Premium Central Europe Tour by Intrepid Travel

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

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

Starts

Prague, Czech Republic

Ends

Belgrade, Serbia

Highlights

Visit five different countries on this trip – from the streets of Prague to the historic depths of Belgrade, you’ll get a sense of every city with local leader insights.

Stay at a 13th-century castle in the Slovakian countryside, where you can relax at the spa and dine in style at the in-house restaurant.

Savour a variety of local flavors with unique culinary experiences, including a beer tasting tour in the Czech Republic, a wine-tasting session in Serbia, a hands-on Pierogi cooking class in Poland, and street food delights in Hungary.

Engage with history during a tour of Auschwitz to understand the region’s past and reflect on its profound impact. This visit is both emotional and essential for a comprehensive view of European history.

Immerse yourself in a traditional Hungarian crafts and costumes in Holloko and enjoy a guided hike in Slovakia. This trip offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and rich cultural activities.

Itinerary

Central Europe comes alive on the 'Premium Central Europe' tour, a 12-day journey beginning in Prague and culminating in Belgrade. Crafted for experienced travelers and seniors seeking depth and comfort, this easy-paced trip traverses five diverse countries, weaving together the region’s storied past, vibrant present, and rich culinary traditions.

Stroll the storybook streets of Prague, then unwind in a historic 13th-century Slovakian castle—a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in medieval ambiance. In Krakow, engage with history on a private tour of Auschwitz, followed by a hands-on Pierogi cooking class and local alcohol tastings that bring Polish culture to life.

Discover the warmth of Paloc traditions in Holloko, where you’ll try on traditional costumes and learn local crafts, offering genuine cultural immersion. The journey continues through Budapest’s grand boulevards and thermal baths, before reaching the lively spirit of Belgrade. Along the way, savor guided tours, authentic meals, and plenty of free time for personal discoveries.

A standout feature of this tour package is the blend of curated experiences—like cooking classes and castle stays—with seamless logistics, ensuring both comfort and enrichment. For those seeking to explore Central Europe’s highlights in style, this trip delivers an inspiring balance of history, local flavor, and unique hands-on moments.

day 1 - Prague

Ahoj! Welcome to Prague. When you arrive at Prague Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore Czech Republic's capital city as you wish. Steeped in history, there’s plenty to see here – maybe check out the National Gallery, with Czech and international art on display, or the Franz Kafka Museum – a wonderful dedication to the life and work of the famous Prague writer. After your meeting, get to know your group over a traditional Czech dinner – look out for local favourites goulash (a beef stew) and svickova (roast beef) on the menu.

included:Prague - Welcome Dinner

accommodation:Prague Leon D'oro

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Prague

Get up and out this morning on a leader-led orientation walk around the city. You’ll probably spot Prague Castle – one of the largest ancient castles in the world, visible from different parts of the city. See Charles Bridge, another medieval structure that crosses the Vltava River and venture into the charming Old Town with its own architectural highlights, like the astronomical clock that’s been ticking away since 1410. If you’re a fan of beer, you’re probably familiar with a Pilsner – but did you know this pale lager originated in the Czech Republic? Try some out on a visit to the Pilsner brewery, where you’ll also learn all about the brewing process and its origins.

included:Prague - Pilsner Brewery Visit and Tasting, Prague - Orientation Walk

accommodation:Prague Leon D'oro

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Olomouc

Hop on a train to Olomouc today, east of Prague. Although often overshadowed by the capital, this city has plenty to offer – like the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Olomouc Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Olomouc even has its own astronomical clock in its Old Town, offering an insight into how people kept time in the medieval period. Learn about these and more during a leader-led orientation walk. You’re then free to explore as you wish. Make sure to ask your leader for any restaurant recommendations in the city centre or go for a walk around Smetana Gardens.

included:Olomouc - Orientation Walk

accommodation:Hotel Arigone

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Krakow

This morning, you’ll drive across the border into Poland and on to Auschwitz – one of the trip’s most difficult but profoundly impactful experiences. As you walk around what once was the largest Nazi concentration camp with a guide, you’ll learn about the suffering of millions of Jewish people, as well as other persecuted groups, during the Holocaust. While visiting Auschwitz is incredibly emotional, it’s essential for understanding the past and ensuring such atrocities aren’t repeated in the future. Decompress after in Krakow, your next destination, and perhaps head to the Old Town for dinner.

included:Krakow - Auschwitz Guided Tour

accommodation:Hotel Polonia

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Krakow

Krakow is best known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, so take it all in as you tour the city with a local guide this morning. They’ll likely bring you to Main Market Square in the Old Town, one of the largest squares in Europe, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a church known for its Gothic architecture. As you walk, learn about how Krakow changed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II. Then, get hands-on with Krakow’s culinary scene with a cooking class – learn how to make Pierogi (Central European dumplings) and enjoy tucking into them after.

included:Krakow - Pierogi Cooking Class, Krakow - City Tour With Local Guide

accommodation:Hotel Polonia

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Banska Stiavnica

Make your way to central Slovakia today and stop in Banska Bystrica – a city with medieval origins. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led tour, where you might see the Main Square in the Old Town and the Church of St. Francis Xavier – an excellent example of Baroque architecture. Maybe learn about the city’s role in the Slovak National Uprising of 1944 in the square dedicated to it. Then, head to your Feature Stay accommodation for the night – Hotel Grand Viglas. Feel like royalty in this converted castle that offers modern amenities like a swimming pool and spa, as well as an upscale restaurant for dinner.

included:Banska Bystrica - Orientation Walk

accommodation:Hotel Grand Viglas - Feature Stay

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 7 - Banska Stiavnica

Check out the nearby town of Banska Stiavnica today, which sits in the middle of a caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano with the whole town declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start with a visit to the Slovak Mining Museum to see first-hand the role that mining precious metals has had in shaping this region and its communities. After, your leader will take you on a short but rewarding hike to Calvaria Church, which sits on a hill overlooking the city. You’ll start from the Calvaria Hill and take a well-marked trail, with plenty of good views of the city. Finally, relax with a free evening back at your Feature Stay.

included:Banska Stiavnica - Calvaria Church Hike, Banska Stiavnica - Mining Museum, Banska Stiavnica - Orientation Walk

accommodation:Hotel Grand Viglas - Feature Stay

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Budapest

Pack up and head for Budapest today, stopping at Holloko on the way. This village, tucked away in the Cserhat Mountains, is a well-preserved representation of Paloc culture – an ethnic subgroup in Hungary. You might feel as though you're stepping back in time as you walk around Holloko, where residents often wear traditional clothing, and crafts like pottery and weaving remain integral to village life. Walk around with a local guide and learn about these different traditional crafts at demonstrations – where you can even try on traditional clothing! Sample brandy and cheese pie (a local delicacy) then continue to Budapest for the evening.

included:Holloko - Holloko Traditional Village

accommodation:KK Hotel Opera

meals:1 Breakfast

day 9 - Budapest

Get your bearings in Hungary’s capital today with an orientation walk with your leader. Many associate Budapest with its thermal bath culture, which is why it’s also known as the City of Spas. You can opt to visit the Szechenyi Baths – one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Budapest, featuring several outdoor pools. Buda Castle is also a highlight, standing tall on the west side of the Danube River. Join your leader for a bus ride to Buda Castle – a well-loved route that allows you to see lots of historical parts of the city, like Chain Bridge, the bridge that connects Buda and Pest, and Matthias Church. After, refuel with a langos (a deep-fried flatbread, very popular in Budapest)!

included:Budapest - Buda Castle Walk, Budapest - Traditional Langos Snack, Budapest - Orientation Walk

accommodation:KK Hotel Opera

meals:1 Breakfast

day 10 - Belgrade

Drive to Serbia this morning and stop off at Subotica. Enjoy a guided tour of the border city, where you’ll spot notable Art Nouveau architecture around the place, namely the City Hall and the Synagogue. Your leader can also explain how the Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods influenced the city. You’ll then drive to a local winery, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process in Serbia. Put your wine-tasting skills to the test by sampling various wines from their signature collection. After, continue to Belgrade, your last destination.

included:Subotica - Wine Tasting, Subotica - City Tour with Local Guide

accommodation:Hotel Mark or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 11 - Belgrade

As Serbia’s capital, Belgrade has a rich history and your leader will touch on this today on an orientation walk. Located where the Danube River and the River Sava meet, this city has been a centre of power for various empires over the centuries. Once you know your way around the city, the day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps check out Knez Mihailova Street if you’re in the mood to shop, or head to Kalemegdan Fortress for good views of the rivers converging. Maybe visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, where you can learn all about how the engineer shaped technological advancement in the 20th century. Then, get together with your group for a traditional Serbian dinner.

included:Belgrade - Leader-led Orientation Walk, Belgrade - Farewell Dinner

accommodation:Hotel Mark or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Belgrade

Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Belgrade, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, train, metro, tram, taxi

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Prague - Welcome DinnerPrague - Pilsner Brewery Visit and TastingPrague - Orientation WalkOlomouc - Orientation WalkKrakow - Auschwitz Guided TourKrakow - Pierogi Cooking ClassKrakow - City Tour With Local GuideBanska Bystrica - Orientation WalkBanska Stiavnica - Calvaria Church HikeBanska Stiavnica - Mining MuseumBanska Stiavnica - Orientation WalkHolloko - Holloko Traditional VillageBudapest - Buda Castle WalkBudapest - Traditional Langos SnackBudapest - Orientation WalkSubotica - Wine TastingSubotica - City Tour with Local GuideBelgrade - Leader-led Orientation WalkBelgrade - Farewell Dinner

What's Excluded

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