Czech Republic/Hungary
Budapest and Prague: Capital Cities and Jewels of Central Europe
Program No. 21707RJ
Treat your senses to an enchanting blend of learning, adventure and fun as you take expert-led walks and dine on traditional foods in two Old World cities that are Europe at its finest.
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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
May 4 - May 15, 2025
Starting at
4,789Jun 1 - Jun 12, 2025
Starting at
4,789Aug 24 - Sep 4, 2025
Starting at
4,789Sep 7 - Sep 18, 2025
Starting at
4,789Sep 21 - Oct 2, 2025
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4,789Oct 19 - Oct 30, 2025
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12 days
11 nights
21 meals
10B 6L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
5
Ócsa, Pest City Park Area
Budapest
7
Transfer to Prague
Prague
8
Architecture of Prague
Prague
9
Explore Prague
Prague
12
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Hundreds of Gothic rooftop spires give the Prague skyline a fairy-tale character. In Budapest, locals’ warm smiles and the legendary Danube River pulse at the city’s heart. In one 12-day adventure, explore the history, art and culture of the Czech and Hungarian capital cities. Start each morning with our experts and later set out on your own. In Prague, discover where Mozart played a 1787 solo piano piece, then independently walk the stunning Charles Bridge. In Budapest, learn about the Communist period in Hungary during a visit to the Retro Museum, and venture to the town of Ócsa, a wonderful reflection of traditional rural life. One adventure, two cities — capture the breadth of these Central European jewels.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Keep the Pace: Participants must be able to handle their own luggage, climb stairs, walk up to 3 miles or up to 3 hours per day with periods of standing, including cobblestone streets, and partly hilly, uneven and rough terrain. Participants should expect to use public transportation.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy a dinnertime boat excursion on the Danube River through Budapest, drifting past the illuminated city center and under its famous series of bridges.
- Learn about Prague’s Old Town Square on an expert-led walking exploration, contrasting its 1,000-year-old history and architecture with today’s cast of musicians, dance troupes and cafes.
- Experience mighty Prague Castle’s churches, gardens, alleyways and residences. The world’s largest ancient castle is roughly the size of seven football fields.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Suggested Reading List
(15 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Budapest and Prague: Capital Cities and Jewels of Central Europe
Program Number: 21707
Bury Me Standing
This marvelous portrait of the Roma, also known as the Gypsies, offers insight into their music, foods, religions and folk traditions and also examines their influential but complex relationship with Eastern Europe.
Budapest Map
A convenient map of the city center at a scale of 1:11,000.
Eyewitness Guide Budapest
Featuring handy maps and solid information on culture and history in addition to a detailed overview of attractions. With hundreds of photographs.
Prague, A Traveler's Literary Companion
This anthology of 24 vivid stories by Czech writers, both contemporary and well-known, brings the city, history, spirit and people to life.
Budapest 1900
Written by a distinguished historian and native son, this richly detailed portrait of the city at its zenith includes hundreds of illustrations.
Prague Map
A laminated, detailed map of the center of Prague at a scale of 1:10,000.
Prague in Black and Gold, Scenes from Life in a European City
Both a history and an accessible guide to the neighborhoods and architecture of the city.
Budapest, A Cultural History
This brilliant guide introduces the history and traditions of this Central European cultural capital, with emphasis on its most important artists and architects.
The Hungarians, A Thousand Years of Victory in Defeat
A journalist who fled Hungary in 1957, Lendvai combines history, scholarship and anecdote in this uncommonly engaging account. With verve and authority, he covers the struggle of the Magyars' against the Tartars, Turks and Russians over the past millennium.
The Good Soldier Svejk and His Fortunes in the World War
The deeply funny story of a hapless Czech soldier in the Austro-Hungarian army, dismissed for incompetence only to be pressed into service by the Russians in World War I, then captured by his own troops.
Danube
Mixing history, personalities and literature, Magris traces the course of the Danube from its source in the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the Balkans to the Black Sea in this anything but conventional travelogue, first published in 1986.
The Romani Gypsies
Matras delves into the history of the Romani, an ancient and misunderstood European culture that has survived through modern times.
Prague
Don't be fooled by the title -- this engaging novel is set in Budapest. Five young American expats have settled themselves in what they consider the "second-best" eastern European city, where chance encounters and interactions determine how their lives will -- or won't -- be changed.
Eyewitness Guide Prague
This superb guide features color photography, dozens of excellent maps and a district-by-district synopsis of the celebrated city's attractions. Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this is the guide to carry.
Danubia, A Personal History of Habsburg Europe
Winder, author of Germania (GER270), considers the legacy of the Habsburg Europe in this charmingly digressive history and travelogue.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
12 days
11 nights
What's Included
21 meals (
10B, 6L, 5D
)
5 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Budapest, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
D
Stay:
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Using public transportation; getting on/off both a public bus and the subway. Walking up to 1 hour.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel and settle in. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
We will learn about and practice using public transportation in Budapest with our Group Leader.
Day
3
Pest Downtown, History, Culture, Architecture
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 6-7 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will begin our visit to Budapest with an expert-led field trip by motorcoach and on foot through the Pest area, passing such sites as Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square, the Dohany Street Synagogue, the Danube banks, the building of the Academy of Sciences, the Chain Bridge, and the Gresham Palace, one of the most beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest. We will also pass by Váci Street (the main pedestrian street) as well as the Danube Promenade. We will discover the inner city area during a short walk, passing by the Parliament Building and Liberty square.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a Hungarian lunch at a modern restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will enjoy a visit to the Retro Museum. This interactive three-story museum will show how Hungarians lived in the 70's and 80's before the change of regime. We will hear from our local staff about the objects exhibited, and hear their personal stories of the era. From here, we will enjoy the rest of the day on our own. For those who are interested, we will offer a free elective visit to the Main Market Hall of Budapest.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Buda Castle Area, Hungarian Music, Free Time
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
Activity Note
Getting in/out of cabs to castle; alternate arrangements may be made based on group needs/interests. Walking/standing up to 2 hours; some stairs to negotiate. Extent and duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will enjoy a pleasant expert-led walk in the castle area of Budapest, where we will see the Mathias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, and statue of St. Stephen, the first king of the Hungarians. Arriving at the Museum of Music History, we will take in a lecture and learn about Hungarian music and musical instruments. Afterwards, we will enjoy a short concert highlighting the use of these instruments.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to explore the Hungarian Art Gallery and the Hospital in the Rock, both of which are in the castle area.
Dinner:
Enjoy local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Ócsa, Pest City Park Area
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking/standing based on activity level and selected route, up to 2.5 hours. Some stairs to negotiate. Walking, subway use, and other activities during independent exploration according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After arriving by motorcoach, we will explore the small town of Ócsa on foot, where we will visit the 13th-century church, village museum, and village center with a local expert. The town of Ócsa is a wonderful reflection of traditional rural life.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will take a walk in the City Park area and learn about significant sites from a local expert. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Perhaps you would like to visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in the City Park, or one of the many thermal spas in Budapest. Make sure to bring your bathing suit!
Dinner:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Modern Hungary, Free Time, Farewell to Budapest
Location:
Budapest
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a boat; some stairs to negotiate. Extent/duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will attend a lecture on life in Hungary today, including such topics as Hungarian health care, the school system, Hungary's role within the European Union, and other current issues of the country. We’ll be led by a local expert.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. We will meet in the hotel lobby, then drive by motorcoach to the river to board a ship for dinner.
Dinner:
We will say goodbye to Budapest during a dinner cruise on the Danube.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Transfer to Prague
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 330 miles, up to 7 hours riding time including a lunch break and bathroom breaks.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
After check-out, we will depart Budapest on a private motorcoach to Prague, arriving in the late afternoon.
Lunch:
We will stop to enjoy a light lunch with a glass of local wine in Lednice near the Czech-Slovak border. This area is well known for its vineyards.
Afternoon:
Welcome to Prague! We will settle in at our hotel before attending an orientation where we will meet our Czech program staff.
Dinner:
At a typical local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Architecture of Prague
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a tram/public transportation; under 1 hour riding time. Walking and standing for up to 3 hours. Some stairs to negotiate.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will drive by motorcoach to the House of the Black Madonna, the first Cubist structure in Prague, to attend a lecture focusing on the architecture of Prague. We’ll learn from a local expert about the important architectural styles found throughout the city, such as Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, Neo-classical, Art Nouveau, and Cubism. Afterwards, we will visit the newly-opened exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts, led by an expert. The exhibition presents Czech cubism as a style that combines fine art, applied arts, and architecture. We’ll then continue our introduction to this magnificent city as we enjoy an expert-led walk around Wenceslas Square and the Old Town.
Lunch:
At a café in the Municipal House, a beautiful Art Nouveau building which we’ll arrive to on foot.
Afternoon:
We will then enjoy an expert-led visit of the Municipal House and take in the spirit of pre-war Czechoslovakia. This important civic center was built on the site of the former Royal Court palace, next to the iconic 15th-century Powder Gate, between 1905 and 1912. Here, in 1918, Czechoslovakia announced its declaration of independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore on your own.
Dinner:
Explore local fare on your own.
Evening:
At leisure. You may wish to enjoy a cultural performance in the city.
Day
9
Explore Prague
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Activity Note
New safety rules and regulations for entry into Prague Castle require that we show a copy of your passport before entering. Please bring a copy of your passport with you on your program. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking and standing for up to 3 hours on uneven stone; stairs; walking uphill/downhill.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will set out by motorcoach to discover the wonders of Prague Castle, home of Bohemian kings and a textbook of Prague architecture itself! Standing tall amidst the magnificent Hradcany District, or Castle District, it is said to be the biggest castle in the world. Generations of Prague’s architecture will unfold before us as we explore the Prague Castle complex with a local expert, including the Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane. We’ll also enjoy the remarkable art collection and city views of the Lobkowicz Palace.
Lunch:
A light lunch and coffee will be served in the Lobkowicz Palace.
Afternoon:
We will enjoy a midday classic concert in the 17th-century baroque concert hall of the Lobkowicz Palace. The palace offers daily concerts featuring different composers, such as Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, Dvorák, and Smetana. The rest of the afternoon is free to discover Prague on your own.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room.
Evening:
We will attend a musical performance. Further details about the performance will be provided by the Group Leader once on the program. (Please note that the date of this performance is subject to change depending on scheduling.)
Day
10
Challenges of European Integration, Free Time
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B
Stay:
K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will get acquainted firsthand with the impact of communist rule and the changes following the fall of the Iron Curtain during a discussion and lecture about the challenges of European integration. The personal experiences of our lecturer will deepen our understanding of this time.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Gallery, Free Time or Jewish Town, Old & Lesser Towns
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
K+K Hotel Central, Prague
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking/standing up to 2.5 hours at gallery. Walking up to 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Elective: Getting on/off a tram; walking about 2 miles, approximately 3.5 hours in the Jewish Town. Some stairs to negotiate. Walking, subway use, and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will drive by motorcoach to the National Gallery at the Trade Fair Palace, a gallery of magnificent art from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Gaugin, and Schiele, as well as lesser known Czech and Slovak artists like Alfons Mucha and František Kupka, a pioneer of abstract art.
Lunch:
Explore local fare on your own.
Afternoon:
We will enjoy an afternoon of time for exploring the city independently, or we may join an elective expert-led field trip in the Jewish Town. In the early evening before dinner, we will meet at the hotel for a motorcoach transfer to the Old Town. We’ll take a leisurely walk through the Old Town and over the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe. The Old Town is where we’ll find the impressive Old Town Square, the center of all events since the early Middle Ages. The stone houses, churches, palaces, and monasteries in combination with the twisty narrow streets and alleys create a very special atmosphere. We’ll continue on to the Lesser Town, a unique part of Prague with baroque palaces and the St. Nicholas Church.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant near the Charles Bridge. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room. This concludes our program.
Morning:
Group transfers organized by flight times. Transfer to the Prague International Airport (PRG) for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
21 Meals
10 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
- May 04, 2025 - May 15, 2025 (Budapest to Prague)
- Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025 (Budapest to Prague)
- Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025 (Budapest to Prague)
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025 (Budapest to Prague)
- Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025 (Budapest to Prague)
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025 (Budapest to Prague)
Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
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This was an amazing trip, both Budapest and Prague are enchanting cities and once you have been there you would want to go back. The leaders were fantastic !
— Review left November 25, 2024
this was the first package tour my husband and i have ever taken and it was even better than we had hoped. They pack a lot into each day, all well chosen and the guides were knowledgeable, personable, and fun.
— Review left November 24, 2024
I strongly recommend this tour! Budapest and Prague are remarkable cities, all the more so because of our EXCELLENT guides. They made the program a COMPLETE SUCCESS! They presented information in very engaging ways, with stories and anecdotes and relevant connections between past and present, and their passion and enthusiasm were delightfully infectious. I loved the variety of experiences: walking tours, lectures, excursions, and informal conversations that helped me appreciate the Hungarian and Czech people: their culture, their passions, their centuries of challenges, and their tenacious dedication to their countries and each other. I gained an appreciation for how they lived and suffered and found joy amidst painful situations, and how very resilient and kind they are. And there was no language barrier, as most people graciously spoke English. Our guides helped to open my eyes and my heart to these wonderful people. They gave me memories of a lifetime.
— Review left November 3, 2024
This is a wonderful program! The knowledgeability of the leader, docents and lecturers was very impressive. They all exhibited awesome diplomatic leader skills. All of the components were certainly interesting and enjoyable. The daily itinerary locations added depth and greater understanding to the area/places we visited. So glad to have participated and highly recommend!
— Review left November 1, 2024
The trip to Budapest and Prague was a wonderful experience with terrific guides. We saw and learned so much! This was a great way to get to know two iconic cities.
— Review left October 7, 2024
Thiswa the first of what I hope will be many more Road Scholar experiences. Road Scholar lived up to its reputation.
— Review left September 28, 2024
Having been independent travelers for the past forty years made us skeptical. Now that we have completed our first Road Scholar Trip, we are now Advocates.
What a great surprise! We enjoyed our fellow travelers, the educational experience, our guides and the accommodations. The cost of the trip was a real bargain too!
We hope we see our new friends again and we are certain to make new ones on our next trip.
Thank You Road Scholar !!
— Review left September 21, 2024
This trip to Budapest and Prague was a wonderful trip! ! Our expert guides brought history to life, and I loved the variety of experiences we shared in two of the most gorgeous cities in the world.
— Review left September 7, 2024
If you want to experience more than just the usual tourist destinations in the cities you visit, Road Scholar is for you! History is shared in an entertaining manner and your experience is more meaningful, memorable and unique.
— Review left May 28, 2024
Road Scholar's trip to Budapest and Prague was one of our best travel experiences ever. The trip is designed with good leaders, lecturers, and tours, as well as offering free time. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left May 19, 2024
This is a great program. It offers a perfect blend of organized time and free time. The instructors are excellent. Each city is fascinating in different ways. Highly recommend.
— Review left May 19, 2024
This program offers an excellent insight into Central Europe, politically, culturally, and more. The artistic presentations were superb. It also provided excellent insight into the two countries during the Soviet regime.
— Review left November 26, 2023
This trip to two cities in East Europe was interesting from a number of perspectives. Each city had a rich architectural,artistic and musical history, and each was major participant in political events over past centuries. Most recently they have evolved from a repressive communist society into a free market community
— Review left November 17, 2023
After the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic I was excited but intimidated to travel internationally. After joining a Road Scholar trip I feel equipped to travel to new places. And I will try another Road Scholar trip because participants are treated as adult travelers.
— Review left June 25, 2023
This was an awesome experience and I learned a lot about the counties I visited.
— Review left May 19, 2023
This was a wonderful and magical trip. I will never forget it.
— Review left October 16, 2021
This was our sixth Road Scholar experience and each has been wonderful. This adventure in Budapest and Prague was stellar. Our local leaders (Haidy - sp?) and Tereza were phenomenal. Peter, our Group Leader, was superb, as well. Highly recommended!
— Review left October 4, 2019
This was our first Road Scholar experience. We have travelled on our own many times and were a little worried about joining a tour group. This tour exceeded our expectations. It was well planned and well paced. We will be doing this again!
— Review left September 13, 2019
Can you help me by sending me the form that I completed to enroll in this program from which I just returned.
Also, may I see how much Paid for the entire program?
RS, I need to see where I would have purchased trip insurance. I thought I had purchased it as I always do. But Road Scholar informed me they have no record of my having purchased it. I also called Aon and they said the same. What would the insurance have cost? Would I have paid for it separate from the program?
Is there a way for me to see the form I completed and submitted to RS?
Thank you.
Susan Goodwin
— Review left June 20, 2019
This trip was outstanding! Road Scholar exceeded my expectations. Our trip leader Agnes and local guides Aggi and Tereza were amazing. We learned about history, art, music, architecture, and politics from interesting lecturers as well as Agnes, Aggi and Tereza, saw so many incredible sights, and attended some excellent concerts and the opera. The optional tours of the Jewish areas in both cities were very well done and worthwhile. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 18, 2019
The cities are wonderful gems to visit but the three main guides made this a superlative trip!
— Review left May 27, 2019
