7 Day Central Europe Tour Packages

Central Europe itineraries for 7 days

Compiled by

MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Central Europe, incl. Vienna and Prague

  Central Europe's gems shine over 7 days: Vienna's Grinzing district, Budapest's Váci utca, and Prague Castle. Bratislava's charm, Pilsen's beer heritage, and Rothenburg's medieval beauty lead to Frankfurt's diverse dining scene.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Vienna, Austria

    Start your Central Europe adventure in Vienna with two full days of exploration. Visit Stephansplatz early in the morning before the crowds arrive. A recent visitor shared: "The morning light hitting St. Stephen's Cathedral is magical - get there before 9 AM to avoid tour groups and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere." In the evening take your transfer to Grinzing, the wine village district. Book your restaurant in advance or arrive by 6 PM since tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

    
  • Day 3

    Budapest, Hungary

    Take the 3-hour morning train from Vienna to Budapest. Pick seats on the right side for the best views of the Danube. Begin at Váci utca for lunch before your river cruise. Late afternoon offers perfect lighting for photos of the Parliament building. The optional Magyar folklore show is worth considering. While it caters to tourists, you'll learn about local culture and get to enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner.

    
  • Day 4

    Bratislava and Prague

    Leave early to reach Bratislava by mid-morning. You can easily walk through the Old Town. Have lunch near Michael's Gate at one of the traditional restaurants. The 4-hour drive to Prague follows. Your evening transfer to Old Town Square will help you get your bearings. Skip the tourist-priced restaurants on the square. Better options await just two blocks away.

    
  • Day 5

    Prague, Czech Republic

    Get to Prague Castle by 8:30 AM for its 9 AM opening to avoid the crowds. Your Vltava river cruise offers great views of Charles Bridge. A previous visitor noted: "The afternoon free time was perfect for exploring the Jewish Quarter, but bring good walking shoes - those cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery when wet."

    
  • Day 6

    Pilsen to Frankfurt

    This day involves the most travel but includes interesting stops. You'll need about 2 hours to see Pilsen's historic center. Visit Rothenburg's medieval walls in the afternoon after most tourists leave. You'll reach Frankfurt by evening. The Römerberg square area has plenty of dining choices from traditional German food to international options.

    
  • Day 7

    Frankfurt Departure

    Your trip ends in Frankfurt. If you're flying out, leave at least 45 minutes to get to the airport from the city center. Weekday morning traffic can be heavy.

    

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• 7 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary, incl. Budapest and Berlin

  Central Europe's highlights span from Hungarian Parliament to Wawel Castle, Prague's Old Town to Brandenburg Gate. The adventure includes 5 nights in hostels, overnight train, and guided orientation walks.

  

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  • Day 1

    Budapest

    Start your journey in Hungary's beautiful capital. Visit the Castle District early in the morning when it's less crowded. Take the funicular up Castle Hill when it opens at 7:30 AM to skip the long lines that form later. A previous visitor shares: "The Parliament Building visit was absolutely worth it, but book the English tour at least a day ahead as they sell out quick."

    
  • Day 2

    Budapest to Krakow

    Visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths right at 6 AM opening to enjoy peaceful outdoor pools before the crowds arrive. Stop for lunch at the G Adventures-supported Nem Adom Fel Café, which supports locals with disabilities. Take the overnight train to Krakow in the evening. Remember to bring snacks and water since the dining car closes early.

    
  • Day 3

    Krakow

    Start at the main Market Square (Rynek Główny) when you arrive. Get there before 8 AM for crowd-free photos. Book your Auschwitz tour ahead of time. The 8 AM tour gives you time to visit Krakow's Jewish Quarter later. A visitor notes: "The early morning Auschwitz tour was incredibly moving and well-organized. Bring comfortable walking shoes and water."

    
  • Day 4

    Krakow to Prague

    Take the 8-hour morning train to Prague. Use this time to rest up for Prague's evening beer scene. Your guide will walk you through Old Town and end at a traditional beer hall. As one visitor puts it: "The authentic Czech beer halls were a highlight - so much better than the touristy spots."

    
  • Day 5

    Prague

    Visit Prague Castle early before the tour buses arrive. Buy tickets online and use the quieter east gate entrance. Walk across Charles Bridge before 9 AM when street artists start setting up. You'll have the afternoon free. The Museum of Communism offers great insights into the region's history.

    
  • Day 6

    Prague to Berlin

    Take the five-hour train to Berlin. Visit the East Side Gallery to see Berlin Wall murals in the afternoon light. Join an evening tour of Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate. A recent visitor suggests: "Berlin's graffiti art scene was incredible - ask locals for current hotspots as they change often."

    
  • Day 7

    Berlin

    Your final morning is open. You could visit the Reichstag dome (book at least 3 days ahead) or explore the trendy Kreuzberg area. The trip ends at noon, but staying an extra day would let you really experience Berlin's size and variety.

    

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• 7 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary, incl. Munich and Prague

  This immersive Central European tour spans 8 cities from Munich to Prague. Highlights include Melk Abbey, authentic dining in local restaurants, and expert-led tours in Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. Features 9 major excursions across 5 countries.

  

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  • Day 1

    Munich, Germany

    Begin in Munich's historic center. Visit Marienplatz for the Glockenspiel show at 11 AM. A day pass for public transport costs about $8 and makes getting around simple. "The orientation tour gave us a perfect overview of Munich's mix of modern and traditional - don't miss the beer halls in the evening, they're the heart of Bavarian culture."

    
  • Day 2

    Munich to Vienna

    Take the 4-hour drive to Mondsee and visit its famous abbey, known from The Sound of Music. Continue to Melk Abbey, arriving by 1 PM before tour buses fill the space. Plan for a 90-minute abbey tour. Wear good walking shoes for the marble floors. Drive 2 hours to Vienna and enjoy the illuminated monuments along Ring Road in the evening.

    
  • Day 3

    Vienna to Budapest

    Visit the Hofburg Palace early at 9 AM before crowds build up. After lunch, drive 3 hours to Budapest. "The evening Danube cruise is worth every penny - Budapest's Parliament building lit up at night is incredible. Book the 7:30 PM sailing for the best sunset views."

    
  • Day 4

    Budapest to Prague

    Drive to Bratislava (2.5 hours) and spend 2 hours exploring the old town. Check out the UFO observation deck for great city views. Continue 4 hours to Prague, arriving for sunset at Charles Bridge. "Head to the bridge around 7 PM when day-trippers leave. The golden hour light on the castle is magical."

    
  • Day 5

    Prague

    Get to Prague Castle by 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. "The Prague Castle complex is huge - get the audio guide and plan at least 3 hours here. The St. Vitus Cathedral's stained glass is breathtaking in morning light." Spend your afternoon in the Jewish Quarter and evening in Old Town.

    
  • Day 6

    Prague to Munich

    Drive to Nuremberg (4 hours) and take 2 hours to explore the rebuilt medieval center. Try the local dark beer at lunch. Continue to Munich (2.5 hours). "Nuremberg's Documentation Center is sobering but important - plan about 90 minutes if you want to understand the city's WWII history."

    
  • Day 7

    Munich

    Use your final morning to visit the BMW Museum or English Garden if you have an afternoon flight. Take the S-Bahn to the airport (45 minutes). Plan extra time during rush hour between 7-9 AM.

    

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