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July wedding in Karlova Vary - Seeking Advice for 2 Week Eastern European Itinerary ?

Posted by (California) on

Hello all,

I'm deep down the trip planning rabbit hole for a northern European trip this May, and just received a lovely invitation to a July wedding near Prague. I haven't had time to research Eastern Europe yet, and I'd really appreciate your advice on where to go, what to see and how much time should we allow ourselves in each city. Flying into Prague probably around 7/23/24. We can take a couple of weeks after the wedding to tour around. It's a huge area and our first time to this part of Europe.

Wondering how much time to spend in and around Prague, should we take a train to Vienna, fly to Budapest or since we're already west of Prague head further towards Germany? We prefer to enjoy an area versus racing from one city to another just to check it off a list. We are in our '70s, physically fit, love being outdoors (hiking/walking), beautiful vistas, architecture, history, good food, beer, strong coffee and meeting the locals.

Thank you in advance for your time and advice. Meg

Posted by
1604 posts

I can help a little bit. Firstly, you will love Karlovy Vary! It's a beautiful city architecturally (Art Nouveau) and surrounded by mountains. Plan to spend a couple nights there in addition to the wedding. KV is known for it's mineral water springs. We bought cups with built-in straws and fill them with mineral water from faucets/springs as you walk around. Make sure you have a spa treatment.

If you want a more relaxing vacation, spend the whole time in the Czech Republic. Spend a couple nights in Cesky Krumlov, a night in Telc, and spend about 4 to 5 nights in Prague. You could also add Olomouc to your itinerary (haven't been there yet).

Even though we haven't been to Vienna or Budapest yet, I know that a lot of people combine those 2 cities with Prague. So that is certainly doable, too. Although might be hectic for 2 weeks.

Posted by
9 posts

Thank you kmkwoo for your suggestions. I will look into staying in Karlova vary for a few nights.

Posted by
17926 posts

Prague, Vienna, Budapest make a good tour of 3 totally different cultures.

2 ways to do it. Train all the way, or a little less travel time if you fly Prague to Budapest and then train to Vienna. Really comes down to schedule and if you want to see the in-between places.

My take on the 3 is that at an absolute minimum 4 nights in each Prague and Vienna and 5 in Budapest. Add a night to your first arrival city for the late arrival and jet lag.

EDIT: Let me restate that. Use the opportunity to see these 3 lovely cultures; even if only 1 or 2 days each. Learn and return if something speaks to you.

Posted by
9 posts

Thank you Magyarország / Texas. I appreciate your suggestions.

Posted by
17926 posts

A very polite OP. Thank you.

And I also suggest visiting the forum for each location and see if you read anything of great interest. That might help in the decision making. If you do get to Budapest, you can meet up with some of the RS crowd: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/when-are-you-going-to-budapest

Here is an introduction to Budapest: https://youtu.be/1nd5AtZIrTk?feature=shared

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