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Best of Central Europe

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Best of Central Europe

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Description

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 Name
Best of Central Europe
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • 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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Vienna
Guten Tag! Welcome to Vienna, Austria. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not walk around to get your bearings or, better yet, take a spin on the famous Prater Ferris Wheel nearby for a bird’s eye view. Your base for the next couple of nights is Magdas Hotel – a social enterprise dedicated to supporting refugees in a united and compassionate workplace in Vienna. Magdas employs staff from across the world, so expect to hear many accents from a range of backgrounds. The hotel itself is an eclectic mix of styles, décor and furniture, and used to house a homeless shelter before being renovated for its current purpose. Be sure to check out your surroundings and have a chat to some of the staff! After your important meeting, why not use tonight to get you know your travel pals over some dinner.
Day 2 - Vienna
Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre this morning. Stop at the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, wander past the neo-classical Graben and have a look at the Hofburg Palace. Continue along the Ringstrasse and then finish your orientation walk of the city at the State Opera House – one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Then you’re in for a real treat! Stop for kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at Vollpension, a local cafe which empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. Have a chat with the friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm and welcoming environment. This afternoon is then free for you to keep on checking out the sights of the city. Art lovers have a so much choice when it comes to museums, such as the Albertina, located in the Museum Quarter. Otherwise, you might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the grand summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa.
Day 3 - Cesky Krumlov
Depart Vienna by minivan this morning and cross the border into the Czech Republic. Your next stop is the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Cesky Krumlov means 'crooked meadow', because it sits on a tight bend of the Vltava River. When you arrive, take a guided tour of the town with a local guide, starting in the main square. Wander through Old Town, see the city's oldest pharmacy then arrive at the Cesky Krumlov Castle. See the royal gardens from above and enjoy the panoramic views of the town below.
Day 4 - Cesky Krumlov
Today is a free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take an optional guided castle tour, which lets you in on the mysteries that lie behind every corner of this stronghold dating back to 1253. For those who want a bit more culture, you could visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and browse the gallery that's dedicated to the Austrian painter. If you’re after something more active, jump into a canoe and check out the town from a different perspective – on the Vltava River.
Day 5 - Prague
Leave Cesky Krumlov in your dust and travel by bus to Prague. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader so you can get your bearings of the local neighbourhood. For your free afternoon and evening, why not discover another great side of Prague – its music! The city has one of the longest-standing and respected jazz scenes in Europe, with jazz clubs playing into the early hours of the morning. Otherwise, have a wander along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square for some magical photo opportunities.
Day 6 - Prague
Today is free to explore Prague. The city offers many possibilities, so perhaps take a walk around the Jewish Quarter and pay your respects at the Gothic-inspired Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. There is also the Museum of Communism, which details the struggles of many European countries and their political rule in the 19th and 20th centuries. Tonight, be sure to check back in with your group and perhaps organise some dinner and drinks in one of the city’s renowned beer halls – it’s a perfect way to Czech off another day in Prague.
Day 7 - Wroclaw
This morning, take local trains and private bus to cross the border into Poland and travel to Wroclaw. 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. On the way, stop in Swidnica, a town known for its intriguing Lutheran Church of Peace. Arrive in Wroclaw 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 time today and tomorrow is free for your own discoveries.
Day 8 - Wroclaw
Spend another day exploring Wroclaw however you’d like! You may consider checking 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.
Day 9 - Krakow
Hop back on a local train to Krakow. Possibly the best known of all Poland's cities, Krakow was the residence of Polish kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and its Old Town is a World Heritage-listed site. Take part in a leader-led orientation walk with your group, and once you know your whereabouts, you could go and discover one of the biggest – and arguably most beautiful – medieval squares in Central Europe. Maybe discover Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River. Check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica which features an extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. There's also the lovely neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica, which has some of Poland's best Art Nouveau. In Krakow, you will also find the second oldest university in Central Europe. Jagiellonian University counts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni. Tonight is again all yours to do as you please – a good idea is to make your way to the Jewish Quarter for its laidback vibes and good food.
Day 10 - Krakow
Today, take the shared transport to Oswiecim and embark on a sobering tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Local guide will take you through the museum and its sites on included join-in tour. Back in Krakow in the afternoon, spend some more time exploring in your own time. Or, if you can tear yourself away from Krakow, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 metres below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 years and is a World Heritage-listed site. At night, pull up a pew and indulge in a plate of pierogi and a few beers to say cheers to another day.
Day 11 - Tatra Mountains
Say farewell to Krakow today and travel by local bus through southern Poland to Slovakia. The trip may be long and a little slow, but the scenery of rolling hills and tiny villages will keep your eyes occupied. Tatranska Lomnica is your destination in Slovakia. It's a small alpine resort at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains. The Tatras – the highest range of the Carpathians – stretch for about 60 kilometres across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a hiker’s dream. The evening is free for you to enjoy as you please, and perhaps the best way to do it is to sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.
Day 12 - Tatra Mountains
This morning, head out on an included hike in the High Tatra Mountains. The most known route is about 6 km in length and it is normally completed in 3 hours, including stops on the way. The route includes gradual hill ascents and descents and walking on gravel and uneven rocky surfaces with some slippery sections. The pace and distance will be decided on the day, depending on weather and group abilities – parts of it will involve travelling by funicular, gondola and electric train. During the walk, you may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed. This was the result of a tornado-like storm in 2004 that decimated approximately 10,000 hectares of timberland. In the afternoon, head back to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day in this beautiful location.
Day 13 - Budapest
You have an early start today for the long journey to Budapest. As there won't be too much free time to explore on arrival, perhaps check in to the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the neighbourhood to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards, café culture and interesting laneways make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. Take the evening as an opportunity to relax after a long day of travelling. Visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or eclectic ‘ruin’ bars in the Jewish Quarter is a sure-fire way to have a good night out with your crew.
Day 14 - Budapest
Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Perhaps take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to Buda Castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building and the Pest side of the city. You could head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the fall of the Iron Curtain. One unmissable activity is to 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. You might like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours. See urbanadventures.com for more information.
Day 15 - Budapest
Your adventure ends after breakfast today. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel's check-out time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-03-202512-04-2025AUD $ 4,156-
12-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 4,080-
19-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 4,128-
03-05-202517-05-2025AUD $ 4,200-
10-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 4,200-
17-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 4,268-
24-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 4,368-
31-05-202514-06-2025AUD $ 4,368-
07-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 4,200-
14-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 4,108-
21-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 4,108-
28-06-202512-07-2025AUD $ 4,108-
05-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 4,108-
12-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 3,952-
19-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 3,952-
23-07-202506-08-2025AUD $ 4,032-
26-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 4,032-
02-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 3,952-
09-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 3,952-
13-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 3,952-
16-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 3,952-
23-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 3,952-
30-08-202513-09-2025AUD $ 4,368-
03-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 4,320-
06-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 4,268-
10-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 4,268-
13-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 4,320-
17-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 4,368-
20-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 4,368-
27-09-202511-10-2025AUD $ 4,108-
04-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 4,248-
11-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 4,080-
18-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 4,128-
28-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 5,185-
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 5,185-
11-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 5,185-
18-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 5,185-
25-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 5,390-
02-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 5,390-
09-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 5,390-
16-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 5,600-
23-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 5,600-
27-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 5,600-
30-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 5,390-
06-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 5,390-
10-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 5,390-
13-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 5,390-
17-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 5,390-
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 5,390-
27-06-202611-07-2026AUD $ 5,390-
01-07-202615-07-2026AUD $ 5,185-
04-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 5,185-
11-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 5,185-
18-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
22-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
25-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
01-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
08-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
12-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 5,185-
22-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 5,185-
29-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 5,185-
02-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 5,600-
05-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 5,600-
09-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 5,600-
12-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 5,600-
16-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 5,600-
19-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 5,600-
26-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
10-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
17-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 5,185-

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights),Pension (2 nights)

Transport

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

Map

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