Best of Prague & Budapest in 8 Days Tour

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Exceeded my expectations. Good hotels located for maximal ease for walking tours. Outstanding guide / tour leader that was friendly, experienced, and made the tour fun and great learning experience. Just the right mix of organized tour and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cooking school in Budapest"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing guides with super attention to detail and personnel in the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Budapest was way better than i had imagined."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guides, good balance between free time and tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Night cruise in Budapest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great time in Prague and Budapest. Andrea was an excellent tour leader. Jana, our local guide in Prague, was also great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague Town Square, but also hearing Andrea talk about attending the Queen concert in Budapest in 1986."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was beyond my expectations. Our tour guide, Andrea, was superb--I really enjoyed her insights and little gifts of candy, etc each day. I think the balance of guided tours and time for yourself was perfect--we could either go back to the same sites or hit different ones, or just go back to the hotel and relax. Our guide in Prague (Jana) was also excellent--her knowledge of the city was truly amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick. I really enjoyed the beer flights in Prague as we all got to know each other so much better there. I also liked the little mini opera samples we were given. I would never go to an opera by choice, but I truly enjoyed the little samples of opera we were given in each city. And the cruise on the Danube at night was a hit, too."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

As usual the tour guide makes your tours relaxing and informative. Andrea is an asset to the organization. Her life experience added to the perspective and experiences on the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Don Giovani private session. I have never experienced opera on this level and am excited to see young people bringing it back to life. This was the first time for my husband. He had a great experience and it changed his mind about opera."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The organization of the trip and pre-trip communications were excellent. It was our first Rick Steves tour and the tour met and exceeded our expectations so we will do it again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The presence and thoughtfulness and knowledge of our guides. We wouldn't have see and done what we did without them."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

my overall tour experience can best be described as wonderful. The itinerary on a daily basis was absorbing and I felt as if I were being immersed in the culture, history, art and many nuances of each place we visited. The guides did more than guide us.They set a supportive, inclusive and magical tone every day . They are real professionals with warm and engaging personalities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The unexpected that happened along the way. The musical performances- the surprising and delicious treats-the camaraderie-the beauty and art."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent tour guides. Hotels were average

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guides were over the top fantastic. They were all kind, knowledgable, thorough and totally fabulous.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When the guides had arranged a duo to sing for just us at the Opera house in Budapest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Phenomenal Tour!! The Guides were outstanding! It was also a nice change to only have to hotels and walk around the two cities as opposed to jumping on a bus every other day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one. I'd say the private concert we had in Prague. I typically don't like opera but this was out of this world!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The private opera show in Prague."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The guides were knowledgeable, approachable, and professional. Whether we were looking for a desert place, a particular fountain, shoes, or theater show, our Jana & Jana team was very helpful. I still see them in my mind like two hens with their adoptive chicks, trying to take care of the whole group, and still managing to recognize our individualities.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"From Prague was the moment we saw the Karlùv Most, we had seen it in photos but its beauty took our breath away. We enjoyed the buskers on the bridge that were playing the flute, accordion, or even the violins. Soña, Vratislav & Lenka's opera concert! Prague was like a shining jewel at night with the castle & the Charles Bridge decked out in lights. Budapest's "wow" moment was our first taste of curd with raspsberry authentic strudel at the Elsö Pesti Réesház, the baths at Széchenyi=WOW!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Our guides were kind, knowledgeable and organized. The pace of the tour was great and there was adequate organized time & events as well as free time to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed the live music elements- two opera performances and a traditional flute and accordion performance in Prague."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First Rick Steves tour, and it greatly exceeded our expectations. Our guides made sure there was no wasted time dealing with logistics. We appreciated the time taken to understand the culture and history of each country. I especially liked the emphasis on classical music and composers. There was a nearly perfect balance between the guided portion and the time on our own. Only criticism might be too much information coming too fast. Next time, will choose tours with more days.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Last night in Prague... the opera soloists presentation. It was very professional and the setting was intimate and memorable."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This trip exceeded my expectations. I had a wonderful time! The local guides provided additional insights of history that I would not have known on my own. Our first night in each country, our guide gave the group an overview of the area and how to get around on our own. This including walking and taking the local transportation. I enjoy having time on our own to explore and take in the sites at our pace. I felt there was a good balance of group vs on your own time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Not knowing much about Eastern Europe, my “WOW“ moment in Prague was Old Town & Castle Town and the Revolution walk. Our private concert in Prague was unexpected and fantastic. In Budapest, my “Wow” moment was the private opera in their Opera House and seeing the Budapest at night on both land and on the Danube River. In both locations my most memorable was when the local guide gave us history from WWII, after WWII being under Communist rule, thru their break from Communism in 1989."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve's tour and lived up to the hype. The tour guides were informative, responsive to the group and incredibly patient. The tour had a good mix of touring with the group and time to explore on your own. I am already planning my next tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Prague tour guide, Charka (spelling) was amazing. She wove a narrative into the historical information; providing insight into the culture and people. I really felt like I got a feel for the city and Czech people."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a great tour! The ear buds are a good thing. They allow us to spread out, walk single file, make way for local peoples, and it's easier for us who are a little bit hard of hearing. The only negative I had was the all day bus from Prauge to Budapest . Everything was first rate, but it was a long day. I don't have a suggestion of how to make it better, sorry. George is the best. Andrea was also terrific.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The opera singers in Prauge during our private concert They blew me away.l I've never seen opera or really heard it before."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I wasn't sure if I would enjoy it as I'm an independent traveler who loves to plan my own trips. It turned out to the be the perfect mixture with excellent, informed guides and plenty of our own exploration time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Personal stories from the guides that tied into recent and historical local history."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

George was outstanding! There was not 1 thing he had not prepared for or left to chance. His knowledge was incredible which he presented in interesting and pleasant discussions. His thoughtfulness and curtesy was awesome. Andrea was helpful and very kind too. The local guides, Sherka and the man who took us through the synagogue were awesome as well. The hotels were nicer than I expected and very comfortable. The tour organization was wonderful. It felt like an engaging immersion education.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s so hard to narrow it down to 1. The scenery was beautiful. Even in the rain, the cities were vibrant and friendly. Our guides treated our group like family but in a professional way. Each encounter with the guides made me feel more empowered to use the language and appreciate all the history presented. The food was fresh and beautifully presented. Perfect amount of free time and group time. Loved meeting and learning with the group. George really put a lot of extras into our group time."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Had a good time. Wish we had more group dinners together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the Parliament building in Budapest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour was just right for me--4 days in Prague and 3 days in Budapest. It was nice to stay in one place for a while and get to know it. I enjoyed the free time too.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I love the cooking class. It was a fun way to get to know some of the other people on the tour a little. I felt connected to the history when we walked the same route with our tour guide that he walked as a teenager with his older sister during the Velvet Revolution."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great history lesson!, Great guides! well planned. No hustle to the bus and back to boat as on a river cruise.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hungarian Parliament at sunset. (but there where many)"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an excellent journey with outstanding guides.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our first ever tour and 26th/27th countries visited. We had an excellent time. Every minute was full of great food, history architecture. Great guides Hanze, Shsrka, Eltalka, Monica were Both entertaining and informative and I remembered Hanza from the PBS episode. We also liked having free time to explore. The makeup and size of the group were great too. We all seemed to have things in common and 20 is the max I'd be happy with. It felt more personalized. Wish a music event has been included

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Sunset over the parliament in Budapest, communism museum in Prague (all should go), Hanze's replay of the revolt. Night cruise on the Danube"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great leadership plus a well designed itinerary. Etelka plus the other tour guides were amazing. They gave us the historical significance and their personal experiences growing up and living in Eastern Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many to choose from: Personal Opera performance, Baths in Budapest, sunsets, concerts, wandering the streets of these fabulous cities and the above mentioned walking tours."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Etelka and all of our local guides were great!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Hard to pick just one. Learning about the Velvet Revolution from hansa."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything went according to plan. Interesting sights. Great guides. Great food. Great history lessons. And great accommodations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There was more than one: Sailing at night past the lighted Parliament building in Budapest; Honza leading us on the Velvet Revolution walk/talk in Prague; our own personal opera performance at the State Opera House in Budapest. I could go on."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well orchestrated tour of two beautiful cities with our main guide Etelka leading the way. She has perfect personality and background for guiding, having been a teacher and host to foreign students. When combined with the local city guides in Prague and Budapest it made the experience much more personal and meaningful. Itinerary timing was good overall, took public transport so as to avoid the tour bus-herds so common to normal tourists. Big success for our first group tour, would do it again!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Difficult to say as there were many- Prague guide Honza leading us down a very personal journey when Czech students bravely started the 1989 demonstrations (he was there!); tours of beautiful cathedrals & castles; organ concert at Basilica of St Stephen; catching up on 1000 years of European history; great interaction between Etelka and Honza, Sarca, & Monica; nice dinners, scheduled and otherwise; ruin pubs; limited museum viewing helped to connect the dots"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a very congenial group of travelers and a personable, charming guide who helped us to experience two remarkable cities in Eastern Europe.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Walking tour of the Velvet Revolution in Prague seen through the eyes of our guide who was a teenager at the time."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The hotel and food choices were really good. Our tour guide was full of details about politics and history making very enjoyable our walks through out the cities. We never stopped because of the weather, it was raining but not very cold. (I will add that the rain made the experience more in tune with the tour) I loved enjoyed Prague and Budapest.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My husband"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip to Prague and Budapest was amazing. In addition to the medieval sights, castles, architecture, river views, city sights, etc., our tour guide Anna Lenard and our Prague tour guide Martin were exceptional. They provided historical content and context that gave so much of what we saw more meaning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It is so hard to pick one thing, but for me visiting the Jewish neighborhood in Prague was exceptionally moving. As a Jewish woman of Eastern European heritage (although not from Prague or the Czech Republic) seeing family names the same as mine inscribed on the memorial walls was jarring. And, then there was the beauty of the synagogues--and the churches in both Prague and Budapest. Finally - the river cruise on the Danube...spectacular. Or the opera performances just for our group!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We loved visiting these two cities, and felt the tour was exactly what we signed up for. And a great group of people who were up for the rigorous walking so we were able to cover a lot of ground. Our tour guide was a bit reserved and aloof. Maybe we were spoiled with the guide on our Ireland tour, or maybe it was cultural? Of course not having hot water for three of four nights in Prague was a issue. We Also tested for Covid upon arrival home. The mask requirement on the bus was Not enforced.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The views of Budapest. It was a sunny day after rain in Prague and so beautiful on the Pest hillside. Loved the opera house tour and the cooking class too."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Prague and Budapest was my 7th RS tour and it did not disappoint. Even though I toured Prague on a 7-day tour in 2006, I saw and experienced new things! Great guides, great experiences, great traveling companions!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our private concert in Prague brought tears to my eyes! On a tour, I get used to showing up at the appointed time and place with not much consideration for what’s next. On a beautiful evening, just at sunset, we gathered on the bank of the Vltava, then we were ushered into the Smetana museum. The private concert was held in an intimate space with a beautiful view of the Charles Bridge. When a soprano sings a Don Giovanni aria just four feet away from you, well, tears!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour. Guides were wonderful. Anna and Martin were so friendly and knowledgeable. Great group of tour members.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Opera house was the best part of the tour. Beautiful!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

We felt the tour was not as advertised. As vigorous exercise daily was indicated in the tour guide at registration. As a couple we expected a far more active experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We enjoyed our time in Budapest far more than Prague. The cooking class was a highlight as was the dinner on the first night in Prague."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was well paced and fun to meet our tour group. It was a nice balance of group and solo activities/ time. Our tour guide was very nice and the local guides offered some great perspectives.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"How beautiful Budapest is!"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Good, 1st time RS tour, wasn’t sure what to expect. I think I was the only person who had actually Read my RS books provided. I arrived about 4 days early and stayed 4 days after to fully see both cities above and beyond the tour. Restaurants and food choices were good. Hotels were both in great locations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cooking class was nice, and I’m not really into them much. What we cooked was actually very tasty. Also enjoyed the boat ride down the Danube River in Budapest."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Anna was a fantastic guide, and Martin as local guide in Prague was outstanding. The hotels, meals, and unique experiences were all excellent, as we’ve come to expect from RSE!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Municipal House tour with the opportunity to see Mucha’s murals in such an intimate setting in an incredibly historic building was the thrill of a lifetime, and then, so was cruising the Danube in “the Pearl” of Budapest!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We did so much and saw so much - I can’t believe it fit into eight days!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Thermal baths were transcendent!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I was glad to resume travel after Covid restraining. Eastern Europe was travel at its best.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing Parliament building lighted during Danube cruise. First, I saw stars concentrated above the building. Later, I noticed, these stars were moving. When boat come close to the Parliament, I realized, these stars are birds flying above building. Light from Parliament was reflected by bird’s wings."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

The tour was well run and had a good combination of history and culture in a part of the world with which I have had only a little contact and knowledge. I feel closer to the impressive cultural and political accomplishments of the Czech and Hungarian people.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment had to be the evening cruise on the Danube in Budapest. It was beautiful and at the same time something I had only dreamed of doing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We found the tour to be well-organized, informative, and provided an insightful overview of the must see sites in Budapest and Prague. Our tour guide Monica was helpful, insightful, candid, humorous and took care of our individual needs. Our local guide in Prague was well steeped in history and culture and brought the city and the culture of the Czech Republic alive for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We can't limit it to one, our top 3 were the cooking class, the velvet revolution walk, and the tour off the opera house with a live performance."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed seeing Eastern Europe. it was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Jewish Ghetto."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic! I learned so much Eastern European history from our wonderful guides. Not only were they knowledgeable and entertaining but were able to draw on their own experiences to tell a good story!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The sounds of the orchestra and singer in the Klementinum at Prague University. It was magical!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was a great experience to visit two countries that I'd never visited before.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The description from our Prague local guide (Honsa - spelling?) of the Velvet Revolution. Hearing his story as a 14 year old marching with his friends (and thousands of others) really made it personal for me. Before his description, I didn't realize there were multiple marches over a month before the protestors got what they wanted. Walking those steps with him made it more real. I also loved the small opera performance at the Budapest Opera."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour leader Anna and her assistant Andrea were wonderful. They were incredibly knowledgeable, relaxed, and kept everything running so smoothly!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A surprise concert that our tour leader arranged just for our group the last night in Prague - amazing."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Fantastic tour. What I’ve come to expect from Rick Steves tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Opera House in Budapest was definitely “off the charts”. I’ve never seen such splendor."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a trip of a lifetime. Tour members and guides were terrific!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were too many "wow" moments to mention..everything was "wow"! From the meals to the sights to the extra surprise concerts, it was all so wonderful!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1. Private opera concert in Prague 2. Budapest cooking class 3. Local guides in both Prague and Budapest"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Only thing NOT outstanding was the weather

Favorite "WOW" moment

"listening to national symphony from the sidelines at Municipal House in Prague"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great time in Prague. Anna arranged a private opera show for our group. Never expected that.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Art Nuveau municipal house was better than Paris Art Nuveau. Stunning"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything was amazing and organized considering everyone is trying to get back to "normal" after two years.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many, but the opera singers and pianist in Prague who performed just for our small group was amazing!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my second “city” tou, and I LOVE them! Please add more! Prague and Budapest are amazing, and our group couldn’t have been more congenial. If you’re interested, here’s the link to the blog I made for the tour: https://off2prague-budapest.blogspot.com/ Please note that I’m happy to share it, but it’s not a public blog - I created it for family and friends (and fellow tour mates), as well as a sort of photo album for myself, but it’s not publicly searchable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cooking class at Chef Parade in Budapest - what fun!!! And thank you for including a cookbook for each of us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very pleased with the guides and their knowledge. We had a small group (12) which allowed us to get to know everyone.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cooking class in Budapest."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was great. We saw a lot in a short time. It was a good mix of planned activities and free time.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Municipal House in Prague. Everyone should tour this building if they are in Prague. Also, the Prague Castle Orchestra on the first night was a great treat."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was wonderful! The guides were so knowledgeable and helpful!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite activity was probably the thermal baths in Budapest! I really felt like a local. The check-in process was a bit intimidating however, as we were there at a busy time, surrounded by Hungarian speaking men. We were't quite sure which counter to go to, and we spent a long time in the wrong line. But we finally figured it our. Only 3 of us chose to go to the baths."

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

I felt the guide should’ve been more prepared for this tour. She stated it was her first one in two years. That being said I think she should’ve looked into more, one example was the cruise on the Danube. We were a group and upon arrival most seats were taken and not many were able to sit together.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Thoroughly enjoyed the baths in Budapest and the tour of the opera house. Also the local guide (not sure of his name) but said it was his first tour was absolutely fabulous!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great guides. Anna was fantastic. We were so happy to finally get to travel again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague was very charming with its old world charm."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a nice group, the accommodations were great, and our tour guide was knowledgeable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the Astronomical Clock in Prague, we walked by it often while on the tour."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I love all the places we went. The amount of walking was fabulous. It was a very nice trip and definitely recommend. Seeing

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the nutria at the river."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Wonderful experience, Katka was amazing, kind, knowledgable and helpful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Jewish quarter in Prague, specifically the Holocaust memorial and Jewish cemetary."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I really enjoyed the trip, Katka was a very good guide

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To many to say"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The restored cathedral near the palace complex in Buda."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My wife and I were on our third RS tour and Prague to Budapest did not disappoint us. We had a great time. The guides were excellent and the sites and food were as well.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a few: 1. The Budapest Opera House tour 2. The Prague Castle 3 The night Danube River cruise"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

I enjoyed having an itinerary and planning taken care of, along with having a small group of people to connect with and enjoy the tour. I found the eating later and somewhat early mornings caused me to become run down and fought off a cold at least half of the trip. Keeping the cold at bay, I had to forego several early morning activities as the schedule did not allow for a complete and rested nights sleep, with more free time in the middle of the day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The first evening in Prague at dinner and we were entertained by the two gentlemen with music and song. That was quite a first day and very enjoyable."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was great, Katka and Jorgi clearly were great ambassadors of their own cities, so much passion in introducing us to their culture and traditions. Katka, set the tone from the first meeting by introducing us to Prague's liquor and chocolate which I think was nice. In addition, she prepared goodies for the birthday celebrants from the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The dinner with musicians on our first dinner in Prague, it was lovely!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a wonderful experince! Two beautiful cities, good food; interesting people in our tour group and a very educational experince overall.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Jewish cemetery and ghetto; very importsnt and impactful history and experience."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves' tour. Our next one is already booked thats how pleased and excited we are about Rick Steves' Europe. Katka our guide was over the moon with excitement to share her country again with eager travelers post pandemic. Her enthusiasm spread like wild fire -always smiling and joyful. Our secondary guides also very good however Katka is exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many - I love walking the city and discovering sights. The Anatomical clock in the town center of Prague was definitely a WOW"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

the tour was very well organized and thought out. hotels in prague and budapest were very well located and very comfortable. (except for the lack of ac which was a bit daunting). our tour guide, katerina, was personable, knowledgeable, and very charming. i truly enjoyed her. the group was also quite compatible, which was important since i was traveling alone. i strongly feel that we should have spent less time in prague and more in budapest. prague was lovely but repetitive.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"it is hard to pinpoint one favorite moment. i think the attention to detail was apparent in all our activities. i enjoyed learning the history and viewing most sites. katerina also organized a private concert in prague which was fabulous. i especially was moved by our time spent in the jewish quarter of prague. the budapest baths were my absolute favorite. so beautiful and so full of life. a great way to end the trip."