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

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

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewpoint - 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 - Hellbrunner Bach - Riverside Scenery

After some intense preparation and joint efforts, the long-anticipated group tour 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe - Classic Five-Country Tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria - 12 Days' finally set off in late June, opening the curtain on a journey through fairy-tale realms, an Eastern European tour marked by antiquity, mystery, romance, and exuberance.

In fact, I had visited Europe many times before, having traveled to over a dozen countries there, but had never set foot in any Eastern European country. Over the years, I have often seen in various media the historic city of Prague, with its vibrant, note-like, splendid red-tiled yellow-walled grandeur; the elegant and ancient buildings along the Danube in Budapest, the pearl of Eastern Europe, with their enchanting scenery; and the profound musical atmosphere and awe-inspiring grand scenes of Vienna's 'Golden Hall,' the city of music—all these describe the captivating charm and unique allure of these famous cities, magnificent buildings, and world heritage sites from different perspectives, drawing people's hearts and minds, imagining that one day they might experience them in person, feasting their eyes on their beauty and personally feeling the exotic styles and historical relics forged by different cultural backgrounds. All of this filled me with great anticipation 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 Viewpoint - Overlooking the Danube and Chain Bridge

Hungary - Budapest - Fisherman's Bastion

Hungary - Lake Balaton - Pier

Austria - Vienna - Schönbrunn Palace

This group tour 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe' was hurried; the places we visited were merely touched upon, like a dragonfly skimming the water. Even for classic attractions, wanting to take a longer look or stay a bit longer sometimes seemed a luxury. But this in no way dampened the enthusiasm for sightseeing; it just left a few regrets. Nevertheless, the picturesque scenery and unique charm along the way broadened our horizons and brought abundant gains. Not only did it fulfill a long-cherished wish, but in such a meaningful and enjoyable journey, personal cognition and imaginative space also expanded greatly. It was truly a worthwhile and fortunate experience!

Austria - Vienna - Street View

Austria - Hallstatt Village

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)

Czech Republic and Slovakia were originally one country, which split into two independent nations only in January 1993.

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 northern temperate zone with a typical temperate continental climate and four distinct seasons. The population is about 10 million, with the capital being Prague.

Prague is the largest city in the Czech Republic, situated in the heart of the European continent, straddling both banks of the Vltava River. It is a beautiful and ancient city, also a famous tourist destination. The city boasts numerous buildings from various historical periods and styles, with Baroque and Gothic architecture particularly dominant. The overall impression of Prague's architecture is that the rooftops are richly varied and extremely vibrant (red roofs, yellow walls), earning it the nicknames 'City of a Thousand Spires' and 'Golden City,' reputed as one of 'Europe's Most Beautiful Cities,' with the reputation of an 'Architecture Art Museum.' In 1992, the Historic Centre of Prague was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Viewpoint - 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 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe' tour. Here, we gave a quick overview of the UNESCO World Heritage site—the vast complex of Prague Castle (optional paid activity), including St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, and the viewpoint; Charles Bridge, Powder Tower, Vltava River riverside scenery, Old Town Square, Týn Church, Old Town Hall, Astronomical Clock, and more. These sights, with their rich history, beautiful scenery, and unique charm, unfolded a series of splendid and colorful pictures, leaving us overwhelmed, relaxed, and reluctant to leave!

Czech Republic - Prague - Prague Castle - Viewpoint - 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 'Most Beautiful Small Town in Europe,' Český Krumlov (also known as CK Town), and the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava.

Český Krumlov (also known as CK Town). The town is located on the upper reaches of the Vltava River, about 160 km from Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The town began to prosper in the 13th century due to its position 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 a horseshoe-shaped, wide and winding Vltava River that flows through it, while the famous castle stands on the opposite bank, still majestic. Looking down from a height, the medieval city centered on the castle stretches endlessly, breathtaking. It is among 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) - Viewpoint - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewpoint - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

In the 'Intoxicating Eastern Europe' tour, almost every segment brought unexpected surprises. For example, today's visit to CK Town was so incredibly beautiful that it gave us an overjoyed feeling. After the tour, everyone praised it, acknowledging its reputation as the 'Most Beautiful Small Town in Europe.' The only regret was that the itinerary was rushed; we had to leave before fully appreciating it. If one were traveling independently, it would be well worth staying a day or two. Walking through the streets, alleys, and cobblestone paths, one feels the weight of history and time; climbing to the castle heights to look down or into the distance, one enjoys a series of splendid, colorful scenes. Every place here is truly beautiful and deserves to be slowly appreciated and enjoyed.

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewpoint - Overlooking CK Town

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town)

Czech Republic - Český Krumlov (CK Town) - Viewpoint - 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 being Bratislava, the largest city in Slovakia, consisting of new and old districts. The old town has many historical sites, the oldest and most representative of which is Bratislava Castle. In the new district, the iron-cable bridge spans the Danube, with the blue Danube River like a jade belt around Bratislava's waist.

Slovakia was not a key focus of this Eastern Europe trip; we merely passed through its capital, Bratislava, for a quick look. The stop lasted only a short time, perhaps less than two hours. We visited Bratislava Castle (viewed from a distance), the Slovak National Theatre (exterior), Hviezdoslavovo Square, the Old Town Hall (exterior), St. Martin's Cathedral (exterior), and more. To summarize in the guide's words, Bratislava is a 'small but ancient, flat but refined, quiet but serene' city.

Slovakia - Bratislava - Bratislava Castle

Slovakia - Bratislava - Urban Sculpture

Slovakia - Bratislava - Church

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View

1. Countries in the eurozone use the euro. The current exchange rate is approximately 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 convenient to pay by card, and some places even accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.

3. When traveling in these countries, most places, including rest stops on highways, require payment to use restrooms, typically around 0.5–1 euro, and often need coins.

Slovakia - Bratislava - Hviezdoslavovo Square

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View

Slovakia - Bratislava - Street View - Statue of Hans Christian Andersen

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