SHORTLIST

Best of Central Europe

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, excluding Day 3&4, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please consult your agent for booking.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$4,134
Number of Days
15
Start Location
Vienna, Austria
End Location
Budapest, Hungary
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 15
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
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 Schnbrunn 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 can 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.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 12 breakfasts.
  • Transport: Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Bicycle, Metro, Taxi.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights).
  • Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience.
  • Cesky Krumlov - guided tour.
  • Wroclaw - Orientation walk.
  • Swidnica - Church of Peace visit.
  • Oswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum join in guided tour.
  • Tatranska Lomnica - Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar).
  • Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok Funicular.
  • Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola ride.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
19 Jul 2025 02 Aug 2025 9 $5,092
23 Jul 2025 06 Aug 2025 3 $6,070
26 Jul 2025 09 Aug 2025 5 $5,463
02 Aug 2025 16 Aug 2025 11 $4,134
09 Aug 2025 23 Aug 2025 2 $6,450
13 Aug 2025 27 Aug 2025 6 $4,951
16 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025 9 $4,365
30 Aug 2025 13 Sep 2025 8 $6,200
03 Sep 2025 17 Sep 2025 3 $6,940
06 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025 10 $6,295
10 Sep 2025 24 Sep 2025 11 $5,036
13 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025 8 $6,470
17 Sep 2025 01 Oct 2025 8 $6,440
20 Sep 2025 04 Oct 2025 4 $6,745
27 Sep 2025 11 Oct 2025 8 $6,055
04 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025 7 $6,320
11 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025 9 $5,925
18 Oct 2025 01 Nov 2025 11 $5,925
28 Mar 2026 11 Apr 2026 15 $5,690
11 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 14 $5,690
18 Apr 2026 02 May 2026 13 $5,690
25 Apr 2026 09 May 2026 15 $5,915
02 May 2026 16 May 2026 15 $5,915
09 May 2026 23 May 2026 12 $5,915
13 May 2026 27 May 2026 15 $6,145
23 May 2026 06 Jun 2026 15 $6,145
27 May 2026 10 Jun 2026 15 $6,145
30 May 2026 13 Jun 2026 15 $5,915
06 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026 15 $5,915
13 Jun 2026 27 Jun 2026 15 $5,915
20 Jun 2026 04 Jul 2026 15 $5,915
27 Jun 2026 11 Jul 2026 15 $5,915
04 Jul 2026 18 Jul 2026 15 $5,690
11 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026 15 $5,690
18 Jul 2026 01 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
22 Jul 2026 05 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
25 Jul 2026 08 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
01 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
08 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
12 Aug 2026 26 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
15 Aug 2026 29 Aug 2026 15 $5,690
22 Aug 2026 05 Sep 2026 15 $6,145
29 Aug 2026 12 Sep 2026 15 $6,145
02 Sep 2026 16 Sep 2026 15 $6,145
05 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 14 $6,145
09 Sep 2026 23 Sep 2026 15 $6,145
12 Sep 2026 26 Sep 2026 15 $6,145
16 Sep 2026 30 Sep 2026 15 $6,145
19 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 15 $6,145
26 Sep 2026 10 Oct 2026 15 $5,915
03 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026 15 $5,915
10 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026 15 $5,915
17 Oct 2026 31 Oct 2026 14 $5,915
27 Mar 2027 10 Apr 2027 15 $5,690
10 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 15 $5,690
17 Apr 2027 01 May 2027 15 $5,690
24 Apr 2027 08 May 2027 15 $5,690
01 May 2027 15 May 2027 15 $5,690
08 May 2027 22 May 2027 15 $5,690
12 May 2027 26 May 2027 15 $5,690
22 May 2027 05 Jun 2027 15 $5,690
26 May 2027 09 Jun 2027 15 $5,690
29 May 2027 12 Jun 2027 15 $5,690
05 Jun 2027 19 Jun 2027 15 $5,690
12 Jun 2027 26 Jun 2027 15 $5,690
19 Jun 2027 03 Jul 2027 15 $5,690
26 Jun 2027 10 Jul 2027 15 $5,690
03 Jul 2027 17 Jul 2027 15 $5,690
10 Jul 2027 24 Jul 2027 15 $5,690
17 Jul 2027 31 Jul 2027 15 $5,690
21 Jul 2027 04 Aug 2027 15 $5,690
24 Jul 2027 07 Aug 2027 15 $5,690
31 Jul 2027 14 Aug 2027 15 $5,690
07 Aug 2027 21 Aug 2027 15 $5,690
11 Aug 2027 25 Aug 2027 15 $5,690
14 Aug 2027 28 Aug 2027 14 $5,690
21 Aug 2027 04 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
28 Aug 2027 11 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
01 Sep 2027 15 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
04 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
08 Sep 2027 22 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
11 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
15 Sep 2027 29 Sep 2027 15 $5,690
18 Sep 2027 02 Oct 2027 15 $5,690
25 Sep 2027 09 Oct 2027 15 $5,690
02 Oct 2027 16 Oct 2027 15 $5,690
09 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027 15 $5,690
16 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027 15 $5,690