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

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Continuing from 'June 2024 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe: Classic Five-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 House

Austria - Salzburg - Salzach River - Riverside Scenery

After a tense preparation and numerous efforts, the long-awaited 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe: Classic Five-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' group tour finally set off in late June, unveiling the curtain on a journey through fairy-tale countries – an Eastern Europe tour full of ancient charm, mystery, romance, and unrestrained spirit.

In fact, I had visited Europe many times before and had been to 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 in magnificent splendor; the Budapest, the pearl of Eastern Europe, with its elegant and ancient buildings on both banks of the Danube and its enchanting scenery; and the Golden Hall of Vienna, the city of music, with its rich musical atmosphere and awe-inspiring grand scenes – all these interpret the charming styles and unique allure of these famous cities, magnificent buildings, and world heritage sites from different perspectives, attracting people's longing and imagining one day being there in person, not only to feast their eyes on the beauty but also to personally experience the exotic charm and historical relics forged by different cultural backgrounds. All of 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 Palace Observation Deck - Overlooking Danube River & Chain Bridge

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Pier

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace

This 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe' group tour, though hurried and fleeting like a dragonfly skimming the water, only passing by some classic attractions – sometimes even a second look or a longer stay seemed a luxury – did not dampen my enthusiasm for sightseeing, though it left some regrets. Nevertheless, the picturesque scenery and unique customs along the way opened my eyes and brought great rewards. Not only did it fulfill a long-cherished wish, but in such a meaningful and fun-filled journey, my personal knowledge and imagination expanded greatly. A multi-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 and Slovakia (D3, D4)

Czech Republic and Slovakia were originally one country, only became two independent countries in January 1993.

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 belongs to the north temperate zone, with a typical temperate continental climate and four distinct seasons. The country has a population of about 10 million, with Prague as its capital.

Prague is the largest city in Czech Republic, located in the center of the European continent, straddling both banks of the Vltava River. It is a beautiful and ancient city and a famous tourist destination. The city has a large number of buildings from various historical periods and styles, especially Baroque and Gothic architecture. The overall impression of Prague's architecture is the rich variation of rooftops and the dazzling colors (red roofs and yellow walls), earning it nicknames such as 'City of a Thousand Spires' and 'Golden City', and it is known 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 - 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 Czech Republic, is a popular tourist destination and one of the key stops on this 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe Tour'. Here, we took a quick look at the World Heritage site, the vast complex of churches, palaces, and courtyards – Prague Castle (optional extra): 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, unfolded colorful scrolls before us, 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 the famous 'Most Beautiful Town in Europe' – Český Krumlov (also known as CK Town) and the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava.

Český Krumlov (also called CK Town). The town is located on the upper reaches of the Vltava River, about 160 km from Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. The town began to prosper in the 13th century due to its location on an important trade route. Most of the buildings were built between the 14th and 17th centuries, predominantly in Gothic and Baroque styles. The entire town is embraced by the horseshoe-shaped, wide and winding Vltava River that flows through it, while the famous castle stands on the opposite bank, still full of charm. Climbing high and looking into the distance, the medieval city centered on 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) - 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)

Throughout the 'Most Beautiful Eastern Europe Tour', almost every leg brings unexpected surprises. For example, today's visit to CK Town was breathtakingly beautiful, bringing delightful feelings. After the tour, everyone praised it as truly worthy of the reputation 'Most Beautiful Town in Europe'. The only regret was the rushed itinerary – we had to leave before fully appreciating it. If traveling independently, it would be well worth staying for a day or two. Walking through the streets and alleys on the cobblestone paths, feeling the weight of history; climbing to the high points of the castle to overlook or gaze into the distance, enjoying one colorful scroll after another. Every place here is truly beautiful and deserves to be savored slowly.

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 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, which is the largest city in Slovakia, composed of old and new districts. The old town has many historical sites, the most ancient and representative of which is Bratislava Castle. In the new district, the steel suspension bridge spans the Danube River, and the blue Danube looks like a jade belt tied around Bratislava's waist.

Slovakia was not a highlight of this Eastern Europe trip; it was merely a pass-through stop to show the capital Bratislava. The stay was very short, perhaps less than 2 hours. We visited Bratislava Castle (viewed from a distance), Slovak National Theatre (exterior), Hviezdoslavovo Square, Old Town Hall (exterior), St. Martin's Cathedral (exterior), etc. As the tour leader summarized, Bratislava is a city that is 'small yet ancient, flat yet fine, quiet yet tranquil'.

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 RMB. Among the five countries visited, only Germany and Austria are in the Eurozone; the remaining three – Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary – use their own currencies.

2. In fact, card payments are very convenient, and some places even accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.

3. During travel in these countries, most places, even highway rest areas, charge for using the restroom, about 0.5-1 euro each time, 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 Five-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 12 Days' Group Tour Travelogue (Part 3) – Hungary'