When our milestone wedding anniversary started appearing on the calendar, we knew we wanted something more than just a nice dinner out. We wanted an adventure that would stay with us forever—something that combined the romance of old-world Europe with the excitement of exploring new horizons together. After plenty of research, we decided on a 9-day, 8-night “Imperial Cities” tour through Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.
We chose a package through Great Value Vacations, and today, we’re sitting down to share every detail of our experience. From the cobblestone streets of Hungary to the imperial palaces of Austria and the nostalgic vibes of the Czech Republic, this trip was a whirlwind of history, culture, and (most importantly) incredible food. If you’ve been dreaming of a Central European getaway, grab a cup of coffee and join us as we walk you through our journey!
The Joy of “Structured Freedom”
One of the biggest questions we had when booking was whether to go fully independent or join a guided tour. We eventually landed on a package that offered what we like to call “structured freedom.” Great Value Vacations handled the “scary” stuff—the international flights, our hotels in each city, and the transportation between countries—but left our daily itineraries completely up to us.
For a couple celebrating an anniversary, this was perfect. We didn’t have to worry about how to get from the airport to the hotel or how to navigate train bookings between Budapest and Vienna. Instead, we could focus on the fun parts: which museum to visit, where to find the best sunset view, and which café served the most decadent cake.
Falling in Love with Budapest: The City of Romance
Our journey began in Budapest, Hungary, and it didn’t take long for this city to steal our hearts. There is an undeniable romantic charm to Budapest, especially as the sun begins to set. We spent our evenings walking along the Danube River, watching the lights of the Parliament Building and the Buda Castle reflect off the water. We noticed so many couples simply sitting by the river, soaking in the atmosphere. It’s a city that practically begs you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
One of our favorite parts of Budapest was the sheer history embedded in the architecture. Every corner felt like a story. If we had one regret, it was not having an extra day here. We really wanted to visit the famous thermal baths, but with our pre-set travel schedule, we had to prioritize. Still, the time we did have was magical.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Budapest, prioritize the riverfront at night. It’s one of the most beautiful sights in all of Europe!
Vienna: Elegance, History, and Imperial Grandeur
Next, we headed to Vienna, Austria. If Budapest is romantic and moody, Vienna is grand and polished. It consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy to see why. The public transportation is incredibly efficient, the parks are pristine, and the architecture is breathtakingly imperial.
Before our trip, we watched the series The Empress, which follows the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). Walking through the Hofburg Palace and seeing the history of the Habsburg Empire come to life made the experience so much richer. We even treated ourselves to a classical concert, which felt like the quintessential Viennese experience.
We found Vienna to be the most “organized” stop of our trip. Everything works like clockwork, making it a very stress-free environment for travelers.
Prague: A Nostalgic Step Back in Time
Our final stop was Prague, Czech Republic, and it offered a vibe completely different from the first two cities. To us, Prague felt wonderfully nostalgic. As children of the 80s, we were struck by how much the city reminded us of that era. From the music playing in the cafes to the general atmosphere of the train stations and car-shares, it felt like a vibrant, living time capsule.
Prague is full of life. It’s busy, energetic, and packed with landmarks like the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. Despite the crowds, it maintains a cozy, approachable feel. We spent hours wandering through the winding alleys, discovering hidden courtyards and quirky shops.
The Great Goulash Debate: Our Winner Revealed!
You can’t visit Central Europe without talking about Goulash. We made it our personal mission to try this iconic dish in all three countries. Each version had its own unique twist:
- Austria: Often served with bread dumplings and a refined, hearty sauce.
- Czech Republic: Usually thicker, more like a stew, often served with onions and bread.
- Hungary: This was the clear winner for us!
The Hungarian goulash was rich, deep in flavor, and simply unforgettable. It had a complexity that we kept dreaming about long after we left. While we enjoyed every version we tried, Hungary definitely took home the “Best Goulash” trophy for our family!
Practical Tips for Your Own European Adventure
While we loved the package experience, we learned a few things along the way that can help you plan your own trip:
- Prepare for Walking: We cannot stress this enough—wear comfortable shoes! While public transit is great, you will easily clock 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day exploring these historic centers. If you get tired, we recommend trying the electric scooters or bikes available in the cities to give your feet a break.
- Study the Transit Early: Every city has a different system for validating tickets. Take some time to watch YouTube tutorials or read local guides before you arrive so you don’t end up with a fine.
- Be Flexible with Delays: Even with a pre-arranged package, things happen. Our train from Vienna to Prague was delayed, turning a two-hour trip into a four-hour journey. We had to adjust our plans on the fly, but staying positive kept the mood light.
- Prioritize Your “Must-Sees”: Because the transportation between cities is fixed, your time is limited. Make a list of the top two things you want to see in each city and do those first. Anything else is a bonus!
Our Final Verdict: Is a Package Trip Right for You?
So, was the Great Value Vacations package worth it? For us, the answer is a resounding yes. Having the logistics of flights, hotels, and inter-city travel handled allowed us to actually enjoy our anniversary rather than stressing over bookings.
We think this type of package is perfect for:
- Seasoned Travelers: Who want to focus on the experience rather than the planning.
- Milestone Celebrations: Where you want a guaranteed level of comfort and structure.
However, if it’s your very first time traveling internationally, you might want to consider a fully guided tour or perhaps choosing just two cities instead of three to allow for a more relaxed pace.
We left Europe with full hearts, tired feet, and a lifetime of memories. Budapest, Vienna, and Prague are three gems that every traveler should see at least once. Whether it’s for an anniversary or just a family getaway, these cities offer a glimpse into a world of history and beauty that is truly second to none.
