Day 1 Shanghai → Beijing ★Departure Day
All day
All tourists will gather at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at the designated time. The tour leader will hold a pre-departure meeting and check-in. We will then transfer to Beijing and fly to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube.
Reference flights:
CA1566, 21:30 - 23:45, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) - Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), flight time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
·morning
丨 Full refund if visa is rejected:
How to cancel the visa:
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.
About the team:
This itinerary is a China-TravelNote independent tour, with a maximum of 19 people. A China-TravelNote tour leader will be arranged upon completion of the trip.
丨National intermodal transport
This itinerary is available with nationwide connecting flights, with round-trip connections to and from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport by default. If you'd like to travel directly to Beijing from another city and then to and from Europe, such as Chengdu-Beijing-Budapest on your outbound leg and Munich-Beijing-Chengdu on your return leg, please contact our online customer service to submit your connecting request. Changing connecting cities is free of charge, but you must comply with connecting rules, such as Air China flights only. Connecting times are generally limited to within 12 hours of your international flight's departure.
Day 2 Beijing → Budapest Full Day Photography ★ Arrival Day
·morning
Reference flights:
Flight CA719, 02:50 - 07:10, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) - Budapest (BUD), 10 hours and 30 minutes
Daylight saving time difference 6 hours
Upon arrival, the tour guide will pick you up at the airport, take a short break, and then tour Budapest.
Starting from Heroes' Square, stroll along Andrássy Avenue, taking in the Neo-Renaissance buildings lining the street. The bustling crowds of people in the city square offer the perfect backdrop for capturing Budapest's urban life.
Climb up to the St. Stephen's Cathedral at the right time to overlook the city skyline.
·afternoon
After lunch, return to the hotel to check in, wash up and rest.
·night
In the evening, we'll visit the Fisherman's Bastion, a Neo-Romanesque building located east of Budapest's Castle Hill. Named for its location on the site of a medieval fish market and fishing village, it boasts a unique design with towering towers and winding stone steps. We'll photograph the exterior of Matthias Church, the coronation church of successive Hungarian kings, the Royal Palace of Buda, and the Szechenyi Chain Bridge. (Dinner is at your own expense to avoid missing out on photo opportunities.)
Afterwards, head to China-TravelNote's private photography spot to capture the nightscape of Budapest. As dusk falls and the lights come on, you'll capture the Chain Bridge, the Parliament, and more. Afterward, your tour leader will lead you back to your hotel on foot or by subway, allowing you to take in some more nighttime views of the city along the way.
Day 3 Budapest (Hungary) → Bratislava (Slovakia) → Vienna (Austria)
·morning
After breakfast, we'll go photograph the city's trams. The bright yellow trams are a beloved feature of Budapest for many photographers. We can use the Parliament Building, the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, or one of the Danube River bridges as backdrops, creating a variety of compositions that showcase this stunning Budapest landscape.
National Geographic recently named Budapest's Tram2 one of the world's top ten tram travel experiences. Tram2 runs along the east bank of the Danube River, ending at Liberty Bridge (Green Bridge) in the south. It passes Elisabeth Bridge, Szechenyi Chain Bridge, and the Parliament Building before ending at Margaret Bridge in the north, making it an ideal ride for admiring the Danube's scenic vistas.
·afternoon
After lunch, proceed to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Visit Bratislava Castle (enter the interior), perched high on a hill, for breathtaking views overlooking both banks of the Danube. Experience the medieval charm of the Old Town at Michael's Gate, step into the fairytale-like Blue Church, and capture the unique colors of this small town with your camera. This lesser-known Old Town is perhaps more about sightseeing than photography. While there aren't particularly large photo ops here, its streets and alleys are filled with unexpected sculptures, perfect for capturing small, detailed photos.
Then depart from Slovakia and stay overnight at a hotel in Vienna.
Day 4 Vienna full day photography
·morning
After breakfast, explore Vienna, Austria's capital, and head to Schönbrunn Palace (inside), beloved by Queen Maria. This former summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty carries the memory of Austria's glorious imperial past. Standing before the palace, the golden morning light casts a shadow on the magnificent Neo-Baroque facade, capturing the architectural lines in your camera. Stepping inside, the royal apartments, adorned with crystal chandeliers and gilded carvings, exude an aristocratic elegance, with every detail worth capturing.
Exiting the palace, the vast gardens come into view, with lush hedges arranged in a patchwork pattern, guiding the eye up to the Arc de Triomphe. Climbing the Arc de Triomphe, a panoramic view of Vienna's skyline and Schönbrunn Palace unfolds. The scene at this moment is magnificent and elegant, imbuing the camera with a royal aura.
·afternoon
After lunch, stroll through Vienna's city center and experience the pulse of this European cultural capital. Passing by the Hofburg Palace (exterior), the palace's sculptures, ornate arches, and the interweaving of horse-drawn carriages evoke a sense of time travel back to the days of Empress Sissi. Strolling along the cobblestone streets, catch the sounds of street performers, and the air echoes with the melodies of Mozart.
Stepping into Vienna's modern art district, the camera focuses on the fusion of old and new buildings. The magnificent facade of the Vienna State Opera (exterior) and the towering spires of the Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral (exterior, climbing to the top is at your own expense) add a deep sense of layering to the photos.
As night falls, the lights in the City Hall Square come on, and the golden lights illuminate the neo-Gothic towers. Quietly press the shutter to let this city, full of the fusion of classic and modern atmosphere, be forever frozen in light and shadow.
The rest of the day was left to the photographers to create freely.
Day 5 Vienna → Telč (Czech Republic) → Prague
·morning
If you're a photography enthusiast, Telč is a must-see. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's renowned for its stunning Renaissance architecture and stunning lakeside reflections, making it a treasure trove of European medieval architectural photography.
Start at Telč Square—the colorful townhouses sparkle in the sunlight, creating a striking image against the backdrop of the vast square. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the symmetrical composition of the square, or a medium-focus lens to capture the detailed relief carvings on each gable.
Then, walk along the alley on the west side of the square to the Telč Water Castle and photograph the details of the castle's stone walls and towers from the outside; go around to the lake trail behind the castle and take panoramic photos of the town's reflection by the lake. Especially on calm days, the symmetrical composition of the town and the sky is very visually impactful.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll travel to Prague and visit the Prague Castle complex (entrance included). One of the world's largest castle complexes, it not only bears witness to the millennia-long succession of Czech dynasties but is also a stunning photography destination. From here, you'll overlook the entire city, where the red-tiled, white-walled rooftops interweave in the sunlight, creating a warm canvas. In the distance, Charles Bridge spans the river, connecting the Old and New Towns like a link to the depths of time.
As you step into the castle, the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral (enter) stands before you. Through the lens, you can capture the intricately carved rose window on the main entrance of the church. The light penetrates the stained glass, casting changing light and shadow on the ground, like a moving painting. Every time you press the shutter, it is a tribute to the soul of this building.
Strolling along the alleys of the Castle District, we came to the Golden Lane, a narrow street lined with colorful houses. Occasionally we encountered performers in retro costumes, as if we had traveled back to medieval Prague, and the images captured the lingering echoes of this history.
Leaving the Castle District, we walked slowly down the ancient alleys and came to one of Prague's most representative landmarks - Charles Bridge. The charm of Charles Bridge lies in its ever-changing appearance - from the mist in the morning light to the golden glow in the evening, from the tranquility dotted with street lights at night to the glimmer reflected on the stone slabs after the rain, every moment is the best subject for photography.
Day 6 Prague Full Day Photography
·morning
Prague's early morning, still untouched by the hustle and bustle of tourists, carries a hint of the night's coolness. Strolling to Old Town Square, sunlight pierces through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the historic buildings surrounding the square. In the distance, the Baroque St. Nicholas's Church and the Gothic Tyn Church complement each other, their black spires appearing particularly majestic in the morning light.
As you cross the square, your eyes will be drawn to the magnificent Prague Astronomical Clock (which includes a climb to the top). Over 600 years old, this clock puts on a spectacular display every hour, with mechanical puppets telling the time.
Descending from the clock tower, we headed to a hidden photo spot to capture the Light Bulb Staircase. This staircase is hidden away below a cafe, making it less visible to the public. However, to capture the perfect light bulb shape, you need to be right in the center. For a good spot, the tourists and teachers were asked to be courteous and take turns photographing the staircase.
·afternoon
The afternoon is a time for creative freedom. Take a leisurely stroll along Charles Bridge, where the statue of a saint silently watches the passing crowds. Or explore the alleys of the Old Town, capturing the leisurely street performers outside vintage cafes and documenting the daily lives of locals.
Day 7 Prague → CK Town
·morning
After breakfast, we'll depart for Kromlov, a renowned Czech town. A beloved destination for many renowned painters and photographers, it's considered one of Europe's most beautiful medieval towns. Entering this city, it feels as if time has stood still in the 18th century. Surrounded by the vast, winding Vltava River, it still retains its medieval charm.
Upon arrival, visit Cesky Krumlov Castle (exterior view). Perched high above the town, the castle offers panoramic views of the picturesque river, intertwined rooftops, and a maze of streets. From the castle's tower, the river shimmers in the sunlight, its winding course bisecting the town like a silver ribbon leading into a fairytale world.
Climb the castle's painted tower (summit entrance included) and you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the town, where red-tiled, white-walled houses intertwine with lush green hills, radiating a unique warm glow in the sunlight. From here, you can choose to capture the entire town or focus on the intersection of the castle and the river. At that moment, the town seems frozen in time, creating a beautiful and timeless image.
·afternoon
Descending from the castle, we entered the heart of CK Town—the Old Town. This area retains its medieval street layout and architectural style. The cobblestone streets meandered through the buildings, their walls painted in a fading pattern. Ancient wooden windows and iron door handles revealed the rich imprint of time.
Teachers can first take photos of the dam and church by the town bridge. At sunset, the group leader will lead you to take photos of the night view of CK Town.
Enjoy the CK town specialty that day: cellar barbecue dinner (noon or evening, depending on the shooting schedule)
Day 8 CK Town → Hallstatt (Austria)
·morning
After breakfast, proceed to Hallstatt for sightseeing and photography. Hallstatt is a village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt and is known as "the most beautiful lakeside town in the world."
Upon arrival, visit Hallstatt's Old Town to experience its rich history and culture. Also, take photos of the beautiful lakeside scenery, known as the "Austrian Postcard."
·afternoon
The sun sets slowly, night falls quietly, and the lights of the town gradually light up, reflecting on the lake, like a starry sky. Under the guidance of the tour guide, we take pictures of the sunset and lights.
Day 9 Hallstatt → Innsbruck
·morning
In the morning, you can take pictures of the sunrise over Hallstatt depending on the situation.
In the morning, we set off in time for the journey to Innsbruck, enjoying the picturesque scenery of the Alps. Along the way, we can choose to stop briefly at scenic spots to take pictures of the valley or capture the wooden houses and pastures scattered on the hillside.
·afternoon
Upon arrival, we'll travel to the Nordchain Mountains and ascend by cable car to the summit platform at 2,256 meters. This cable car route is not only a gateway to the Alps but also a stunning photography route. As we ascend, the city's rooftops recede, while the rolling snow-capped peaks become ever more majestic.
Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the entire Innsbruck and the surrounding Alps. Under the blue sky, the snow-covered peaks form a sharp contrast with the colorful city, forming a picture with great visual impact.
After returning to the city, we walked into the old town. The colorful medieval buildings were scattered in an orderly manner, the golden afterglow sprinkled on the cobblestone streets, and the whole city was immersed in warm light and shadow.
The Golden Roof, a balcony inlaid with 2,657 gold-plated copper tiles that sparkles in the sun, is one of Innsbruck's most iconic landmarks.
Walking along the alleys of the old town, we came to the banks of the Inn River, which is one of the best places to photograph the classic scenery of Innsbruck.
Day 10 Innsbruck → Fussen (Germany)
·morning
After breakfast, we set off from Innsbruck and drove along the road at the foot of the Alps to Füssen, officially entering Germany.
·afternoon
After lunch, we headed to Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Alps. It's majestic and dreamy, like something out of a fairy tale. It was the dream home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
To capture the most stunning perspective, we'll head to Marienbrücke. This wooden bridge, suspended above the canyon, offers the best angle for photographing Neuschwanstein Castle. From here, we can use a wide-angle lens to capture the castle's panorama, or a telephoto lens to capture details, giving the image a sense of depth.
We then ventured inside to explore this magnificent palace. Every mural, carving, and chandelier exuded a royal atmosphere. Although photography was prohibited inside, we were able to capture the sweeping views of the Bavarian lakes and forests from the castle windows.
Day 11 Fussen → Munich
·morning
After breakfast, we took photos of an exquisite German-style church in Füssen. We then set off north along the Bavarian highway. After about two hours, we arrived in the heart of Munich, the Old Town.
Marienplatz is a landmark in Munich. The Virgin Mary Column stands in the center, surrounded by Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic buildings. The most striking feature is the imposing New Town Hall, with its towering clock tower, exquisite reliefs, and delicate arcades. No matter which angle you take the photo, it is full of epic beauty.
The afternoon was free for everyone to take photos, and that evening everyone gathered together to enjoy German pork knuckle Western food, bringing the trip to a close.
Day 12 Munich → Beijing
All day
According to the flight time, we arranged to send you to the airport, take a car to the airport, check in, and take an international flight back to China via Beijing, ending your pleasant photography trip to the five Central European countries.
Reference flights:
Flight CA962, 13:00 - 04:50+1, Munich (MUC) - Beijing (PEK), 9 hours and 40 minutes
Day 13 Beijing → Shanghai ★ Disbandment Day
All day
Arrive in Shanghai, end of the trip.
Reference flights:
CA1507, 07:30 - 10:00, Beijing Capital (PEK) - Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), 2 hours 30 minutes
After you go back, remember to upload your works to China-TravelNote Photography Network so that everyone can share and exchange ideas!
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.
