Eastern Europe- Fall, 2012: suggestions needed
 

We are a couple in our early 60s, well-traveled and active, who would like to visit this area in the Fall with our 23 year old daughter, who has been to Bulgaria and would like to return. We have about 2 weeks. Knowing it is a large region, and we have limited time, we are wondering if there are small group tours, which take care of logistics and some overview tours, but leave for free time with guidance. We are also willing to do this on our own. Also, cities to consider are welcomed. So far, thinking about Prague, Krakow, Budapest and somewhere in Bulgaria. We are not interested in Austria at this time.

ttt

I think your plan sounds good. If you only have 2 weeks, those areas will fill that time. You can do an overnight sleeping train from Prague to Krakow which is very reasonably priced. There are also good train connections from both of those cities to Budapest.

This forum is not always up on tours as it tends to be for independant travelers, but hang in there someone may turn up.

Budapest is glorious but try to get out into the country to see other sites. Say Eger for instance, lovely old centre or Tokjai

Trains would be best for much of this journey

Two things: (1) Poland, Czech Rep. and Hungary are in Central Europe, not Eastern. Moldova, Ukraine, Russia and Turkey qualify as Eastern.

(2) one of the better "tour" options is no longer available - Paul Laifer Tours, which concentrated in the area.

Travel between Krakow, Prague and Budapest by train is slow so you may want to look into the availability of discount airlines. Going to Sofia in addition would leave only 3-4 nights for the others and each deserves more time than that.

Walking or half-day tours in each city would be better for your $ than a full vacation-long tour. The logistics aren't that difficult. There are plenty of day or half-day long tours in each city.

We used this group in Budapest for the Hammer & Sickle Tour: http://www.absolutetours.com/ They also have bike tours available at http://yellowzebrabikes.com/bike-tours.html. Walking tours of the Jewish Quarter are easy to find either from brochures at your hotel or from flyers left at the Dohany Utca Synagogue.

In Krakow we took the Commie tour with these guys: http://www.crazyguides.com/krakow_tours. We really pressed them to take us to the Arka Pana (which is fantastic). Day tours are plentiful due to the demand for trips to Salt Mines and to Oswiecim.

Don't remember who we used for our trip to Terezin from Prague. Again, day tour and walking tour options abound.

Stay in Prague 1 district in Prague. Don't stay by the Castle, stay either in Mala Strana, Kampa Island or Old Town (off the Square). We stayed at The Bishops House II, which is about 55 meters from the Charles Bridge and is part of this group: http://www.avehotels.cz/en/

Stay in Pest in Budapest. Many options here: a number of American chains have outposts on the Danube near the Chain Bridge. We stayed in the K&K Hotel (an Austrian chain, excellent breakfast), which is by the Opera House and within 10 min walk of the Chain Bridge, Liszt Ter, St. Istvan's and within 15 min of Deak Ter, Heroes Square, and Parliament.

in Krakow, stay near Rynek Glowny or between Rynek Glowny (the main square) and Wawel Castle. We stayed at Hotel Wentzl and all of its rooms overlook the square. But it had no elevator so that may be an issue for you.

Your trip sounds great, I've only been to Prague but would love to discover Krakow and Budapest as well. I had a very positive experience in Prague with a tour company called "Discover Walks", which offers free walking tours around the city. I took the Magical Prague Tour and the Old Town Tour, both very enjoyable, educational and entertaining at the same time. Local guides but fluent in English. They definitely earned their tips.

http://www.discoverwalks.com/prague-walking-tours/

I don't think you can do justice to those three cities plus an area of Bulgaria in 2 weeks. It's just not enough time. I spent 8 days in Krakow (2 different trips) and could easily go back since I loved it. Prague and Budapest need about 4 days each at a minimum.

In Krakow I used a private guide who was reasonable. You can do either a half day or a full day. A private guide allows you to choose the sights you want to see. Her name is Marta Chmielowska, email: [email protected]

In Krakow there are little tourist trains that take you around with commentary in several languages but I thought the price was high for what you get so I avoided taking any of these.

I used Cool Tours to book a tour of the Salt Mine but it was not small group. The salt mine tours have about 25 to 30 people on them. I would definitely book a tour if you want to see Wawel since I wasted a lot of time getting tickets to the castle. After viewing the castle I didn't think it was a worthwhile use of time.

Last year someone posted on my trip report about using Cracow Tours for Wawel. They also have tours to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines. www.cracowtours.pl

I just read about a private guide in Prague that Rick Steves recommends. If you look at recent Prague posts or check his book you can find her name. Her prices were very reasonable.

Wow! Thanks for your time in giving such great advice. I will digest and be back in touch. Much appreciated!