Highlights of Central Europe
Experience Overview
Travel through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary on this eight-day Central Europe adventure. Explore the Prague Castle complex in Prague – a UNESCO monument and the largest castle complex in the world. Then, visit Vollpension Cafe in Vienna, known for its sweet delicacies baked by grandparents who work to provide extra income for seniors. Learn about the folk culture in Cesky Krumlov – a UNESCO World Heritage centre – and discover why Budapest is known as the ‘City of Spas.’ End your adventure in gorgeous Budapest, where you’ll join a local family in their home for a Hungarian cooking class and cheers to your final night.
Highlights
- Travel through three of Central Europe’s big cities – Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Join your local leader on walking tours of each city, visit landmarks and enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.
- Explore Prague Castle – the largest castle complex in the world, where you’ll learn about the history of the UNESCO monument and Czechia’s capital city.
- Toast to your epic adventure with a home-cooked Hungarian feast on your last night. Be invited into a local family's home, learn traditional recipes and enjoy these dishes for dinner!
- Join a local guide in the south Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov and discover the town’s history and thriving folk culture.
- Visit Vollpension in Vienna – a cafe working to bridge the age gap and provide extra income for seniors by employing grandparents to bake and serve sweet treats.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1593
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Metro,Taxi,Tram
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMKB
Starts: Prague, Austria
Finishes: Budapest, Austria
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2387 ($298 /day)
Itinerary
Ahoj! Welcome to Prague, the city of a Hundred Spires and the capital of the Czech Republic. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe explore the Old Town Square, walk across Charles Bridge or visit the Astronomical Clock. After your meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a Czech pub, where you can try traditional food like sausages, dumplings and salads and fresh, crisp beer straight from the tank – just like a local.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Prague Castle – a UNESCO monument built in the 9th century, which served as the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and Presidents of Czechoslovakia. Then, continue to the Old Royal Palace, St Vitrus’ Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and the Golden Lane, all within the Prague Castle complex. Later, head to a local canteen for a traditional Czech lunch with the locals. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe visit the National Museum, stroll the cobblestone streets or climb to the Petrin Lookout Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Included Activities:
- Prague - Castle Visit
Optional Activities:
- Prague - Jewish Quarter (500 CZK)
- Prague - Kafka Museum (300 CZK)
- Prague - Mucha Museum (300 CZK)
- Prague - Museum of Communism (380 CZK)
- Prague - National Museum (350 CZK)
- Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower (300 CZK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Prague today and head to Cesky Krumlov – a UNESCO World Heritage centre. Pronounced 'chess-kee kroom-love,’ this medieval town's name means 'crooked meadow,' which is fitting, as it's tucked into a sharp bend of the Vltava River. When you arrive, join a local guide for a walking tour of the town. Hear tales of the mysteries hidden behind shopfronts and learn how the town was built around the Castillo de Cesky Krumlov – a 13th-century castle featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The rest of today is free for you to explore Cesky Krumlov – maybe visit the town's castle or art gallery or head out on an optional cycling or canoeing excursion.
Included Activities:
- Cesky Krumlov - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Optional Activities:
- Cesky Krumlov - Brewery Tour (350 CZK)
- Cesky Krumlov - Rafting or Canoe Trip (per person) (1200 CZK)
- Cesky Krumlov - Egon Schiele Art Centrum (200 CZK)
- Cesky Krumlov - Guided Castle Tour (300 CZK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, cross the border into Austria and travel to Vienna. When you arrive, join your local leader for a walk through the city centre. Visit the gothic-style St Stephen’s Cathedral, wander past the grand neo-classical Graben and explore the Hofburg Palace. Then, stop at Vollpension – a cafe that aims to bridge the generation gap by employing senior bakers who happen to be grandmas and grandpas. Then, finish your orientation walk of the city at the State Opera House. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to explore Vienna. Maybe visit the Museum of Natural History or walk through the Albertina and learn about the region’s art. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try some local dishes like tafelspitz (boiled beef) or kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake).
Included Activities:
- Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience
- Vienna - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore Vienna at your own pace. Maybe take a guided tour of Schoenbrunn Palace and explore the Gloriette Monument and the palace gardens. Then, you could visit the State Opera House or watch a classical dressage show at the Spanish Riding School. Tonight, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Vienna - Albertina Museum (19 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Gallery Combined Ticket) (29 EUR)
- Vienna - Leopold Museum (17 EUR)
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)
- Vienna - Sisi Museum (20 EUR)
- Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice (28 EUR)
- Vienna - St Stephen's Tower (6 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic train journey across the border into Hungary to reach Budapest. When you arrive, set off on a walking tour with your local leader. Visit the Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen's Church and The Chain Bridge. Then, continue to Gellert Hill where you’ll visit the Freedom Statue and Citadel. Take in the panoramic views over Budapest before heading to the Gellert Spa Bath and Buda Castle. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer. Maybe unwind at the Szechenyi or Rudas Thermal Baths and discover why Budapest is known as the ‘City of Spas’.
Included Activities:
- Budapest - Walking tour with local guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to explore Budapest at your own pace. Maybe visit the Hungarian Parliament Building or discover the statues of Hungarian heroes at Heroes’ Square. This afternoon, join a local family for a home-cooked Hungarian meal. You'll be invited into their family home to enjoy a drink and snack on fresh vegetables, cheese, bread and homemade sausages in the garden. Then, roll up your sleeves and join the family in the kitchen where you’ll learn some of their local specialties with a cooking class. After, tuck into your freshly prepared meal with your host family – a great way to celebrate a trip well-travelled!
Included Activities:
- Budapest - Home-cooked meal
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (2900 HUF)
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (12000 HUF)
- Budapest - Bike Ride (6000 HUF)
- Budapest - Central Market - Free
- Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting (21 EUR)
- Budapest - Great Synagogue (13000 HUF)
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (13500 HUF)
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
As there are no more activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to stay longer in Budapest, just talk 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
Gina - Traveled, September 2023
Our trip exceeded our expectations thanks to Lilla’s brilliant leadership. She was incredibly welcoming and accommodating to everyone’s wants and needs. I was so impressed with how knowledgeable she was about each of the city’s extensive histories. She was able to foster a group environment where everyone enjoyed hanging out and learning together. I would never question booking a trip if I knew Lilla was at the helm. We miss her already!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2023
Anna - Traveled, September 2023
The Highlights of Central Europe was my first time solo travelling and first time overseas from Australia. Our group leader was Mirek and he did a spectacular job looking after our group of 10, amazing knowledge of all destinations visited and fantastic recommendations along the way. The tour covered a lot in just 8 days, excellent accommodation along the way. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Anne - Traveled, June 2023
Tour guide Agata was amazing, lots of free time, but expected more for a comfort level tour, quality not as good as previous tours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Paula - Traveled, June 2023
I enjoyed the tour because the hotels and transport are sorted, we get an orientation tour in each destination, then get free time to do our "own thing", so I never felt like I was being "herded around" in a group. My only complaint is that I would have like to spend longer in each destination!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2023
Brenda - Traveled, May 2023
Intrepid offered the perfect balance between providing logical support and historical and cultural insights, and providing time to explore the destinations on our own. We were hesitant about joining a group, but the small group of 11 people turned out to be a real asset. We really enjoyed hearing about their lives and travels, and they were a lot of fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2023
Nikhar - Traveled, September 2023
Absolutely fantastic first experience with Intrepid.. the mix of activities and free time along with the orientation walks was a great way to feel comfortable navigating new places and cultures, our group leader Beata made each person individually feel connected and comfortable while fostering independence in exploration at our own pace. Can't wait to try more adventures with Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/12/2023
Adam - Traveled, August 2023
Would thoroughly recommend this trip, our tour guide Jo was excellent and we got to experience a lot in a short space of time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Maxine - Traveled, July 2023
My 8 day highlights of eastern europe was excellent and would recommend to anyone wanting a taste of these amazing destinations. Intrepid takes care of every aspect of your trip, guides are excellent and very helpful and hotels are amazing!!! We used public transport and minivan where needed. All these arrangements went without any problem. This was my 3rd trip with intrepid and highly recommend using them for your travels. Lots of interesting people in the trips… not just couples keeping to themselves. Met new friends and travel buddies.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Emily - Traveled, July 2023
Barni was a great leader and it was a great trip overall. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to a friend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2023
Alan - Traveled, July 2023
Our Highlights of Central Europe tour allowed plenty of free time to mix and match our individual interests in and around the sites pointed out by the guide. Barni was an informative guide with a sense of humour and a caring nature which made the friendly group even more harmonious.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Sherry - Traveled, April 2024
What a wonderful trip of Central Europe. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and all of the countries Hats off to Lilla she was an excellent guide with a wealth of knowledge and friendly
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2024
Jackie - Traveled, April 2024
I would highly recommend this trip The balance between group and alone time was perfect. Hotels were good, food was good. Lilla was the perfect team leader friendly and knowledgeable Overall a fantastic trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2024
Terry - Traveled, August 2023
The Highlights of Central Europe was our eighth Intrepid trip. It was a great introduction to the amazing cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, as well as the beautiful Cesky Krumlov. We were fascinated with the depth of history and troubles in this part of the world. Our leader, Lilla, was outstanding, guiding us through the journey, while sharing her great knowledge of the region.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Bronwyn - Traveled, April 2024
Wonderful exploration of the imperial cities of central Europe - the pace was relaxed with plenty of free time and multiple night stays in one location (less pack/repack) - great group of travellers from across the globe and a wonderful tour leader - Lilla. This is my 5th intrepid tour and one of the best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2024
Erik - Traveled, August 2023
Highlights of Central Europe is a great small adventure tour and suits the needs of every type of traveler and physical rating.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Kelly - Traveled, July 2023
This was my first tour, and I am a convert! I loved the small group, varied ages, and active agenda. This format gives plenty of flexibility while doing the hard work of the logistics for you. Intrepid have a great philosophy
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2023
Cecilia - Traveled, April 2023
I loved this tour so much, I would seriously consider doing it all again! Such wonderful places with so much art and history! Amazing food too!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2023
Allan - Traveled, April 2023
I enjoyed my first trip with Intrepid . The itinerary was great. Had enough time for me to see the sights at my own pace. Simone, our tour leader was great. I had wonderful experience and memories with the people I met from other parts of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Margaret - Traveled, October 2022
These cities are absolute gems! We had a great tour, packed with lots of history and beautiful walking tours. Highly recommend if you have an interest in Central Europe!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2022
Tina - Traveled, September 2022
Intrepid’s Central Europe tour was spectacular. They provide legwork so the group can concentrate on making the most of the trip. Each country had its own personality: Czech Republic with beautiful scenery and fairy tale castles, Vienna with its splendor and opulence and (my personal fav) Budapest with its gritty, hipster vibe and Asian influence.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2022
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