Program Overview
Take the road less traveled and explore four of the culturally richest cities in Eastern Europe: Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, and Prague. There are hidden treasures around every corner in these imperial cities, from the thermal baths in Budapest, to the quaint streets of Krakow, Vienna’s elegant opera house, and the magical fairytale city of Prague. Learn the fascinating history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and dive into more recent history to understand how these elegant cities have been reborn after the Nazi and Communist occupations. Travel between your destinations on Europe’s modern trains. This program offers a unique and exotic experience to a stunning part of Europe for those teen travelers looking to venture off the beaten path!
During this program, you will…
- Explore the Buda Castle District and climb Fishermen’s Bastion for breathtaking views over the Danube River
- Take an adventurous climbing and crawling tour through the longest cave system in Hungary*
- Marvel at the beauty of Krakow–from the bustling Old Town Square to the charming side streets adorned with pastel buildings
- Learn how to make authentic Polish cuisine in a hands-on pierogi cooking class
- Experience sobering WWII history at the Auschwitz concentration camp
- Savor a slice of famous Viennese chocolate cake or apple strudel
- Visit the elegant Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna and go for a ride at the Prater, the world’s oldest amusement park
- Bike or walk the streets of Prague like a local and visit the John Lennon Wall, Jewish Quarter, and Astronomical Clock
*This is an optional add-on
Trip Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART FROM NEW YORK-NEWARK
DAYS 2-5: KRAKOW
Our first stop on this incredible journey is the charming city of Krakow! Fall in love with Poland and enjoy all of the sights just a short walk from our hotel, including the largest medieval town square in Europe and the colorful Florianska, the main shopping street in Krakow. When wandering down the cobbled streets gets you hungry, prepare to indulge in some delicious cuisines. Of course, the pierogis will be plentiful, and we’ll even have a chance to make our very own at a pierogi cooking class! We’ll get a brief introduction to World War II history in Kazimierz, the Jewish District which was an independent city until the 19th century, and even stop for a snack at a cafe that was made famous by the movie “Schindler’s List.”
Then we’ll have a first-hand look at the Holocaust on our tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, an experience that will surely stay with you for the rest of your life. This visit to the infamous Nazi concentration camps gives us an opportunity to reflect on a very dark chapter in history.
End your time in Krakow soaking up the sun in the town square, shopping for souvenirs in the Cloth Hall, and climbing St. Mary’s belltower for a fantastic view of the city.
DAYS 5-7: PRAGUE
Our next destination is the capital of the Czech Republic. En route, we’ll stop in the charming cities of Brno and Kutna Hora. Upon arrival in Prague, you’ll be transported into a fairytale city so magical you’ll feel like you stepped inside a storybook! We’ll traverse the streets of this medieval city to the Old Town Square and famous Astronomical Clock, cross the river with a beautiful view of the Charles Bridge, check out the John Lennon Wall, and discover why this is one of the hottest destinations in Eastern Europe! We’ll enjoy delicious Czech food such as goulash, and bread dumplings, and even sample fried cheese at a critically acclaimed restaurant featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. We’ll head up to the Prague Castle District to watch the changing of the guard, visit the impressive architecture of St. Vitus Cathedral, and wander down the adorable “Golden Lane,” a street of tiny, colorful houses dating back to the 15th century where goldsmiths and artisans once lived.
DAYS 7-9: VIENNA
Then it’s time to discover Vienna. En route from Prague to Vienna, we’ll stop at the charming Bohemian village of Cesky Krumlov, where we will climb the bell tower for incredible views of the red-roofed houses. When we arrive in Vienna, you’ll visit the elegant and decadent Schonbrunn Palace, which was the imperial family’s summer home. Be amazed by this lavish 18th-century palace and get lost in its garden maze. Afterward, enjoy some of Vienna’s famous chocolate cake for an afternoon snack followed by a walking tour of the city seeing all of the best sites, including Mozart’s famous Opera House. We’ll also enjoy an authentic Austrian apple strudel show to see how the iconic dessert is made. Our time in Vienna wouldn’t be complete without some time shopping on the upscale Mariahilferstrasse.
DAYS 9-12: BUDAPEST
This Hungarian capital may be one of Europe’s most understatedly beautiful cities. Dive into the rich cultural center of Budapest, from the communist history of Statue Park to the Hungarian heritage and pride at the Parliament Building. We’ll have a guided bike tour around the city’s charming castle district, enjoying some of the best views of this stunning city split into two sides by the Danube River. Seeking some adventure? You’ll have the option to explore the multi-level labyrinth under the city by climbing and crawling through underground caves stretching almost 20 miles long!
No trip to Budapest would be complete without an afternoon spent relaxing in the summer sun at the legendary thermal baths. Bathe in the largest thermal spa in Europe and marvel at the stunning Neo-Baroque architecture surrounding the grand outdoor pools. After our final dinner in Budapest, we will climb up to the top of Gellert Hill for a magnificent view of the city lit up below. For yet another incredible perspective of Budapest we’ll finish off our trip with a dinner cruise down the river.
DAY 13: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE USA
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FAQs
What is unique about the Budapest, Krakow, Vienna & Prague trip?
Students love that they are able to explore three of the trendiest Eastern European cities. On the Budapest, Krakow, Vienna & Prague program, they are able to venture off the beaten path to discover cultures that are so unique and different from countries that most travelers visit in Western Europe.
From an afternoon spent bathing at the thermal baths in Budapest to an up-close and personal look at the horrors of the Holocaust in Auschwitz and an opportunity to explore both the most popular Bohemian city of Prague and a smaller Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov, this program provides unique insider access to the hottest destinations in Eastern Europe.
Students love that they are able to explore three of the trendiest Eastern European cities. On the Budapest, Krakow, Vienna & Prague program, they are able to venture off the beaten path to discover cultures that are so unique and different from countries that most travelers visit in Western Europe.
From an afternoon spent bathing at the thermal baths in Budapest to an up-close and personal look at the horrors of the Holocaust in Auschwitz and an opportunity to explore both the most popular Bohemian city of Prague and a smaller Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov, this program provides unique insider access to the hottest destinations in Eastern Europe.
Where do we stay on this program?
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Budapest we stay in a hotel centrally located next to the main train station. In Krakow we stay within 5 minutes walking distance of the Old Town Square and right off the main shopping street. In Prague we stay in New Town with easy access to main metro lines.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
Students stay in centrally located, safe, and well-supervised accommodations in each city.
They are well suited to facilitating group supervision and usually within walking distance of the main attractions. We do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities; we prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.
In Budapest we stay in a hotel centrally located next to the main train station. In Krakow we stay within 5 minutes walking distance of the Old Town Square and right off the main shopping street. In Prague we stay in New Town with easy access to main metro lines.
For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for the program.
What is included on the Budapest, Krakow, Vienna & Prague trip?
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
Tuition cost includes: ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts and dinners.
Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; lunches; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.
What is the food like in these countries?
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
In Budapest, we will appreciate the delicious paprika seasoning that is used in typical Hungarian dishes. Goulash is plentiful in Budapest, which is similar to a beef stew or hearty soup. Many meals are accompanied with rice or small pastas on the side. And if you’re really interested in eating like a local, you will have a chance to sample the famous langos! This mouth watering snack is fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and any other delicious toppings you choose. Students will also have an opportunity to eat at the Central Market Hall, which has a number of different food stalls with delectable choices- something for everyone!
Polish cuisine is best known for pierogi- amazing dumplings filled with any combination of cheese, potato, meat, and veggies. Not only will we eat authentic pierogis, but we will learn how to make them homemade at a Polish cooking class. Another classic Polish snack is potato pancakes, which are similar to a latke or large, flattened hash brown and can be topped with anything from sour cream to goulash or mushroom sauce. Our time in this city wouldn’t be complete without a taste of something all the locals are eating, and in Krakow that’s “zapiekanka.” These open-faced toasted baguettes topped with cheese, meat, veggies, or all of the above are famous in Kazimierz! We will also enjoy a spectacular 3 course meal in Krakow at one of the city’s most famous restaurants on our final night there.
Last but not least in Prague, we will dine on the finest goulash, bread dumplings, and beer cheese in all the land! The goulash here is a hearty dish, differing from the soup version in Budapest, and often comes with a beloved ball of dough on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. We will try these Czech specialties at a critically acclaimed beer hall for an authentic dining experience in Prague. Last but not least, we will stand beside the locals tasting savory Czech sausages and the famous fried cheese!
The food on this program is authentic, delicious, and a central part of the cultural travel experience.
We prioritize eating at local, authentic establishments rather than Americanized chains, encouraging students to sample the local specialties wherever we go. We fully accommodate all dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten allergies, and other restrictions.
In Budapest, we will appreciate the delicious paprika seasoning that is used in typical Hungarian dishes. Goulash is plentiful in Budapest, which is similar to a beef stew or hearty soup. Many meals are accompanied with rice or small pastas on the side. And if you’re really interested in eating like a local, you will have a chance to sample the famous langos! This mouth watering snack is fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and any other delicious toppings you choose. Students will also have an opportunity to eat at the Central Market Hall, which has a number of different food stalls with delectable choices- something for everyone!
Polish cuisine is best known for pierogi- amazing dumplings filled with any combination of cheese, potato, meat, and veggies. Not only will we eat authentic pierogis, but we will learn how to make them homemade at a Polish cooking class. Another classic Polish snack is potato pancakes, which are similar to a latke or large, flattened hash brown and can be topped with anything from sour cream to goulash or mushroom sauce. Our time in this city wouldn’t be complete without a taste of something all the locals are eating, and in Krakow that’s “zapiekanka.” These open-faced toasted baguettes topped with cheese, meat, veggies, or all of the above are famous in Kazimierz! We will also enjoy a spectacular 3 course meal in Krakow at one of the city’s most famous restaurants on our final night there.
Last but not least in Prague, we will dine on the finest goulash, bread dumplings, and beer cheese in all the land! The goulash here is a hearty dish, differing from the soup version in Budapest, and often comes with a beloved ball of dough on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. We will try these Czech specialties at a critically acclaimed beer hall for an authentic dining experience in Prague. Last but not least, we will stand beside the locals tasting savory Czech sausages and the famous fried cheese!