HAPPY NEW YEAR!
TRENDING DESTINATION
BY CATEGORY
OUR COMPANY
We're a modern group travel company for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s.
GALLERY
The amazing people you meet on an FTLO trip are often the best part.
REVIEWS
See what past travelers say about their FTLO trips.
FAQS
Want to know more about a specific aspect of FTLO? Check out our FAQ section.
GET SOCIAL
The
Budapest, Vienna
& Prague
trip
For the love of
EUROPE BY TRAIN​
​
SCHNITZEL & SACHERTORTE​
​
ROYAL PALACES​
​
COFFEE CULTURE​
​
LIFE ON THE DANUBE​
​
SPIRES IN THE SKY
​
RUIN BARS​
BEER SPAS​
​
MOZART MAGIC​
​
THREE COUNTRIES, THREE CAPITALS​
​
BUDAPEST, VIENNA & PRAGUE
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s looking to cross off the trifecta of Central Europe’s cultural treasures.
​
Over eight days, we’ll be hopping trains and riding the rails between three of the coolest capitals on the continent. First stop, Budapest—a city where you can soak away your worries in thermal baths and then sip craft cocktails in ruin bars while deciding if you want goulash or langos for a midnight snack. We’ll cruise the Danube and explore the countryside before making our way to Austria for a taste of Vienna’s opulence: classical tunes in Mozart’s hometown and the Habsburg high life. Eventually, we’ll wind up on Prague’s cobbled streets to wrap things up in storybook fashion. After crisscrossing the Old Town, throw down a few pilsners with the locals and cheers to one epic adventure.
​
For culture trippers, this is a cross-continental adventure into the heart of Europe and an immersive experience through three of the region’s most exciting countries.
Included
-
7 night accommodations in shared rooms (single room upgrade available on request)
-
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
-
Train tickets: Budapest to Vienna and Vienna to Prague
-
24 hour public transportation tickets in Vienna and Prague
-
Guided historic Budapest walking tour
-
Traditional Hungarian cooking class led by a local chef
-
Evening Danube River cruise with views of Budapest’s historic skyline
-
Károlyi Castle experience in Hungary’s countryside
-
Local wine tasting in a traditional family-run Hungarian vineyard
-
Classical Viennese concert in one of Vienna’s oldest concert halls
-
Visit to Habsburg’s opulent summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace
-
Walking tour through Prague’s old streets
-
Unique Czech beer spa experience
-
FTLO Trip Leader
*Activities are weather-dependent on all Budapest, Vienna, Prague trips; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
-
Flights to Budapest and from Prague
-
Mandatory trip insurance
-
Meals not mentioned (Budget around $200)
-
Incidental expenses
day by day
*Itinerary is subject to change
Day 1 - Budapest
Boo-Da-Pesht
Originally split by the Danube into Buda and Pest before uniting in 1873, Budapest is a one-of-a-kind capital with neoclassical architecture, paprika-rich cuisine, and a persona that’s just the right amount of rough around the edges.
​
Kick things off near the city center on the eastern Pest side of the river with a crew of new friends and welcome drinks to get your Central European adventure started right. From there, we’re off to the lively old streets of the Jewish Quarter for our welcome dinner and your first taste of Hungarian cooking.
​
After a bite, head out for a nightcap (extra points if you try a shot of pálinka, a local fruit brandy guaranteed to give you a warm Hungarian welcome), or take a romantic stroll along the Danube as you wander back to the hotel.
Wander
Day 2 - Budapest
Crosstown Cuisine
After catching up with the crew, we’re off to see Budapest and all her beauty on a walking tour. We’ll check out everything from the bell towers of St. Stephen’s Basilica to Fisherman’s Bastion and the Medieval architecture of the Castle Quarter.
​
You’ll need a bite after all that, so up next, it’s time for a cooking class led by a rockstar local chef to whip up Hungarian specialties like chilled soups and sweet desserts. The afternoon’s free, but as this is the City of Baths, it’s only fitting that you head to Széchenyi for a soak.
​
Round out the day in romantic fashion with a Danube River cruise for golden views of the historic skyline before we head toward Budapest’s famous ruin bars to check out the graffitied grit that sets this capital apart (think dive bars taken to a whole new level).
marvel
Day 3 - Budapest
wine
Country
Today, we’re heading out of the city and journeying through Hungary’s small towns for a deep cut of the country.
​
Get things started in the land of Counts and Barons as we take a private tour of the massive 19th-century Károlyi Castle and its grounds. We’ll grab a bite after exploring the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and then it’s time for a few glasses of Hungarian wine at a nearby family-run vineyard. Cheers to our last day in Budapest, or as the Hungarians say, Egészségedre (no worries if you botch that one).
​
You’ll get back to the hustle and bustle that evening, where your night is free. If you didn’t figure it out yesterday, Budapest hits a whole new level when the sun sets. Hit up a jazz club with the crew or roam back to more of those eclectic ruin bars.
indulge
Day 4 - Budapest & Vienna
A Moment for Mozart
After a leisurely morning in Budapest, we’re heading west to Vienna for Mozart, Wienerschnitzel, and the second leg of our central European excursion.
​
Try your first Sachertorte (Austria’s delicious chocolate cake) and stroll the romantic old streets for an experience that is oh-so opulent. With almost theatrically ornate Baroque buildings everywhere you look, Vienna’s the suave, sophisticated big brother of our capital trio: this is where Freud pontificated, Beethoven composed, and the FTLO crew hits high class.
This is also the City of Music, home to the greats of 18th and 19th-century classical tunes. So, after meeting up with everyone for a pre-show dinner, we’ll head to one of the city’s oldest concert halls for a bit of Mozart magic performed by an incredible orchestral ensemble.
Appreciate
Day 5 - Vienna
Kings and Queens
Now that you’ve reached high society, it’s time to step back in time. Today, we’re heading to Schönbrunn Palace—a marvel of European grandeur—to immerse ourselves in the lavish fairytale lifestyle of a bygone era.
​
Originally a 17th-century hunting lodge for the Habsburgs, this giant Baroque estate (a UNESCO site) is the pinnacle of old-school wealth. Explore historic, luxurious rooms filled with priceless works of art and act like you belong in the Great Gallery or the amazing Blue Chinese Salon. After mingling with the royal palace upper crust, we’ll need to recharge, so we’ll kick it local with your first Wienerschnitzel at a traditional Austrian tavern.
​
The afternoon and evening are free to roam; take a spin on the world’s oldest ferris wheel at Prater Park or check out the scene at Rathausplatz.
connect
Day 6 - Vienna & Prague
Czech it Out
After a bite at the hotel, we’re heading west on the rails past dense forests and meandering rivers en route to what may be the most picturesque city on the whole continent.
​
Between the red-tiled roofs, Gothic cathedrals, and Renaissance Palaces, the Czech capital is unfairly, almost unrealistically, spectacular. Grab a hometown pilsner at one of the leafy green beer gardens before you meet up with a local for a tour of the town. With our expert guide, you’ll eat and drink like the Czechs, marvel at the Old Town’s 15th-century astronomical clock, and twist through a labyrinth of secret Castle District streets way beyond the tourists.
​
Prague’s home to some of the finest beer in the world, so cap off the evening prowling for pints through cozy streets with the crew.
learn
“To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.”
- Agatha Christie
FAST FACTS
Day 7 - Prague
Beer Bath
After laughing off a late night and soaking up one too many drinks with a hearty breakfast, we’ll get right back to what Prague does best: beer!
​
However, today’s a special day, so we won’t just be drinking a pint or two; we’ll be bathing in it. Yup, join the rest of the crew for a unique Czech experience—unwind in a tub of suds (there’s a wine option, too!), and let the beer bath soothe your senses. You’ll even follow it up with a salt cave session to rejuvenate your soul.
​
Your afternoon’s free, so after that boozy therapy, take a stroll along the Vltava River or dive into Czech history at the National Museum. That night, we’re all meeting up for a delicious farewell dinner at one of our favorite spots to round out an amazing week.
soak
Day 8 - Prague
Eurotripped
Three countries, three capitals, one epic adventure!
In just eight days, you’ll have crossed Central Europe with a crew of new friends and, in doing so, traveled over 500 kilometers by train. You’ve explored hidden old town streets, marveled at grand palaces, and soaked up Mozart’s finest tunes.
If you’ve got more time to spare in Prague, cross the Charles Bridge once more for some final views of one of our favorite romantic European capitals. Or, if you’ve got even more time to travel, consider a trip to Portugal for some more culture or a fast-paced outdoor experience in Iceland!
Just for fun
King Stephen I of Hungary was so important that his mummified right hand is kept in St. Stephen’s Basilica!
Visit Vienna for croissants. The delectable breakfast treat actually originated in Austria, not France.
On average, Czechs drink more than 180 liters of beer per person each year. That’s the most in the world!
Trip notes
-
There are limited single rooms available on our Budapest, Vienna, Prague trips. Book early if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
-
More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions on the trip can be found here.
About Budapest, Vienna, and Prague
The capitals of Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic each boast their own unique charm and character. Budapest straddles the Danube River, offering a diverse blend of architectural styles, historic thermal baths, and lively ruin bars. Vienna, Austria's imperial jewel, exudes elegance with its grand palaces, classical music legacy, and coffeehouse culture. Prague, the Czech Republic's fairytale city, captivates with its beautiful buildings, medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and lively beer gardens. Together, these cities form a cultural triangle rich in history, art, and culinary delights.
Good to Know
-
In Budapest, the currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
-
In Vienna, the currency is the Euro (EUR).
-
In Prague, the currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK).
-
Hungarians speak Hungarian, Austrians speak German, and the Czechs speak Czech.
-
Public transport in all three cities is fantastic.
-
Some smaller shops and attractions in all three cities may be closed on Sundays and Mondays.
-
Not only is this trip deeply cultural, but as we get around by train, it’s a more sustainable way to see Central Europe.
-
Tipping is not required, but 10% is customary in any of these cities.
Flights
Fly into Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD)
If you’re flying in on day 1, you should arrive at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport by 1:00pm to reach the hotel by 4:00pm.
Fly out of Václav Havel Airport Prague Airport (PRG)
Check out of the hotel is at 10:00am, but you can fly out at any time.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts so you can grab the best deal!
​
*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
Alumni reviews
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our Budapest, Vienna and Prague trip?
We're here to answer any and all questions you might have! Leave us your information below and we'll be in touch with you as soon as possible.