Map of Real Central Europe including Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary and Italy

Experience bohemian Central Europe with like-minded young travellers

Beginning in Germany and ending in Italy, this tour hits seven countries but doesn’t rush them. See historic landmarks, medieval squares, hilltop castles, romantic canals and make memories that will last a lifetime. Beginning in Europe’s alt-capital Berlin, walk the ‘Royal Route’ in Krakow, soak up the terracotta views of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, be charmed by Lake Bled, and finish up among the canals of Venice. Split your time between uncovering local secrets with your leader and exploring at your own pace. The best part? You’ll be doing it all with like-minded young travellers who want to travel Central Europe the same way you do.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.


Start
Berlin, Germany
Finish
Venice, Italy
Destinations
Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovenia
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
AMYC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Travel solo, together

You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the magical Cesky Krumlov, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped straight into a fairytale filled with medieval buildings, verdant countryside and the flowing Vltava River.

  • With two days spent in almost every destination, you’ll have time to eat, shop and sightsee at your own pace – not just catch a glimpse from a bus window.

  • Step into the pages of a fairy-tale on the shore of Slovenia’s Lake Bled. See the church on the island in the lake’s centre and treat yourself to a slice of cream cake.

  • So much of what is great about Europe – art, history, music – can be found in Vienna, but it’s sometimes overlooked by younger travellers. Not on our watch!

  • We provide the European local to show you around, a comfortable place to rest your head and a spot on the train (or minivan). The rest is up to you.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets but can sometimes be quite busy.

  • The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – and in this case that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. You’ll get an authentic look at daily life; just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters.

  • Europe is steeped in history, which means sometimes infrastructure is old. Often there are no lifts or escalators, particularly in some train stations or hotels. The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Europe are very romantic. They’re also a good reason to pack light and leave the wheeling suitcase at home. You may have to carry your bags up and down stairs, as well as some short distances to the hotel (no longer than 30min). Make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.

  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in Europe, which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water.

  • It’s bunking season! As some accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. A single supplement is not available on this trip as space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. For those travelling as a pair, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

Itinerary

Guten Tag! Welcome to Germany. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your tour leader and travel group. There are no other activities planned for today, but why not get to know your new travel crew a bit better and head out for currywurst (hot dogs covered in a mixture of ketchup, Worcester sauce and curry powder) and a stein. If you arrive early, make sure to get out and explore this dynamic city. Berlin is packed with poignant historic sites, cutting-edge galleries and iconic architecture. The city also boasts a party scene that makes NYC’s nightlife seem tame. If you’re keen to see what Berlin is all about, we highly recommend you arrive a couple of days earlier to fully explore Berlin.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Berlin - Storyline of Berlin Urban Adventure - EUR65
  • Berlin - German History Museum - EUR7
  • Berlin - Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz - EUR9
  • Berlin - TV Tower - EUR23
  • Berlin - Checkpoint Charlie Museum - EUR18
  • Berlin - Story of Berlin Museum - EUR14
  • Berlin - Topography of Terror - Free
  • Berlin - Reichstag (time slot must be booked online in advance) - Free
  • Berlin - Schloss Charlottenburg - EUR12
  • Berlin - Berliner Dom Cathedral - EUR10
  • Berlin - Jewish Museum - EUR8
  • Berlin - Bike Tour - EUR30
  • Berlin - Museum Pass (3 Day Ticket) - EUR32
  • Berlin - National History Museum - EUR10
  • Berlin - Spree River Cruise - EUR27
  • Berlin - Pergamon Museum - EUR18
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, say goodbye to Germany and hop on a train to Wroclaw, Poland (approximately 4 hours). Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by influences of Czech, German and Polish rule. Arrive in the early afternoon and settle into your hotel, then follow your leader on an orientation walk around this city that makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to check out Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square and the Four Denominations District, where the city’s incredible architecture and history is on full display. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Panorama Raclawicka - PLN50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
This morning, board a train bound for Krakow (approximately 3.5 hours), your base for the next two nights. As you stroll the pretty streets of the World Heritage-listed Old Town, you’ll soon discover this is a place that seems frozen in time. Get a glimpse of its gorgeous medieval architecture, castles, churches and sprawling squares with your leader, as well as the chance to try zapiekanka. This beloved street snack consists of a baguette topped with mushroom and cheese. Later, strike out on your own. Maybe visit Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River or glimpse the impressive St Mary's Basilica and its extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. If churches are your thing, the neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica is worth a visit.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Krakow - Zapiekanka Snack in Kazimierz Quarter
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you would like to learn more about the history of World War II at the former Nazi concentration camp in Auschwitz, tomorrow is your best option to do so. Please note that tickets for the mandatory guided tour sell out well in advance so need to be pre-booked as early as possible. To do so, please visit the official museum website. You can also ask your leader to help you at the beginning of the trip, but there’s no guarantee that tickets will be available then. Transfers to and from Auschwitz can be booked at shorter notice.
Today is free day for you to explore Krakow at your own pace. Walking the ‘Royal Route’ – the former path of Polish monarchs – takes you past most of the Old Town’s greatest treasures including Florianska Gate (a Gothic gateway tower where streets musicians tend to play and local artists often display their work), the Barbician, a grand Baroque theatre, as well as some impressive churches and museums. You could easily spend the whole day leisurely exploring this historic stretch. If you can tear yourself away from Krakow, a number of interesting daytrips are available. Maybe head to Wieliczha to visit its 700-year-old Salt Mine. Buried 135-metres underground, this mind-boggling complex is a vast network of tunnels, pits and chambers – all hewn by hand from solid salt! You’ll also find chapels with elaborate salt chandeliers and lakes deep underground. After a full day of sightseeing, why not hit one of Krakow’s cellar restaurants for plate of pierogis and a cold drink.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Krakow - Bike Tour (Day or Night) - PLN100
  • Krakow - Galicia Jewish Museum - PLN20
  • Krakow - History Museum - PLN28
  • Krakow - St Mary's Basilica - PLN15
  • Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle - PLN35
  • Wieliczka - Salt Mines Tour - PLN230
  • Oswiecim - State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau - PLN180
  • Krakow - Walking Tour - Free
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Due to the popularity of Schindler's Factory, we recommend booking this in advance if you wish to visit at: muzeumkrakowa.pl/oddzialy/fabryka-emalia-oskara-schindlera.
The journey kicks on to country number three today: the Czech Republic - as you board a train bound for Prague.  After checking into your hotel, your leader will show you some of Prague’s best sites on an orientation walk. Afterwards, you are free to explore on your own. Maybe wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter and check out the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe or learn about Prague’s favourite son at the Franz Kafka Museum. Make sure to take a scenic stroll along the Charles Bridge and watch the Astronomical Clock in action as it ticks over.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK260
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Total travel time today is approximately 7 hours.
Enjoy more free time in Prague to visit the sites you missed yesterday. Prague Castle has a great viewpoint that provides sweeping views of the city’s red rooftops and Medieval architecture. Consider a day-trip to Kutna Hora where you can visit Sedlec Ossuary, an eerie chapel decorated with human skeletons, or St Barbara Church and its medieval frescoes. Prague’s Old Town becomes particularly magical at night. Return for an evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere before checking out some of the town’s cosy cellar hangouts or underground absinthe bars. If you’re into jazz, Prague also boasts one of the best scenes in Europe. Ask your tour leader for suggestions if you’re not sure where to head out tonight.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Prague - Bike Tour - CZK650
  • Prague - Jewish Quarter - CZK500
  • Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK260
  • Kutna Hora - Day Trip (by public transport) - CZK250
  • Prague - Mucha Museum - CZK300
  • Prague - Museum of Communism - CZK380
  • Prague - National Museum - CZK350
  • Prague - Castle Visit - CZK350
  • Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church - CZK160
  • Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara - CZK160
  • Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Bid farewell to Prague and travel about 4 hours south to the fairytale-like town of Cesky Krumlov. Dating back to the 13th century, this tiny town closely resembles Prague with its gorgeous castle across the river and pretty mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. And it’s extremely walkable. Your tour leader will lead a walk around town, providing insight into architectural symbolism and Old Town mysteries along the way. Afterwards, use free time to head to the top of the Castle Tower for a great view of the town’s red rooftops and distant rolling green hills, explore the castle and its gardens or browse the shops that line the riverfront. If you’re feeling active, ask your tour leader about rafting and canoeing activities on offer (time and weather permitting).
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • 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
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s accommodation is on multi-share basis. In our atmospheric hostel in Cesky Krumlov we use quadruple, triple and some twin rooms as well as little apartment-like rooms.
Hop onto your private transfer and travel across the border to Austria and the Baroque city of Vienna. A perennial favourite for world’s most liveable city, Vienna is also a dream for starry-eyed travellers looking for delicious coffee and pastries (sachertorte, in particular), classical music and grand palaces. Get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walking tour before free time to explore on your own. Art-lovers have their pick of museums to explore. Perhaps check out modern Austrian art at the Leopold Museum, paintings by Monet, Degas and Picasso at the neo-classical Albertina or the world’s largest collection of paintings by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt at Belvedere Palace. This evening, why not sample Vienna’s incredible musical heritage and catch a performance at one of the city’s historic venues such as the Vienna State Opera House. Your tour leader can help if you need advice or help booking tickets.
Accommodation
  • Basic Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Spend another day exploring Vienna’s rich artistic and intellectual heritage. Maybe head to Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace), Schoenbrunn Palace or the Hofburg palace complex to discover Austria’s symmetrical take on over-the-top grandeur. Exploring some of the city’s more specific museums such as the Schnapps Museum, the Sigmund Freud Museum or the Globe Museum, which is located inside the impressive Austrian National Museum. Climb the tower of St Stephen’s Cathedral, take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel or catch a dressage show at the Spanish Riding School. If you didn’t head out last night, maybe cap off a culture-filled day with a spot of Mozart Bach or Schubert at the opera house.
Accommodation
  • Simple hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
  • Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - St Stephen's Tower - EUR6
  • Vienna - Vienna Boys Choir Concert - EUR70
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The Spanish Riding School doesn't operate throughout the summer months. You will need to book tickets in advance to see the performance. Phone +43 (0)1 505 77 66 55 or e-mail info@viennaticketoffice.com to arrange tickets.

Due to the popularity of Schoenbrunn, we recommend booking this in advance if you wish to visit at: schoenbrunn.at/en
Continue your exploration of Europe’s opulent past in Budapest today. It’ll take 3 hours to get here by train. Upon arrival, your leader will show you around the city on an orientation walk. Later, visit the cavernous Great Market Hall to check out Hungarian specialties like langos (fried dough) and Mangalica (an endemic pig) meat and enjoy a delicious market lunch with plenty of tasty local recommendations from your leader. More than just fairy-tale-like ode to the past, Budapest is also a bustling city with hip bars, trendy cafes and plenty of cheap eats. Your evening is free and your leader will make sure that you're equipped on all of the insider-knowledge when it comes to which are the best (and best-kept secret) ruin bars.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Market Visit and Snack
  • Budapest – Ruin Bar Visit
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Enjoy a free day to further explore Budapest. Visible from pretty much everywhere in the city, the 13th-century Buda Castle is a must-see – literally. Why not imagine how Hungarian kings used to live by touring the palace complex, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Or you could head to Fisherman’s Bastion for the best view of the city before taking a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets of the Castle District. Another option is a boat trip along the Danube River where you’ll get a different view of the Parliament buildings, the Castle District and the bridges that link Buda and Pest. Chat to your leader about your options.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF7000
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Due to the popularity of the Hungarian Parliament Buildings, we recommend booking this in advance if you wish to visit at: parlament.hu/en/web/visitors
Get ready for a long day of travel as you make the journey to Ljubljana. From there, you’ll travel to Bled, an impossibly scenic lakeside town tucked at the foothills of the Julian Alps. You visit plenty of pretty towns on this trip but Bled truly is out of a fairy-tale. Arrive in the late afternoon and head to its gorgeous lake. Here your leader will point out the town’s best attractions, like its 11th-century clifftop castle and the small island located in the lake’s centre. Use the rest of the day to search for Bled’s famous cream cake (which shouldn’t be hard, every cafe in town claims to make the best one) or choose to join the group for an optional dinner of Slovenian specialties.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Travel time today is approximately 7.5 hours.
Postcard-perfect Bled is also tailor-made for adventure. And as today is a free day, it’s up to you how (and if) you’d like to get active. Hiking, biking, canoeing and rafting are all on the cards. Choose to hire a bike and explore the surrounds, head to Vintgar Gorge for a walk through its natural canyon or go rafting along the Soca River. If you’d like to keep it more lowkey, head to Bled Castle for some exploration or take a plenta (small wooden boat) to the church on the island in the middle of the lake to ring the wishing bell. You could even venture further afield and take a daytrip to Bohinj, another pretty lakeside town. As always, your leader is there for a reason! Grill them about the options.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Bled - Mountain Bike Hire - EUR25
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
  • Triglav National Park - Canyoning - EUR65
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Triglav National Park - River Rafting - EUR55
  • Triglav National Park - Bus and Cable Car Trip to Mt Vogel - EUR32
  • Triglav National Park - Emerald River Adventure (full day) - EUR110
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
We recommend you chat to your leader about booking optional activities before arriving in Bled.
This morning take a private transfer to the station and then a local train and brace yourself for some amazing scenery on the way to Venice (approximately 5.5 hours). Venice is one of a kind, built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. As well as all those romantic canals, it has all the hallmarks of a fine old Italian city: world-class food, performance, art and architecture. Use your free time to explore – the best way to go is on foot. Try to take in all the famous sights, like the Grand Canal, the shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and its golden basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Don't even think about leaving until you've eaten some tiramisu. This is where the dish was born, and they know how to do it just right.
Accommodation
  • Basic Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - Guggenheim Museum - EUR17
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Venice - Venezia Ca' d'Oro - EUR15
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR99
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Space is at a premium in Venice and your simple hotel in Venice is no exception. Rooms are small but the location more than makes up for this – right in the heart of Venice Island.
The trip comes to an end today after breakfast. As there is much to see here, you maybe want to book an extra couple of days in Venice to give yourself more time to explore. Our reservations team can help (subject to availability).
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Due to the popularity of some activities in Venice, we recommend booking in advance if you wish to visit. St Mark's Basilica and Bell Tower can be booked at: basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en. Doge's Palace can be booked at: palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Metro, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Guest house (3 nights), hostel ( 2 nights)

Included activities

  • Krakow - Zapiekanka Snack in Kazimierz Quarter
  • Budapest - Market Visit and Snack
  • Budapest – Ruin Bar Visit

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Real Central Europe trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Pre and post tour additional accommodation and departure transfer are available to book upon request, subject to availability. Please contact your Travel Consultant for more details.
2. A Single supplement is not available on this trip.

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.

View Essential Trip Information

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