Central & Eastern Europe 8 nights Essentials

Welcome to Hungary’s capital—famously known as the City of Thermal Baths. Bath culture has existed since Roman times and later flourished under Ottoman influence.

City Highlights

• Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lánchíd) — completed in 1849, linking Buda & Pest
• Parliament Building
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Opera House
• Great Market Hall
• and Europe’s largest synagogue: Dohány Street Synagogue

A small but culturally rich capital, Bratislava sits at the crossroads of Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Historically known as Pressburg, the city reflects centuries of German, Hungarian, Jewish, Czech, and Slovak influences—visible in its languages, traditions, and architecture.

Brno blends the energy of a university town with modernist architecture, a strong design identity, and a relaxed café culture. It has become one of Central Europe’s rising stars for architecture lovers and travelers seeking creative small-city experiences.

Stay: Hotel Avion — A Functionalist Icon Reborn

Designed by Czech architect Bohuslav Fuchs, the legendary Hotel Avion is known as one of the narrowest hotels in Europe. A textbook example of Functionalism, the hotel showcases ingenious spatial planning, clean geometric lines, and minimalist detailing. After a meticulous contemporary renovation, it has become a favorite among design-conscious travelers who appreciate boutique stays with architectural pedigree.

Recommend: Villa Tugendhat — A Masterpiece of Modernism

Notable elements include:

• pioneering steel-frame structure
• expansive open-plan layout
• signature floor-to-ceiling glass walls
• the iconic onyx wall glowing under afternoon light
• custom Mies-designed furniture

Tickets are extremely limited and often sell out months in advance — advance reservation is essential.

The itinerary does not include the following tickets. For purchasing train tickets or booking private car transfers, please contact your travel consultant.

After checking in, begin exploring the “City of a Hundred Spires.” A river cruise along the Vltava River brings you through Prague’s five historic districts—Old Town, New Town, Jewish Quarter, Castle District, and Lesser Town—revealing Gothic towers, Baroque palaces, and Art Nouveau facades.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Castle District, including the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Kafka’s Golden Lane. Continue to Lesser Town, home to the Baroque masterpiece St. Nicholas Church, and the serene Wallenstein Garden, decorated with sculptures, fountains, and peacocks. Cross the Charles Bridge, admiring statues and street artists along the way.

Your itinerary includes a guided half-day exploration of Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut lake district. Before entering Salzburg’s Old Town, you’ll pass Mirabell Gardens, the famous filming site of The Sound of Music. 

Nearby is the Paracelsus Bad, a public spa with saunas, steam rooms, and a panoramic indoor pool topped with a climbing wall—perfect for a refreshing dip.

The UNESCO-listed Salzkammergut region is dotted with postcard-perfect lakeside towns, and Hallstatt is its crown jewel—often called “the world’s most beautiful lakeside village.”

Hallstatt (included in the guided tour)

Spend your time:

• Walking lakeside paths
• Crossing the Mühlbach waterfalls
• Taking the funicular to the historic salt mine
• Enjoying the stunning 360° Skywalk
• Visiting the famous Bone House, where centuries-old painted skulls narrate local history

From Vienna Airport, board the direct train to Salzburg and step into the gateway of the Austrian Alps. Salzburg—whose name comes from “Salz” (salt)—is a beautiful city shaped by centuries of salt trade.

Wander along the lively Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most iconic shopping street. Its wrought-iron guild signs—each illustrating the shop’s craft—make the entire lane feel like an open-air design museum. Even international brands follow the tradition. At No. 9, the yellow townhouse marks the Mozart Birthplace, where the composer lived until age 17. Inside, you’ll find original manuscripts, instruments, and even a preserved lock of Mozart’s golden hair.

This 8-night journey travels from Austria’s alpine lakes to the artistic cities of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Explore Salzburg, Prague, Brno, Bratislava and Budapest—each with its own unique blend of design, history and relaxed city life. 

Expect serene lake views, Art Nouveau facades, modernist architecture and riverside cafés. Perfect for travelers who enjoy design, coffee culture, walkable cities and the charm of Central & Eastern Europe’s small urban gems.

All selected hotels emphasize location, design quality, and convenient access to key attractions and train stations.