Epic 16-Day Eastern Europe Tour: Budapest, Prague, Vienna & Venice from San Diego

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

San Diego, USA / Budapest, Hungary on August 9, 2025

7:00am

Depart from San Diego International Airport

Begin your journey flying from San Diego to Budapest, with at least one layover. Prepare for approximately 14 to 18 hours of total travel time.
USD0, 14h0m

5:00pm

Arrival and hotel check-in

Arrive in Budapest and check-in to your centrally located hotel to rest and acclimate.
EUR0, 1h0m
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Day 2: Budapest Highlights

Budapest, Hungary on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gerbeaud

Enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast at the famous Café Gerbeaud, known for pastries and coffee. Opens at 8:00am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Buda Castle & Castle Hill

Explore historic Buda Castle and the hill district including Matthias Church & Fisherman’s Bastion offering panoramic city views. Open 9:00am–6:00pm.
EUR10, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Savor authentic Hungarian dishes like goulash stew in a cozy bistro near Castle Hill. Open 11:00am–10:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Danube River Cruise

Take a relaxing 1.5-hour river cruise along the Danube for breathtaking views of Budapest’s illuminated landmarks.
EUR18, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hungarikum Bistro

Enjoy classic Hungarian fare with live traditional music in the heart of the city. Open 12:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m
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Day 3: City Parks & Thermal Baths

Budapest, Hungary on August 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Start your day at the stunning New York Café, acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cafes in the world. Opens at 8:00am.
EUR20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit City Park and Vajdahunyad Castle

Stroll through Budapest’s city park, enjoying Vajdahunyad Castle’s fairy-tale architecture and the peaceful surroundings. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR7, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Robinson Restaurant

Dine beside a tranquil lakeside in City Park, with fresh seasonal options. Open 12:00pm–10:00pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Spend a revitalizing afternoon in one of the largest and most famous thermal bath complexes in Europe, open 6:00am–10:00pm.
EUR20, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café Kör

Enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes in a cozy atmosphere with excellent local wines. Open until 10:30pm.
EUR25, 2h0m
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Day 4: Jewish Quarter & Departure to Prague

Budapest, Hungary / Prague, Czech Republic on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Espresso Embassy

Taste artisanal coffee and light breakfast at this popular café in Budapest's Jewish Quarter. Opens at 8:00am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore the Jewish Quarter

Visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, Jewish Museum and stroll the lively district filled with street art and cafes. Synagogue open 10:00am–4:00pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mazel Tov

Enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in a trendy garden-style setting. Open 12:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:30pm

Travel by train to Prague

Board a direct train to Prague for about 7 hours and enjoy scenic views crossing from Hungary into Czechia.
EUR35, 7h0m

9:30pm

Arrival and hotel check-in Prague

Check into your hotel and rest after the journey.
EUR0, 1h0m
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Day 5: Prague Old Town

Prague, Czech Republic on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Savoy

Enjoy a stylish breakfast in a grand café with French and Czech influences. Opens at 8:00am.
CZK350, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock

Explore the vibrant Old Town Square and watch the famous Astronomical Clock hourly show. Clock show at every hour 9am–9pm.
CZK0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mlejnice

Taste traditional Czech cuisine in a cozy atmosphere in the Old Town. Open 11:00am–10:00pm.
CZK300, 1h30m

2:00pm

Climb Old Town Hall Tower

Get panoramic views of Prague from the top of the Old Town Hall Tower. Open 9:00am–8:00pm.
CZK250, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Charles Bridge

Walk along the historic Charles Bridge filled with statues, street artists, and stunning river views. Open all day.
CZK0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Lokál Dlouhááá

Dine on fresh, local Czech dishes and Pilsner beer in a bustling beer hall. Open until midnight.
CZK350, 2h0m
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Day 6: Castle District & Museums

Prague, Czech Republic on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Louvre

Historic café with rich tradition and a varied menu, open since 1902. Opens at 8:00am.
CZK300, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral

Tour the iconic Prague Castle complex and the spectacular Cathedral. Open 6:00am–10:00pm; main sites 9:00am–5:00pm.
CZK350, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuchyň

Enjoy farm-to-table Czech cuisine right next to the Castle with views of the city. Open 11:30am–3:30pm.
CZK400, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit the Lobkowicz Palace Museum

Discover art collections, music manuscripts, and panoramic views from the palace inside the Castle. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
CZK300, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk down Nerudova Street

Explore charming cobblestone streets with colorful historic buildings and local shops.
CZK0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Terasa U Zlate Studne

Fine dining with an exquisite terrace view of Prague’s skyline near the Castle. Open 5:00pm–11:00pm.
CZK700, 2h0m
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Day 7: Day trip: Kutná Hora

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic on August 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast at your hotel before the day trip to Kutná Hora.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Kutná Hora

Travel about an hour east by train to visit the medieval mining town Kutná Hora.
CZK200, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Sedlec Ossuary (Bone Church)

Explore the eerie bone-decorated chapel, a must-see unique landmark. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
CZK90, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit St. Barbara’s Church

Tour one of the most famous Gothic churches in Europe with stunning architecture. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
CZK100, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dačický Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Czech meals in Kutná Hora’s historic center. Open 11:00am–10:00pm.
CZK300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Prague

Catch the afternoon train back to Prague.
CZK200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax in Letná Park

Enjoy sunset views over the Vltava River and city skyline in Letná Park.
CZK0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Eska

Modern Czech cuisine in an industrial chic setting. Open 12:00pm–11:00pm.
CZK500, 2h0m
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Day 8: Travel to Vienna

Prague, Czech Republic / Vienna, Austria on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Imperial

Enjoy a grand Viennese-style breakfast before your departure. Opens at 8:00am.
CZK350, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Vienna

Take an efficient 4-hour train ride from Prague to Vienna to begin your Austrian adventure.
EUR35, 4h0m

2:00pm

Arrival and hotel check-in

Settle into your Vienna hotel located in the city center.
EUR0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk around Stephansplatz & St. Stephen's Cathedral

Explore the vibrant heart of Vienna and visit its iconic Gothic cathedral. Cathedral open 6:00am–10:00pm.
EUR0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Taste the world-famous Wiener Schnitzel at this legendary restaurant. Opens 12:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 9: Vienna Palaces

Vienna, Austria on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Demel

Start your day at this historic café with rich pastries and coffee. Opens at 8:00am.
EUR20, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the Baroque summer residence of the Habsburgs with magnificent gardens and the Gloriette. Palace open 8:30am–5:30pm.
EUR23, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Residenz

Have lunch in the palace grounds offering Viennese classics. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

Explore the impressive art museum and gardens housing Klimt's The Kiss. Open 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk in Stadtpark

Relax in this beautiful city park featuring monuments of famous Viennese composers.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Enjoy classic Tafelspitz (boiled beef), a traditional Austrian dish. Open 11:30am–11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 10: Museums & Music

Vienna, Austria on August 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Historic café favored by intellectuals with grand interiors. Opens at 8:00am.
EUR20, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum

Immerse yourself in one of the world’s premier art museums with Renaissance and Baroque collections. Open 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR18, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Glacis Beisl

A hidden gem in MuseumsQuartier offering modern Austrian cuisine. Open 11:30am–10:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:30pm

Haus der Musik Museum

Discover Vienna's rich musical heritage through interactive exhibits. Open 10:00am–8:00pm.
EUR14, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Stadtpark or attend a concert

Optionally enjoy a classical concert in the evening at Musikverein or Vienna State Opera. Check performance schedules in advance.
EUR40-100, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Try Viennese tapas-style open sandwiches and wine. Open until 11:00pm.
EUR30, 2h0m
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Day 11: Travel to Venice

Vienna, Austria / Venice, Italy on August 19, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the journey to Venice.
EUR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Train from Vienna to Venice

Take an approximate 7-hour train journey through the scenic Alps to Venice, Italy.
EUR60, 7h0m

3:30pm

Arrival and hotel check-in

Check in at Venice hotel near St. Mark’s Square to maximize sightseeing.
EUR0, 1h0m

4:30pm

Walk to St. Mark's Square and Basilica

Explore the famed piazza and visit St. Mark’s Basilica (open 9:30am–5:00pm).
EUR3, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gazzettino

Enjoy Venetian seafood specialties with local wines. Open 12:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 12: Venice Canals & Museums

Venice, Italy on August 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Florian

Experience the oldest café in Venice, located in St. Mark’s Square, with classic pastries and coffee. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR25, 1h0m

9:30am

Doge's Palace Tour

Discover Venice’s political past at the Doge’s Palace with grand halls and the Bridge of Sighs. Open 9:00am–7:00pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere

Savor fresh seafood dishes in a cozy, highly rated Venetian eatery. Open 12:30pm–3:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Gondola Ride

Experience a classic 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s iconic canals.
EUR80, 0h30m

3:00pm

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Modern art museum featuring works by Picasso and Dalí. Open 10:00am–6:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Hidden gem known for authentic Venetian cuisine. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 13: Murano & Burano Day Trip

Venice, Italy on August 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a day of island exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Ferry to Murano

Take a 30-minute ferry to Murano island, famous for glass making.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Murano Glass Factory Tour

Visit a glass-blowing studio and watch demonstrations. Most open by 9:30am.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:00am

Ferry to Burano

Enjoy the scenic 30-minute boat ride to the colorful island of Burano.
EUR7, 0h30m

11:30am

Explore Burano Village

Walk through vibrantly painted houses and enjoy local lace shops.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Dine on fresh seafood specialties on Burano island. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return ferry to Venice

Head back to Venice main island by ferry.
EUR7, 0h30m

3:00pm

Relax or explore hidden Venice neighborhoods

Enjoy leisurely walks or a café break in quieter districts like Dorsoduro.
EUR0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Zucca

Enjoy outstanding vegetarian Italian dishes in a cozy setting. Open 7:00pm–11:00pm.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 14: Last Day Venice Leisure

Venice, Italy on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Famous for Venetian pastries with coffee. Opens at 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Rialto Market

Discover fresh produce, seafood and lively market atmosphere, ideal for photos and souvenirs.
EUR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Alle Corone

Fine Venetian dining near Rialto Bridge with refined dishes. Open 12:00pm–3:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Jewish Ghetto

Visit one of the oldest Jewish quarters in Europe, with museums and synagogues. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
EUR10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Farewell Gondola Ride or Canal Walk

Reflect on your trip with a last gondola ride or a leisurely stroll through charming canals.
EUR80, 1h0m

7:30pm

Final Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere or similar

Enjoy a memorable final dinner savoring Venetian specialties in an intimate setting.
EUR50, 2h0m
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Day 15: Travel Day & Departure

Venice, Italy / San Diego, USA on August 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departing for the airport.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Venice Marco Polo Airport

Take a water taxi or shuttle to the airport for your flight back to San Diego.
EUR30, 1h0m

10:00am

Flight Venice to San Diego

Begin your long-haul return flight with connections arriving next day in San Diego.
USD0, 15h0m
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Day 16: Arrival Day

San Diego, USA on August 24, 2025

3:00pm

Arrive San Diego International Airport

Welcome back! Conclude your memorable Eastern European adventure.
USD0, 0h0m
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