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Map of Highlights of Central Europe including Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary

Experience the incredible highlights of Central Europe on a journey through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

Travel through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary and experience the incredible highlights of Central Europe. From the sleekness of Vienna, and from the architectural triumphs of Prague to the contrasting twin cities of Budapest, see how history, folklore and tradition are threaded through the fabric of modern life. Visit centuries-old castles, be spoilt by greenery in urban jungles, fall in love with Bohemian fairytale towns, marvel at the artistic talents of European masters and sip wine splashed with romance in an atmospheric underground cellar.

Start
Prague, Czech Republic
Finish
Budapest, Hungary
Destinations
Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
AMKB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic. Make the most of your free time in Prague by seeing a world of architectural styles, experiencing the city's bohemian hospitality and immersing yourself in one of Europe's most celebrated jazz scenes. Cycle through rolling hills and the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic

  • An orientation walk around Vienna is the perfect way to appreciate the rich offerings of art and history on display in the Austrian capital

  • Enjoy a scenic walk along the banks of the River Danube in Budapest. Threaded with bridges and hemmed in by castles and historic city buildings, Europe’s second longest river is also one of its most beautiful

Is this trip right for you?

  • The main mode of transportation on this trip is by train. European trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Please note that you will have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, and also up or down a few flights of stairs as some of the stations may not have lifts. Make sure your luggage doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations in the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

  • As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please note that the accommodation we use in Cesky Krumlov is full of character and perfectly represents the spirit of a medieval central European town. This means that the comfort level may be slightly lower compared to the rest of the accommodation used on this trip, however the rustic charm makes up for this.

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Hungary_Budapest_Bar_Beer_Cheers
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Itinerary
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Vítejte v Praze! Welcome to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires and the capital of the Czech Republic. Meet your team at 6 pm then enjoy a special welcome dinner together. Afterwards, feel free to join the leader on optional walk through the city's storied streets on a food tasting trail, culminating with a drink at one of the many bars (at your own expense). The nightlife here is legendary: Europeans fly in just for the weekend so if you're partial to a boogie, why not linger a little and check it out.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Prague - Welcome Dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Meet you group for a welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask hotel reception where and when exactly it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Head to Prague Castle this morning and spend some time exploring the St Vitus Cathedral and the colourful Golden Lane. The rest of the day is free to do as you wish. A bike tour through the city is a great way to see a lot of the city's sights or, if you can make some time, you could take day trip to the Bohemia region and see Kutna Hora and Sedlec Ossuary (the Bone Church). In the evening, maybe grab dinner with your new travel buds or otherwise hit the town solo. A visit to one of the city's dedicated absinthe bars is always a good shout, and Czech beer certainly needs no introduction, just go easy y'know.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Prague - Castle Visit
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 - CZK200
  • Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church - CZK160
  • Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara - CZK160
  • Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Prague today and travel by local bus to the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov (approximately 4 hours). This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is like something out of a fairytale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced 'Chess-kee Kroom-love') means 'crooked meadow', which is befitting of a town that's nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Head out on an included cycling trip in the afternoon, across rolling hills and through tiny hamlets (approximately 2-2.5 hours). Later, make sure you explore the town's castle and its fabulous masquerade hall, or climb the tower for aerial views of the town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cesky Krumlov - Cycling Trip (weather and season permitting)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's bike ride is weather dependent, and is only available during the warmer months of the year. The ride is about 10 km in length (2-2.5 hours) and is mostly downhill. If you don't feel comfortable riding a bike you can opt out of this activity. Please note that the accommodation we use in Cesky Krumlov is full of character and perfectly represents the spirit of a medieval central European town. This means that the comfort level may be slightly lower compared to the rest of the accommodation used on this trip, however the rustic charm makes up for this.

In winter season, you’ll enjoy a tour and tasting at Eggenberg’s brewery when the cycling tour is not available.


Today take a guided walking tour of the town which includes commentary of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. Learn about town’s brewing tradition that has existed in here for hundreds of years. For those seeking some more culture, and if there's time, a visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum is well worth it. Here you can browse the gallery that's dedicated to that Austrian painter. If you are an adventurous spirit, jump in to a canoe and discover the town from a perspective of Vltava River.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cesky Krumlov - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour - CZK300
  • Cesky Krumlov - Egon Schiele Art Centrum - CZK200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Rafting or Canoe Trip (per person) - CZK1200
  • Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour - CZK200
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Cesky Krumlov by minivan this morning and cross the border into Austria, continuing to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna (approximately 3.5 hours). Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre (approximately 2 hours). Stop at the gothic-style St Stephens Cathedral, wander past the grand neo-classical Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter. In the evening, perhaps head out for some Viennese cuisine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

You have the whole of today to explore Vienna and its surrounds. You might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, although there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Vienna is a beautiful city, so try to capture its essence as best you can while you're here. Perhaps take a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel or practice your canter at the Spanish Riding School.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR18
  • Vienna - Sisi Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - St Stephen's Tower - EUR6
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR18
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR12
  • Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) - EUR26
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
If you wish to visit the Schoenbrunn Palace today, be aware that the gardens are free to all visitors but there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Avoid long queues by pre-booking your tickets at schoenbrunn.at. Also, please note that the Spanish Riding School and the State Opera House don’t operate throughout the summer months of July and August. You will need to book tickets in advance to see the performance of the Lipizzaners.

Journey across the border into Hungary by train, which should take around three hours to get to Budapest. Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. One unmissable activity is a soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. In the late afternoon let your leader take you for tasty food trail walk and enjoy an included drink at the end of it. Evening is free to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Food Tasting Trail & Drink
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF3000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2600
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF6700
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is free for you to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer. It's the spa capital of the world so if you want to do nothing more than soak all day, you won't be judged here. Otherwise, the architecture around the city is simply unbelievable and a stroll past the Danube Palace, Parliament and many churches along the river is well worth it. In the evening, grab your group for a farewell dinner, and after see if you can catch a show at one of the many theatres and concert halls.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF5900
  • Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting - EUR21
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF6300
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Please note that many museums and attractions in Europe are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit in Budapest and plan accordingly.

Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you're able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there's not much time in Budapest, it's recommended that you stay an extra few nights so you can truly experience this beautiful city. If you need helping booking additional accommodation, our reservations team can help (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights)

Included activities

  • Prague - Welcome Dinner
  • Prague - Castle Visit
  • Cesky Krumlov - Cycling Trip (weather and season permitting)
  • Cesky Krumlov - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Budapest - Food Tasting Trail & Drink
  • Budapest - Farewell Dinner

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Highlights of 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

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability, please speak to your booking agent for further information.

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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