Central Europe

Central Europe is a classic route linking capitals shaped by the Habsburg era, all within short distances of one another. In Prague you walk from Charles Bridge up to Prague Castle and watch the astronomical clock perform in Old Town Square. In Vienna, the Schönbrunn and Hofburg palaces, the State Opera and the grand buildings along the Ringstrasse reflect the splendour of an imperial city.

The Danube accompanies the second half of the route: after Bratislava's small, friendly old town, Budapest greets you with Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion and the Parliament building on the riverbank. An evening boat trip on the Danube or a few hours in a thermal bath melts away the day's fatigue. Český Krumlov and Hallstatt, often added to programmes, round off the journey with picture-postcard townscapes.

Short distances between cities make this route easy to explore by coach. December's Christmas markets are the most atmospheric time of year, while spring and autumn bring the most pleasant temperatures for walking. Remember that Czechia and Hungary use their own currencies, although card payments are very common.