Itinerary: Prague, Budapest, and Dubrovnik

Prague, Budapest, and Dubrovnik

Here’s an example of a real trip I planned for clients in 2018 – I loved this itinerary and wanted to share it with you! If you’d like to do something similar, contact me with information about your travel style and wishlist – this particular trip was designed around a very specific set of dates and types of activities, but it can be customized for any client!

Included:

3 nights in Prague, 3 nights in Budapest, 1 night in Zagreb , [12 day G-Adventures tour], 3 nights in Dubrovnik.
First class train tickets between cities
Food tour in Prague
Food tour in Budapest
Geopark Bohemian Paradise hiking excursion from Prague
Dinner cruise on the Danube in Budapest
Cycling and kayaking in Dubvrovnik

DAY 1 – Arrival in Prague, private airport transfers to hotel.

Prague

Hotel: Grand Hotel Bohemia

Situated in the very heart of the old town, the hotel stands on a picturesque cobbled square within walking distance of Wenceslas Square and the old Town Hall. It’s also close to many sights but tucked away on a quiet street to avoid the noise of the nightlife in the Square.

DAY 2 – Food tour of Prague

Kicking off our first taste of Prague will be the best of the daily fresh specials offered in populated specialty food and pastry shops. Next we’ll pass by the oldest pub in Prague serving the most famous Czech beer, Pilsner Urquell since 1843. Then we’ll see the former Communist Secret Police department where Vaclav Havel was interrogated, before crossing the river to the Kampa Island, the home of modern art area and Bohemian artists. We’ll check out the legendary cafe where the green fairy inspired great artists and writers. Walking in the footsteps of Bohemian David Cerny, we will witness some truly beautiful metro art on our way to the funky Zizkov district and learn about Jaroslav Hasek, fierce general Jan Zi ka, ending at the second ugliest building in the world. By now, you should be ready for a beer from the Pivoteka microbrewery and another sampling of fresh offerings from the farmers market, bakery, or gourmet shop. Well move on with this cultural tour of Prague by taking the metro towards Vinohrady where we will enjoy wonderful views as we walk through the park while chatting about daily life in Prague. We will choose one of the amazing cafes to taste local snacks, drinks and good company.

Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 3 – Off-the-beaten path: Full day hiking tour to Bohemian Paradise National Park

Explore the breathtaking UNESCO Geopark Bohemian Paradise. In just a 1-hour drive from Prague, you can enjoy a true geological, archaeological and cultural gem. After 3 hour hike tour in Prachov Rock City, we do a short drive to Kost castle where you can have delicious lunch in castle restaurant. Stroll past romantic ponds, admire extensive rock towns, and take in the panoramic views of the countryside.

Prague mountains

DAY 4

Morning at leisure, then first class train tickets to Budapest (Direct train, about 6 hours).

Hotel: Corinthia Hotel

This stunning hotel is situated close to the world heritage Andrassy Street and is within walking distance of the Danube River and the impressive Hero’s Square. It is also just a 2 minute walk from the city’s best stretch of restaurants and bars in Liszt Ferenc.

Budapest

DAY 5: Gourmet Food Tour of Budapest

Discover Hungarian cuisine with 8 different tastings of authentic mouthwatering specialties during a guided walking tour through the heart of downtown Pest & the Jewish Quarter.

Rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 6

Free day to explore Budapest, then an evening dinner cruise to see the monuments all lit up.

Budapest

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities of the world, according to a New York Times article and millions of tourists from all around the globe. What makes it so special and different from the rest of the big European cities, is its various architecture and the oppositions in the city itself. The contrast between the two parts of the city divided by the river Danube is extraordinary and unmatched throughout the world. The perfect way to enjoy this must have experience is with a high class boat cruise under all 6 of the main bridges in the city. With the river cruise at 19:00 you will have the chance to try out all of the greatest dishes the Hungarian kitchen can offer, while enjoying traditional gypsy and folk music performed by three members of the world famous Hungaria Folk Ensemble and Orchestra, featuring an extremely talented player of the most famous Hungarian instrument, the “cimbalom”. During the performance, guests will also have a chance to ask for their favourite popular songs from the musicians to play.

DAY 7

Free time in Budapest, then train to Zagreb, first class tickets – about 5 hours.

(NOTE: Clients had business in Zagreb, ending in Dubrovnik, so I did not arrange the transport between Zagreb and Dubrovnik. If replicating this trip without these parameters, go straight to Dubrovnik on this day. Please also note that clients visited other locations in Croatia before this trip, which is why the only Croatian city featured is Dubrovnik.)

DAY 8 – Dubrovnik

Check into Dubrovnik hotel. I highly recommend budgeting for an oceanview room!

Dubrovnik

Hotel: Ariston Hotel

Directly above the Adriatic Sea, the five-star Hotel Ariston, features 115 newly renovated rooms and offers a wide range of facilities. Only minutes away (driving) from the world-famous UNESCO site of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, you can enjoy the hotel’s serene and natural surroundings, expansive sea views and wake up to the sounds of waves.

Day 9 – Kayaking and Cycling the Elaphite Islands

Dubrovnik Elaphite Islands

You will enjoy sea kayaking in the amazing crystal clear Adriatic sea. During kayaking you will do a couple of stops in one of the untouched bays for swimming and snorkeling; bays of Šipan Island,and according to weather conditions your guide will show you the fabulous “Green Cave” on Šipan Island. When reaching the traditional Suđurac village you will take your bike and cycle 5 km to Sipanska luka village where a local host will welcome you with a traditional Mediterranean lunch. Your English speaking guide will be ready to assist you with paddling tips and knowledge of the area. Your trip includes small groups and personal touches.