Continental Immersion: A 10-Day Itinerary Across Central Europe

Always start by leisurely exploring a new city. This is the best part of arrival and gives you the city’s first impression vibe. Walk the Danube Promenade and visit the stoic Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial. Then grab dinner and call it an early night.

Visit Budapest’s most iconic thermal bath with huge, outdoor pools. The setting is extra special with a view of the yellow Neo-Baroque architecture. Plan to spend 4-hours including the drive. It’s located near City Park, so visit Vajdahunyad Castle after. Then enjoy a little downtime before heading to dinner.

This is the day to wear comfortable shoes! Head to St. Stephen’s Basilica and climb the observation deck for panoramic city views. After 45-minutes to an hour, stop for coffee and a light bite. Then walk to the Hungarian Parliament Building. Here I recommend a guided tour, as it’s the most iconic landmark in town. The design is rich and includes 365 towers (one for every day). Stop for lunch on your way to Fisherman’s Bastion, then enjoy the fairy-tale, romantic views over the city. Take a break before a fancy dinner. After 5-6 miles of walking, you’ll earn that meal!

Say goodbye to Budapest, and take the train to Vienna. After a scenic 2-1/2 hour ride, check into your new hotel and start exploring to once again, get the “vibe.” Early evening, participate in a Schnitzel and Strudel cooking class for an immersive dinner experience.

Start with Schonbrunn Palace, grab lunch in the city center, continue to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and finish with Hofburg. It’s a full day and plenty of walking, but it’s worth it! Finish the evening with a dinner cruise on the Danube.

Hop on a quick, one-hour train ride to Bratislava, Slovakia. Immerse yourself in a new country, culture, and culinary scene. Take a leisurely day exploring the Bratislava Castle and wandering the cobblestone streets in Old Town. Grab a casual lunch at Koliba Kamzik Zelena. The potato dumplings and sheep’s cheese are must-haves. Then take the train back to Vienna and eat have dinner near the hotel.

Head out from Vienna early, as the train ride is four hours to Prague, Czech Republic. After checking into your last “home base” hotel, stretch your legs and explore Old Town Square (the historic heart of Prague) where you’ll see the Astronomical Clock. Walk along the river to Charles Bridge for epic views of the Prague Castle. Finish the evening with dinner at Mlynec, right next to the bridge, with views overlooking the Vltava River.

Heads to the infamous Prague Castle (take the tram!). You’ll spend a few hours here walking the castle courtyards and exploring. Then head downhill through Mala Strana for lunch in a charming cafe. After lunch, enjoy a sunset over Prague’s rooftops on Petrin Hill. After cleaning up for the evening, dine at Levitate for a Michelin star experience.

A few notable activities to discover as you meander at a relaxed pace through Prague include Idiom (a cylindrical tower of books), the Lennon Wall (a monument and tribute), and a beer bath (a spa where you bathe in brewer’s yeast). Enjoy a casual last night at a local restaurant and start packing before bed.

The time has come to head home from your amazing trip through Central Europe. Remember, it’s always best to have another vacation on the calendar, so time to start planning for the next one!