• Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
    Prague's Charles Bridge
  • Mucha's stained-glass windows in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic
    Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Old Town Square in Prague
  • Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
    Chain Bridge in Budapest
  • Lunch in the Great Market Hall, Budapest, Hungary
    Budapest's Great Market Hall
  • Széchenyi Baths, Budapest, Hungary
    Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest

Tour Questions? See our FAQ | Email tour@ricksteves.com

Best of Prague & Budapest in 8 Days Tour

from $2,995 per person + air

Single Supplement $675

See Dates & Prices

We've brought together Eastern Europe's must-see cities — Prague and Budapest — for an eye-opening eight-day adventure. On this tour, you'll explore Prague's mighty castle, swirling Baroque churches, and fascinating Jewish Quarter and sample what may be Europe's most refreshing beers. Then it's on to cosmopolitan Budapest, with its unexpected elegance, hidden courtyards, remarkable markets, and tales of a tumultuous history — an experience that's spiced with a surprising cuisine and a panoramic cruise along the Danube. Join us for the Best of Prague & Budapest in 8 Days!

Dates & Prices

2023

2024

What's Included

You'll get at least 20 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!

Here's what you'll see and do on our Prague & Budapest tour:

  • Prague Castle Orchestra performance
  • Prague Castle
  • St. Vitus Cathedral
  • St. George's Basilica (when available)
  • Old Town orientation walk
  • Municipal House (when available)
  • Jewish Museum in Prague pass
  • Spanish Synagogue
  • Josefov neighborhood (Jewish Quarter) walking tour
  • Velvet Revolution walking tour
  • 3-day Prague transportation pass
  • Cultural performance
  • Buda Castle District and Matthias Church
  • Pest walking tour
  • Great Market Hall
  • Hungarian cooking class
  • Hungarian State Opera House
  • Heroes' Square walking tour
  • Danube River cruise
  • 3-day Budapest transportation pass

Plus you'll get all this, too.

  • A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
  • Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Prague and Budapest come alive for you
  • All group transportation from Prague to Budapest
  • 7 nights' accommodations (4- and 3-night stays) in memorable, centrally located hotels
  • All breakfasts and 4 other meals
  • All tips for guides and driver
  • A tour kit including a guidebook (when available) and a moneybelt
  • Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
  • Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us
  • Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour

Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.

Group sightseeing events subject to change.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Prague

We'll meet in our hotel at 4 p.m. to get acquainted and go over the week's schedule. Then we'll take an orientation walk through our Old Town neighborhood and over the historic Charles Bridge — one of Europe's most entertaining promenades — followed by a hearty dinner together accompanied by the Prague Castle Orchestra.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. No bus. Sleep in Prague.

Day 2: Prague of Kings and Nobles

This morning we'll hop on a local tram to take us across the Vltava River and up the hill to the most massive castle complex in continental Europe: Prague Castle. We'll tour the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral, home to Alfons Mucha's striking stained glass; the Old Royal Palace; St. George's Basilica (when available); and the Golden Lane. After our visit, you're on your own to wander back down to the Old Town, where you'll be free for the evening.

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Prague.

Day 3: Jewish and Art Nouveau Prague

Today we'll take a walking tour through the Josefov neighborhood, once the site of Prague's Jewish Ghetto — and still one of the most evocative Jewish districts in all of Europe. One of the leading centers of Judaism for a thousand years, the neighborhood is studded with thought-provoking museums, fascinating synagogues, and a Kafkaesque, dream-like cemetery. After free time for lunch, we'll take a tour of the classy concert halls and salons of the city's Municipal House (when available). Your evening will be free for dinner on your own.

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Prague.

Day 4: Revolutionary Prague

We'll start our day with tales of Prague's past struggles with communist occupation, the significance of the Prague Spring, and the emergence of Václav Havel. We'll then retrace the footsteps of Prague's celebrated Velvet Revolution, following the events of November 17, 1989, through the modern city to Wenceslas Square, where thousands of Czechs held up and rattled their keys, telling their communist leaders, "The time has come for you to go home." We'll return to the present in time to enjoy dinner together and catch a cultural performance, perhaps a classical concert or the quirky and uniquely Czech Black Light Theater.

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Prague.

Day 5: On to Budapest

This morning we'll board our coach for the drive to Budapest. En route we'll pass through the rolling hills of ancient Moravia and modern Slovakia, catching our first glimpse of the wide, blue Danube as we approach Hungary's capital city that straddles both banks of the river. Upon arrival this afternoon, we'll meet with a local guide for a tour of Pest, the larger, more sprawling half of the city. There we'll crane our necks at Europe's largest, most ornate parliament building to learn how Hungarians coped with half a century of fascist and communist tyranny. And outside St. István's elaborate basilica we'll learn why, once a year, locals parade the saint's millennium-old fist around the city. At the end of our walk, we'll treat ourselves to a Hungarian feast together.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 7 hours. Sleep in Budapest.

Day 6: Bustling Budapest

Our day begins atop Buda's proud Castle Hill with an introduction to Budapest's sumptuously gilded Matthias Church and nearby Fisherman's Bastion with sweeping views across the river of "twin-city" Pest. After working up an appetite, we'll explore traditional Hungarian dishes with a cooking class and lunch before setting you free to sample more of the city, including more delicacies in its Great Market Hall (Nagyvásárcsarnok). Later tonight we'll regroup and relax with a cruise along the Danube.

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Boat: 1 hour. No bus. Sleep in Budapest.

Day 7: Elegance of Empire

This morning, we'll tour the caked in splendor home of the Hungarian State Opera. Built in the 1880s, when Budapest was the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Hungarians took every opportunity to make their opera house more opulent than anything the Viennese could muster. You'll see they succeeded. Then we'll ride the oldest metro in continental Europe on our way to Heroes' Square where we'll learn about the bronze-cast, larger-than-life players in Hungary's history. This afternoon, your guide will be happy to arrange a chance to soak in the ornate public thermal baths (yes, you'll have plenty of time to soak it all in!). Tonight we'll rendezvous for a farewell dinner together, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Egészségedre!

Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Budapest.

Day 8: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Airport and three busy train stations can connect you to practically anywhere in Europe or your return home. Whatever your plans, your guide will help you get on the right track. Viszontlátásra!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Physical Demands

Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. On our Best of Prague & Budapest in 8 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…

  1. Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (possibly several blocks) and up stairways to reach your hotel, then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
  2. Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to four hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
  3. Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning.
  4. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.

Reviews

Taylor

Tour: 05/07/23

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The private opera show in Prague."

Onix

Tour: 05/07/23

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!!!"

Kathy

Tour: 05/07/23

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."

David

Tour: 05/07/23

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!"

Linda

Tour: 05/07/23

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."

Carol

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

Robert

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

Carol

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

Jan

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

William

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

Jodianne

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

Nicole

Tour: 10/16/22

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."

David

Tour: 10/02/22

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)"

Jonathan

Tour: 10/02/22

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"

Patricia

Tour: 10/02/22

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."

James

Tour: 10/02/22

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."

Melody

Tour: 10/02/22

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."

Clay

Tour: 10/02/22

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."

Pamela

Tour: 10/02/22

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"

Bud

Tour: 10/02/22

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."

Jonathan

Tour: 10/02/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had an excellent journey with outstanding guides.

Nydia

Tour: 09/25/22

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"

Lisa

Tour: 09/18/22

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!"

Lisa

Tour: 09/18/22

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!"

Karen

Tour: 09/18/22

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."

Elizabeth

Tour: 09/18/22

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!"

Laura

Tour: 09/18/22

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."

David

Tour: 09/18/22

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."

Laura

Tour: 09/18/22

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!"

Kathy

Tour: 09/18/22

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!"

Julia

Tour: 09/18/22

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!"

Elizabeth Anne

Tour: 09/11/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed seeing Eastern Europe. it was amazing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Jewish Ghetto."

Blaine

Tour: 09/11/22

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."

Jay

Tour: 09/11/22

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."

Monika

Tour: 09/11/22

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!"

Irene

Tour: 09/11/22

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."

Robert

Tour: 09/11/22

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."

Doug

Tour: 08/28/22

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"

Trina

Tour: 08/28/22

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."

Kirsti

Tour: 08/28/22

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!"

Roy

Tour: 08/28/22

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."

Mike

Tour: 06/19/22

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"

Monica

Tour: 06/19/22

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"

Carol

Tour: 05/29/22

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."

Wendi

Tour: 05/29/22

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!"

Julie

Tour: 05/29/22

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."

Katherine

Tour: 05/29/22

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."

Kay

Tour: 05/29/22

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."

Catherine

Tour: 05/22/22

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!"

Michelle

Tour: 05/22/22

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."

Elizabeth

Tour: 05/22/22

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."

Alan

Tour: 05/22/22

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."

Neal

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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

Favorite "WOW" moment

"To many to say"

Deborah

Tour: 05/08/22

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."

Carol

Tour: 05/08/22

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."

Cara

Tour: 05/08/22

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."

Cynthia

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip.

Favorite "WOW" moment

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

Mary

Tour: 05/08/22

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"

Catherine

Tour: 05/08/22

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."

Terry

Tour: 05/08/22

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"

Ria

Tour: 05/08/22

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!"

When To Go & Weather

Prague and Budapest are best to visit in the months of May, June, September, and October, when the weather is mild, the colors and scents are more powerful, and the crowds are lighter. December offers the benefits of no tourist crowds, and the Christmas markets and concert season are in full swing.

Czech Republic / Prague

Prague Weather


Hungary / Budapest

Budapest Weather

Hotels & Flights

Tour Hotels

In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email, as well as in the Itinerary section of your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying in the Documents section of your tour account.

Flights

Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements are completely up to you.

Most tour members arrange to fly into Prague (PRG) and out of Budapest (BUD) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Booking round-trip to Prague or Budapest will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in Europe.

We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Prague guidebook.