• Berlin
  • Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
  • Berlin Wall, Germany
    Berlin Wall
  • Dresden
  • Old Town Square and Týn Church, Prague, Czech Republic
    Prague's Old Town Square
  • Charles Bridge and Little Quarter, Prague, Czech Republic
    Charles Bridge in Prague
  • Czech Beer Tasting
  • Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
    Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
  • Melk Abbey in Austria
  • Belvedere Palace in Vienna
  • State Opera House, Vienna, Austria
    Vienna's Opera House
  • Hofburg Palace in Vienna

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

Best of Berlin, Prague & Vienna in 12 Days Tour

from $3,295 per person + air

Single Supplement $725

See Dates & Prices

Any listing of Europe's great cities must include these three, where a banquet of travel thrills awaits you. Beginning in Berlin and ending in Vienna — with Prague, Dresden, and the Danube in between — our dozen-day tour explores the very heart of Europe. From the music of Strauss to the dynasty of the Habsburgs and the idealism of the Velvet Revolution, these remarkable cities have sparked the dangers, hopes, and beauty of Europe — yesterday and today. Join us for the Best of Berlin, Prague & Vienna in 12 Days!

Dates & Prices

2023

2024

What's Included

You'll get at least 23 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!

Here's what you'll see and do on our Berlin, Prague & Vienna tour:

  • Historic Berlin walking tour
  • East Berlin walking tour
  • Otto Weidt's Workshop (when available)
  • National Memorial to the Berlin Wall
  • Berlin cultural Q&A
  • Dresden walking tour
  • Frauenkirche (when available)
  • Nelahozeves Castle
  • Terezín Memorial
  • Historic Prague walking tour
  • Czech beer tasting
  • Prague Castle
  • St. Vitus Cathedral
  • St. George's Basilica (when available)
  • Jewish Museum in Prague pass
  • Český Krumlov Castle and Baroque Theater
  • Melk Abbey
  • Danube River cruise
  • Historic Vienna walking tour
  • Belvedere Palace
  • Habsburg Vienna walking tour
  • Vienna Opera House (when available)
  • Hofburg Imperial Apartments

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 Berlin, Prague, and Vienna come alive for you
  • All group transportation from Berlin to Vienna
  • 11 nights' accommodations (all but two are three-night stays) in memorable, centrally located hotels
  • All breakfasts and half your dinners
  • 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 Berlin

We'll have a "Welcome to Berlin" meeting at 5 p.m. at our hotel. On our way to dinner together, we'll get oriented to our neighborhood and marvel at the modernity of 21st-century Berlin.

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

Day 2: Berlin's Historic Heart

We'll begin our day with a walking tour through the historic heart of Berlin. At the Brandenburg Gate, we'll hear how locals felt on the day in 1989 when the Berlin Wall suddenly became irrelevant. We'll continue our walk past thought-provoking memorials tracing this city's most tumultuous century, from World War I to today. For lunch, a member of Berlin's extensive Turkish immigrant community will introduce us to some traditional Turkish specialties, the city's most popular ethnic cuisine. After a full day of sightseeing, you'll be set free to take in more of Berlin's vibrant culinary scene or simply relax at a neighborhood beer garden.

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

Day 3: Today's East Berlin

This morning we'll trace the path of the poignant Berlin Wall Memorial and explore more of ever-changing East Berlin. We'll visit a Cold War-era metro "ghost station" and a once-destroyed Jewish neighborhood, now renewed with a flourish, sampling some of Berlin's finest finger foods along the way. Our morning ends at the workshop of heroic Otto Weidt, with the rest of your afternoon and evening free to live like a Berliner.

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

Day 4: Resurrected Dresden

Today we'll board our bus and head south to delightfully Baroque Dresden. We'll start our visit with a walking tour of the reborn-from-the-ashes city, including the city's greatest symbol of pride: the inspiring Frauenkirche, destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in the 1990s with donations from around the world. From there you'll be free to contemplate the priceless pieces in the Zwinger Museums' Old Masters Gallery, Royal Palace, or Green Vault.

Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Dresden.

Day 5: Terezín and Prague

We'll continue south to the Czech Republic today, stopping in the fortified town of Terezín, which was converted into a concentration camp in 1941. Today it's the Terezín Memorial, and we'll go inside to learn its story. Just down the road, we'll find a completely contrasting experience in Nelahozeves, birthplace of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák, where we'll stop for lunch and a tour of the Renaissance castle perched high above the Vltava River. Later this afternoon we'll arrive at our hotel in Prague's Baroque Old Town. After settling in, we'll take an orientation walk through the Old Town and end our day with dinner together.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 5 hours. Sleep in Prague.

Day 6: The People's Prague

We'll enjoy a full morning of sightseeing with our local guide, beginning with a walking tour of the Old Town Square. After learning about the Velvet Revolution — the people's march that toppled the Communist regime in 1989 — our morning will end in the proudly preserved Josefov neighborhood, with its Old Jewish Cemetery and historic synagogues. Is Prague really home to the best beers in Europe? We'll find out by sampling one together at a local brewery. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore more of the Josefov neighborhood (with your Jewish Museum in Prague pass) 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 7: Royal Prague

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, Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica (when available), and the Golden Lane. The rest of the day is yours to see more of Prague. Tonight is a great time to catch a classical concert in one of Prague's many venues.

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

Day 8: Delightful Český Krumlov

Today we'll hop on our bus and head for the centuries-old town of Český Krumlov. Our first stop is the castle fortress and one of Europe's best-preserved and still-functioning 18th-century Baroque theaters. Later this afternoon you'll have time to explore this photogenic old town of quaint shops and cobbled lanes — maybe even join your guide and fellow tour members on an afternoon rafting expedition before dinner together.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Český Krumlov.

Day 9: Melk and Vienna

After an early morning drive to the Danube Valley, we'll tour the artistic treasures and Baroque wonders of Melk Abbey and cruise Austria's prettiest stretch of the Danube: the Wachau Valley. Then we'll set course for the one-time capital of a powerful empire — and our tour's grand finale — Vienna. Tonight, we'll enjoy an orientation walk, followed by dinner together.

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Boat: 2 hours. Bus: 5 hours. Sleep in Vienna.

Day 10: Habsburg Vienna

This morning we'll stroll through Vienna's most sophisticated sight: the royal Hofburg Imperial Apartments. Afterwards, we'll explore more of opulent Habsburg Vienna on a walking tour through town. Your afternoon is free to explore a world-class museum or two, or to slow down and enjoy sipping a coffee in the city where Europe's café scene was born.

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

Day 11: Historic Vienna

This morning we'll make our way to Vienna's dazzling Opera House (when available) before continuing by tram to the elegant Belvedere Palace for a tour, including a roomful of Gustav Klimt's wildly gilded — he called them "erotic" — paintings. (Ponder The Kiss and decide for yourself.) The rest of your day is free to explore more of Vienna's highlights and maybe stop to savor every chocoholic's dream: Viennese Sacher torte. Tonight we'll meet for our last dinner together at a traditional Viennese restaurant, where we'll share travel memories and toast new friends. Prost!

Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Vienna.

Day 12: Tour Over After Breakfast

Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Vienna's airport by train, bus, or taxi. You'll have easy connections to home, back to Prague, or on to Budapest and other points in Europe. Auf Wiedersehen!

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 Berlin, Prague & Vienna in 12 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 three 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

Margaret

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was very well organized and very informative. The location of our hotels was conducive to really seeing the historic areas and to getting around each city. Our tour guide, Jana, was attentive to everyone's needs and displayed a wealth of knowledge. All the guides in each city were excellent and well informed. On a side note, the breakfasts in each hotel were excellent!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Although there were many special moments, a favorite "wow" moment was in Prague when Jana and Sharka, our local guide, put flowers on the memorial plaque commemorating the Velvet Revolution. We also had a group picture taken there."

Cynthia

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steves tour - and it was great! I enjoyed our guides so much.R

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I especially enjoyed the river boat ride on the Danube."

Deb

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

How to fit that in 500 words?! It was great, Jana is awesome, the city guides were very good and knowledgeable. The people in my tour were very nice and I will be keeping in touch we a couple of them. The bus driver Peter was fun and had a great helpful attitude.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"All the history, realizing that our guides at their young ages lived through so much of the Hitler era. The other thing for me is the beauty in the buildings and the restoration continually done to retain that."

Timothy

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I love touring with Rick Steves because you get to know the places you visit. Instead of a generic hotel you stay in the heart of the city and get to know the local area. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the places we went and gave us great insights into the area.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"When we were doing the Berlin Wall walk, I was struck by just how damaging the division of the city was. Even over 30 years later you can still see the scar across the city. The appreciation for that history and the impact it still has is easy to gloss over."

Darunie

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had a great time! Jana is a fantastic lead guide along with the local guides. The members of the group are very friendly to each other. The hotels are super. The bus driver Peter is adorable! I just love him and his mushrooms! The trout dinner in that cute restaurant in Cesky Krumlov was wonderful. The walk back to our little hotel that night after the trout dinner was majestic. Thank you for taking me there.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I didn’t like Berlin that much because it’s so hectic to me but wow! Prague and Cesky Krumlov were my favorite. The town square in Praha is gorgeous, the castle up on the hill. The church in Cesky Krumlov is absolutely beautiful but we couldn’t take pictures! The whole town looks like a fairly tale. Love it!"

Andrew

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well thought out and organized

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Enjoyed Prague the most"

Deborah

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized, extremely knowledgeable guides, exceptional lead guide, good accommodations, nice balance of historical and cultural perspectives….lots of walking.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague! Too many “wows” in Prague to call out a specific example."

John

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our 4th Rick Steves tour. The tour was, as usual, well planned, organized and executed. We rave about these tours to all our friends. Berlin was very modern, but given the history of the city, that is understandable. Prague reflected its normal beauty and style. Vienna is a wonder. The Hapsburgs really had their act together as far as projecting power.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The thing that strikes me most is how 400 and 500 year old engineering technology could produce things like the Astronomic clock, the automatons of the Kunsthistorisches museum and the Baroque theater of Cesky Krumlov. The ability to calculate and time the gear ratios in pre-calculus days astounds me."

Joann

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Rick fulfills his aim for travel—education

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Nearly impossible to choose one, but Cesky Krumlov and Terezin were stand outs."

Mary

Tour: 09/25/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour guide Jana was excellent making sure we experienced all local customs and food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Prague Castle complex was our favorite stop."

Pat

Tour: 09/18/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Wonderful, educational, energizing, thoughtful,

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Fifth Man tour"

Suzanne

Tour: 09/18/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour. It did not disappoint. It was everything we had hoped for and so much more!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It would have to be Vienna for me. We went to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the art gallery, and I was amazed at the number of masterpieces housed here. We have been to many galleries in our travels, but this one topped them all."

Susan

Tour: 09/18/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Understanding that Germany has only existed as a unified country for 33 years.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The first sights around the ring of Prague."

Dennis

Tour: 09/18/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I had never been to any of the cities featured on this tour. All my expectations were exceeded - what an incredible experience this was!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had heard a lot about Prague and in preparing for this tour with my reading, I felt this would be my favorite. All I can say is seeing the astronomical clock and the town square for the first time left me smiling, speechless and in awe. I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT PRAGUE."

Terri

Tour: 09/18/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Had a great experience. All the guides were very interesting and knowledgeable. There was a variety of experiences and free time to do your own thing.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I found the local guide tours in Berlin to be especially interesting because of the perspective on more recent history. I have to say that I really enjoyed the Danube cruise as it was a lovely day a just very relaxing."

George

Tour: 09/18/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well guided

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dresden"

Anthony

Tour: 09/11/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We both loved the tour. Our guide Jana was great. We liked how she would interject some of her personal and family experiences with the communism era and the falling of communism. One of us contracted Covid about 2/3rds of the way through out tour. Jana was very helpful in getting us set-up in the hotel and notifying the Rick Steves office. The RS office was also very helpful in making sure that we were OK and made it home safely.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me it was when "Pip" was our guide and we went to the Berlin wall park. Being able to actually see some of the wall still standing and the no-man's land, along with where some of the tunnels were dug. Terezin was also very interesting, with another great guide, was very interesting and educational. For my wife, it was seeing all of names of the victims of the holocaust on the walls of the old synagogue in Prague."

Dee

Tour: 09/11/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Jana, our guide was wonderful. She set us all at ease at our first meeting and was fun and interesting throughout the trip. We visited Berlin, Dresden and Prague and due to Covid wasn’t able to go to Vienna. In Berlin, we had two additional tour guides, one in Terrezin and one in Prague. My overall take away was too much information, repeated often to the point of me tuning out. Perhaps more highlights, a few personal stories and less “chatter”.. Also, have a few mornings that start later.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The astronomical clock in Prague. It was amazing. Built in the 1400’s with amazing accuracy."

Lois

Tour: 09/11/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a very well run tour and our guide, Jana, was excellent and well-organized. Everything went off without a hitch.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Terezin Memorial. It was very emotional."

Kimberly

Tour: 09/11/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very busy, informative and fun. Our guide Janna was outstanding

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Prague is wonderful"

Patrick

Tour: 09/04/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Good tour with a few odd moments ~ “30 minutes” Metro pass in Prague was strange-just get a day pass and turn us loose in the afternoon.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Berlin Wall tour with Matti. Very knowledgeable and helpful."

Jessica

Tour: 09/04/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was my first RS Tour (but won’t be my last!) and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed all the locations we visited as well as the people on the tour. I did hear from RS veterans that this tour had far more free time than previous tours they had been on, and I too felt that we often “walked around” places without inside. For example, I would have loved to have a guided experience at one of Berlin’s top museums like the Pergamon. That’s the only reason I rated as “very good” vs. “Outstanding”.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The history: The tour was “A Tale of Two H’s”: The Habsburgs and the Holocaust. Reminders of these two periods in history permeated the landscape everywhere we visited. Sadly, due to family history I know all I need to know about the Holocaust. But this trip inspired me to refresh my memory on all the things I forgot from my high school and college classes in world history and Western Civ, which I loved. I’m going to look into “Great Courses” and other classes I can take on European history"

Marcela

Tour: 09/04/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized and great choice of locations

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Danube tour"

Mary

Tour: 09/04/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved our tour and Lewis was great and fun to be around- can’t wait to return to more exploring in Europe. We had never been to the three countries we traveled to and it was very enlightening.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"1.Seeing the lovely countryside in Czechia, 2. Our guide,Vera telling us about losing the Russians she was guiding in Italy to defection. 3. Watching the opera ‘Carmen’ in Vienna."

Ruth

Tour: 08/28/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was well organized. We visited interesting places. The tour was a great mix of history and culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite “wow” moment was learning from all the guides what it was like to live under communist rule."

Trish

Tour: 08/28/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a well organized tour that combined historical places and beautiful sites. Our tour guides were very knowledgable and personable. The bus driver was great and it was nice to ride and look at the scenery in between cities. I really enjoyed all the places we visited and the accommodations were very nice and well located.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were a lot of wow moments but Cesky Krumlov stands out to me. What a beautiful medieval town. Enjoyed a group dinner in a interesting rock dungeon."

Eric

Tour: 08/28/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour has a great balance between visiting beautiful places, history/political background and opportunities to interact with fellow travelers

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The visit to the remaining sites of the Berlin Wall was very powerful"

Carole

Tour: 08/28/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I learned so much more than I had anticipated about the history and culture of the places we visited. I really enjoyed meeting the other travelers. The schedule pushed us to the limits of our energy, but not beyond, and offered plenty of "down" time to do as we were inclined.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Oddly, my favorite "wow" moments were in Prague, but not durin tour hours. There was a concert on a barge in the Vlatava river (I think in celebration of Prague holding the EU presidency,) and a 6K run through the city. The enthusiasm and pride of the people of Prague was exhilirating and contagious, of course being well-primed by the wonderful Jana. That was my favorite."

Kevin

Tour: 08/28/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour began with the usual meeting, only this time we all showed the results of our recent Covid test to our guide Jana. Jana was a typical RS guide, very knowledgeable, always helpful when needed, and encouraged us to explore on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing where the Berlin Wall stood and existing parts of the wall. Also learning more about the wall and how it affected peoples lives."

Chris

Tour: 08/21/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very fun, lots of exercise.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I really enjoyed seeing the WWII monuments on the Berlin side of the tour."

Andrew

Tour: 08/21/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Danube cruise, rafting in Czechy Krumlov and that city itself."

Karl

Tour: 08/21/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

As first timers it was a good introduction to organized touring. We learned a lot and the tour guides, RS and local guides were very organized and informative. The local flavor, food included, is very interesting to us when we travel and that was provided!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We loved seeing Prague's Old Town square lit up at night! And, wow, for a different reason was learning about the deceitful use of the Terezin Concentration Camp."

Maxine

Tour: 08/21/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I loved the variety of experiences and locations in the tour. The group guide was great, the group was wonderful and the local guides very good. Overall, I am very satisfied with the tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was seeing Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic (thanks, Rick for discovering this storybook town) and the Baroque Theater, one of only two of the best-preserved baroque theaters in the world. Going under the floorboards of the stage and seeing all the mechanics of how they manually moved the staging apparatus around, etc., was amazing. It really takes you back to the sixteenth century when they created it. Walking around this charming village was lovely!"

Joann

Tour: 06/19/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Our tour was excellent. Everything was very well planned with a nice combination of group activities and free time

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The theater at Cesky Krumlov was amazing. Watching the way the stage was changed and sets moved with the technology of the day was spectacular."

Margaret

Tour: 06/19/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

From the first hotel to the last, each stop was unique and well crafted for the adventure. The first hotel was a bit off the beaten path and we did spend a good deal of time navigating the streets, but the sites were worth it.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Reduta Jazz Club in Prague - as the event let out, a group of gentlemen who spend their time at the club above the Jazz Club and were quite "happy," blocked our exit. Yana, our tour guide, managed to navigate all of us out of the club and into the street ... where it was pouring down rain with thunder and lightning. As we made our way back, several of us stopped for a traditional Czech Trdelnik. Huddled under an umbrella, we thoroughly enjoyed this treat before slopping our way home."

Tammy

Tour: 06/19/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our third Rick Steves' Europe tour and they're always tremendous. The group we traveled with was terrific, the guide, the bus driver. We could've used air conditioning in some of the one-night hotels, since the temperatures were 12-15 degrees warmer than average.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the smaller cities that we stopped in. Discovering and roaming around Dresden and Ceský Krumlov were unforgettable experiences."

Elizabeth

Tour: 06/19/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The Berlin, Prague, and Vienna tour was educational and thoroughly enjoyable. It provided a perfect balance of history, culture, and fun. Each of our city tour guides was extremely knowledgeable and engaging, and our main tour guide, Jana, was exceptional.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s difficult to choose just one, but the Turkish dinner in Berlin and the jazz concert in Prague were both among my top WOW moments!"

Susan

Tour: 06/12/22

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

I am a well-traveled (usually tours) person, and had taken a Rick Steves tour several years ago. I admit I do not read all details about a tour before taking it, but I was surprised when the daily itinerary normally ended at noon or 1pm. I expected to have an itinerary for most of the day, as I have with my another company I use, and as I remember on my RS tour in Spain. I obtained a phone plan so I could find my way through cities. I did like the “partial itineraries”, guide, hotels, cities

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Experiencing East Berlin, with its flourishing life! Also, the “Third Man Museum”."

Susan

Tour: 06/12/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We saw a lot and learned a lot. Our guide, Ben, was great. We were often exhausted.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The cruise on the Danube was amazingly beautiful!"

Meeta

Tour: 06/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Excellent content, tour guide and facilities. We enjoyed the tour immensely and will remember these experiences fondly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Learning about the history in Berlin, I will never be able to unsee those details."

Linda

Tour: 06/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I felt that the first meeting and dinner went well. I received all the information that I needed and felt comfortable right away. I think our guide Ben was well-spoken and knowledgeable, but also approachable and had a sense of humor. The other guides along the way were also good. I think we saw some great sights and probably learned more than if we did this on our own. Some food experiences were better than others. The hotels were mostly good. Myer's was my favorite.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would say my first walk through Prague and then again at night! It was like being in a different world! The architecture was awesome. The bridge and the river were beautiful! There were so many food choices and many places to sit outdoors and enjoy the scenery."

Elizabeth

Tour: 06/12/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The tour was wonderful. My husband and I can't stop thinking about it and talking about it. We were constantly learning.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"For me it was seeing the Berlin Wall."

Robert

Tour: 06/12/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very but some reservations. See below

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Danube River cruise"

Louise

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our guide, Ben Curtis, was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The sites and activities on this tour were interesting, inspiring and fun. We had a great group of people to travel with.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the remains of Duke Leopoldo’s castle at Durnstein as we cruised the Danube. Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned there in the 12th century."

Mark

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Pleasantly surprised by the entire tour. It was physically demanding as announced, but we had a brilliant tour guide and a friendly interactive group that made each day worth celebrating. Each day was full of adventures and amazing sites, and if our afternoon or evening was blank on the itinerary, our guide gave us many suggestions of how we could fill out time based upon our personal desires.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"My favorite "wow" moment was the visit to Terezin that highlighted the suffering and dishonesty of the regime that ravaged Europe. Not a happy "wow', but a stunning overwhelming emotional visit."

Cindy

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The pace of the tour was very brisk and we were given a lot of information, which at times was overwhelming. There is so much history in the areas we visited it was challenging to absorb it all, but overall the trip was fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably the visit to Terezin, which was not a "wow" in the typical sense, but a "wow" in learning about a place very few Americans visit or most likely have never heard of. Our guide there was excellent and she brought to life the sobering and tragic history of the place."

Karen

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We have always wanted to travel to Europe, and finally got our chance…then Covid!!! Seemed like we’d never get there!! I am so glad we waited, though…our tour was better than I ever dreamed!!! Our group seemed genuinely concerned (Covid safety) and interested in each other, an immediate chemistry and ‘good vibe’ between us all. Our tour guide, Ben….beyond compare! He took time to talk and get to know each of us, his calm organization, knowledge of places, and just being a fun guy made it perfect

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I had a total left knee replaced in April 2021and my “inspiration” to work through it was a photo of St Vitus Cathedral as a screensaver on my iPad. Walking into that courtyard was incredible for me…instant happy tears!!"

Dan

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Well organized. Ben was a resourceful leader who facilitated a great tour. We enjoyed the sites, the cities, and the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cesky Krumlof medieval city from the castle. Seeing Vienna for the first time on the bus riding around the ring. Prague central square."

Nancy

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I loved all of the places we visited. I just felt the tour was paced way too fast. My brain just could not process the amount of infomation I was receiving. Upon my return, I could not desribe to anyone what I saw.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Terezin"

Marisa

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

A delightful surprise in the mixture of relevant history and contemporary art and music.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"On a free night, we booked Rick's recommended Vienna chamber music Mozarthaus concert. It can be tricky to side-step the 'tourist' concerts, but this was the real deal - we were feet from the musicians, in a setting in which Mozart lived and performed. Intimate music and an exquisite Viennese night."

Christine

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first Rick Steve’s tour. For me going on a Rick Steve’s Tour was a bucket list item and the Best of Berlin, Prague and Vienna Tour did not disappoint. While we had always used RS books in the past, it was so nice not having to deal with all of the logistics for a change. I appreciated the patience, humor and consideration given by our guide Ben Curtis. The local guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. The hotels were decent and in good locations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Going down the Danube in a very nice river boat, enjoying the wonderful views and sharing food and wine with new tour friends on beautiful warm pleasant day."

Kathy

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Amazing experience exploring Central Europe--an area we didn't have interest in until we saw a RS show on it. Sobering in East Berlin and Terezin, but glad we did it. Ben, our travel guide, was fabulous! Our local guides were also great and added so much. As expected, we not only saw the "must see" sites, but learned about and experienced the local culture.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Loved Chesky Krumlov! What a great vibe! Great dinner that night as well as fun rafting trip. Perfect timing relaxing in a small village before we hit another big city."

Gregory

Tour: 05/29/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Guide was great not only in knowledge and organization and helpfulness but also really knew how to bring a group of strangers together into a supportive travel group. We got a good feel for the three large cities, enjoyed the smaller cities, and were moved by the visit to Tetzin (?) and places in Berlin connected to history of Nazi and Communist regimes

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring the Schonburg palace in Vienna"

Margaret

Tour: 05/22/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My husband and I have used Rick Steves travel books to plan multiple trips abroad over the years but this was our first Rick Steves tour. Overall we were thrilled with our experience from our main guide, Jana, to our local guides, and to the pace of the schedule. Everything was very organized and fun. The small group size allowed us to really make friends with each other. The bus was clean and comfortable and our driver was good humored and very helpful. The experience exceeded my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Probably that our guide Jana, plus two of our local guides - Toby in Berlin and Sharka in Prague - were so candid in sharing their own personal experiences growing up under communism and also what it was like as it changed. It made it so much more meaningful to talk with someone with a real connection to it."

Victoria

Tour: 05/22/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana made our tour outstanding. She was an extremely knowledgeable guide and brought out the personal side of life in Germany and Czech Replublic prior to take down of the Berlin wall. Her stories bright to light what life was like during those years in contrast to what we see today. Throughout the tour she was organized, friendly, and helpful especially with free time activities

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Several highlights of the trip include the beautiful city of Prague, jazz concert, rafting in the rain on the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov, and farewell dinner a traditional Viennese Heuriger"

Robert

Tour: 05/22/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We always used Rick Steves books to plan our trips and had great experiences. This trip was our first tour experience and we were so glad we did. Our tour guide, Jana, was exceptional! There were 16 of us on tour - a great group of traveling companions. The local tour guides in each city were great. We had the right balance of guided tour time with free time to explore on our own. The group meals were always in interesting places with great food. Planning our next Rick Steves tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There wasn’t any one wow moment - it was all great. One of our favorite parts of the trip was the tour guides sharing their personal experiences growing up under Communist rule and the changes after 1989 when the wall fell. While we all learned the history of WWII, one has to visit to fully understand the impact on the people and countries and appreciate the resiliency and rebuilding."

Alan

Tour: 05/22/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I hadn't realized how much of the tour took place in former communist areas (Berlin hotel, Dresden, Czech Republic). Experiencing the areas was something I don't think I could get from books.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There wasn't a single moment, but seeing examples of how Germany/Austria fell into fascism so parallels the United States today."

William

Tour: 05/22/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a flawless trip. The tour guide, Jana, was fabulous and everything was well planned and above expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The tour of the Berlin Wall was the high point for me."

Robert

Tour: 05/22/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful time on the tour. Enjoyed our travelling companions very much. Everyone was very positive, interesting and fun to be around. Our guide (Jana) was exceptional! Very organized, knowledgeable, consistently pleasant and always on the outlook for a special treat or snack for the group to enjoy. We especially enjoyed the Berliner doughnuts! We were especially impressed that Jana saw us off at 6:30 in the morning on our last day.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Too many to mention just one! Afternoon cruise on a sunny day on the Danube was amazing. Really enjoyed river rafting at Ceski Krumlov even though it was a cold, rainy day. And the jazz concert in Prague was memorable."

Daniel

Tour: 05/15/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana, our guide, created a tour that delivered an outstanding experience. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and personable demeanor made our travels special and memorable. The sites we visited with our local guides, tied together a narrative that gave me a deeper understanding of history with the rise of fascism, communism, and the emergence of democracy (that we can't take for granted).

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I particularly enjoyed the Danube River cruise and scenic Cesky Krumlov. The optional evening stroll along Prague's Vltava River was a unique experience. To our surprise, Jana lugged bottles of wine in her backpack, allowing our group to share a toast to Prague and our travels. What moved me the most was visiting the Velvet Revolution monument in Prague, and having Katarina (local guide) share her personal experience about living under the communist government as a student."

Sherry

Tour: 05/15/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a stress-free , organized, thoughtful, interesting, tour!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A tie between The Golden Lane, St Nicholas church, Terezin. Boat trip on the Danube, the theater tour, Cesky Krumlov…"

Claudia

Tour: 05/15/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fabulous trip. This trip went beyond all my expectations.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many the most meaningful was our discussion with Tour Guide Yana and Local Prague Guide Katerina about their lives under the Communist. We were at the plague to honor the students of the Velvet Revolution. Yana and Katerina were about to place flowers when a young boy walked by us. He leaned in and said hello to Yana and kept walking. Yana turned to us (with tears in her eyes) and said that was a Ukranian refugee that the school she teaches in had taken as a student. We were all in tears."

John

Tour: 05/15/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana lead an outstanding tour supported by city specialists who added to our experience.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Jana and city specialist Katerina sharing their story of the “Velvet Revolution “ and leaving flowers are the memorial."

Anne

Tour: 05/15/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

It was a small group which made it very easy to visit sites, enjoy meals and get to know each other. Jana H was an absolute delight to have as a tour guide. She brought love and joy to her country and shared the struggles her country has had during the past years. The entire trip was wonderful.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment was probably the impromptu coffee break where Katerina (local guide) shared her personal history in Prague as a student. The sharing of flowers in remembrance of their past between Jana and Katerina was so emotional. It was unfortunate that Katerina had a family emergency the second day, but Jana stepped in with all the knowledge and sharing of Prague."

Mikhail

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall experience was absolutely wonderful

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The guides: Jana Kratka and Thomas Kreiseler. Especially Jana was so great, detailed and knowledgeable!"

Jim

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Jana was our tour guide(with Tomas as assistant/apprentice) who made sure we got in to see all the important sites in all the cities we were exploring. She was incredibly skillful at making sure we were ready and prepared for each day's activities, with surprises and treats thrown in to make our tour experience fulfilling. This was an incredibly educational and historical adventure and I feel like I need to follow up the tour with a refresher from the guidebooks and some independent study.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I think the presentation by Honza in Prague of the history on the Czech struggle for independence by someone who participated in actions in Wenceslas Square was very moving and impactful. He also made the history of the struggle in the Jewish Quarter come alive for us. While I can remember the 1968 protests and the downfall of the Eastern Bloc in 1989, it is much more alive when presented by somebody who was physically present for those historic events."

Donna

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I found the tour very well organized and well-paced. Jana, our tour guide, was very attentive to our needs, questions, etc. and made me feel very welcome. The hotels we stayed in were all clean, unique and had delicious breakfasts. We stayed in a good variety of big cities, smaller cities and a couple of small, charming towns.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were so many! Visiting the Charles Bridge at night--it was beautiful!"

Sara

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I found the organization of the tour to be great. Jana, our wonderful guide, was super organized and very clear in her projections for each day's events. I loved the architecture in all the places we visited--it's what makes Europe so special to me. Still...it was the guides who brought the architecture to life by their history lessons shared along the way.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"SO many wow moments. Though we spent only one day/night in Dresden, witnessing the re-building being done in that beautiful town was probably my biggest wow moment. Not only did I appreciate the high level of craftsmanship, but I was amazed that people collectively have come together to make these structures available to all who visit--preserving/renovating the buildings and the history at the same time. It's a sense of pride in a community that is so often lacking in parts of the world."

Louann

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our experience was amazing. Rick Steves tours provide the best of guided experiences and a free time. We saw things we would never have experienced on our own. We loved our group and guides. Great hotels, excellent food.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It’s so hard to choose just one! Prague was such a beautiful city, there was “wow” everywhere. The small village of Cesky Kromlov was totally unexpected. Charming with beautiful views."

David

Tour: 05/08/22

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I love the itinerary for this tour. The tour met my expectations. Our tour guide Jana was outstanding, very knowledgeable and work well this the tour group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Cesky Krumlov was just wonderful. The perfect example of the old Europe we were looking for."

When To Go & Weather

Any time between May and September is a good time to visit Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. However, the months of May, June, and September are best for combining the convenience of peak season with generally good weather and lighter crowds.

Germany / Berlin


Czech Republic / Prague


Austria / Vienna

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 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 while on tour in the Documents section of your tour account.

Flights

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

Most tour members arrange to fly into Berlin (BER) and out of Vienna (VIE) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Booking round-trip to one city 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 Berlin guidebook.