This website uses cookies to collect information about how you use this site.
This information is used to make the website work as well as possible.
See our Cookie Policy for more details.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.
You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies, but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience.
Central Europe is full of wonder, adventure, and fairytale cities. Discover all of this for yourself as you travel from Germany to Hungary on this 9-day adventure. Learn about the political history of the Berlin Wall, explore Prague's charm, walk across centuries-old Charles Bridge, and step back in time as you travel through the Bohemian countryside filled with ancient castles and quaint hamlets. From in-depth culinary experiences to vibrant nightlife you'll find something new every way you turn.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your Foodie Moment: Sacher Torte Tasting, Vienna
Your Foodie Moment: Naschmarkt Walk, Vienna. Walk the Berlin Wall with a Historian, Visit Naschmarkt in Vienna, Enjoy Your G for Good Moment at Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar in Budapest, Sacher Torte Tasting Vienna, Orientation walk in Budapest. Tour Prague's old town including the Jewish quarter, clock tower, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
1. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. Your CEO will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.
2. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Local Guide, CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Max 16, avg 12
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.
Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.
Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller's cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller's cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.
Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Visit sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian, Wander through Prague's old town, Sample Viennese coffee and Sacher Torte in Vienna, Walk through the famed Nashmarkt with a foodie-guide, Make a stop at a G Adventures-supported café in Budapest.
Max 16, Avg 12.
Train, private van, walking.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, known as a CEO (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
8 breakfasts
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotel/pensions (8 nts).
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)
Berlin
- East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall (Free)
- Judisches Museum Visit (8EUR per person)
- Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit (17.50EUR per person)
- Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit (13-23EUR per person)
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- Brandenburg Gate Visit (Free)
Prague
- Letná Beer Garden Visit (Free-3EUR per person)
- Malá Strana Visit
- Petrín Hill Hike (Free-30CZK per person)
- Prague Castle (Hradcany) Visit (250-350CZK per person)
- Prague Food Tour
Ceský Krumlov
- State Castle and Chateau Ceský Krumlov Tour (360CZK per person)
Vienna
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8EUR per person)
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19EUR per person)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15EUR per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14EUR per person)
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (56-200EUR per person)
Budapest
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28EUR per person)
- Hungarian National Museum (1600HUF per person)
- Hungarian State Opera House (2900HUF per person)
- Great Market Hall Visit (Free)
- Chain Bridge (Free)
- Danube River Cruise
- Budapest History Walking Tour
- Parliament Building Visit (5200HUF per person)
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Arrive at any time.
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
First up is an orientation walk of Berlin to become more acquainted with this city. Afterwards, set out with a local history to learn more about the political and social history surrounding the Berlin Wall. The rest of the day is yours, maybe visit the famous Brandenburg Gate, hop on a river tour, or take in the art scene at local museums.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and is a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
It's off to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, this morning by train. Spend the day getting to know this UNESCO World Heritage site starting with a guided tour of the city centre. Then, opt to see the sunset from a beer garden along the shore of the Vltava River.
A great way to spend the evening is watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost.
The day is yours to explore Prague. You could spend time wandering around and observing the architecture of the “city of a hundred spires” or walk across the Charles Bridge to see the Jewish Quarter and the medieval astronomical clock there. If you're looking for a more active day consider climbing the 200 steps up to the palaces and courtyards of Prague Castle and then choose to stop by a local restaurant for some Czech beer and traditional cuisine.
Charles Bridge by day is packed with vendors and street musicians. At night, it is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering.
If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place for it. You'll find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine like fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.
Enjoy a drive through the countryside to the town of Ceský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site, dubbed fairytale town. Choose to visit the castle and chateau there and explore the grounds. Think hidden passageways and a hedge maze that will keep you busy for hours.
The inclusion of Ceský Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. It sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer.
Hop the border into Austria today and enjoy a quick orientation tour of Vienna. Then, sip a cup of rich Viennese coffee from a local café before taking advantage of free time to continue touring the capital of Austria.
Today's adventure includes meeting with a local chef at the famed Nashmarkt and sampling Viennese delicacies among the many stalls. In the afternoon you'll have free time to check out some art galleries, see the beautiful Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School, or attend mass with the Vienna Boys Choir.
The group will ride a train to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Once there enjoy an orientation walk before visiting a G Adventures-supported café where proceeds support Hungarians living with a disability as well as rural Roma communities. The rest of the day is yours to check out a thermal bathhouse, wander around a Baroque castle, or visit a ruin bar for a unique atmosphere and maybe some live music.
You might like to have an optional dinner at a local restaurant on Váci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest.
To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.
Details
Duration: 9 Days
Travel Style: Classic
Service Level: Upgraded
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Trip Type: Small Group
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
9 day Classic tour
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise