Best of Central Europe

15 Days | Find some good times and great classic cities

4.7 out of 5 based on 54 reviews submitted.
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USD $2,944
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Experience the charm, sophistication and elegant feel of Central Europe on this 15-day classical and steady-paced exploration from Vienna to Budapest. Bask in the tradition of vivacious Vienna, discover the hidden fairy tale gem of Cesky Krumlov. Czech Prague off your list and be one with nature in Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains. Marvel at the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow, reflect during a sobering visit to Auschwitz and round off your journey with time spent braving Budapest.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Central Europe including Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia
Start
Vienna, Austria
Finish
Budapest, Hungary
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 15
Trip code
AMSB
This trip generates 23 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Stay in old-school style while supporting a social cause during your time in Vienna. The city’s quirky Magdas Hotel is committed to helping local refugees earn a living through employment.
  • Embark on a hike through the lesser known but no less stunning Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. With a range of trails available, you’ll be high above the valley floor admiring the vistas in no time.
  • See the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow and feel the emotional wallop of a sobering visit to nearby Auschwitz.
  • Discover the magical Cesky Krumlov on a guided tour around town with your small group, passing by medieval buildings, verdant countryside and the flowing Vltava River.
  • Get the low-down on Budapest’s classic charm, café culture, and eclectic neighbourhood vibes during your time here. Have you actually been to Budapest if you didn’t go to a ruin bar?
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water.
  • In some train stations and most of our accommodation there are no lifts or escalators. Please be aware that you will have to carry you own bags up and down stairs and on and off public transport. It is recommended you pack lightly. You can find some packing guidelines in the 'packing' section in the trip notes.
  • If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Journey through Central Europe & Romania’ (trip code AMSCC). This trip heads further east and explores Romania and Bulgaria. Or you may want to consider our trip 'Vienna to Dubrovnik' (trip code AMSNC), continuing down the Balkans peninsula through Belgrade, Sarajevo and ending in Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast. Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combos.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly.

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Central Europe including Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia

Inclusions

Meals

12 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Bicycle, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights)

Activities
  • Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
  • Cesky Krumlov - guided tour
  • Wroclaw - Orientation walk
  • Swidnica - Cathedral and Church of Peace visit
  • Oswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum guided tour
  • Tatranska Lomnica - Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar)
  • Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok Funicular
  • Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
Add on activities
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
  • Vienna - Sisi Museum - EUR18
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - St Stephen's Tower - EUR6
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Vienna Boys Choir Concert - EUR70
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) - EUR26
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper Gallery) - EUR18
  • Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure - EUR115
  • Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour - CZK200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Guided walking tour - CZK300
  • Cesky Krumlov - Egon Schiele Art Centrum - CZK200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Rafting or Canoe Trip (per person) - CZK1200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour - CZK300
  • Prague - Jewish Quarter - CZK500
  • Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK260
  • Prague - Mucha Museum - CZK300
  • Prague - Museum of Communism - CZK380
  • Prague - Castle Visit - CZK350
  • Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
  • Prague - Bike Tour - CZK650
  • Prague - The Dancing House - Free
  • Prague - John Lennon Wall - Free
  • Prague - Food by Foot Urban Adventure - EUR95
  • Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara - CZK160
  • Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church - CZK160
  • Prague - Beer and Czech Tapas Tour Urban Adventure - EUR75
  • Prague - Prague Discovery Urban Adventure - EUR74
  • Kutna Hora - Day Trip (by public transport) - CZK250
  • Prague - Prague Parks and Views Urban Adventure - EUR89
  • Krakow - Rynek Underground Museum - PLN32
  • Krakow - Cloth Hall 'Sukiennice' - Free
  • Krakow - Schindler's Factory Museum Tour - PLN65
  • Krakow - Galicia Jewish Museum - PLN20
  • Krakow - History Museum - PLN28
  • Krakow - St Mary's Basilica - PLN15
  • Krakow - Walking Tour - PLN30
  • Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle - PLN35
  • Wieliczka - Salt Mines Tour - PLN230
  • Tatranska Lomnica - Summer Luge - EUR3
  • Tatranska Lomnica - Bike Rental - EUR10
  • Tatranska Lomnica - Spa treatment in Grand Hotel Praha (from) - EUR20
  • Tatranska Lomnica - Ski Museum - EUR3
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Best Beers of Budapest Urban Adventures - EUR74
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Bites & Sights Food Tour Urban Adventure - EUR79
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Buda Castle Explorer Urban Adventure - EUR55
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 3&4, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please consult your agent for booking.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 54 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Katie · Traveled September 2023
Highly recommend this trip! There was a great variety in the places we saw from big cities to cute, quaint villages and 2 nights at each stop was the perfect pace. We had a good mix of ages, but still plenty of people in the 20s-30s age range like me. Learned a lot and had so much fun. Great food, drinks, history, and culture to explore!
Review submitted 04 Nov 2023

Hui Linda · Traveled September 2023
Central Europe is a hidden pearl. Intrepid provides us wonderful travel plan. Very flexible, either relaxing, or exploring as much as we want. Amazing tour guide is definitely a great plus. Luckily we have one: Vanessa, a fun person, who is very knowledgeable, supportive and friendly.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023

Tahlia · Traveled September 2023
The trip was a great mix of major cities and also smaller towns which I may not have visited if it were not for the tour guide Vanessa B did a great job.
Review submitted 14 Oct 2023

Alyssa · Traveled September 2023
My travel with Intrepid went smoothly and our guide was very knowledgeable and went out of her way to communicate with and accommodate individual travelers
Review submitted 14 Oct 2023

Annette · Traveled September 2023
This tour is great to get you from place to place with ease. The orientation walks help get an understanding of the towns. Then free time allows you to visit and do the things that are interesting to yourself. As a group tour you can usually find someone else to go with you, if you want.
Review submitted 29 Oct 2023
Best of Central Europe
From
USD $2,944