Day 1: Vienna, Austria – Habsburg Glam
You land in Vienna, and it’s like stepping into a golden ballroom. Check into a classy hotel near the Ringstrasse—think old-world elegance with Wi-Fi. First up, a guided tour of Hofburg Palace, where emperors lived large, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s gothic spires. Lunch is schnitzel at a cozy gasthaus, with a side of potato salad. Afternoon’s for sipping melange at a historic coffeehouse—Café Central’s the real deal. Evening’s free to catch a Mozart concert or wander the Danube. Vienna’s fancy but warm, like a hug from a duke.
Day 2: Vienna to Prague – Medieval Magic
Morning train to Prague (4 hours, scenic and smooth). You’re in the Czech capital by noon, checked into a charming hotel near Old Town Square. Lunch is goulash with dumplings at a tavern—hearty as heck. Afternoon’s a guided tour of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and that astronomical clock that’s cooler than it sounds. Evening’s a group dinner at a beer hall with roasted pork and Pilsner. Prague’s like a fairy-tale you never wanna wake up from.
Day 3: Prague to Krakow – Royal Roots
Train to Krakow (6 hours with a change, but the Polish countryside’s worth it). You’re in Poland’s historic gem by afternoon, staying at a cozy hotel near the Main Square. Lunch is pierogi (cheese or meat, you pick) at a local spot. Afternoon’s a guided tour of Wawel Castle—royal vibes galore—and the hauntingly cool Kazimierz district. Evening’s free to hit a jazz club or sip mead in a medieval cellar. Krakow’s got this soulful, royal heart that hits deep.
Day 4: Krakow to Budapest – Regal Bridges
Morning train to Budapest (6 hours with a change—grab a window seat). You’re in Hungary’s capital by afternoon, checked into a trendy hotel with Danube views. Lunch is lángos (fried dough with sour cream—don’t judge) at a market stall. Afternoon’s a guided walk across the Chain Bridge to Buda Castle and Matthias Church’s colorful roof. Dinner’s at a ruin bar—think graffiti and craft beer. Budapest’s got this grand, slightly wild imperial vibe.
Day 5: Budapest to Bratislava – Cozy & Quirky
Quick train to Bratislava (2.5 hours, easy ride). You’re in Slovakia’s capital by noon, staying at a funky hotel near the Old Town. Lunch is bryndzové halušky (sheep cheese dumplings—so good) at a local tavern. Afternoon’s a guided tour of Bratislava Castle and the UFO Bridge, plus that weird manhole statue everyone loves. Evening’s free to sip local wine at a riverside bar or chill in a cozy café. Bratislava’s small, quirky, and feels like a secret.
Day 6: Bratislava to Ljubljana – Green Oasis
Morning train to Ljubljana (6 hours with a change in Vienna, but the alpine views are killer). You’re in Slovenia’s capital by afternoon, checked into a boutique hotel by the Ljubljanica River. Lunch is štruklji (stuffed dumplings—Slovenia’s comfort food) at a riverside spot. Afternoon’s a guided stroll across the Triple Bridge and up to Ljubljana Castle for epic views. Evening’s a group dinner with local trout and Slovenian white wine. Ljubljana’s green, calm, and just plain lovely.
Day 7: Ljubljana to Berlin – Bold Rebirth
Train to Berlin (9 hours with a change, long but scenic—bring a book). You’re in Germany’s capital by evening, staying at a sleek hotel near Alexanderplatz. Dinner’s at a local joint with currywurst and a cold Berliner Pilsner. Quick evening stroll to see the Brandenburg Gate all lit up—chills guaranteed. Crash early to prep for a big Berlin day. This city’s got a bold, in-your-face vibe that’s totally unique.
Day 8: Berlin – History & Edge
Full day to dive into Berlin’s wild soul. Morning’s a guided tour of the Berlin Wall’s East Side Gallery—murals that scream history—and Checkpoint Charlie. Lunch is döner kebab at a street stall (trust me, it’s perfect). Afternoon’s for Museum Island’s ancient treasures or the Reichstag’s glass dome. Evening’s a group dinner at a trendy Prenzlauer Berg spot with schnitzel and craft beer. Free time to hit Berghain’s techno scene or a cozy bar—our guide’s got recs. Berlin’s raw and real.
Day 9: Berlin & Departure
Last morning’s for savoring Berlin. Grab coffee and a pretzel at a café or stroll Tiergarten’s green paths. Need souvenirs? Our guide points you to Berliner Weisse or Wall-themed art. After lunch (maybe more currywurst—you’re obsessed), we arrange transfers to Berlin’s airport or train station. You’re heading home with a head full of empires and a heart full of stories.
