Day 1 Shanghai → Budapest
All day
丨 Full refund if visa is rejected:
丨Cancellation Instructions:
After the trip, you need to collect your passport and round-trip boarding passes and send them to the consulate for visa cancellation. This is expected to take about half a month. Please arrange your itinerary after returning home.
丨Team Description:
Originally from Eastern Europe, this trip is a China-TravelNote independent tour, with a maximum of 25 people. A China-TravelNote tour leader will be arranged upon completion of the trip.
丨National transport:
For Eastern European routes, the international leg is a direct Shanghai Airlines flight, and can be combined with China Eastern Airlines/Shanghai Airlines' nationwide interline services. For example, if you're traveling from Chengdu, we can book flights from Chengdu to Shanghai 24-48 hours before departure. Specific fares vary depending on the flight, so please contact your product manager for details.
·morning
Since the flight is at 1:50 am, please arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport one day in advance, 3 hours before the flight takes off, to check in and take the flight to Budapest.
Reference flights
Flight FM869, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), 1:50 AM - 8:05 AM, flight time: 12 hours and 15 minutes, daylight saving time difference: 6 hours
Upon arrival, we arrange for airport pickup and start the tour.
First, visit the "Buda" district on the left bank. The [Budapest Castle Hill], which is listed as a World Cultural Heritage, is located in the Buda district. The Buda Castle on the Castle Hill, also known as the Buda Palace, was originally built to defend against the Mongols. Later, it was lavishly renovated by the famous Hobsburg family in the 17th century. The Hobsburg family did not change their personality of showing off their wealth and transformed it into a magnificent Baroque palace.
A 15-minute walk will take you to the Fisherman's Bastion (inside) on Castle Hill. In ancient Hungarian history, the Fisherman's Bastion is said to have been a garrison of fishermen stationed in Budapest, hence its name. Its spires, spires, and sculptures showcase exquisite Gothic and Neo-Romanesque craftsmanship. From the balcony of the Fisherman's Bastion, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube and Pest, especially the Szechenyi Chain Bridge spanning the river.
At the same time, you can admire the [Matthias Church (inside)]. The church combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. The facade is decorated with gorgeous colorful tiles and sculptures, showing exquisite architectural craftsmanship. In 1867, Franz Joseph I and Princess Sissi were crowned as King and Queen of Hungary respectively here.
·afternoon
In the afternoon we will visit the "Pest" district on the right bank of the Danube.
Admire the [St. Stephen's Basilica (exterior)], which was named after Stephen I, the first king of Hungary, whose right hand is still preserved here.
We will then stroll to the Parliament Building (Exterior), home to the Hungarian Parliament and one of Europe's oldest legislative buildings. On the banks of the Danube, we'll see a row of Shoe Sculptures, commemorating the 600,000 Hungarian Jews executed by the Nazi-backed Arrow Cross Party during World War II from 1944 to 1945.
We will return to the hotel early today to wash up, rest, and adjust to the jet lag before preparing for the upcoming itinerary. We will also choose a hotel within the city, so if you have the energy, you can still stroll around the city outside the hotel.
Day 2 Budapest → Bratislava → Wachau Valley
·morning
Today we will enter Slovakia and arrive in the capital Bratislava.
Step inside Bratislava Castle, a square fortress perched majestically on a hillside beside the Danube River. It's a landmark of Slovakia and a testament to its history. From the castle's summit, you can overlook the Danube and the entire city, immersing yourself in the rich history and profound culture of the city.
The most dreamy building in Bratislava is undoubtedly St. Elizabeth's Cathedral (exterior). This dreamy blue church is renowned for its unique color and Art Nouveau architecture. Its primary blue and white hues, even its roof is clad in blue-glazed ceramic, earning it the nickname "Blue Church" by locals.
Enjoy Slovak specialty ribs Western food at noon
·afternoon
Driving along the Danube in the afternoon, you can see vineyards all over the mountains and scattered wineries along the coast. This place has been an important production area of high-quality wine since Roman times, and there are still large grape plantations here.
Arrive at the small town of Dürnstein, nestled in the heart of the valley, nestled between mountains and water, offering stunning scenery. Nearby are numerous vineyards, allowing you to soak in the sun, the earth, and the breath of the vines tucked away on the vineyards. Halfway up the mountain, the ruins of a castle once held Richard the Lionheart of England captive in December 1192. Today, the castle is part of the Wachau Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3 Wachau Valley → Linz → Hallstatt
·morning
After breakfast, we arrived in Linz, Austria, the third largest city in Austria and now the industrial center of Austria. Here you can see the perfect fusion of classical architecture and modern technology. It is a city full of futuristic sense.
Built in 1230, Hauptplatz is the beating heart of Linz, surrounded by Baroque buildings and Renaissance courtyards. To the east of the square stands the Town Hall, while in its center stands the marble Trinity Monument, erected in gratitude to God for saving Linz from war, fire, and plague.
Another iconic landmark in Linz is the New Cathedral. As Austria's largest church, it seats 20,000 and stands at a height of 135 meters. The interior is beautifully decorated, especially the Linz Window, which depicts the history of Linz and depicts classic biblical stories through stained glass windows.
Strolling slowly in Linz is the theme of the trip. The buildings in this small city are all cream-colored. The retro buildings are matched with the stylish and simple cream color. It is a nice and fashionable town.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we drove to Hallstatt, known as "the world's most beautiful lakeside town." This picturesque town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see for many. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the town boasts over 4,000 years of history. Early on, the area was home to a scarce salt mine, which propelled the people there to prosperity. The village gradually evolved from a tribal settlement into the town it is today.
Besides checking out the officially certified postcard-worthy viewing platform, you can also explore the town. Its ancient buildings retain a rich history, while its narrow streets wind upwards, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Stroll along the ancient cobblestone streets and admire the colorful houses, ancient clock towers, and intricate carvings, making you feel like you've traveled back in time.
Overnight stay at a hotel in a nearby town.
Day 4 Hallstatt → St. Wolfgang → Salzburg
·morning
Today we will go deep into the Austrian Lake District to explore the mountains and lakes.
The Salzkammergut region at the foot of the Alps, with its 76 jewel-like glacial lakes dotted with rugged mountain ranges, is arguably the most magnificent and captivating part of Austria. Our destination, St. Wolfgang, has been a favorite retreat for Habsburg nobles since the Middle Ages.
Over 100 years ago, Austrian Empress Sissi frequently summered here, leading to the establishment of the famous White Horse Hotel (exterior). The town's church is the center of faith and life for its residents. Locals still firmly believe that sincere worship of the saints in the church will grant their wishes.
We specially arrange for you to take a ride on the [Retro Steam Train] and slowly climb up the [Schaffberg] on the north shore of the lake. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can admire the St. Wolfgang Lake District. On one side are the rolling hills and beautiful waters, and on the other side are vertical cliffs. The heart-warming real scene in the movie "The Sound of Music" is right in front of you.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we will depart for Salzburg, the “World Music Capital”. It not only has beautiful city views, but more importantly, it has nurtured many great musicians and composers. The Old Town of Salzburg was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1996.
Go to Mirabell Gardens (Inside), the filming location of "The Sound of Music", and it's like stepping back into the movie. The crisp bird songs in your ears accompany the sound of music, and everything is like a dream.
Then we came to [Grain Alley], whose history can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It was once the center of trade and life. The architectural style is full of historical atmosphere. The narrow streets and stone buildings complement each other. It is a paradise for food lovers.
Day 5 Salzburg → CK Town
·morning
This morning, you'll have free time in Salzburg. You can sleep in a little longer or visit the famous Mönchsberg mountain in the city center. There, you can stroll along the trails and enjoy the diverse natural scenery, overlooking the city. You can also visit Mozart's birthplace and learn about the life of the great musician. Please be mindful of your safety during this free time.
·afternoon
We set off at the right time and arrived at the Czech town of Krumlov, which is known as the "Jewel City of the Czech Republic". We usually call it the "CK" town.
The urban layout of Kromlov is different from that of most European cities. It is located on an artificial island on both sides of the Morava River and is surrounded by the wide and winding Vltava River. It still retains its medieval style.
Admire the exterior of Krumlov Castle, a landmark of the city. Its architectural style blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, resulting in a majestic and elegant appearance. Also admire the Painted Tower, described by renowned Czech author Karel Capek as "the most exquisite tower in the world." The entire tower, painted in a style similar to that of a painting, was originally built as a castle observation tower.
Strolling through the streets of CK Town, you'll find a unique creative atmosphere. Explore the works of local artists in local galleries, craft shops, and artisan markets, and savor the city's creativity and artistic style.
That evening, enjoy barbecue delicacies at the town's characteristic cellar restaurant.
Day 6 CK Town → Prague
·morning
After breakfast, we head to Prague, a city that blends medieval charm with modern culture, where every step is an exploration of the past and present.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll begin our tour of Prague's Castle District. We'll visit Prague Castle (inside), a symbol of the Kingdom of Bohemia with over 1,000 years of history. Its diverse architectural styles, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance elements, make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Prague Castle is a complex of buildings that includes St. Vitus Cathedral, whose construction began in the 14th century and took over 600 years to complete, creating a breathtaking spectacle like a meticulously crafted work of art. The Old Royal Palace, adjacent to St. Vitus Cathedral, has been expanded upon and renovated, gradually adding Gothic and Renaissance elements to the original Roman architecture. Finally, there's the Golden Lane, a historical alleyway whose name, despite its "golden" character, isn't actually made of gold. Legend has it that Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II once summoned alchemists to settle here, giving it its name.
After the tour, we crossed the Vltava River and checked into our hotel in the old town.
Day 7 Prague: Old Town CW + Free Time
All day
Today, we'll begin our City Walk in the Old Town, centered around the vibrant and ancient Old Town Square. The Tyn Church (exterior), with its renowned Gothic twin towers, stands out as a striking landmark on the square. Another popular attraction is the Astronomical Clock (inside) on the wall of the Old Town Hall. At every hour, the window above the clock opens, the Grim Reaper begins to toll the bell, and the twelve apostles, led by St. Paul, appear one by one. The event concludes with the crowing of cocks and the tolling of bells.
[Powder Tower (Exterior)] It can be traced back to the 11th century and has witnessed countless historical events and changes.
Finally, stroll to the Prague landmark [Charles Bridge]. The 30 sculptures on the bridge are a major feature of Charles Bridge. From the bridge, you can overlook the beauty of the Vatva River and enjoy the magnificent view of the city of Prague.
The rest of the day is free for everyone to do as they please, so please be sure to stay safe!
Day 8 Prague → Telč → Vienna
·morning
Stepping into the fairytale town of Telč is like stepping into a medieval landscape. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the town sits atop a hill, and its houses were originally wooden. Following a fire in the late 14th century, the town was rebuilt in stone.
Follow the guide through the cobblestone streets, with colorful Gothic and Renaissance townhouses on both sides, as if each house is telling a story from a hundred years ago.
Telč Square is the town's soul. Its neatly arranged rows of colorful buildings create a picture-perfect dreamscape. Originally built by aristocratic families, each house boasts a uniquely ornate gable, creating a haven for architecture enthusiasts.
After walking through the square, we'll head to Telč Castle (Exterior). This 16th-century Renaissance-style palace is well-preserved, boasting luxurious interiors, a tranquil courtyard, and carved windows overlooking the lake, reflecting the entire town.
At the other end of the square stands the ancient Jesuit Church, with its towering bell tower, one of Telč's landmarks. From the bell tower, the lake and the red roofs intertwine to create a tranquil and idyllic scene.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we set foot in Vienna, the capital of Austria. As a witness of European history, Vienna exudes a strong historical atmosphere.
We will take you to visit Vienna in a very "local" way. Follow our guide and group leader along the [Ring Boulevard City Walk], stroll between Baroque palaces and ancient cathedrals, and feel as if you can feel the royal splendor.
The Ringstrasse, also known as the Ring Road, begins its journey at the world-famous Golden Hall, Vienna's signature landmark. Follow the traffic in a clockwise direction. You'll then reach the State Opera. Passing the park on the right, you'll see a large statue of the writer Goethe. Next to it, nestled within a black iron fence, is the Castle Park, where a statue of Mozart stands out.
Not far from the Mozart statue is the majestic Hofburg, the royal palace of the Habsburg family. Opposite the palace are two world-renowned museums: the Kunsthistorisches Museum on the left and the Natural History Museum on the right.
At the end of the tree-lined landscape, resembling a white Greek temple, stands the Parliament Building, where you can take photos as you please. The striking towering spire in the park next to the building is the Vienna City Hall. The park surrounding the City Hall boasts cherry blossoms donated by Japan. Diagonally across from the Parliament Building is the vast Volkspark. A short walk ahead, a massive white Baroque building, the famous Burgtheater, comes into view on the right, facing the City Hall deep within the park.
Tips: The attractions included in the City Walk are exterior only and cannot be entered. If you are interested, you can visit them on your own during your free time.
Afterwards, check in to the hotel and rest.
Day 9 Vienna full day free at leisure
All day
You can freely move around Vienna all day today, visit your favorite museums, or go shopping in Vienna (Vienna is part of the Eurozone, so tax refunds are more cost-effective~).
No car or guide services will be arranged during free time.
Recommended destinations:
1. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien: One of the world's most comprehensive and extensive collections of art, it is also a very famous museum in Europe.
2. Natural History Museum (Naturhistorisches Museum): The main building of the museum is a magnificently decorated palace, where 20 million objects are scientifically maintained;
3. St. Stephen's Cathedral (Domkirche St. Stephan) + Imperial Crypt (Kaisergruft): Vienna's city landmark. The Imperial Crypt houses many organs of royal nobles and is a popular pilgrimage site.
4. Hofburg Palace (Wien): The palace where Princess Sissi lived. It was the palace where the royal nobles lived in winter. The bedrooms used by the nobles are still intact. There are exhibitions with different themes inside, as well as an exhibition about Princess Sissi.
Day 10 Vienna → Budapest
·morning
Vienna is a testament to European history, and its magnificent architecture, such as Schönbrunn Palace, bears witness to the city's importance as the heart of the Habsburg Empire. This stunning palace, nestled in the heart of the Austrian capital, is a magnificent blend of natural beauty, art, and royalty.
Before leaving Vienna, let's visit Schönbrunn Palace (Entrance + Headphone Guide). Some say you haven't really visited Vienna without visiting Schönbrunn Palace, and that's absolutely true. Located southwest of Vienna, Schönbrunn Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Once the imperial residence of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Habsburg dynasty, it's one of Europe's most beautiful Baroque palaces, showcasing the splendor of imperial splendor. Inside, you'll be captivated by the magnificent Palace Hall, Throne Room, and Imperial Living Room. These magnificent spaces bear witness to the rise and fall of the Austrian Empire.
·afternoon
In the afternoon we will head to Budapest, the pearl city on the Danube. Known as the "Twin Cities", Budapest has the blue Danube River running through it. Many of its ancient buildings are listed as World Cultural Heritage. It is known as the "Paris of Eastern Europe" and the "Rose of the Danube".
The trip was coming to an end, and that evening we arranged a [Danube River Cruise + Dinner] experience. While enjoying a Western-style dinner, we were also able to enjoy the dazzling night view of the Danube River. The classical architecture on both sides of the river complemented each other, which brought the trip to a perfect end.
Day 11 Budapest → Shanghai
All day
Today, we will end our trip to Eastern Europe and arrange airport pickup, tax refund and check-in procedures for you at the appropriate time, and then take your flight back to China!
Reference flights:
Flight FM870, Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) - Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), 12:30 PM - 5:40 AM, flight time: 11 hours and 10 minutes, 6 hours DST difference
Day 12 Arrival in Shanghai
All day
Today is disbandment day
We expect to arrive in Shanghai at 5:40, officially ending our journey. We look forward to your colorful travelogues.
Due to regulations, all European embassies have a (though not very) chance of requiring applicants to attend an interview at the embassy after their return. If this happens, please understand and cooperate, and attend the interview within the designated timeframe to avoid impacting future visa applications. Travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the interview are the responsibility of the applicant.
The visa cancellation time for relevant European countries is usually around 15 working days. When you sign up for a tour, please pay attention to your other exit arrangements after returning to China.
