June 2024 "Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour Germany Czech Slovakia Hungary Austria 12 Days" Group Tour Travelogue (Part 2) Czech Republic, Slovakia

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Continued from "June 2024 'Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour Germany Czech Slovakia Hungary Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 1) Germany"

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewing Platform - Overlooking CK Town

Germany - Würzburg - Main River - Riverside Scenery

Czech Republic - Prague - Old Town Square - Týn Church

Hungary - Budapest - Danube River Cruise - Danube Riverside Scenery

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Lake Balaton Scenery

Austria - Vienna - Vienna State Opera

Austria - Salzburg - Salzach River - Riverside Scenery

After intense preparation and efforts from multiple sides, the long-awaited "Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour Germany Czech Slovakia Hungary Austria 12 Days" group tour finally set off in late June, opening the curtain on a journey through fairy-tale realms—an Eastern European tour of antiquity, mystery, romance, and boldness.

In fact, I had been to Europe many times before, having visited over a dozen countries there, but I had never set foot in any Eastern European country. Over the years, I often saw in various media the historic city of Prague, with its leaping notes, dazzling red roofs and yellow walls, magnificent and splendid; the elegant ancient architecture on both banks of the Danube in Budapest, the pearl of Eastern Europe, with its charming scenery that captivates the heart; and the strong musical atmosphere and awe-inspiring grand scenes in the "Golden Hall" of Vienna, the city of music—all these, from different perspectives, interpret the enchanting charm and unique allure of these famous cities, grand buildings, and world heritage sites, attracting people with longing and imagination, hoping one day to be there in person, to feast their eyes while personally experiencing the exotic styles and historical relics forged by different cultural backgrounds. All of this filled me with great expectations for the Eastern European trip.

Czech Republic - Prague - Vltava River - Riverside Scenery

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - St. Vitus Cathedral

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Slovakia - Bratislava - Slovak National Theatre

Hungary - Budapest - Buda Castle Viewing Platform - Overlooking Danube, Chain Bridge

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Pier

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace

Although this "Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe" group tour was rushed, with stops like a dragonfly skimming the water—just a quick pass—even for some classic attractions, wanting to take a longer look or stay a bit longer sometimes seemed a luxury. But this in no way diminished the enthusiasm for sightseeing and the joy of viewing; it only left a few regrets. Regardless, the picturesque scenery and unique charm along the way still broadened horizons and yielded rich gains. Not only did it fulfill a long-cherished wish, but in such a meaningful and enjoyable trip, personal cognition and imagination were also well expanded—a win-win situation truly worth celebrating!

Austria - Vienna - Street View

Austria - Hallstatt Town

Germany - Munich - Max-Joseph-Platz - Bavarian State Opera

Germany - Frankfurt - Main River - Riverside Scenery

Czech Republic - Prague - Street View

Second Stop: Czech Republic, Slovakia (D3, D4)

The Czech Republic and Slovakia were originally one country, only becoming two independent states in January 1993.

The Czech Republic is located in central Europe, bordered by Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, Germany to the west, and Poland to the north. It lies in the north temperate zone, with a typical temperate continental climate and four distinct seasons. The population is about 10 million, and the capital is Prague.

Prague is the largest city in the Czech Republic, located in the center of the European continent, straddling both banks of the Vltava River. It is a beautiful and ancient city, as well as a famous tourist destination. The city has numerous buildings from various historical periods and styles, particularly Baroque and Gothic architecture. The overall impression of Prague's buildings is that the rooftops are exceptionally varied and the colors are dazzling (red roofs, yellow walls), earning it nicknames such as "City of a Thousand Spires" and "Golden City," reputed as one of "the most beautiful cities in Europe," with the reputation of a "museum of architectural art." In 1992, the Historic Centre of Prague was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Viewing Platform - Overlooking Prague City

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - St. Vitus Cathedral

Czech Republic - Prague - Charles Bridge - Street Performer

Czech Republic - Prague - Charles Bridge

Czech Republic - Prague - Old Town Square - Týn Church

Czech Republic - Prague - Vltava River - Riverside Scenery

D3 Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is a popular tourist destination and one of the key stops on this "Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe Tour." Here, we took a whirlwind tour of the World Heritage site—the sprawling complex of churches, palaces, and courtyards known as Prague Castle (optional activity): St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, Viewing Platform; Charles Bridge, Powder Tower, Vltava River Riverside Scenery, Old Town Square, Týn Church, Old Town Hall, Astronomical Clock, etc. With their rich history, beautiful scenery, and unique charm, these sights unfolded a series of colorful pictures before our eyes, leaving us dazzled, elated, and reluctant to leave!

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Viewing Platform - Overlooking Prague City

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - St. Vitus Cathedral

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Old Royal Palace

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Golden Lane

Czech Republic - Prague - Charles Bridge

Czech Republic - Prague - Street View

D4 We visited Český Krumlov (also known as CK Town), reputed as "the most beautiful town in Europe," and Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Český Krumlov (also known as CK Town). The town is located on the upper reaches of the Vltava River, about 160 kilometers from Prague, the Czech capital. The town began to prosper in the 13th century due to its location on an important trade route. Most buildings were built between the 14th and 17th centuries, predominantly in Gothic and Baroque styles. The entire town is embraced by the wide, winding Vltava River in a horseshoe shape, while the famous castle stands on the opposite bank, still retaining its charm. Ascending to a height, the medieval city centered around the castle stretches endlessly, awe-inspiring. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. In 1992, UNESCO declared it a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewing Platform - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewing Platform - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

In the "Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe Tour," almost every leg of the trip brought unexpected surprises. For example, today's visit to CK Town was incredibly beautiful, bringing a sense of delightful surprise. After the tour, everyone praised it as truly worthy of the title "the most beautiful town in Europe." The only regret was the tight schedule—we had to leave before we could fully appreciate it. If traveling independently, it would be well worth staying for a day or two. Walking through the streets and alleys and on the cobblestone paths, one feels the depth and weight of history; climbing to the top of the castle to overlook or gaze into the distance, one enjoys a series of colorful paintings. Every place here is truly beautiful, worth savoring and enjoying slowly.

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewing Platform - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewing Platform - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

The Slovak Republic borders the Czech Republic to the northwest, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the southwest. The country has a population of about 5.5 million, and its capital is Bratislava, the largest city in Slovakia, consisting of a new town and an old town. The old town has numerous historic sites, with the Bratislava Castle being the oldest and most representative building. In the new town, the cable-stayed bridge spans the Danube, and the blue Danube is like a jade belt around Bratislava's waist.

Slovakia was not a highlight of this Eastern European trip; it was merely a stopover in the capital Bratislava for everyone to take a look. The stay was very short, perhaps less than 2 hours, and the places visited included Bratislava Castle (viewed from afar), Slovak National Theatre (exterior), Hviezdoslavovo Square, Old Town Hall (exterior), St. Martin's Cathedral (exterior), etc. To summarize in the tour leader's words, Bratislava is a city that is "small and ancient, flat and refined, quiet and secluded."

Slovakia - Bratislava - Bratislava Castle

Slovakia - Bratislava - City Sculpture

Slovakia - Bratislava - Church

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View

1. Countries in the Eurozone use the euro. The current exchange rate is roughly 1 euro to 7.8–7.9 Chinese yuan. However, among the five countries on this trip, only Germany and Austria are in the Eurozone; the remaining three—Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary—use their own currencies.

2. In fact, it is very convenient to pay by card, and some places even accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.

3. When traveling in these countries, most places, even rest areas on highways, charge for using the restroom, usually between 0.5 and 1 euro, and often require coins.

Slovakia - Bratislava - Hviezdoslavovo Square

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View - Hans Christian Andersen Statue

Continued in "June 2024 'Drunk Beauty Eastern Europe. Classic Five-Country Tour Germany Czech Slovakia Hungary Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 3) Hungary"