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

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Continued from "June 2024 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe: Classic 5-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 1) Germany"

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Observation Deck - 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 - Hellbrunn River - Riverside Scenery

After intense preparation and joint efforts, the long-awaited "Most Beautiful Eastern Europe: Classic 5-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days" group tour finally set off in late June, opening the curtain on a tour of fairy-tale countries, an ancient, mysterious, romantic, and unrestrained journey through Eastern Europe.

In fact, I had been to Europe many times before and had visited over a dozen countries, but I had never set foot in any Eastern European country. Over the years, I had often seen in various media the magnificent splendor of Prague's red roofs and yellow walls resembling jumping notes; the elegant and ancient buildings on both sides of the Danube in Budapest, the pearl of Eastern Europe, with captivating scenery; and the rich musical atmosphere of Vienna, the city of music, with its Golden Hall's grand scenes captivating the senses... All these, from different perspectives, interpret the enchanting charm and unique allure of these famous cities, grand buildings, and world heritage sites, attracting people's longing and imagining one day being there in person, not only to feast their eyes but also to personally experience the exotic styles and historical relics forged by different cultural backgrounds. All this filled me with great anticipation for the Eastern Europe 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 Observation Deck - Overlooking Danube and Chain Bridge

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Pier

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace

Although this "Most Beautiful Eastern Europe" group tour was rushed, and the places visited were merely touched upon like a dragonfly skimming the water, even wanting to look longer or stay a bit more sometimes seemed a luxury, this did not dampen my enthusiasm for sightseeing. It just left a little regret. Nevertheless, the picturesque scenery and unique customs along the way broadened my horizons and brought rich rewards. Not only did it fulfill a long-cherished wish, but in such a meaningful and enjoyable journey, my personal cognition and imagination also expanded well. It was a win-win situation and truly fortunate!

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, which split into two independent nations in January 1993.

The Czech Republic is located in central Europe, bordering 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 distinct four seasons. The population is about 10 million, with the capital Prague.

Prague is the largest city in the Czech Republic, located in the center of the European continent, straddling both sides of the Vltava River. It is a beautiful and ancient city and a famous tourist destination. The city has numerous buildings from various historical periods and styles, with Baroque and Gothic architecture being particularly prominent. The overall impression of Prague's architecture is that the rooftops are richly varied and extremely colorful (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" and known as the "Museum of Architecture." In 1992, the historic center of Prague was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Observation Deck - 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 attractions of this "Most Beautiful Eastern Europe Tour." Here, we took a cursory tour of the world heritage site, the massive architectural complex comprising churches, palaces, and courtyards—Prague Castle (optional paid activity): St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, Observation Deck; Charles Bridge, Powder Tower, Vltava River Riverside Scenery, Old Town Square, Týn Church, Old Town Hall, Astronomical Clock, etc. These sights, with their rich history, beautiful scenery, and unique charm, unveiled a series of colorful paintings, leaving us dazzled, relaxed, and reluctant to leave!

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Observation Deck - 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), known as "the most beautiful town in Europe," and Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Český Krumlov (also called CK Town). The town is located in the upper reaches of the Vltava River, about 160 km from Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The town prospered in the 13th century due to its location on an important trade route. Most buildings were constructed between the 14th and 17th centuries, predominantly in Gothic and Baroque styles. The entire town is embraced by the wide, winding Vltava River flowing in a horseshoe shape, while the famous castle stands on the opposite bank, still splendid. Climbing high to look into the distance, 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 designated it a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Observation Deck - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Observation Deck - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

In the "Most Beautiful Eastern Europe Tour," almost every segment brought unexpected surprises. For instance, today's visit to CK Town, which was incredibly beautiful, gave us a delightful surprise. After the tour, everyone exclaimed that it truly deserves the title "the most beautiful town in Europe." It's a pity that the itinerary was rushed, and we had to leave before fully appreciating it. If traveling independently, it's well worth staying for a day or two. Walking through the streets and alleys and on the cobblestones, you feel the weight of history; climbing to the top of the castle to overlook or gaze into the distance, you enjoy a series of colorful paintings. Every place here is truly beautiful and worth slowly appreciating and enjoying.

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Observation Deck - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Observation Deck - 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, with the capital Bratislava being the largest city, consisting of an old and a new district. The old town has many historical sites, the most ancient and representative being Bratislava Castle. In the new district, the steel suspension bridge spanning the Danube connects north and south, and the blue Danube resembles a jade belt around Bratislava's waist.

Slovakia was not a key point in this Eastern Europe trip; we only passed through the capital Bratislava for a brief look. The stay was very short, probably less than 2 hours. We visited Bratislava Castle (distant view), the Slovak National Theatre (exterior), Hviezdoslavovo Square, the Old Town Hall (exterior), and St. Martin's Cathedral (exterior), etc. As the tour leader summarized, Bratislava is a "small but ancient, flat but refined, quiet but serene" city.

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 about 1 euro to 7.8-7.9 Chinese yuan. However, among the five countries visited, only Germany and Austria are in the Eurozone; the other three—Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary—use their own currencies.

2. In fact, it's 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 restrooms, usually between 0.5-1 euro, and most require coins.

Slovakia - Bratislava - Hviezdoslavovo Square

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View - Hans Christian Andersen Statue

Continued in "June 2024 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe: Classic 5-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 3) Hungary"