Best of Central Europe
Experience Overview
Experience the charm of Central Europe on this 15-day, steady-paced adventure from Vienna to Budapest. Discover the hidden fairytale gem of Cesky Krumlov, hike the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and step back in time as you walk the streets of Wroclaw. Spend a night at Vienna’s quirky Magdas Hotel, join your local leader on an orientation walk through Prague and indulge in coffee and cake at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community. Visit the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow, join a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and round off your journey with free time to uncover Budapest’s eclectic neighbourhoods.
Highlights
- Hike through the lesser-known Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. With a range of trails available, you’ll be high above the valley floor, admiring the views 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 Cesky Krumlov on a guided tour around town with your small group. See medieval buildings, beautiful countryside and the flowing Vltava River.
- Get the low-down on Budapest’s classic charm, cafe culture and eclectic neighbourhood vibes during your time here. Have you actually been to Budapest if you didn’t go to the ruin bars?
- Savour the Viennese tradition of kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) at a cafe that empowers older locals by providing them with employment and fostering social connections.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1607
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Bicycle, Metro, Taxi
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMSB
Starts: Vienna, Austria
Finishes: Budapest, Austria
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (12),Accommodation: Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4290 ($286 /day)
Itinerary
Guten Tag! Welcome to Austria. Your adventure begins in Vienna with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. 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. Make sure you stop for kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) for a break from your exploring. Vienna is known for its coffeehouse culture – so much so that UNESCO lists it as an example of ‘intangible cultural heritage’. After the meeting, why not use tonight to get to know your new travel pals over dinner. Your leader will have all the best recommendations for where to try local specialties like goulash or Wiener schnitzel – maybe save some room for a slice of sachertorte (chocolate cake filled with apricot jam) for dessert.
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 kaffee and kuchen at Vollpension – a local cafe that 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. This afternoon is free for you to keep on checking out the sights of the city.
Included Activities:
- Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
Optional Activities:
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (18 EUR)
- Vienna - Albertina Museum (20 EUR)
- Vienna - Sisi Museum (20 EUR)
- Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice (28 EUR)
- Vienna - St Stephen's Tower (6 EUR)
- Vienna - Schonbrunn Palace (34 EUR)
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (20 EUR)
- Vienna - Leopold Museum (19 EUR)
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Vienna Boys Choir Concert (70 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) (29 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, set off on a guided tour of the town with a local guide, starting in the main square. Wander through the 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 free for you to enjoy as you please. Maybe 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 (350 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 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, maybe along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square for some great photo opportunities.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to explore Prague. The city offers endless possibilities – maybe 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. Tonight, be sure to meet back up with your group and maybe organise dinner and drinks at one of the city’s renowned beer halls.
Optional Activities:
- Prague - Jewish Quarter (500 CZK)
- Prague - Kafka Museum (300 CZK)
- Prague - Mucha Museum (300 CZK)
- Prague - Museum of Communism (380 CZK)
- Prague - Castle Visit (450 CZK)
- Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower (300 CZK)
- Prague - Bike Tour (650 CZK)
- Prague - The Dancing House - Free
- Prague - John Lennon Wall - Free
- Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara (160 CZK)
- Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church (160 CZK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you'll take a local train and private bus across the border into Poland before continuing to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of the River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by Czech, German and Polish influences. On the way, stop in Swidnica – a town known for its fascinating 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 feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of today and tomorrow are free for your own discoveries.
Included Activities:
- Wroclaw - Orientation walk
- Swidnica - Church of Peace visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend today exploring Wroclaw however you’d like! Maybe explore Ostrow 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 local 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 UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Join your local leader on an orientation walk around the city, then maybe head to one of the biggest medieval squares in Central Europe. You could also visit Wawel Royal Castle, which sits on a hill next to the Vistula River, or check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica. This city is also home to the second oldest university in Central Europe – Jagiellonian University, which boasts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni. Tonight is again all yours to do as you please – maybe make your way to the Jewish Quarter for 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 (35 PLN)
- Krakow - History Museum (31 PLN)
- Krakow - St Mary's Basilica (18 PLN)
- Krakow - Walking Tour (30 PLN)
- Krakow - Wawel Royal Castle (89 PLN)
- Wieliczka - Salt Mines Tour (280 PLN)
Accommodation:
- Pension (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, travel to Oswiecim. When you arrive, you’ll join a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. 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 m below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 years and is a UNESCO 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 adventure.
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 Tatranska Lomnica, a small alpine resort in Slovakia.Your accommodation sits at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains – the highest range of the Carpathians – which stretch for about 60 km across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a hiker’s dream. This evening is free for you to enjoy as you please – maybe sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, set off on a hike in the High Tatra Mountains. Parts of your trail will involve travelling by funicular, gondola and electric train. You may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed – this was the result of a torAfter your hike, 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 ride
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 journey to Budapest. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. As there won't be too much free time to explore, maybe check into the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the neighbourhood to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards, cafe 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 is free for you to explore Budapest at your own pace. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Maybe 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. 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 also like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled!
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) (9000 HUF)
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (13000 HUF)
- Budapest - Central Market - Free
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (13500 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (2900 HUF)
- Budapest - Bike Ride (15000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour (10500 HUF)
- Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)
- Budapest - Great Synagogue (13000 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure ends after breakfast today. As there are no further activities planned, you’re able to leave your accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay to see all that Budapest has to offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of 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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