Recently updated on January 31st, 2025 at 11:59 pm
Passionate about travel? Want to win your next Trafalgar tour? Well, good news. The Trafalgar Unlocked Awards 2025 (TUA) are your chance to turn your passion for storytelling into a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Celebrating unforgettable moments, our annual awards are your chance to share funny, poignant, or life-changing travel moments.
So, we hear you ask – what is the prize for TUA 2025? Two seats on an exclusive tour of Central Europe, exploring the historic charm, cultural richness, and culinary delights of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest this summer.
Our winners’ Prague, Vienna and Budapest tour itinerary
From medieval castles to imperial palaces and colorful cityscapes, let’s take a sneak peek into the journey awaiting our winners with this day-by-day breakdown of Trafalgar’s Prague, Vienna and Budapest – Summer tour.
Pssst – if you haven’t yet submitted your favorite travel story from 2024, there’s still time – find out more, and submitted your entry here.
Day 1: Arrive in Prague & meet other fellow TUA 2025 winners
Our lucky TUA 2025 winners will land in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. First things first, the Trafalgar Travel Director will meet them at the airport for a transfer to the hotel. Rest up, refresh and relax after the big journey to get here! It’s in the evening on the first day tat everyone gathers for the special welcome dinner.
This first evening is always so much fun as the group all meets in person for the first time. The reception sets the stage for the exciting adventures ahead over the next 10 days exploring on Trafalgar’s “Prague, Vienna and Budapest – Summer” tour.
Day 2: Historic Prague & rooftop beekeeping
Dive headfirst into the fairytale charm of Prague! The morning is all about explore the city’s storybook streets and famous landmarks with your Local Specialist, who will lead a guided walk through the city. See the Gothic spires of St. Vitus Cathedral, then wander through the Old Town Square to marvel at the Astronomical Clock. Hopefully you’ll arrive just on time for the hourly Walk of the Apostles.
In the afternoon, our lucky Travel Unlocked Award winners will join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that connects the group with a local bee expert. Join apiarist Jindřiška Hinge for a fun workshop on beekeeping, and learn about rooftop bee projects in the city. Find out why these tiny pollinators are so important to the city while sipping herbal tea infused with honey! Then the rest of the day is free to explore solo.
Day 3: Prague your way, or explore Kutná Hora
There’s always free time built into every Trafalgar itinerary, giving you time to rest and relax, go shopping, or explore special interests. While some will want to just explore the city solo, we’ll invite our Trafalgar Unlocked Awards winners to join that day’s Optional Experience to Kutná Hora, one of the most curious locations in the Czech Republic.
Your Local Specialist will lead a guided tour through the UNESCO World Heritage listed bone-filled chapel and Gothic five-nave St. Barbara Church. You’ll also explore the Silver Museum and the castle before having lunch together in Bohemian Town.
Finally, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure – sinking some local beers and enjoying a final traditional dinner in town.
Day 4: From Bratislava’s charm to Vienna’s grandeur
Today is a big day on the road, so pack your suitcases and pile into the comfortable Trafalgar coach. The journey takes our TUA 2025 winners on a picturesque ride through Moravia’s rolling countryside. The first stop? The Slovakian capital of Bratislava. Admire pastel-colored buildings and winding streets of the Old Town, and see the iconic Michael Tower before continuing to Vienna.
Austria’s capital is a beautiful and elegant imperial city famous for music. After checking into the hotel, our winners will join the trip’s Optional Experience dinner at a romantic traditional restaurant set out in countryside that has welcomed diners since the Napoleon I era! Inside this quirky chateau you’ll experience a traditional Austrian meal with lively musical entertainment. A night to remember!
Day 5: ‘Dive into Culture’ at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
On Day 5 Vienna unveils its regal and artistic treasures – and you’ll have front-row access. The morning begins with an exclusive guided tour of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in Austria. Here you’ll view the Royal Collection before the general public has access, and your guide will bring centuries of Habsburg royalty to life. It’s opulent and intimate.
The royal tour continues with a guided exploration of Vienna’s iconic landmarks. Stroll past the grand Hofburg Palace, once the seat of Habsburg power, with your Local Specialist. Then take in the elegance of the Parliament Building, famous Opera House, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its tiled roof.
Then you’re free to explore the city your way though we’d suggest a pause to experience the city’s legendary kaffee culture. Stop for coffee paired with a decadent slice of Sachertorte.
Day 6: Schönbrunn Palace & Mozart magic
Today we’ll give our TUA 2025 winners free time to explore Vienna at their pace, but our lucky winners will join an Optional Experience to visit the Schönbrunn Palace, the imperial summer retreat of the Habsburgs. With its stunning Baroque architecture and lavishly decorated rooms, this perfectly preserved palace tells centuries of royal tales. A Local Specialist will guide the group, sharing stories that bring the luxe Habsburg dynasty to life.
As the sun sets, Vienna sets the stage for a magical evening. Sit down for a special dinner with drinks, followed by a concert celebrating the city’s iconic classical music. A-Class tickets will give you premium seats to enjoy the timeless works of Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Day 7: On to Budapest, and cruising the Danube at dinner
Back onboard the Trafalgar coach, the grup journeys through the scenic Transdanubia region, where rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards offer a picturesque backdrop. The first stop is the charming town of Győr, once a key hub on ancient trade routes. Take a leisurely stroll along Baross Gábor Street, soaking in the town’s Baroque charm, before continuing to brilliant Budapest.
As darkness unfolds, Budapest lights up – and seeing the city from the Danube River is the best way to explore. Sit down for a delightful dinner cruise, pairing the city’s illuminated landmarks with a buffet of Hungarian specialties. You’ll get to taste Szegedin Goulash, Dobos-Torta and more as you float down the famous river.
Day 8: Sightseeing & Be My Guest with the Scheiszl family
Uncover Budapest’s layered history and Hungarian culture on a guided tour with a Local Specialist. Start with the medieval Fisherman’s Bastion and the striking Matthias Church on the Buda side of the city. Take in the views, then cross over to Pest. Visit the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe, and stand in awe at Heroes’ Square, where the seven chieftains of the Magyars are honored.
This evening the TUA 2025 winners will connect deeper with Hungarian culture at our signature Be My Guest experience. The warm and welcoming Schieszl family welcome the group for dinner at their 19th-century winery. Feast on hearty Hungarian dishes paired with stories of the estate! It’s a chance to connect with locals, savor traditional flavors, and toast to the incredible journey you’ve had so far.
Day 9: Budapest Your Way, visit Szentendre & the perfect farewell
The final full day in Budapest is open so you can tailor the adventure to your preferences. Choose to start your morning at Gellert Hill to take in gorgeous views. Or soak in the rejuvenating thermals waters of the famous Szechenyi Baths. With our Trafalgar Unlocked Awards winners, we’ll venture off on the Optional Excursion to the charming riverside village of Szentendre, beloved by artists and craftworkers.
A Local Specialist will lead the group through the picturesque Baroque town, and you’ll experience a live Goulash cooking demonstration. Feast on the quintessential Hungarian dish for lunch, paired with cake and drinks, then use free time to browse local shops for traditional embroidery, ceramics, or paprika to take home as a souvenir.
As the day winds down, the group gathers for a final celebration: the Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Raise a glass to an incredible journey through the imperial capitals of Europe, sharing laughter and memories with newfound friends one last time.
Day 10: Farewell Budapest
The time has come to say a heartfelt goodbye to Budapest, your fellow travelers, and your Travel Director. With 10 days of epic memories, cultural immersion, and new friendships, you’ll leave with a full heart. Say farewell to this beautiful city!
Meet some of our TUA 2025 entrants
Ariel, USA
“I’ve always dreamed of visiting the Mouth of Truth in Italy, but for most of my life, it felt like just that‚ a dream… Life threw so many twists and turns my way, I thought I’d only ever see these places on TV. When my grandfather passed away this May, it was a wake-up call. I realized I couldn’t keep waiting for “someday”. I needed to have faith, take a chance, and start living…. As a single traveler, I’ll admit I was nervous about joining a group tour with Trafalgar. But Sally, our guide, was like a long-lost friend‚ warm, funny, and full of heart. Thank you, Trafalgar, for helping me live out a dream I didn’t think was possible. This trip reminded me that even after life’s hardest moments, joy is still waiting to be found.” – Ariel, USA, Best of Italy.
Jason, USA
“When something good happens, travel to celebrate. When something bad happens, travel to forget. My partner and I chose this trip as a bucket list vacation to celebrate 21 years together. Little did we know that this trip would also serve as a balm due to a recent and sudden loss. We will treasure the memories of this trip and the friends we made along the way!” – Jason, USA, Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Nolan, USA
“My mother has always been my best friend and this trip confirmed that she truly is. She’s the one who always knows how to make the smallest moments into unforgettable adventures. We enjoyed great moments, like sitting by the canals in Bruges, drinking local beers, and seeing the home of the saxophone. The trip was made special because it was about the joy of traveling with the person who knows me best and who makes even the ordinary moments feel extraordinary.” – Nolan, USA, Best of Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Entries for TUA are open until 7 February 2025, so there’s still time to submit your story and compete for seats on Trafalgar’s Prague, Vienna and Budapest – Summer tour.