June 2024 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe: Classic 5-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria in 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 1: Germany)

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Germany - Würzburg - Distant view of Marienberg Fortress

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov - Viewing platform - Overlooking Český Krumlov

Czech Republic - Prague - Vltava River - Riverside scenery

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle complex

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lake Balaton scenery

Hungary - Budapest - Matthias Church

Austria - Vienna - Musikverein - Concert performance

Austria - Salzburg - One of the filming locations of 'The Sound of Music' - Mirabell Garden

In late June 2024, I joined a tour group called 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe: Classic 5-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria in 12 Days' and traveled to Eastern Europe. In just a few days, we visited five countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. We explored Frankfurt, Würzburg, and Munich in Germany; Prague and Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic; Bratislava in Slovakia; Budapest and Lake Balaton in Hungary; and Vienna, Hallstatt, and Salzburg in Austria. We saw cityscapes, historical sites, and scenic spots, many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Along the way, we also passed countless towns, farms, lakes, and mountains, and enjoyed nearly 2,600 kilometers of picturesque scenery and exotic charm—truly classic, romantic, colorful, unique, and boundless.

Although group tours inevitably involve a rushed, whirlwind sightseeing pace, what we saw and heard—especially the historic architecture, breathtaking landscapes, fascinating legends, and distinctive customs—still ignited our passion and interest in travel. It was a feast for the eyes, leaving us deeply impressed and reluctant to leave. Stepping onto the journey and exploring the world through personal experience enriches and broadens the mind.

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Viewing platform - Overlooking Prague city center

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Old Royal Palace

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River cruise - Scenery along both banks

Austria - Vienna - University of Vienna

Austria - Salzburg - Scenery along the Helcha River

Germany - Frankfurt - Scenery along the way

The trip took place from June 23 to July 4, a total of 12 days. Excluding 3 days for check-in and flights, we had only 9 days for sightseeing. Roughly: 2.5 days in Germany, 2 days in Czech Republic and Slovakia, 2 days in Hungary, and 2.5 days in Austria (including travel time between countries and cities).

For this Eastern Europe group tour, apart from flights, all transportation between the five countries was by coach. The same coach picked us up from the airport and accompanied us throughout, shuttling between cities, attractions, and hotels in these five countries, covering nearly 2,600 kilometers until the end of the trip, when it dropped us off at Frankfurt Airport. We were very fortunate to have not only a brand-new, excellent Mercedes-Benz coach but also a highly skilled, diligent, and hospitable driver. He kept the coach spotless every day, arranged luggage neatly, and transported everyone safely and smoothly to each country, city, attraction, and hotel. Such professionalism and service deserve a big thumbs up.

Additionally, according to the usual division of Eastern, Western, Southern, Northern, and Central Europe, Germany does not belong to Eastern Europe. Possibly due to route and flight arrangements, this trip flew directly from Shenzhen to Frankfurt, Germany, and returned from Frankfurt to Shenzhen. Thus Frankfurt became an important entry point and transit hub. So although the tour was called 'Eastern Europe Tour,' we also had the chance to visit Frankfurt and Munich in Central Germany.

'Intoxicating Eastern Europe: 5-Country Tour' - Route map screenshot

Slovakia - Bratislava - Hviezdoslav Square

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion viewing platform - Overlooking the Danube and Parliament Building

Austria - Vienna - Austrian National Library

Austria - Hallstatt

Germany - Frankfurt - Römerberg

First Stop: Germany (Days 2, 9, 10)

Although Germany was only a transit point for this Eastern Europe tour, the itinerary included considerable stopover and sightseeing time on both the outbound and return trips. On Day 2, we visited Würzburg's old town, Würzburg Residence gardens, and the Old Main Bridge. On Day 9, we visited Munich's Max-Joseph-Platz, the Bavarian State Opera (exterior), Marienplatz, and the Hofbräuhaus. On Day 10, we visited Frankfurt's Römerberg, the Main River waterfront, and Frankfurt Cathedral.

Germany - Würzburg - Würzburg Residence

Germany - Würzburg - Street scene

Germany - Würzburg - Würzburg Residence

Germany - Würzburg - Street scene

Germany - Würzburg - Church

Germany - Würzburg - Street scene

The picturesque old town of Würzburg lies on the Main River. The railings of the Old Main Bridge feature statues of the city's founders. The city gate is the Xielianbeier Gate, built in 1482, which was destroyed during World War II and later restored. UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage site.

Germany - Würzburg - Distant view of Marienberg Fortress

Germany - Würzburg - Main River waterfront scenery

Germany - Würzburg - Old Main Bridge

Germany - Würzburg - Cityscape

Germany - Würzburg - Church

Germany - Munich - Street scene

Munich is located on the Alpine foothills (Bavarian Plateau) along the Isar River, a tributary of the Danube. It is the capital of Bavaria and the state's political, economic, and cultural center. It is also the largest city in Bavaria and the third largest in Germany. The city has a large hinterland and is one of Germany's main agricultural and pastoral areas. Industry has shifted from heavy to light, with diversified sectors including electronics, automotive, and machinery. Traditional crafts such as lithography, sculpture, and ceramics are renowned.

Germany - Munich - Scenery along the way

Germany - Munich - Max-Joseph-Platz

Germany - Munich - Bavarian State Opera

Germany - Munich - Street scene

Germany - Munich - Marienplatz

Germany - Munich - Street scene

Germany - Munich - Hofbräuhaus

Frankfurt, also known as Frankfurt am Main, lies on both banks of the Main River on the large plain south of the Taunus Mountains. It is Germany's fifth largest city, covering 249 square kilometers. Frankfurt has Germany's largest aviation and railway hubs and is an important industrial, commercial, and financial center, a trade fair city, and the country's gateway to the world.

Germany - Frankfurt - Römerberg

Germany - Frankfurt - Frankfurt Cathedral

Germany - Frankfurt - Main River waterfront scenery

1. The climate during this season in Eastern Europe is generally pleasant: sunny days with blue skies and white clouds, neither hot nor cold, very comfortable. Temperatures are mostly around 20°C (68°F). Short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts are fine; mornings and evenings are cooler, so a light jacket is needed. At noon, it can feel a bit hot under the sun, but once in the shade, it becomes noticeably cooler.

2. Although the temperature is generally comfortable, there were exceptions. When we arrived in Vienna, Austria, around 2 PM, the temperature reached over 30°C (86°F) with strong sunlight—the hottest spot on this trip. According to the local guide, Europe's climate has been abnormal in recent years, with higher temperatures this year. On the return leg, in Munich, Germany, a sudden rain shower made the weather much colder. That evening, many group members pulled out sweaters or thick jackets from their suitcases. So when traveling, bring enough clothes for emergencies.

3. Hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas for sun and rain protection are essential—don't miss any.

4. During this season, the time difference between Eastern European countries and China is 6 hours: local time is 6 hours behind China.

Germany - Frankfurt - Street scene

Germany - Frankfurt - Scenery along the way

Germany - Munich - Marienplatz

Germany - Munich - Street scene

Continued in 'June 2024 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe: Classic 5-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria in 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 2: Czech Republic, Slovakia)'