Fairytale Central Europe

Fairytale Central Europe

$200.00

20 Days From $4,947 per person

Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest

From the eye-popping architecture, world-class art, innovative food scenes of Europe’s bustling cities to small fairytale villages and postcard-perfect towns quick to charm with their storybook streets and winding canals. This Fairytale Central Europe Quest has it all.

Inclusions

  • Return Airfares Brisbane to Berlin, Budapest to Brisbane

  • 4 nights in Berlin and Prague

  • 2 nights in Český Krumlov

  • 3 nights in Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest

  • Breakfast daily

  • All required trains and buses

  • Berlin street art and graffiti tour

  • New York Times Prague sights and food tour

  • Small-group Prague Castle tour

  • 1-day Vienna Pass

  • Vienna food tour

  • Bratislava walking tour

  • Danube evening river cruise with wine

* Sample date used for costing is 28 Apr 2021.
Price correct at 07 June 2020, subject to change.

If you wish to book for more or less travellers or nights, please see FAQ’s and book ASAP so we can make your adjustments.

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Daily Itinerary

 

 

Day 1
Welcome to Berlin, with a population of 3.5 million, this city of culture, history, architecture, and arts is the epicentre of German pride and unity. After enduring war time bombings and a division that lasted more than 28 years, Berlin has risen to become a united and vibrant city. As well as History and Architecture you will find modern clubs, an amazing street art scene and a friendly and relaxed populace. Make the most of the U-Bahn and head to Potsdamer Platz for your first afternoon. The Panoramapunkt in Kollhoff Tower is Europe’s fastest lift but more importantly takes you to a bi-level viewing platform, a panoramic point where the sites of Berlin are laid before you. There are outdoor and indoor exhibitions that tell the story of Berlin from past to today. You can stop for coffee and cake at the 1930’s themed café which boasts amazing views. In summer the observation deck closes at 8pm so we would recommend you plan your visit to end there with a sunset view. When the day is done you might be hungry! Those with a taste for fine cuisine should make a reservation at Facil, a 2 star Michelin restaurant in Potsdam. Alternatively for a more hearty meal head to Mommsenek, house of 100 Beers and solid German Cuisine. We led you here because the Brandenburg Gate is at its most beautiful in the evening and before you head back to the hotel and bed, make sure you visit this amazing landmark whilst it’s bathed in golden light.

Day 2
Start early and head back to Potsdam for a busy day of sites. Take in Check Point Charlie and Berlin Wall fragments, the Sony Centre and Jewish Museum. We suggest making a lunch reservation at the Roof Garden Restaurant in the Dome at the Reichstag Building Dome. You must also register to visit the Dome, where you can take a 20-minute audio tour. The Reichstag Building itself is also open to visitors on non-sitting days. The guided tours explain the functions, working methods and composition of Parliament, as well as the history and architecture of the building. Afterwards you will have an opportunity to visit the dome. On weekends there are special building Art & Architecture tours. On the day you visit you should book for lunch at the Dome restaurant.

Day 3
Today you will have an incredible and immersive tour and become a part of Berlin’s rich artistic community on a half-day Berlin Street Art and Graffiti Tour and Workshop. Starting at 12pm, dive into the real Berlin with an introduction to the German capital's graffiti and street art culture. Berlin has long been hailed as a haven for creative and unique artists, and this tour will introduce you to some of the best urban art Berlin has to offer. To further enrich the experience, you'll get a 2-hour street art tutorial during which you will have the chance to leave your own mark on the city in an magnificent abandoned factory complex where you will receive instructions on various graffiti techniques and will be able to paint the walls of this creative space. After you’ve learned all you can and tested the waters, try your hand at making your own stencils and take-home pieces of urban art!

Day 4
Today forget history and explore Berlin today. Fill your day checking out some more of the culture this city has on offer. Wander through gentrified neighbourhoods and parks, visit markets and the fabulous Kurfürstendam or Ku’damm, Museum aficionados could head to Museum Island which is an Unesco World heritage site and houses five important museums which you can visit on one ticket. This evening you could head out to one of Berlin’s famous night clubs or piano bars.

Day 5
Today you will travel to the Czech Capital of Prague stopping en route at Dresden. In 1 hour and 40 on Germany’s renowned fast trains will have you disembarking in historical Dresden. Pop your luggage in a station locker and hit the Dresden sites. The city was controversially bombed by the Americans and British toward the end of the war. 25000 people died and many were civilians. Dresden had been previously famed for stunning Baroque and Rocco Architecture. A 1 1/2 hour to 2 hour guided walk starts everyday at 12pm for only 12 Euro Per person. It is just over 2 hours from Dresden to Prague, so rather that rush, enjoy a lunch and drink in Dresden before heading back to the station to collect bags and continue your journey. Arrive in Prague in plenty of time to check in to your hotel and take your first steps through the cobbled streets of old town square, one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. You will find busking jazz bands, alfresco concerts, grand cafes, and of course famous beer!

Day 6
Meet your tour guide this morning at 10am for a New York Times curated 4 hour tour with a local guide. Explore the architecture and food of one of Europe’s most spectacular cities. Celebrate the mix of Gothic, Art Nouveau and Brutalist buildings in the city and go behind the scenes at the locals' favourite Italian restaurant. Then taste delicious local cuisine, craft beer and Moravian wine at a trendy bistro. Cross the river to explore a pretty, lesser known neighbourhood with hidden cafes, jazz clubs and wine bars. Finally stop at a 17th-century villa turned museum to talk architecture, cinema and cake!

Day 7
Grab a hearty breakfast early this morning before meeting your guide at 10am for a 3-hour small group tour exploring the awe-inspiring splendour of Prague Castle. Visiting Prague Castle is like walking into a fairy tale. The Castle contains an overwhelming amount of history and art, but thanks to your local expert guide, you'll navigate the castle grounds with ease. You will be finished your informative tour in time for lunch, why not head out to a local resteraunt or bar and grab a local Prague Beer and an infamous Czech-style goulash.

Day 8
Rise early for a morning stroll across Charles Bridge, the stunning stone bridge that spans the Vltava River. Strolling across from Old Town toward Lesser Town, you will pass through the Gothic gateways, sharing the medieval bridge with buskers and artisans. Spend today at leisure exploring the Old Town, a bustling area filled with restaurants, bars, dance clubs and shopping.  Perhaps you might want to go on a pub crawl and enjoy some Czech beers. If you’re legs get tired, why not jump on a river cruise on the Vltava River to take you back towards your hotel? Today is yours to discover what else Prague has to offer on your own terms.

Day 9
Take a morning train to Czesky Krumlov. A picture postcard town often described as a mini Prague. The South Bohemia town is bisected by the Vitava River and dominated by the 13th century castle with Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic elements. It only takes 20 minutes to wander through town so today is the day to grab a picnic lunch and head for the river bank. There are many lively bars and restaurants in this little town, we know you will find one!

Day 10
Spend the morning rafting on the Vitava River. The rafting is easy and what a way to get amongst nature on your Quest. The Cesky Krumlov area is ideal for hiking, those that do not want to raft, can strap on their Nikes and head out for a lovely Forest or Peat Bog hike.

Day 11
Check out of your hotel and take the 8am shuttle to Vienna, arriving at 11.30 am. Your amazing little Viennese hotel will check you in and help you out with transport maps and advice. Of course, Vienna is famous for it Palaces, Museums, Boys Choir, Spanish riding School and Coffee Houses. Whoops, we forgot Mozart, Schubert, and Strauss.  Vienna is the City of Classical Music after all. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional classical concert or chow down in a local restaurant.

Day 12
Today, sett off with your one-day Vienna Pass which gives you access to the hop on- hop off bus, entrance to over 60 attractions including skip the line at many. Do not forget to stop at those famous coffee houses when you need a breather. Anyone wanting to do the Riding School needs to book 1-3 months ahead and be aware that performances are normally around 11 am.

Day 13
Rise and shine early this morning, and you should skip breakfast! Today your in for a culinary exploration of Vienna. Join your local guide at 9am for a 4-hour food tour where you will be introduced to some of Austria’s most delicious foods and wines.

The coffee house is a natural place to start the day, and you’ll visit one of the last traditional cafés that’s still in its original state. Next, you’ll stop at a few venues in the surrounding neighbourhoods, including the famous Naschmarkt, where you’ll taste a variety of Austrian cheeses and locally produced vinegars. Get an introduction to the culture of Austrian cuisine through the great variety of local and seasonal ingredients on display. The next stop will be at a Würstelstand, giving you the opportunity to enjoy traditional sausages and side dishes. By this point you’re sure to be ready for some wine, and in the surroundings of a historic cellar you’ll taste 3 Austrian wines. Additional stops at a typical bakery and an artisan chocolate shop will follow. Finally, you’ll visit a butcher shop, where you’ll sample Austrian bacon and ham and wrap up your tour by 1pm.

Day 14
It is just over an hour from Vienna to Bratislava. Save some of your Vienna sights for the morning and head off around 3pm. On arrival in Bratislava your room will be ready for check in. You might be ready for a room service meal, but if not the pedestrian only old town is known for lively bars and restaurants. Bratislava, the Slovak capital is set in a stunning position on the Danube river.

Day 15
Join an 2-hour Authentic Slovakia “Post-Communist Bratislava” tour today in a legendary Czechoslovak Škoda car. Your guides will deliver an off the beaten track amazing experience. You will not have any doubt as to why you came. Spend the rest of the day exploring Bratislava. Do not miss the Blue Church.

Day 16
How you spend your final day in Bratislava is up to you perhaps you’d like to join a sightseeing and walking tour with a local guide to learn more about the capital maybe you’d like to head on a foodie day tour or simply spend the day at leisure.

Day 17
Take a train or bus the 2.5 hours to Budapest. Welcome to Budapest, sitting on its famous dustless highway. The Danube separates Buda and Pest with many bridges straddling the river and binding the two cities together. The Royal Palace is a must see on the Buda side and the Parliament a must see on the Pest side. In fact, we have included an evening river cruise with wine so you can see both these imposing structures in all their glory.  

Day 18
Budapest is often known as the "City of Baths". The city sits on a fault line, and its thermal baths are naturally fed by 120 hot springs. The city is home to an impressive selection of thermal baths, many of which date to the 16th century. Spend today visiting some of these incredible natural wonders. Some notable baths which you may want to visit include: Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Gellért Baths, Rudas Baths, Lukács Baths, Király Baths and Császár Baths. Taking the waters’ has been a part of everyday life in Budapest for centuries, and the spas are must-see sights in the city.

Day 19
Spend your last day in Budapest at your leisure, visiting the sights you still haven’t seen. Perhaps you will explore some of the incredible Cathedrals and Synagogues. How about a stroll through Memento Park, home to more than 40 statues, busts and plaques of Lenin, Marx, Béla Kun and replicas of other notable figures. You could see the remains of the Roman city of Aquincum on display at Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park. And no trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to the Castle Quarter, including Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the quaint cobbled streets and pastel buildings throughout.

Day 20
When you check out of your hotel your “Fairytale Central Europe” Quest comes to an end. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss.

Not ready to go home yet?

You can continue travelling by adding free time, extending your journey or enjoying another Quest.
We will help fit Quests and extra travel together to ensure you take advantage of your already included airfares and the add-on component pricing.

 
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