Best of Central Europe
Experience Overview
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.
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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1607
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Bicycle,Metro,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMSB
Starts: Vienna, Austria
Finishes: Budapest, Austria
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12),Accommodation: Hotel (12 nights),Pension (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,465 ($298 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience
Optional Activities:
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Albertina Museum (19 EUR)
- Vienna - Sisi Museum (18 EUR)
- Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice (28 EUR)
- Vienna - St Stephen's Tower (6 EUR)
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (16 EUR)
- Vienna - Leopold Museum (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (14 EUR)
- Vienna - Vienna Boys Choir Concert (70 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) (26 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper Gallery) (18 EUR)
- Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure (115 EUR)
- Vienna Opera Guided Tour (13 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Cesky Krumlov - guided tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour (200 CZK)
- Cesky Krumlov - Egon Schiele Art Centrum (200 CZK)
- Cesky Krumlov - Rafting or Canoe Trip (per person) (1200 CZK)
- Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour (300 CZK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Prague - Jewish Quarter (500 CZK)
- Prague - Kafka Museum (260 CZK)
- Prague - Mucha Museum (300 CZK)
- Prague - Museum of Communism (380 CZK)
- Prague - Castle Visit (350 CZK)
- Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower (250 CZK)
- Prague - Bike Tour (650 CZK)
- Prague - The Dancing House - Free
- Prague - John Lennon Wall - Free
- Prague - Food by Foot Urban Adventure (95 EUR)
- Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara (160 CZK)
- Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church (160 CZK)
- Prague - Beer and Czech Tapas Tour Urban Adventure (75 EUR)
- Prague - Prague Discovery Urban Adventure (74 EUR)
- Kutna Hora - Day Trip (by public transport) (250 CZK)
- Prague - Prague Parks and Views Urban Adventure (89 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Wroclaw - Orientation walk
- Swidnica - Church of Peace visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Krakow - Rynek Underground Museum (32 PLN)
- Krakow - Cloth Hall 'Sukiennice' - Free
- Krakow - Schindler's Factory Museum Tour (65 PLN)
- Krakow - Galicia Jewish Museum (20 PLN)
- Krakow - History Museum (28 PLN)
- Krakow - St Mary's Basilica (15 PLN)
- Krakow - Walking Tour (30 PLN)
- Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle (35 PLN)
- Wieliczka - Salt Mines Tour (230 PLN)
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Oswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum join in guided tour
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Tatranska Lomnica - Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar)
- Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok Funicular
- Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
Optional Activities:
- Tatranska Lomnica - Summer Luge (3 EUR)
- Tatranska Lomnica - Bike Rental (10 EUR)
- Tatranska Lomnica - Spa treatment in Grand Hotel Praha (from) (20 EUR)
- Tatranska Lomnica - Ski Museum (3 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) (9000 HUF)
- Budapest - Best Beers of Budapest Urban Adventures (74 EUR)
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (12000 HUF)
- Budapest - Bites & Sights Food Tour Urban Adventure (79 EUR)
- Budapest - Central Market - Free
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
- Budapest - Buda Castle Explorer Urban Adventure (55 EUR)
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (2900 HUF)
- Budapest - Bike Ride (6000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (7000 HUF)
- Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)
- Budapest - Great Synagogue (9000 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Hui Linda - Traveled, September 2023
Central Europe is a hidden pearl. Intrepid provides us wonderful travel plan. Very flexible, either relaxing, or exploring as much as we want. Amazing tour guide is definitely a great plus. Luckily we have one: Vanessa, a fun person, who is very knowledgeable, supportive and friendly.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Tahlia - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was a great mix of major cities and also smaller towns which I may not have visited if it were not for the tour guide Vanessa B did a great job.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Alyssa - Traveled, September 2023
My travel with Intrepid went smoothly and our guide was very knowledgeable and went out of her way to communicate with and accommodate individual travelers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Janene - Traveled, September 2023
This was an amazing trip -- a great mix of big and small cities, group activities and solo time. I added an extra day in Vienna and it was well worth it! I would have loved an extra day in Krakow too as it was my favourite city! Keep in mind there are a number of long travel days with different modes of transporation and with the heat wave in Europe, I was very exhausted by end of most days. For those 'younger' in our group, less than my 64 years, that didn't appear an issue. Our group of 11 was a mixture of 27-70'ish ages, and while an eclectic group, we travelled well together. Jana K. is an excellent leader - very knowledgeable, organized, and pivoted easily when needed. I recommend her highly!! Tip: READ READ and READ the essential trip information to be prepared as some hotels/travel days may not be up to expectations, and large luggage doesn't work for this tour. Enjoy!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/10/2023
Sean - Traveled, September 2023
The tour was a good mix of different cities big and small once with each one has its own unique charm. The accommodation in each city was in a central location. So everything was near by. Transportation was good and our tour guide Jana is very knowledgeable and friendly as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Maree - Traveled, August 2023
An exceptional immersion into central Europe, with an exceptional guide Mirek who helped us to gain more insite into the history and culture of the cities and countries visited.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/03/2023
Katie - Traveled, September 2023
Highly recommend this trip! There was a great variety in the places we saw from big cities to cute, quaint villages and 2 nights at each stop was the perfect pace. We had a good mix of ages, but still plenty of people in the 20s-30s age range like me. Learned a lot and had so much fun. Great food, drinks, history, and culture to explore!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
Annette - Traveled, September 2023
This tour is great to get you from place to place with ease. The orientation walks help get an understanding of the towns. Then free time allows you to visit and do the things that are interesting to yourself. As a group tour you can usually find someone else to go with you, if you want.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Carolyn - Traveled, September 2023
Consider an Intrepid Tour great small group tours very organised and have Leve as your Leader around eastern Bloch countries his knowledge and enthusiasm was awesome. Various activities and transport options with reasonable accommodation some with stairs !! Some accommodation and breakfasts was a little to be desired but majority good
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Carol - Traveled, September 2023
We loved our trip through Central Europe! The leader was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and our fellow travelers were a great group! We'd definitely consider traveling with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/28/2023
Ann - Traveled, April 2024
This trip was packed with a lot of great European cities. A great way to see a lot in a short time. The Tatra days were beautiful too. Our leader Agata was full of great suggestions for dining out and other activites for our free time. Overall this was quite a memorable trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Janice - Traveled, April 2024
Fabulous tour group to make travelling easy and fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2024
Charlotte - Traveled, April 2024
This trip was a wonderful mix of culture, architecture, included activities and free-time to explore the locations at your own pace! Our tour leader Agata was super positive and friendly, always going above and beyond for us and seeing to our requests the best she could! Wonderful trip all around and highly recommend!! Especially if you get Agata!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Carl - Traveled, April 2024
Great trip. Highly recommended. A very good mix of group and free time. Beautiful cities and the hike in the Tatra mountians was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Peter - Traveled, March 2024
Embarking on the Intrepid Best of Central Europe tour was an enlightening journey that not only showcased the breath-taking landscapes of Europe but also the warm camaraderie among the group, led by our incomparable guide, Vanessa Baumann. The tour was a seamless blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and educational experiences spanning from Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia to Hungary. Would highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/17/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
Great exposure to the rich, complicated history of Central Europe. You get a variety of experiences, from big cities (castles, art museums, etc.) to small towns (Cesky Krumlov) to hiking (Tatras). My personal highlight was the day of visiting Auschwitz (I believe everyone should see this at some point) and the salt mines. We were very fortunate to have the first group visit of the day to Auschwitz, very powerful experience. Our guide Vanessa was amazing, would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Dianne - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid Central Europe was the perfect blend of group and individual travel: all the logistics are sorted so that you can make the most of your time in some fascinating cities with amazing history, food and people! Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Stephanie - Traveled, August 2023
This was a fantastic trip from start to finish. A great mix of big and small cities, group activities and solo time. Definitely worth adding at least an extra day in Vienna and Budapest to see more. Mirek was an excellent leader - we learned so much from his historical knowledge and personal experience. He organized group meals in every city and gave great recommendations. We were lucky to have a lovely group of 10 travelers. Read the trip info and temper your expectations for some of the hotels. Still highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/14/2023
Noel - Traveled, August 2023
I believe the ability of the guide Merik made the trip. His vast knowledge of the areas and history were exceptional. His communication skills and demeanor made the group gel into a very friendly and social unit. The places we visited and stayed were a great look into a part of the world of which I new very little
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2023
Kaye - Traveled, August 2023
I loved the the trip from beginning to end. The people in the group were friendly and we did a lot of things together, made friends quickly. Even when we had free time Monica gave us directions on how to get to places. The What’s ap. Was good to stay connected to each other. I would strongly recommend an intrepid trip to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
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