around 4 PM.
EUR25-40, 6h

5:00pm

Check-in & Rest

Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

6:30pm

Explore Duomo Square & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Visit Milan’s iconic cathedral square and adjacent historic shopping gallery, open until late evening.
Free, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Luini Panzerotti or Nearby

Try famous quick bites like panzerotti or dine in a nearby Italian trattoria.
EUR15-25, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Lake Como Day Trip

Milan, Italy on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Train to Como

Depart early morning on a scenic 1-hour train to Como.
EUR10-15, 1h

9:30am

Ferry Rides to Bellagio & Varenna

Take ferries from Como to Bellagio and Varenna, enjoying lake views and charming towns.
EUR15-20 total, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch in Bellagio

Have lakeside lunch in Bellagio with Italian specialties.
EUR20-30, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Como and then Milan

Make your way back to Como for the return train to Milan.
Included in ferry/train pass, 2h

6:00pm

Relax and Dinner in Milan

Dinner in Milan at a favorite local restaurant or pizzeria.
EUR25-35, 1h30m
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Day 16: Lake Garda Day Trip

Milan, Italy on June 10, 2025

8:30am

Train to Desenzano del Garda

Depart Milan morning train taking about 1 hour to this beautiful lakeside town.
EUR10-15, 1h

9:45am

Explore Sirmione Castle

Visit the 13th-century castle and lakeside promenade; castle opens at 9 AM.
EUR6, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lakeside Café

Enjoy a relaxed lunch tasting local lake fish or Italian dishes.
EUR20-30, 1h

2:00pm

Wander Sirmione Old Town

Stroll charming streets with gelato and souvenir shops before heading back.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Train back to Milan

Travel back to Milan in the late afternoon.
EUR10-15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner in Milan

Choose a special restaurant or your favorite past dinner spot for your last night.
EUR25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 17: Milan to Porto

Milan to Porto, Portugal on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Transfer to Bergamo

Have a light breakfast and transit to Bergamo Airport for your morning flight.
EUR15, 1h

11:00am

Flight Ryanair to Porto

Fly from Bergamo to Porto, approx 2.5 hours flight time.
EUR40-70, 2.5h

2:30pm

Arrival and Transfer to Esposende

Travel to Aman Masi’s house in Esposende, Porto region, for check-in and rest.
Private transfer, 1h

5:00pm

Evening Leisure

Relax and enjoy a calm evening in Esposende by the coast.
Free, Leisure
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