Days 1–3 · Prague
Old Town Square and the astronomical clock, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and a Vltava dinner cruise.
Eastern Europe travel guide
Eastern Europe Holiday Packages from Australia
Eastern and Central Europe give you the grand imperial cities without western European prices: Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Krakow sit within a few hours of each other by train, and the food, thermal baths and music are the equal of anywhere on the continent. This guide covers a proven route, realistic costs, Schengen entry rules and when to travel.
A classic 12-day Eastern Europe itinerary
Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest and Krakow, connected by comfortable rail and coach. Runs as an escorted group departure or as a private trip on your own dates.
Day 4 · Cesky Krumlov
UNESCO-listed riverside town and castle en route south.
Days 5–6 · Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace, the Ringstrasse, a Viennese coffee house and a classical concert.
Days 7–8 · Budapest
Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, the Parliament and an evening in the Szechenyi thermal baths.
Days 9–11 · Krakow
Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and an Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial visit.
Day 12 · Departure
Private transfer to Krakow or Warsaw airport.
More ideas on the Europe destination page.
What this holiday costs
Return flights Sydney–Prague (one stop)
From around $1,600 economy, $2,200 in peak seasons
12-day escorted package (land only)
From $3,999 per person, twin share
Hotels, 4-star central
Roughly $180–$280 per room per night
Rail, Prague–Vienna–Budapest
Around $60–$90 per adult per sector booked early
Meals and daily spending
Allow $90–$150 per person per day
All figures are indicative guides in Australian dollars for planning only. Final pricing depends on your travel dates, airline, hotel category, group size, exchange rates and availability at the time of booking, and is confirmed in writing before you pay.
Best time to travel
Spring · April to June
Blossom, long evenings and mild days before the summer crowds. Our favourite window for the imperial cities.
Summer · July to August
Warm to hot with festivals and outdoor dining everywhere. Busiest and dearest; book hotels early.
Autumn · September to October
Golden light, wine harvest in Hungary and Moravia, thinner crowds and softer prices.
Winter · November to February
Christmas markets from late November, thermal baths in the snow and the lowest hotel rates of the year.
Seasonal dates shift each year with the weather; we track the forecasts and advise on departure dates before you commit.
Visa and entry tips
- Australian passport holders travelling for tourism can currently enter the Schengen area, including Czechia, Austria, Hungary and Poland, without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- ETIAS, the new European travel authorisation, is being introduced — once in force, Australians will apply online before departure. We advise you of the current position when you book.
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen area and issued within the last ten years.
- Border officers may ask for proof of accommodation, onward travel and travel insurance; we provide the documentation pack.
Entry rules can change at short notice. Always confirm current requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and with Smartraveller before you travel. We assist with documentation but cannot guarantee entry decisions.
Ready to plan your Eastern Europe holiday?
Tell us your dates, travellers and the cities you want. Our Sydney consultants build the rail routing, book central hotels and add the Danube cruise or Christmas market timing you're after.