Train travel offers the opportunity to see UNESCO-listed towns along the way such as Kutna Hora, famous for its bone church of 40 000 human skeletons and Brno with its magnificent mix of Gothic & Baroque architecture. Train tickets are generally cheaper than a flight and far more comfortable than a bus.
Prague
The best way to get from Prague to Vienna is by train. It’s fast, comfortable and affordable. Moreover, the train stops in some beautiful towns along the way so you can really enjoy the scenery of Bohemian and Imperial Splendors.
However, if you don’t like trains or are pressed for time there is also a flight or bus option. But, be aware that the journey takes around four and a half hours which is quite long for such a short distance. If you want to save some time then we recommend flying as it is the fastest option but be aware that you will spend a lot of your trip waiting at the airport and in the air.
The bus is a more budget-friendly option but the ride can take up to 10 hours. If you choose Regio Jet or Flixbus tickets start at EUR13 and they offer complimentary soft drinks and onboard entertainment. There are several connections throughout the day.
Alternatively, you can rent a car. This is probably the most flexible option but be warned that the roads between these two cities are winding and the trip can be quite tiring. However, if you are up for it it can be a great idea as you can stop at some of the most interesting places such as UNESCO listed towns or even visit one of the famous breweries.
If you are planning to fly, it is recommended to book your ticket at least 66 days in advance. This is when the average price is lowest.
The train offers multiple connection each day, either direct or with a convenient change at Breclav (at the Czech-Slovakian border). The direct services are operated by OBB’s Railjet high-speed train which is considered one of Europe’s most modern trains.
Another popular option is to join a small group tour from Prague to Vienna. This can be a fun and informative way to travel between the two capitals as you will be joined by fellow travelers who share your passion for this part of the world. This type of tour is especially good for solo travelers who want to meet other people while travelling and get some local tips.
Cesky Krumlov
The castle town of Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Czech Republic’s most popular tourist attractions. With its grand castle complex and meandering streets, the town feels like a fairytale from the past—and it’s easy to see why. You can easily visit it in a day from Prague, but a longer stay gives you the chance to discover its many nooks and crannies.
Stroll through the crooked streets of the old town to browse boutique craft shops that sell everything from embroidered linens to hand-woven woolen hats. Take a break to relax in Mestsky Park, which borders the city’s castle district. And make time for a stop at the Museum of Applied Arts, which displays work by Austrian-Bohemian Expressionism master Egon Schiele (1890-1918).
For an unforgettable experience, come during one of the town’s big summertime festivals. Watch reenactments of medieval events at June’s Five-Petalled Rose Celebration, attend chamber music concerts, opera, and philharmonic performances during July’s International Music Festival, or enjoy a symphony or ballet performance during September’s Baroque Arts Festival.
When it comes to eats, a typical Bohemian platter—including rabbit, chicken and pheasant meats, potatoes, cooked ham, and other garnishes—is a must. And of course, no trip to Cesky Krumlov is complete without sampling its famous beer. You can grab a frosty pint at the many pubs around the city, or chat with locals over drinks at Gypsy Bar, which has live music every night of the week.
A stay in Cesky Krumlov is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the charm of Eastern Europe. With plenty of historical sights and exciting special experiences to offer, this tour from Prague to Vienna will leave you with a wealth of memories.
Brno
There’s a definite buzz about Brno, the Moravian capital that’s long been overshadowed by its more glamorous big sister. A student population of no fewer than 12 universities ensures that there’s a relaxed and youthful vibe to this city. Locals linger over a glass of pivo at the modernist Vycep Na stojaka (“standing bar”), or opt for a trendy vegan burger at Forky’s (doubles from £28; reservations essential).
As well as the city’s smart new cafes and restaurants, there’s also a resurgence of interest in functionalist architecture that was popular during the interwar years. You can admire the smart Luzanky district’s best examples, including the art nouveau Villa Low-Beer and the futurist Villa Tugenhadt, both of which were designed by the great architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the textile magnate Alfred Low-Beer in the 1920s.
Amid this intriguing blend of preservation and innovation, there’s a sense that Brno is poised on the brink of something special. New trendy cafes are opening up, while there’s a burgeoning dining scene with plenty of new-generation chefs and restaurateurs, whose creative menus have already put the city on the map. Meanwhile, old favourites like the cosy goulash restaurant Jakubske Square continue to attract hungry and thirsty crowds.
The historic center of Prague is a treasure trove of cobbled streets and squares, medieval and Baroque palaces and churches, and wedding-cake architecture. The gilded Astronomical Clock, dating from 1410, and the soaring St Vitus Cathedral are highlights of the Old Town, along with the twilight spectacle at the Charles Bridge spanning the River Vltava.
Globus includes a number of special experiences on this tour, such as a guided visit to the magnificent Hluboka Castle; a light lunch at the Budvar (Budweiser) Brewery in Ceske Budejovice; and an exclusive waltz dance class with an expert local guide in Vienna. Please note that visa requirements are not included, and are the responsibility of the traveller. For more information about our tours, please contact us. Our dedicated team is on hand to help. We can answer any questions you may have about our trips and offer suggestions for additional activities to do during your time in each destination.
Lednice
The House of Liechtenstein had held Lednice and Valtice estates since the 13th century, but they took on their current form in the 17th century when the family began the project to sculpt the physical world into an elegant landscape of palaces, gardens, lanes, vineyards and monuments. Today, the UNESCO-designated Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape covers over 100 square miles and includes two large palaces and an assortment of other buildings and structures in South Moravia.
When the palace was built in the 16th century, it was one of the most significant Renaissance castles of its time and it served as a showcase for the Liechtenstein’s wealth and affluence. The palace and its elaborate grounds were designed to serve a variety of social and recreational needs, including horseback riding. The resulting complex was expansive and designed in a wide range of architectural styles, including Baroque, Neo-Classical, Gothic Revival and Moorish.
It’s easy to see why this is a cultural landscape of such awe-inspiring beauty. You’ll spend the day wandering among the lush and manicured bushes, flowers, and trees, admiring the many subtle details that make this an extraordinary place.
One of the most striking features is a greenhouse that dominates one side of the chateau. At first glance, it seems completely out of place among the fanciful faux castles and formal gardens, but its purpose was to create a tropical environment where the family could grow fruit and exotic plants. The greenhouse remains a fascinating sight, filled with trees that may be 300 to 400 years old!
The area is renowned for its wines and there are numerous wine cellars in the surrounding villages. If you’d like to sample the local product, check with your tour operator to see if they can arrange a visit to a vineyard or for a vine tasting experience at the hotel.
Whether you’re joining the crowds on Charles Bridge gazing up at Prague’s riot of spires and turrets, or sipping goulash in a cozy Czech restaurant, this journey will leave you with an unforgettable impression of a nation that has managed to preserve its historic roots even as it embraces modernity.
