Planner for our East Europe tour of Austria, Czech, Hungary, Slovenia and Montenegro

-
We are off, we being me: Stuart and my wife: Caroline on a seven week jaunt to Eastern Europe, or some would say Central Europe - well who cares - we are visiting Czech Republic, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary in that order
Why? Well, we have had friends visit the Dalmation coast, I like Pilsner beer, Mr Rubik invented is famous cube toy that annoyed the world in Hungary and I like goulash;  Caroline loves the Sound of Music and we both like opera and classical music and it's a bit off the beaten track - well not anymore, because of the 'Game of Thrones' television series. Anyway it is there and it seemed to be a good region to visit.

Our holidays nowadays are usually in the form of choosing a town and making residence for a few days and moving on. With the advent of AirBnb and other house booking sites it is relatively an easy exercise to do that. The advantage of staying in one place a few days is that it reduces travel fatigue and allows us to get to know an area well.

Here is a rough planner that we used for our trip to Eastern Europe.

Region1: Czechia Prague days 1 - 7

Region 2: Montenegro days 8 - 11

Region 3: Croatia Durovnik days 12-14

Region 4: Cruise dalmation coast days 15-21

Region 5: Croatia Split to Bled days 22-34

Region 6: Austria Vienna days 35-43

Region 7: Hungary Budapest days 43-48

Region 1: Czechia days 1 - 7

Overview

Arrive Prague
Going to be tired and jet-lag will kick in at varying times. Do touristy bits round town as the body and mind allows.

Day Itinerary

  1. Prague
    Day - 11:30 am 2.5 hr bike tour  (Booked)
    Evening Czech dancing (Booked )
  2. Prague
    Day: A kayak trip.
    Evening - Opera - Carmen  (Booked)
  3. Prague
    Walking tour of castle (ck Booked )
    Me - bike tour with Praha Bike
    Booked - Mozart dinner and concert at the Bocaccioo ballroom (Booked )
  4. Prague
    Day: Walk Karlštejn to Beroun
    Pick up car at 6pm.
  5. Karlovy Vary
    Spa town
  6.  Karlovy Vary (drive to Zbiroh Chateau)
    Walk / visit  Andělská Hora Castle.
  7. Zbiroh Chateau
    "Chateau Hotel Zbiroh is the only hotel where you can spend a night in chambers where great figures from history stayed: the Emperor Rudolph II, Charles IV, Sigismund, Alfons Mucha and Ema Destinová"
  8. Airport: fly to Dubrovnick

Action activities

  • Paddle boat
    Paddle boat rental on the Vltava River Without any doubt, the nicest view of the Prague Castle is from the river. If you don´t feel like swimming, you can very easily rent a boat and comfortably admire the fantastic castle complex together with the Charles Bridge, National Theatre and others.

    Rentals found on island Zofin near National Theatre or by the Charles Bridge. They are open till 10 p.m., so you can also enjoy night views of Prague.
  • Kayak Rental
    Vodácký Ráj - canoe, raft, kayak. We are at a new location on Císařská louka # 27, Prague 5 - Smíchov. It's right on the river. (recommended by  https://kayakfari.wordpress.com/trips-sea-stories-pics/kayafari-in-prague-on-the-vltava-river/ )

    HG Sport
    HG Sportcamp Troja features great amenities for active travelers visiting Prague. The camp is just steps away from the whitewater slalom course on the bank of the Vltava river and across the river from Stromovka, the largest park in Prague. Our fences touch the 15km bicycle trail along the river's shore which can take you all the way to Prague's historical center in less than half an hour.
    Open 9-19:00 Mon-Fri
    HG Sportcentrum Troja in the area of the Troja slalom course. Vodácká 835/12  170 00,  Praha 7
    GPS Coordinates: +50° 6' 49.40"N, +14° 25' 28.50"E
    Bus: You take the bus number 112 to the bus stop Kovárna. Upon arriving, walk about 250m towards the river and continue walking about 500m on the paved road alongside the shore of the river against the current. The Sportcentre will be on your left.
    Metro: Take the C line to  Nádraží Holešovice, continue by bus number 112 and follow the instructions above.
  • Bike
    Praha Bike Loads of tours on offer. Address: Dlouha 24, Praha 1. Phone +420 732 388 880 . Open 09:00 - 20:00 (21:00) : March 15 - Oct 15
    Possible - Karlstejn Castle Bike Tour rolls you southwest of Prague along the Vltava and Berounka Rivers and through the Czech countryside to the gothic fortress built by King Karel IV to house the imperial jewels and his collection of holy relics. Karlstejn Castle, with its enchanting, monumental architecture is one of the most-visited castles in the country .
  • Walk
    Kalrlstejn to Beroun
    http://www.praguepost.com/travel2/38261-from-karlstejn-to-beroun

    Karlovy Vary: 9km from centre The Ohře River Valley
    The romantic valley of the Ohře River stretches from Karlovy Vary to Loket and is part of the Slavkov Forest Protected Landscape Area. Less than eight kilometres long, the deep canyon of the valley was created by the Ohře River forcing its way through the Karlovy Vary granite massif. Parts of the left bank are lined with massive rock pillars and pinnacles that formed due to gradual wind and rain erosion of the surrounding high granite walls.

    Karlovy Vary: 12km from centre Andělská Hora Castle Ruins
    Extensive romantic ruins of a Gothic castle from the 14th century, situated on a massive rock promontory, are the main tourist attraction of the village. The castle was built by the House of Hrabischitz from Riesenburg. The family also owned the Bečov Manor at that time. During the Thirty Year War, in 1635, the castle was conquered, plundered and damaged by the Swedes. A hurled burning shingle from a town fire in 1718 supposedly ignited the roof of the castle, which burnt down and was finally abandoned. Over the years, the castle turned into ruins and became a favourite place for walks of people from far and wide. The rocky promontory offers a spectacular, unobstructed view of the surrounding hills of the Slavkov Forest and Doupov Mountains.

Social activities

  • Opera - Carmen by Bizet. Prague National Theatre, Národní 2, Praha 1
    Essentially a tragedy, Carmen is the tale of a mesmerising woman’s hold over the men she encounters. Rather than being torn between the competing attentions of Don José, an army officer, and Escamillo, a bullfighter, she toys with both of them, ultimately prizing her right to choose her lover more than life itself.
       The historical building of the National Theatre, constructed in 1883, is generally considered the prime stage in the Czech Republic.

    Getting there:
       By tram  By daytime trams Nos. 6, 9, 18 and 22 and night trams Nos. 53, 57, 58, 59 to the stop “Národní divadlo” – in front of the NT historical building; by daytime tram No. 17 to the stop “Národní divadlo”.
       By metro To the station “Národní třída”, line B (yellow), and then one stop by tram No. 6, 9, 18 or 22 to the stop “Národní divadlo”. To the station “Staroměstská”, line A (green), and then two stops by tram No. 17 to the stop “Národní divadlo”.
      GPS coordinates 50°4'52.489"N, 14°24'48.381"E
  • Classical music
    Mozart :http://www.mozartdinner.cz/boccaccio-ballroom/ 
    The Boccaccio Hall has been restored to its entire 1925 splendor. In 1993, the reconstruction started to bring back the best times of the Boccaccio. Artificial marble was restored, all wall decorations and paintings were recovered and newly gilded, statues of little cupids, hanging music instruments or arrows of love just under the ceiling were carefully reconstructed, mirrors and light fixtures replaced.
  • Czech dancing

Touristy stuff

  • See: http://www.czechtourism.com/brochures/
  • Walk the city
  • Karlovy Vary
    Moser Museum
    150 years of the glassworks’ history. The tour presents famous owners of luxury Moser crystal products, together with pieces ranging from the oldest examples of glass work to contemporary collections, with more than 1,000 exhibits on display. The exhibition is supplemented by 7 documentaries in 6 international languages.
    Becher Museum
    Tour the historic cellars and watch a video on the aging and production of Becherovka, a well-known medicinal herbal liqueur.
  • 13 things to do for free...

Region 2: Montenegro days 8 - 11

Overview

Raft Tara canyon. Explore the walled city of Kotor.

Day Itinerary

  1. (day 8)
    Fly to Dubrovnik around midday – drive to Kotor, Montenegro – about 2 hours. Drive to Kotor from Dubrovnik airport.
  2. (day 9)
    Caroline explore city. Stuart rafting for day in Tara canyon, driver arranged to pick up and return.
  3. (day 10)
    Explore Montenegro coast.
  4. (day 11)
    Explore round city, possible boat trip.

Action activities

See rafting Montenegro web site.

Touristy stuff

refer : Lonely Planet
Must climb walls to top of the city.

Region 3: Croatia Dubrovnik days 12-14

Overview

Explore Dubrovnik city interior. Game of Thrones film sites.

Day Itinerary

  1. (day 12)
    Morning: drive Kotor to Dubrovnik (@ 2 hours), drop car off at airport, need taxi to town
    Afternoon:
    Night:
  2. (day 13)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: Dalmatian country estate cooking class booked 3:pm (5 hrs)
    Night:
  3. (day 14)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: Game of Thrones walking tour booked 4pm
    Night:

Action activities

Kayak hire at city gate entrance.

Social activities

Shakespeare production.

Touristy stuff

Game of Thrones tour.
Walk the city walls
Lokrum Island

References:
Lonely Planet
Wikipedia
TripAdvisor


Region 4: Cruise dalmation coast days 15-21

Overview - 'Elegance cruise from Dubrovik to Split.


Day Itinerary (from Sail Croatia cruise web site)

  1. (day 15) Board at Dubrovnic
  2. (day 16) Dubrovnic to Mljet.
    North-west to one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia, Mljet Island which is actually a National Park and Croatia’s greenest island covered by dense Mediterranean pine forest. The National Park is famous for its two salt lakes in the north end of the island - Veliko and Malo Jezero - and the 12th century Benedictine monastery in the middle of Veliko. Additionally, explore one of the most pristine parts of the island by cycling or walking around to where the sea meets the lake. After exploring, spend your afternoon on the top deck of the ship watching a magical Mljet sunset with a drink in hand.
  3. (day 17) Mljet to Korčula
    Relax as we set sail for the island of Korčula. and enjoy lunch in the beautiful Lumbarda Bay. The town of Korčula, said to be the home of Marco Polo, was mostly built in the 15th century, and the island's local population were famous for their decorative stone carving work, which to this day still adorn the city's facades. Korčula is also known as a gastronomic destination with many good restaurants that wrap around the edges of the seaside. You may be lucky enough to see a performance of “Moreska” - a dramatic sword dance, which was widespread in the Mediterranean countries in the 11th century, but today only exists here on the island. We will overnight in Korčula Town and enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner in the village of Zrnovo, one of the oldest settlements on the island.
  4. (day 18) Korčula to Vis
    Early in the morning and subject to weather conditions (which are normally excellent), we will make our way across to the island of Vis, one of the most outer-lying islands on the Dalmatian coast. Vis has been used over the centuries as a strategic military port and saw action by the Allied military through WWII against Italy and the Germans. It has only recently been open to commercial tourism and still retains a lot of charm as it not frequently visited due to its location.
          Today it is an idyllic island which is most famous for the outer-lying Blue Cave, an island cave system accessible only by boat. The blue turquoise water and refracted light into the cave make for exciting and amazing photo opportunities.
            If by chance the weather and wind isn't suitable to visit Vis, then an alternative stop will be made on the itinerary. The captain reserves the right to amend this as his number one priority is always safety.
  5. (day 19) Vis to Hvar
    Enjoy breakfast overlooking the stunning Adriatic as we cruise towards Hvar island. Relax in the Croatian sunshine or take a dip into the refreshing Adriatic at our mid-morning swim stop before lunch is served onboard. After lunch we continue onto Hvar, the ‘French Riviera’ of the Adriatic. Feel the part sipping champagne and docking alongside other super yachts and possibly sighting a celebrity. Hvar still remains authentic to its roots though with cobbled streets and historic architecture, with the 7th century fort ruins overlooking the town, a must-see for breathtaking views. Don’t miss out on the included Hvar orientation walk to see the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, as well as the oldest community theatre in Europe, which dates back to 1612.
  6. (day 20) Hvar to Brac
    Enjoy a relaxing cruise as we sailing towards to our final island destination - the island of Brac. The largest of the Dalmatian islands, we will either moor up in the port of Bol on the southern side of the island, or in the waterside town of Milna. The island of Brac is famous for it's native Mediterranean pine trees, relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful secluded bays. You'll spend your afternoon swimming and relaxing in either of these stunning areas, with the evening reserved to experience a local restaurant or waterside cafe.
  7. (day 41) Brac to Split
    Embrace your last morning cruising the Dalmatian coast as we make our way back to Split. Enjoy your final swim stop in secluded bays just outside of Split and then take in this spectacular city as we cruise into Split harbour in the afternoon, This UNESCO World Heritage city bases the city centre in and around the stunning Diocletian's Palace, the Roman emperor Diocletian’s retirement palace from 295-305 AD. Stroll through the palace basement filled with market stalls and outside experience the historical architecture of this beautiful palace that consists of 220 buildings within its boundaries and is home to 3,000 people. Split is now the second largest city in Croatia and continues to grow every year with numerous, cafe bars and traditional Dalmatian restaurants.
  8. (day 21) Split (disembark)

Region 5: Croatia Split to Bled days 22-34

Overview

Stay in Split a couple of days,  visit the main water national parks of Krka and Plittvice, and the city of Zadar.

Lonely Planet
on Zadar "Boasting a historic old town of Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes and quality museums set on a small peninsula, Zadar is an intriguing city. It's not too crowded, it's not overrun with tourists and its two unique attractions – the sound-and-light spectacle of the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation"

 on Bled  "Yes, it's every bit as lovely in real life. With its emerald-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops,"

Day Itinerary

  1. (day 22)
    Split  - roam the city
  2. (day 23)
    Split - roam the city
  3. (day 24)
    pick up car at 10am. (need taxi) drive to Trogir (about 40 mins) and then to Krka National Park (about 1 hr)
  4. (day 25)
    see more of Krka NP in morning, drive to Zadar (about an hour).
  5. (day 26)
    Stuart hopefully kiteboarding in Nin (near Zadar)
  6. (day 27)
    Plittvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
  7. (day 28)
    see more of Plittvice Lakes NP, drive to Opatija for o/n (about 2.15 hrs)
  8. (day 29)
    drive to Postojna cave (about 1hr 15) then drive to Lubjliana (about 50 mins)
  9. (day 30)
    Spend time exploring city
  10. (day 31)
    drive to Bled (about 40 mins)
  11. (day 32)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: Caroline horse riding – (booked for 3:30pm)
    Night:
  12. (day 33)
    Bled
  13. (day 34)
    Bled

Action activities

Walking national parks

Social activities

Dine in one of the many restaurants and cafes.
Markets

Touristy stuff

Split -
Diocletian’s Palace
Temple of Jupiter
Cathedral of St Domnius


Region 6: Austria - Vienna days 35-43

Overview

Main thing we want to do here is indulge in a bit of culture and some walking.

Day Itinerary

  1. (day 35)
    Morning: Drive 3hrs Schloss Prielau, Austria
    Afternoon:  -2 nights (castle near Salzburg - nearby town is Zell am Zee -) pay on arrival
    Night:
  2. (day 36)
    (drive castle to Salzburg (about 1.5 hrs) - drop car at airport – get a shuttle into town)
  3. (day 37)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: 12pm booked apple strudel class:
    Night: evening booked Mozart dinner and concert
  4. (day 38)
    Morning:
    Afternoon:
    Night:
  5. (day 39)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: Caroline booked for Sound of Music Tour 2pm (note: includes Mirabell gardens)
    Night:
  6. (day 40)
    Morning: (taxi pick up 10am with Kiwitaxis then take train from Salzburg to Vienna – at 11:08 am. - arrives 13:30. 1 st class – seats 71 and 72). Taxi organised with Austria transfers
    Afternoon:
    Night:
  7. (day 41)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: 11am CK seeing horses at Schonbrunn Palace (1hour), then taking tour of Palace 2pm with a Classic Pass (booked) (must go at 2pm) – includes gardens. Maze, labyrinth etc.
    Night: Vivaldi concert booked (dinner NOT included)
  8. (day 42)
    Morning:
    Afternoon:
    Night: evening Austrian dinner show booked
  9. (day 43)
    Morning:
    Afternoon:
    Night:

Action activities

Bike riding on the cycle trails.
Hiking in the alps.

Social activities

Mozart and other classical concerts in Vienna and Salzburg.
Meet up with friend Christoph

Touristy stuff

Sound of Music tour.

Region 7: Hungary - Budapest  days 44-48

Overview

We travel by train from Vienna and are staying in the city of Budapest, using public transport or bicycle to travel. Things to do include eat the local food, soak in the public baths and tour the castle

Day Itinerary

  1. (day 44)
    Morning:  10:50am for train to Budapest - 11:39am, arrives 14.02 pm
    Afternoon:
    Night:
  2. (day 45)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: -walking tour 2-5pm (viator)
    Night:  dinner cruise - Legenda - 7:45pm (departs Vigado ter Dock 7)
  3. (day 46)
    Morning:  booked for the Sczechny baths (entry with a cabin)- anytime 9-6pm
    Afternoon:
    Night:
  4. (day 47)
    Morning:
    Afternoon: 2 hour walking tour Buda castle
    Night:
  5. (day 48)
    Morning:  bike ride and boat tour of szentendre (all day)
    Afternoon:
    Night:

Action activities

Bike / Boat tour to szentendre 7-8 hr
A scenic tour along the Danube to a lovely historic town cc. 22 km north of the capital. You’ll explore the centre of Szentendre: packed with art galleries, churches, museums, lovely cafes and restaurants and have a typical Hungarian fast food, lángos, for lunch. Meeting Place: 10:30 am Deák Square in front of the Lutheran Church (please be there 10-15 minutes before the tour starts). Address: 1052 Budapest, Deák Ferenc tér 4

Cycling map: http://www.bbbike.org/Budapest/

Public Bike Sharing System – BuBi
bikers parking their bikes on Károly körútBudapest has a public bike sharing system called BuBi (short for Budapest Bicycle).
Rental Costs
You have to pay a deposit – 25 000 HUF per bike – as well. This amount will be locked up in your bank account until the end of the rental period (24, 3-day, 7-day).
The rental fee and any additional charges (if you used the bike for more than 30 min, and if you asked for a VAT invoice-costs 500HUF) will be deducted from the 25 000 HUF, the remaining amount will be un-locked.
During the validity period of the cards you can use the bikes free of charge for 30 minutes.
After that the first 30 minutes cost 500 HUF, then the price increases by 500 HUF/30 minutes until the 3 hour rental time (then by 1 000 HUF).
You can return the bike at any of the 112 stations.

Social activities

  • Food. Read 32 Hungarian Foods The Whole World Should Know
  • Opera: Giuseppe Verdi: Il Trovatore 28. July, Friday 8pm
  • Vajdahunyad Castle Summer Music Festival
    Enjoy classical melodies on summer evenings in 2016 at Budapest’s most romantic venues, the Vajdahunyad castle in City Park. Concerts start at 20.30.

    24. July, Monday 20:30 – (Rain Day: 25. July, 20:30)
           Musica Sonora Chamber Orchestra
           Meeting Of Musical Worlds
           Elgar: Salut d’amour, Op.12
          Tchaikovsky: Violin concerto in D major Op. 35.
           Hair – musical arranged for classical orchestra

     27. July, Thursday 20:30 – (Rain Day: 28. July, 20:30)
           Budapest Strings Chamber Orchestra – Water Music
           Vivaldi: Symphony in G major RV 149
            G. F. Händel: Water Music HWV 348-350
            F. Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 9 in C major MWV N9

Touristy stuff

  • food
    No matter if it is dinner or lunch time, if you are fancy for some local street food, head to Kazinczy street and enjoy delicious dishes in the food court of Karaván. It popular among locals and also among tourists

    Szatyor Bartók Béla út 36-38.  Pest has many ruin pubs – every second place which has some oldschool/vintage lamps and damaged walls calls itself ruin something. However Szatyor on the Buda side near the Gellért Bath & Hotel has cultural background as well. :) They always have temporary exhibitions upstairs to promote local artists.

     (Costes at 4., Ráday Street and Onyx at 7-8., Vörösmarty Square, or Borkonyha in Sas utca) are the two Michelin star restaurants in Budapest) but no-frill eateries with seasonal, tasty, and affordable food on their menu (Bors GastoBar at 10., Kazinczy Street, Baltazár Grill Bar in Buda Castle).

    Sample strudels (a traditional Hungarian sweet dish) in one of the finest restaurants in Budapest, the First Strudel House of Pest Cafe & Restaurant (Első Pesti Rétesház). Besides the iconic Austro-Hungarian pastry you can have a 3-course daily menu at affordable price (cc. 1 600 HUF), or pick something a la carte.
  • Technical interest
    Stringbike  Duna lejáró 7. Budapest, Hungary, Phone: +36 1 324 22 38  http://www.stringbike.com/stringbike_partners.html
    Partner: Csengery utca 8.
    Nagykanizsa, Hungary, 8800
    Erzsébet királyné utca 2.
    Hévíz, Hungary, 8380
    Phone: +36 30 946 79 22
Blog Indexes:

Comments

Post a Comment