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

Discover the age-old mysteries and cultural tapestry of Central Europe

From quaint villages to captivating cities and cloud-piercing peaks, this 12-day Premium adventure will lend you thousands of years of history and a wealth of cultural treasures. An expert leader will take you below Central Europe’s surface as you marvel at architecture in Prague, walk Vienna’s royal streets, taste wine in Budapest, walk through the forrested peaks of the Tatra Mountains, and sip vodka in Krakow. Discover fairy-tale castles, tackle mountain trails and try timeless local food on an unforgettable journey.

Start
Prague, Czech Republic
Finish
Krakow, Poland
Destinations
Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
WMPC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Dine on regional flavours throughout your trip, including an Exclusive Experience with sommelier-guided tasting in the cellar of Buda Castle, a sampling of smoked Oscypek cheese near the Polish border, vodka tasting in Krakow and more.

  • Delve deeper into history in Cesky Krumlov during an Exclusive Experience storytelling session at a secret location, followed by a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the castle.

  • Discover magnificent mountain top views and visit a pristine glacial lake in the High Tatras Mountains, then return to your luxurious Alpine hotel to relax.

  • Let expert locals guide you through the intriguing cities of Vienna, Krakow, and Prague as you discover the romantic cities and amazing castles of Central Europe.

  • Unwind in your gloriously beautiful Feature Stay accommodation. Perfectly placed at the base of the Tatra Mountains, the view from your hotel is one you won’t soon forget.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This tour visits the Tatra Mountains. The drive winds through mountain passes, making it a challenge for those prone to motion sickness. The region is best discovered on foot and the itinerary includes a guided hike. If you do not wish to hike you are welcome to avail yourself of the facilities at our luxurious feature stay hotel.

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

Prague - View of city
poland_tatra-mountains_group-trekking-landscape
WMPC - View of the Tatra Mountains valley in Poland
poland_krakow_food-market-oscypek
Prague bridge
WMPC - Danube river in Budapest, Hungary
krakow_main_square
WMPC - Hofburg palace located in Vienna, Austria

Itinerary
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Ahoj, welcome to Prague! You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, the Czech Republic’s boisterous capital has no shortage of things to see and do. Perhaps head out in search of one of the city’s famous beers (you won’t have to look too far) or stop by the Mucha Museum, showcasing the life and work of Czech painter Alphonse Mucha. Prague’s burgeoning food scene is worth discovering, and menus across the city are flaunting the best of Czech cuisine made with first-rate ingredients. After your meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and leader over a meal at a brilliant local restaurant where you’ll be introduced to a range of classic dishes, from goulash to grilled sausage.
Accommodation
  • The Charles Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Prague - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
  • Dinner
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.

Discover a fascinating city that marches to its own beat during a morning tour with a local guide. Prague’s many historic buildings and other stylish sights have earned this city the nickname 'Paris of the east'. Note the contrast between the grand Middle Ages architecture and buildings like the avant-garde Dancing House on the banks of the Vltava. Explore Prague’s elegant Old Town as your local guide shares tales from its hundreds of years of history. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you please, whether it be wandering through the Jewish Quarter or strolling over the beloved Charles Bridge after sunset. As night falls, the tempo picks up and a different side of Prague unfolds. The Old Town bursts to life in the evening, and the nightlife here is excellent, with many underground beer taverns, absinthe bars and jazz clubs playing music until the small hours of the morning.
Accommodation
  • The Charles Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Prague - Prague Discovery with Local Guide
Optional Activities
  • Prague - National Museum - CZK350
  • Prague - Kafka Museum - CZK260
  • Prague - Museum of Communism - CZK380
  • Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower - CZK250
  • Prague - Castle Visit - CZK350
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart Prague and travel to another delightful Bohemian town – Cesky Krumlov. The name of the town translates literally to 'crooked meadow', thanks to its location in the sharp bend of the Vltava River. This 13th-century city is one of Europe’s most beautiful, with an enchanting fairy-tale castle perched on a hill that watches over the town below. Your leader will guide you through a maze of winding cobbled lanes in the well-preserved Old City, pointing out interesting pieces of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture along the way. In the late afternoon, join a local story teller to hear thrilling legends of murders, plots and romances in medieval Cesky Krumlov and finish the evening with sparkling wine in a secret location. The rest of the evening is yours to further explore this intriguing and romantic town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Grand Cesky Krumlov or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cesky Krumlov - Evening Walking Tour with Storyteller
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Today you will leave the Czech Republic and travel to Vienna, Austria’s capital city. Vienna is a cosmopolitan city with the air of a rich cultural heritage and golden past. On arrival, an in-depth walking tour with a local guide will take you from the Gothic splendour of St Stephens Cathedral to the neo-classical grandeur of the Graben, and then on to Hofburg Palace, where Habsburg emperors once resided in winter. With insight provided by your guide, it’s not hard to imagine what extravagant royal life here once looked like. You will have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the beauty of the monument dedicated to Empress ‘Sisi’ Elizabeth in the Volksgarten. From here you will journey on to the Ringstrasse. Your walking tour will come to an end at the State Opera House, one of the most important opera institutions in the world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
Accommodation
  • Simm's Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vienna - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Today is free for you to explore Vienna's many possibilities, aided by your included 24-hour transport ticket. Your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that will best suit your interests. Art enthusiasts can choose from several great museums, from the Albertina to the vast array found in the Museum Quarter. You might like to climb the 343 steps to the top of the tower of St Stephen's Cathedral. Schoenbrunn Palace is well worth a visit and has a guided audio tour. Another excellent way to enjoy the afternoon is to take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel. Regroup in the evening to share anecdotes over an included dinner in a traditional Viennese wine tavern.
Accommodation
  • Simm's Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Vienna - 24-hour Public Transport Ticket
Optional Activities
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Leave Vienna and head to Budapest. Hungary’s lively capital has truly come into its own since the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Its beautiful grand boulevards and opulent architecture evoke an old-world charm, while the plethora of new-age stores and restaurants lend it an air of cosmopolitan elegance. Upon arrival head on an orientation walk with you leader. In the late afternoon, visit a cellar underneath Buda Castle and enjoy a wine tasting tour in this spectacular location. Become an expert on the local fare as a sommelier guides you through a variety of wines, including Hungary’s famous Tokaji dessert wine. Once you’re schooled up on the local wine, it’s time to find something to pair it with. Hungarian food is known for being two things; hearty and delicious. Finish this exciting day with a group dinner at one of Budapest’s excellent restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel BO33 or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy free time to bask in the delights of Budapest. Walking is great, but cycling is perhaps the best way to see the city. A boat trip down the Danube is also a fine option. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Statue Park, to see some of the important fallen legends immortalised. The thermal baths that are dispersed around the city are not to be missed – you can indulge in anything from opulent indoor pools to more simple outdoor baths. You may like to take the opportunity to try some Hungarian goulash, or one of the more modern dishes of this veritable food capital.
Accommodation
  • Hotel BO33 or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head for Slovakia to spend a night in the spectacular Tatra Mountains. Stop at Godollo Palace en route. This imperial and royal Hungarian palace was a favourite place of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. Move forward through the windy roads of Tatra Mountains, the Alps of the East. Today’s route may take several hours, but you will make several stops along the way to break up the journey. In the late afternoon, arrive at the Feature Stay for the next two evenings – the Grand Hotel Jasná. A popular spot for princes and prime ministers since its opening, this hotel offers grandeur and serenity in the heart of the Low Tatras National Park. This year round resort is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Perhaps make use of the hotel’s excellent facilities and unwind in the Finnish sauna or outdoor whirlpools.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Jasná (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Godollo - Royal Palace of Godollo Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Wake up and take a crisp clear breath of fresh air in the Tatra Mountains. Forming a border between Slovakia and Poland, the Tatras form the highest range in the Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy a day out discovering surroundings bursting with waterfalls and flowers as you transfer from Jasna to Tatranska Lomnica and embark on a walk with your experienced leader. Your leader will tailor your route based on the group’s interests and fitness level, but the walk is generally about six kilometres in length and is normally completed in 3 hours. Stop in at a charming mountain hut for a traditional drink and a lunch snack. Depending on the weather, explore the mountains further by funicular, gondola or electric train. Arrive back at your accommodation, and the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy. You may like to continue exploring the area on foot or grab a cocktail in your hotel’s stylish bar.
Accommodation
  • Grand Hotel Jasná (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
  • Tatra Mountains - Hiking Excursion
Optional Activities
  • Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok Funicular - EUR11
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walk is not particularly challenging, but a basic level of fitness will help you to enjoy it to the full. The route includes gradual hill ascents and descents and walking on gravel and uneven rocky surfaces with some slippery sections. The route itself will be decided on the day, depending on weather and group abilities. Parts of it will involve travelling by gondola or electric train. A snack lunch will be supplied during the hike. An alternative, easier route can be suggested by the tour leader to those who wish to hike unguided. We recommend a good pair of comfortable walking shoes and layered clothes for unpredictable mountain weather.

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

Set off across the border to Poland. Make a stop on the Polish side of the mountains, where a delicious regional delicacy awaits. Oscypek is a local smoked cheese which is made from sheep's milk. It comes in the form of a spindle shape and can be served freshly sliced or fried. As you’ll taste, it’s delicious no matter how you have it. Next up is the tiny, traditional village of Chocholow, where you will wander streets lined with wooden houses and visit a similarly rustic church. Enjoy a traditional lunch in town and then continue to Krakow. Arrive in Poland’s second-largest city in the afternoon and join a local guide for a morning walking tour in Krakow. Be prepared to encounter a staggering amount of history; the medieval Old Town alone is home to about 6000 historic sites and over 2000 works of art – but don’t worry, your guide will be on hand to help you navigate this dazzling array of monuments. Walk through the Kazimierz, the Old Jewish district. Historically the centre of the city’s Jewish social and religious life, the area has since enjoyed a renaissance as a Bohemian quarter, and now plays hosts to art cafes, galleries and antique shops. After your tour join your leader for a vodka tasting. Vodka is part of Poland’s DNA, and this tasting will teach you a little about making and imbibing this revered spirit.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Zakopane - Oscypek Cheese Tasting
  • Chocholow - Village Walk & Traditional Lunch
  • Krakow - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Krakow - Vodka Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today you'll have the whole day free to explore Krakow. If the weather’s nice, visit Kosciuszko Mound for panoramic views of Krakow, then walk around the quaint Old Town, trying delicious local pastries. Or, you may choose to use your free day to get our of the city and visit the powerfully haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine - the oldest salt mine in the world. In the evening, gather with your group for a farewell dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Krakow - Galicia Jewish Museum - PLN20
  • Krakow - St Mary's Basilica - PLN15
  • Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle - PLN35
  • Krakow - History Museum - PLN28
  • Oswiecim - State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau - PLN180
  • Wieliczka - Salt Mines Tour - PLN230
  • Krakow - Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine - PLN380
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is not included today, however there will be plenty of time to visit if you wish. Pre-booking is strongly recommended as soon as you confirmed your travels. To do so, please visit official museum website. You can also ask your leader to help you at the beginning of the trip, but there is no guarantee tickets will be available then. A guided visit is the only option and takes approximately 2.5 hours plus transfer times that may need a separate booking. Transfers can be organised at the start of the trip.

After breakfast your Central European adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to stay on in Krakow, we can help with booking additional accommodation (on availability) or a departure transfer for you on request at the time of booking.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Prague - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Prague - Prague Discovery with Local Guide
  • Cesky Krumlov - Evening Walking Tour with Storyteller
  • Vienna - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Vienna - 24-hour Public Transport Ticket
  • Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting
  • Godollo - Royal Palace of Godollo Visit
  • Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
  • Tatra Mountains - Hiking Excursion
  • Zakopane - Oscypek Cheese Tasting
  • Chocholow - Village Walk & Traditional Lunch
  • Krakow - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Krakow - Vodka Tasting

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium 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. WMPC230501 and WMPC230619 will stay at Grand Hotel Stary Smokevec rather than Grand Hotel Jasná on Days 8 and 9.

Prague International Airport (airport code PRG) is approximately 15 km west of the city centre. Taxis are readily available outside of the arrival hall, and the ride should take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively there is a bus to Prague's main railway station (Hlavni Nadrazi). Buses leave every 30 minutes, and take approximately an hour. From the railway station it is a 15 minute walk to the hotel.

Pre booked arrival transfer from Prague airport: If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, your transfer driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall holding a board with the Intrepid Logo or your name. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the operator's emergency number.

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.

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