Discover Central Europe

8 Days | From fairytale castles to iconic canals, discover the best of Central Europe

4.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
USD $1,197
View dates and book

Discover some of the hottest locations in Central Europe with a trip that offers you loads of free time and a local leader with all the best recommendations on how to spend it. Start off in Budapest and maybe choose to wander the iconic ruin bars in the Jewish quarter. Head to cosmopolitan Vienna, perfect for art lovers, and marvel at the historical architecture before tucking into some Kaffe and kuchen at a local café that empowers the city's older citizens with employment and purpose. Dip into scenic Salzburg and explore the city backdropped by mountains – home to Mozart’s birthplace and an epic fortress overlooking the town. Soak in all the natural beauty and iconic sights in Bled, then end it all in Venice (pizza and wine, anyone?).

Trip overview

Map of Discover Central Europe including Austria, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia
Start
Budapest, Hungary
Finish
Venice, Italy
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, 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
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
AMRC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Discover the artistic history of unique Vienna – the perfect blend of modern and historical personality – then enjoy some Kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at a local café that empowers older residents with employment and purpose.
  • Stroll stunning Salzburg, backdropped by the Eastern Alps, with a free day to wander the Old City and the New City, divided by the Salzach River.
  • Escape city life on the peaceful shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Maybe visit the church on the tiny fairytale island in the lake's centre and treat yourself to a slice of Bled's famous cream cake.
  • See the iconic Venice, which looks like it comes straight out of a postcard, and soak up opportunities like sailing the canals on a gondola or tucking into a huge plate of pasta.
  • Make cross-country travel a breeze with a European trip including train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
  • Accommodation on this trip is basic. Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be small and in some cases bathroom facilities will be shared.
  • Summer temperatures can be very high 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 keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm layers will be needed as snow can be expected in some regions. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning, toilets, a snack bar (or vending machine) and power points. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, as well as some short distances to the hotel (no longer than 30 minutes), so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find details in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information.

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 Discover Central Europe including Austria, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights)

Activities
  • Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience
  • Bled - Lake Walk
Add on activities
  • Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) - HUF9400
  • Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Central Market - Free
  • Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park - HUF5000
  • Budapest - Parliament Tour - HUF10000
  • Budapest - Great Synagogue - HUF9000
  • Budapest - Bike Ride - HUF6000
  • Budapest - Hungarian National Museum - HUF2900
  • Budapest - House of Terror - HUF4000
  • Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice - EUR28
  • Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace - EUR22
  • Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure - EUR115
  • Vienna - St Stephen's Tower - EUR6
  • Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel - EUR14
  • Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) - EUR15
  • Vienna - Albertina Museum - EUR19
  • Vienna - Leopold Museum - EUR15
  • Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum - EUR16
  • Salzburg - Mirabell Palace and Gardens - Free
  • Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace - EUR12
  • Salzburg - Old Market Place - Free
  • Salzburg - Old City Hall - Free
  • Salzburg - St. Peter's Abbey - Free
  • Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Castle - EUR11
  • Salzburg - Salzburg Cathedral - Free
  • 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
  • Triglav National Park - Canyoning - EUR65
  • Bled - Mountain Bike Hire - EUR25
  • Bled - Pletna Boat Trip - EUR14
  • Bled - Castle - EUR15
  • Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti - EUR15
  • Venice - Accademia Gallery - EUR16
  • Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure - EUR99
  • Venice - Gondola Ride - EUR80
  • Peggy Guggenheim Collection - EUR17
  • Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs - EUR30
  • Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury - EUR5
  • Venice - St Mark's Campanile - EUR12

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. 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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 10 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.

Filter by rating

Janelle · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024

Sarah · Traveled August 2024
Wow this trip exceeded my expectations and was such a good mix to explore, cultural experiences , meet local people , taste the food and drinks. The transport by trains, trams and buses were fun and comfortable. My 5th intrepid tour and Sonja our leader made the tour a memorable one with a wonderful connected group.
Review submitted 03 Sep 2024

Kathy · Traveled August 2024
I would highly recommend Intrepid’s, Discover Central Europe trip. Our recent trip surpassed my expectations in every aspect including organization, accommodation and orientation to each city. You’ll experience local restaurants, hidden non/tourist gems and a wonderful balance of group and free time. Our leader Sonja was an absolute pro!
Review submitted 13 Sep 2024

Sinead · Traveled August 2024
This tour was a great opportunity to see so many cities in the space of a week. It was a lovely tour for a solo traveller and our tour leader Martin was exceptional. It was a great way to travel and I would easily do another one!
Review submitted 07 Sep 2024

Sarah · Traveled August 2024
As a first-time Intrepid traveller, I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised with my experience. If you are a solo traveller, I highly recommend Intrepid as a lot of the guess-work is taken out and you can meet so many wonderful people within your tour group.
Review submitted 03 Sep 2024
Discover Central Europe
From
USD $1,197