For SA travellers who've already done Italy or France and want their second European trip to feel different, Eastern Europe is the answer. Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Krakow form a compact four-city circuit that's cheaper, less crowded, and arguably more atmospheric than the classic Western European tours.
Here's the actual experience, by city, with what to expect.
Prague: the fairytale
Prague is the most photographed Eastern European city and it earns the attention. The Old Town Square, the astronomical clock, the Charles Bridge, the castle complex above the river. The Europamundo walking tour covers all of it. Czech beer is excellent and cheap (€2.50 for a half-litre in the centre). Allow two evenings to do the city justice.
Vienna: the imperial city
Vienna is where the old Austro-Hungarian empire is still visible everywhere, palatial buildings, formal coffee houses, classical concerts. The Schönbrunn Palace is the must-see. The Sacher Hotel for the Sachertorte (overrated but obligatory). The optional Mozart and Strauss concert evening is unironically wonderful.
Budapest: the wild card
Budapest is the surprise of the tour for most travellers. The Danube splits Buda (the hills) from Pest (the flats). The thermal baths (Széchenyi in particular) are unforgettable. Hungarian food is heavier and more rustic than Austrian or Czech (goulash, paprikash, plenty of pork). The currency is the forint, not the Euro, so plan accordingly.
Krakow: the heavyweight
Krakow is the most beautiful preserved old town in Eastern Europe, the Main Market Square is bigger than Venice's St Mark's. Wawel Castle, the Jewish Quarter, the salt mines at Wieliczka.
The Auschwitz-Birkenau day trip is offered as an optional. We don't recommend it lightly, it's emotionally heavy, important, and a long day. Children under 14 should not go. Adults should know what they're walking into. Most travellers who do it remember it as one of the most important days of the whole tour.
The route
Most tours run Prague → Vienna → Budapest → Krakow, or some variation that loops through Bratislava (a half-day stop) and Slovak countryside. 10 to 14 days. Coach transfers between cities are 3 to 5 hours each.
What it costs from SA
- Land tour pp sharing: R22,000 to R32,000 (Eastern Europe is notably cheaper than Western)
- Flights JHB/CPT to Prague or Vienna via Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul: R13,000 to R17,000
- Schengen visa: R2,200 per adult (Eastern European Schengen countries use the same application)
- On-ground spend: R15,000 to R22,000 (notably cheaper than Italy or France)
- All-in couple: R100,000 to R145,000
The food
Don't expect Italian-level dining. Czech, Austrian, Hungarian, and Polish cuisines are heartier, heavier, and built around meat, potatoes, and dumplings. They're delicious in their own right, but if you're vegetarian or vegan, plan ahead. Most cities have good vegetarian-friendly options now, but they're not the default.
When to go
May, June, September, and the December Christmas markets are the four sweet spots. Summer is busy but not as crowded as Italy. Winter is cold but the Christmas markets in Vienna, Prague, and Budapest are extraordinary, book early for December departures.
Practical tips
- Get euros AND forint if Budapest is included, many small Budapest restaurants are cash only and don't take Euros
- The thermal baths in Budapest need a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops (rentals are available)
- Czech beer is one of the great cheap pleasures of Europe, drink it at lunch, not just dinner
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, cobblestones in all four cities
For Western Europe comparison, see our 14-day Italy itinerary. For first-time travellers, our first-time-in-Europe guide still applies. Browse all Europe tours.
