8 days in Czech Republic & Hungary Itinerary

Prague lures millions of tourists each year with its World Heritage-listed medieval city center--a labyrinth of narrow lanes, bridges, cathedrals, and palaces overlooked by a thousand-year-old castle.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Lobkowicz Palace and St. George Forest (Svatojirsky les). Museum-lovers will appreciate Jewish Museum in Prague and Prasna brana. There's lots more to do: take some stellar pictures from Prague Astronomical Clock, take a spin around town with Cayman Travel, take a stroll through StaromEstske namEsti, and pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Saint Ludmila.

For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Prague online journey planner .

Tirana, Albania to Prague is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Tirana in December, you will find days in Prague are a bit cooler (5°C), and nights are about the same (0°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Cesky Krumlov.

Known around the world for its medieval castle, Cesky Krumlov offers the chance to experience the charm of a small European city seemingly frozen in time several centuries ago.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Fri): admire the masterpieces at Egon Schiele Art Centrum, see the interesting displays at Moldavite Museum - Muzeum vltavinu, appreciate the extensive heritage of Historie mesta Ceský Krumlov, then step into the grandiose world of Cesky Krumlov Castle, then contemplate the long history of Minorite Monastery, and finally steep yourself in history at Latran houses.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Cesky Krumlov day trip planning site .

Getting from Prague to Cesky Krumlov by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 2°C in January, and nighttime lows around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) so you can drive to Budapest.

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

On the 4th (Sat), don't miss a visit to Halaszbastya, get outside with Priest's Island (Pap-sziget), and then don't miss a visit to Shoes on the Danube. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the waterfront views at Danube River, then boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, and then examine the collection at House of Terror Museum.

To find more things to do, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Budapest planning tool .

Drive from Cesky Krumlov to Budapest in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or do a combination of bus, train, and flight. In January in Budapest, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.