16 days in Danube Countries Itinerary

You might consider the city of Budapest, divided by the Danube River into two distinctive cities--Buda and Pest--to be essentially one large World Heritage Site.

Escape the urban bustle at Margaret Island and Palatinus Strandfürdő. Get some cultural insight at Fisherman's Bastion and Heroes' Square. There's lots more to do: get a sense of history and politics at Hungarian Parliament Building, tour the water at your own pace with Portum Lines, appreciate the history behind Shoes on the Danube Bank, and pause for some serene contemplation at University Church.

For maps, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Budapest trip itinerary planner.

Singapore, Singapore to Budapest is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Singapore Standard Time (SGT) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a -7 hour difference. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Singapore in December: high temperatures in Budapest hover around 5°C and lows are around -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can drive to Bratislava.

Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, attracts visitors for its natural beauty and rich culture, offering a plethora of landscapes, outdoor activities, historical monuments, and a stately old town.

On the 19th (Mon), appreciate the extensive heritage of Bratislava Old Town, don't miss a visit to Kapitulska Street, and then have fun at Bratislava Shooting Club.

To find reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Bratislava online attractions planner.

Drive from Budapest to Bratislava in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 5°C in December, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to drive to Vienna.

The cultural, economic, and political center of the country, Vienna has developed from its early Celtic and Roman roots into a medieval and Baroque city, with an old town that was designated a World Heritage Site in 2001.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Albertina and Wachau Valley. Get outdoors at Hohe Wand Wiese and Allander Tropfsteinhohle. Step out of Vienna to go to Langenlois and see Weinweg Langenlois, which is approximately 1 hour away. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, explore the historical opulence of Schonbrunn Palace, admire the striking features of Rathaus, and steep yourself in history at Belvedere Palace.

To find photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Vienna visit website.

You can drive from Bratislava to Vienna in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 5°C in December, and nighttime lows around 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Cesky Krumlov.

Known around the world for its medieval castle, Cesky Krumlov offers the chance to experience the charm of a small European city seemingly frozen in time several centuries ago.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Historie mesta Ceský Krumlov and Former Fink Cafe. Get in touch with nature at Ski Areal Lipno nad Vltavou and Carp Lake. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cesky Krumlov: The State Chateau of Hluboká (in Hluboka nad Vltavou), Svet Lake (in Trebon) and Church/Temple of the Sacrifice of the Virgin Mary (in Ceske Budejovice). There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Cesky Krumlov Castle, see the interesting displays at Museum of Architecture and Craft, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Christi and Our Lady of Sorrows Church, and explore the world behind art at Egon Schiele Art Centrum.

For where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Cesky Krumlov trip planner.

You can drive from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Cesky Krumlov can reach 4°C, while at night they dip to -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Prague.

Prague lures millions of tourists each year with its World Heritage-listed medieval city center--a labyrinth of narrow lanes, bridges, cathedrals, and palaces overlooked by a thousand-year-old castle.

Get in touch with nature at Diana Lookout Tower and Hot Spring Colonnade. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Rudolfinum and B TEAM. Venture out of the city with trips to Karlovy Vary (Svatosske skaly & Vyhlidka Karla IV). The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Prague Castle, appreciate the extensive heritage of Staromestske namesti, make a trip to Novy Svet, and take some stellar pictures from Prague Astronomical Clock.

For photos, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, go to the Prague trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Cesky Krumlov to Prague takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. In December in Prague, expect temperatures between 5°C during the day and 0°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can travel back home.