Best of Central Europe

15 Days | Find some good times and great classic cities

4.8 out of 5 based on 76 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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EUR €2,614
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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 25 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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

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 and Kuchen Experience
  • Cesky Krumlov - guided tour
  • Wroclaw - Orientation walk
  • Swidnica - Church of Peace visit
  • Oswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum join in 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
  • Vienna Opera Guided Tour - EUR13
  • Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour - CZK200
  • 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.

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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 76 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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Gregory · Traveled August 2024
Exceptional journey through a history that many might prefer to forget. This journey visits cities and town that are not necessarily at the front of people's minds, exposing hidden gems and I guess the best and worst of mankind.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Jessica · Traveled July 2024
The Central Europe tour was incredible with such a thoughtful and well planned itinerary. I learnt so much about the history of each destination and there were plenty of activities to appeal to everyone’s interests in the group. Our tour guide Vanessa was amazing and I left with a great appreciation for the region. Highly recommend!!
Review submitted 14 Aug 2024

Elizabeth · Traveled July 2024
I have wanted to do this trip for many years, so I'm delighted that I finally achieved my goal. I loved the cities we visited and could happily have used an extra day in each.
Review submitted 04 Aug 2024

Bronwyn · Traveled June 2024
Wonderful trip! Mixture of big cities and quiet times. Central Europe is beautiful and this trip gives you a great opportunity to explore five countries in two weeks. Most places have a two night stay which allows you to see more without having to pack up and move. Big cities and beautiful mountains make this trip a great choice. The company supports ethical and sustainable travel which is an essential choice for tourism. Highly recommended.
Review submitted 06 Jul 2024

Alishia · Traveled June 2024
A wonderful tour filled with history, culture, walking and of course, food! A good balance of travel, site seeing and rest. Perfect for the traveller who likes to do their own thing.
Review submitted 30 Jun 2024
Best of Central Europe
From
EUR €2,614