Best of Central Europe

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

15 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Vienna, Austria

Ends

Budapest, Hungary

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.

Itinerary

Central Europe’s elegance and history come alive on the "Best of Central Europe" tour, a 15-day journey from Vienna to Budapest. This easy-paced sightseeing trip includes time in the Tatra Mountains, Cesky Krumlov, Krakow, and more. Wander fairy-tale towns, uncover sobering history at Auschwitz, and marvel at classic architecture. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate tradition, sophistication, and a steady travel rhythm. What sets this trip apart is its expertly curated blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, providing a richly rewarding European experience.

day 1 - Vienna

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 (1 night)

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 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:Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Cesky Krumlov

Depart Vienna by bus 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:Cesky Krumlov - guided tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Cesky Krumlov

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.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Prague

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 (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Prague

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.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 7 - Wroclaw

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:Wroclaw - Orientation walk, Swidnica - Church of Peace visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 8 - Wroclaw

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 (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 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.

accommodation:Pension

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Krakow

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:Oswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum join in guided tour

accommodation:Pension

meals:1 Breakfast

day 11 - Tatra Mountains

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 (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 12 - Tatra Mountains

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:Tatranska Lomnica - Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar), Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok Funicular, Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola ride

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 13 - Budapest

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 (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 14 - Budapest

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!

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 15 - Budapest

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.

meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights)

Meals

12 Breakfasts

Transport

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

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen ExperienceCesky Krumlov - guided tourWroclaw - Orientation walkSwidnica - Church of Peace visitOswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum join in guided tourTatranska Lomnica - Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar)Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok FunicularTatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola ride

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Best of Central Europe

5.0

based on 2 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Valentine'sExtended Sales

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 129+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 818 customer reviews from

Yusufu

Its good well organised

4 days ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Best of Central Europe that you might like.

Balkan Explorer

4.5(61 reviews)

Set off on an odyssey across the Balkans with the "Balkan Explorer" tour—a 16-day mountains and multi-country adventure starting and ending in Athens. Tailored for experienced travelers and seniors who crave diversity, this guided group tour covers ten countries, from Greece’s ancient sites in Athens and Delphi to Croatia’s iconic Dubrovnik, Split, and Plitvice Lakes. Unwind in Budapest’s thermal baths, then journey through Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The USP? This tour package’s extraordinary breadth, blending Mediterranean, Central, and Eastern European cultures, making it a true feast for curious minds and adventurous spirits.

16 days

Europe Jewel

4.8(155 reviews)

From Amsterdam’s charming canals to the majestic Swiss Alps, the Europe Jewel trip is a two-week art and architecture tour that spans the best of both Western and Eastern Europe. This immersive group journey takes you through 10 countries, including the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and more. Explore vibrant capitals like Vienna and Budapest, sample authentic Italian cuisine, and lose yourself in the historic ambiance of Prague and Bratislava. Travelers who relish a balance of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and natural wonders will love the diversity on offer. The tour’s unique highlight? A seamless blend of Western allure and Eastern intrigue, ensuring an unforgettable, all-encompassing European adventure.

14 days

The Best of Eastern Europe

5.0(8 reviews)

Uncover the rich tapestry of Eastern Europe on "The Best of Eastern Europe" tour, a 14-day journey beautifully crafted for experienced travelers who appreciate culture and ease. Starting in Berlin and ending in Budapest, this trip sweeps you through six countries—visiting vibrant cities like Krakow and Prague, as well as charming villages and majestic castles. With easy-paced exploration, indulge in Berlin’s café culture, sip local beers in Prague, and marvel at the romantic squares and churches that dot the region. Accommodations, transport, and meals are thoughtfully handled, freeing you to focus on unforgettable sights and flavors. The unique selling point? This tour package perfectly balances urban excitement with serene countryside, ensuring a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of Eastern Europe’s most enchanting destinations.

14 days

Croatia and the Balkans

5.0(10 reviews)

The Balkans’ unspoiled beauty and intriguing history are front and center on the "Croatia and the Balkans" trip—a 15-day chill out tour from Budapest to Split. Traverse Hungary, Croatia, and Montenegro, with stops in Novi Sad, Kotor, and island havens like Hvar. The region’s Adriatic coastline, dotted with historic towns and dramatic landscapes, offers endless opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and exploration. Still off the typical tourist radar, this tour package stands out for its balance of outdoor activity, cultural sightseeing, and laid-back discovery. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned explorer, you’ll find yourself captivated by the Balkans’ charm and diversity.

15 days

Best of Germany and Austria

4.9(34 reviews)

Medieval towns, lively cities, and scenic wonders—Best of Germany and Austria is your passport to the heart of Central Europe. Spanning 13 days, this sightseeing tour takes you from Frankfurt’s cosmopolitan flair to Vienna’s musical soul, passing through Salzburg and the stunning Rhine and Wachau valleys. Ideal for travelers who appreciate both history and modernity, the journey includes hotel accommodation, seamless transport, meals, and the expertise of local guides. Savor Vienna’s cultural treasures, witness Alpine panoramas, and explore charming towns rich with centuries-old traditions. The unique selling point? The tour’s thoughtful itinerary balances world-renowned landmarks with hidden gems, providing a well-rounded exploration of German and Austrian splendor.

13 days

Treasures of Paris, Switzerland, Italy and Vienna

Paris, Switzerland, Italy, and Vienna—the very names evoke images of grand boulevards, Alpine vistas, and timeless art. The "Treasures of Paris, Switzerland, Italy and Vienna" trip offers experienced travelers a 17-day guided city sightseeing journey through the heart of Europe, with all accommodations, transport, and meals taken care of for your peace of mind. Begin in Paris, where the romance of a Seine cruise and awe-inspiring views from the Eiffel Tower await. Travel through the rolling vineyards and medieval castles of Bourgogne and Beaune, then ascend to the Swiss Alps for breathtaking mountain scenes. Tour Lake Geneva and the charm of Lucerne before crossing into Italy, a country renowned for its cultural treasures. Explore Rome’s ancient wonders, Milan’s chic avenues, Florence’s Renaissance beauty, and Venice’s labyrinthine canals—where you’ll also witness the traditional art of glassblowing. Continue through Austria, marveling at the Alpine city of Innsbruck and Salzburg, immortalized in "The Sound of Music." Vienna’s imperial grandeur and riverside beauty provide a fitting prelude to the final destination—Budapest, a cosmopolitan hub where East meets West. Throughout, the trip’s relaxed pace ensures you have ample time for sightseeing and cultural immersion, with plenty of opportunities to soak up local flavors, art, and history. This tour stands out for its seamless blend of Europe’s most celebrated cities and scenic landscapes, making it perfect for those seeking a comprehensive and comfortable European adventure. If you dream of an elegantly orchestrated tour package that brings together the continent’s finest, this journey is an inspired choice.

17 days

Essential Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Austria

Barcelona, Venice, Zurich, and Vienna—imagine traversing these legendary cities in under two weeks. The "Essential Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Austria" trip is a thoughtfully paced 14-day city sightseeing tour that whisks travelers through some of Europe’s most iconic destinations. With hotels, transport, meals, and guided experiences included, you can focus on soaking in the sights and culture. Your journey starts in Barcelona with an exploration of the Monastery of Poblet and the bustling Ramblas. Travel through the scenic Provence region to reach Chamberry, then cross into Switzerland, where Zurich’s lakes and snow-capped peaks set an Alpine tone. Next, immerse yourself in Rome’s ancient splendor on a panoramic tour, from the Trastevere neighborhood to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum. Venice awaits with a boat ride across the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square and the artistry of Murano glass. Venture into Austria, taking a cable car for panoramic mountain vistas in Kitzbuhel and exploring the tranquil Traunsee Lake in Traunkirchen. Your trip culminates in Vienna, where majestic avenues, imperial palaces, and the Schonbrunn Palace gardens provide a grand finale. What sets this tour package apart is its seamless blend of historic cities, scenic drives, and cultural landmarks, all at a relaxed pace. For travelers eager to experience the essence of four European countries in a single, expertly organized trip, this tour is a perfect choice.

14 days

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights