Best of Central Europe - Prague - Krakow - Budapest

CENTRAL EUROPE 9 DAY, 8 NIGHT ITINERARY
Get ready for a whirlwind through Central Europe's most intriguing cities! WSA encourages customers to opt into early arrival options to maximize your time.

Day 0 - Optional Early Arrival

Opt in to an early arrival to spend more time in Prague to kick off your adventure. There's tons to keep you busy, and we'll recommend a slew of ideas. Our local guide will drop in that evening to say hi, and show you some top local spots for food and drinks.

Day 1 - Czeching Out Prague

Our local guide will meet you at 10 am to break down the plan for the week. WSA trips are casual, laid back and fun, yet efficient. For our first day in Prague we'll be exploring the old Medieval heart of Prague, the Old Town. On this orientational walking tour, you'll see the Old Town Square, climb the famous Clocktower and take in the massive Wenceslas Square where the Velvet Revolution began to break the Czechs away from Communism. The Old City is jam-packed with striking Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, making you feel like you jumped straight into a fairytale. Next we'll continue into the Jewish Quarter, to see the Pinkas Synagogue and to peer into the Jewish cemetery where 100,000 people are buried. We'll close out the night with a group dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant where you'll get to try local food and beer.  

Day 2 - Lesser Quarter & Prague Castle

Today the group will strike out for Prague Castle where you'll get to see the inside of Europe's largest castle for yourself plus enjoy some truly gorgeous views of Prague.  Next we'll enjoy a group lunch at Strahov Monestary which also happens to be a top brewery.  Then its on to Prague's Lesser Quarter. In this district, you'll take a few hours to tag the Lennon Wall, cross the Lover's Bridge, see the Infant Jesus Church of Prague, and have a laugh at the Pissing Statues.

If the weather cooperates we'll also go paddle boating on the Vlatava. After the busy day you'll definitely need some time to rest before exploring som of Prague's most unique cellar bars & pubs. In the clubbing mood? Head to Karlovy Lazne, Central Europe's largest!

Day 3 - Exploration Day

Today is yours to continue exploring the city or consider taking a day trip outside of Prague.  We can give you TONS of suggestions of additional neighborhoods to visit or fun and easy day trips.  Tonight we'll head to Krakow via an overnight train.

Day 4 - Welcome to Krakow

We'll arrive early in the morning from Prague and head straight to the hostel. We'll relax for a bit before our local guide picks us up and we'll head to Krakow's Medieval Old Town, making our way to the Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the city. 

We'll zip back to Old Town in style- via an extended-cab golf cart- After free time, we'll meet up for a group dinner at Krakow's popular local eatery for a pierogi feast. Next is the “Polish Party”, our private tasting where you’ll get to try up to 6 typical Polish vodkas and other spirits, before heading out to Krakow's best nightlife spots.

Day 5 - Jewish Quarter and Salt Mines
Today we'll start out in Kazimierz, the historic Jewish Ghetto of Krakow.  Then its onto Schindler's Factory, which Spielberg’s famous movie Schindler’s List was based on, and is now one of Europe’s best WWII museums.  We'll enjoy lunch in the Jewish quarter then head to the Wieliczka salt mine which is often called the "underground salt cathedral of Poland"  Here you can revel in the countless statues carved out of salt.

Then its back to the hostel to freshen up before our optional group dinner and delectable cocktails in Krakow's trendy Jewish quarter.

Day 6 - Auschwitz Day Trip
Today will be a somber but meaningful day as we head to the Auschwitz and Birkinau concentration camps. You'll spend several hours in each of the two camps responsible for killing an estimated million Jews while in operation during the war. Your English-speaking Auschwitz guide will accompany you throughout sharing stories to remember the victims of the horrible past of this place.

We'll pick up our bags and head to Budapest for the last leg of the journey.

Day 7 - Meet Pest & Buda

WSA's local Budapest guide will meet up with you for a quick orientation meeting and be sure to bring your swimsuit/towel with you for baths later! From there, we'll head down Andrássy Avenue- the Champs Elysees of Budapest- to see all the iconic sights: Hungarian Parliament building, a statue of Ronald Reagan, the American Embassy, and a memorial to the victims of the Nazis called Shoes on the Danube.

After crossing the Danube on the Chain Bridge, and climbing up to the Castle, we'll wrap up the walking tour at the famous Fisherman's Bastion overlooking the entire city. Next its time for relaxation in Budapest's best natural thermal spa: Szechenyi Baths.    

For the optional dinner our local guide will show you one of her favorite local restaurants like a deli where you get to pick exactly what you want before it's flash-grilled in front of you. Dress to stay out as we'll be pub crawling through District 7 and tossing back drinks in this neighborhood's most distinctive venues: Ruin Bars. Left in shambles after WWII, this area has been transformed into funky bars each with a different unique atmosphere.  

Day 8 - The Heart of Pest
Lace up your comfy shoes because today is caving day! We'll begin by walking down Budapest's oldest Medieval street, Vaci Utca, to the colorful Grand Market--the largest and oldest indoor market in the city.

Now it's time to strap on jump-suits and headlamps and go caving deep inside the hills of Buda! These massive underground caverns are filled with awe-inspiring stalagmite and stalactite mineral formations that draw visitors from all over the world! Alternative activities will be arranged by your guide for those who are claustrophobic like a chairlift ride with panoramic views of the city.

Day 9 - Tearful Goodbyes

Sadly, the tour finishes today after breakfast. Everyone is encouraged to stick around as long as they like, or depart as necessary to catch travel arrangements. For those staying longer, our local guide will recommend all sorts of activities for you to do to enjoy your extra time like a one of a kind market at Szimpla.

WSA's Central Europe Prague-Budapest Itinerary

Starting from Prague:

Day 1 -3 - Fly in and explore one of Europe's most magical cities- Prague!  You're package includes Prague Castle and the Lesser Quarter then explore the old town, Jewish Quarter and you'll have tickets climb the clock tower for gorgeous views of the city

Night 3 - Take an overnight train from PRG-KRK 

Day 4 - 6 - Explore Krakow's charming old town and pay your respects at Auschwitz.  Opt into explore Wieliczka Salt mines.  Catch an afternoon bus into Budapest

Day 7, & 8 - Head to Budapest and dive into world famous thermal baths, check out the beautiful buildings, and opt into caving

Day 9 - Your adventure is sadly over. We'll have recommendations on how to connect out of town to the airport.

If you wish to start in Budapest, this itinerary is flipped, ending in Prague. Day 1, arrival day is in Budapest, and Day 9 is in Prague.