Best of Central Europe

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Description

Summary

Starts
Vienna
Duration
15 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
15 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the heart of Central Europe, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty, taking you from the imperial elegance of Vienna to the vibrant streets of Budapest. Discover medieval towns, majestic castles, and picturesque landscapes, all while enjoying the warmth and hospitality of each destination. With guided tours, free exploration time, and unique experiences, this adventure promises to be a captivating exploration of Europe's most enchanting regions. Join us for an immersive journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and histories of Central Europe.

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Included

12 breakfasts

vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

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OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.

TWIN SHARE BASIS:

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

CHECK-IN TIME:

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:

If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

FACILITIES:

Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights)

hotel: 12 night(s), guesthouse: 2 night(s);

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TRANSPORT IN EUROPE:

Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

PUBLIC BUSES:

This trip covers some distances by public buses. Buses in Central Europe can range from high standard coaches with reclining seats and air-conditioning to Soviet era vehicles for shorter distances.

TRAINS:

European trains are comfortable and often decked out with air-conditioning. Toilets are always available. Some of the trains have snack bars (or vending machines) and power points next to the seats but that cannot be guaranteed on every journey. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre.

LONG TRAVEL DAYS:

As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning.

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

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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

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Destinations

Wroclaw - city in PolandWroclaw
Český Krumlov - town in Czech RepublicČeský Krumlov
Oświęcim - city in PolandOświęcim
Tatranská Lomnica
Budapest - city in HungaryBudapest
Photo of aerial view of old town in Swidnica with 100 meters high St. Stanislaus and St. Wenceslaus Cathedral, Lower Silesia, Poland.Świdnica
Krakow - city in PolandKrakow
Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria.Vienna
Praha -  in CzechiaPrague

Map

Attractions

Góralski Ślizg, Zakopane, Tatra County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, PolandGóralski Ślizg
Museum of Natural History, Osiedle Stare Miasto, Wroclaw, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, PolandMuseum of Natural History
Egon Schiele Art CentrumEgon Schiele Art Centrum
Photo of Wawel castle with Gardens and cathedral, Krakow, Poland.Wawel Castle
photo of view of Király Fürdő .Király Fürdő
Kláštery Český Krumlov
Saint Mary's Basilica located on Main Square in Cracow, Poland.St. Mary's Basilica
photo of view of The view of Hundertwasser house in Vienna, Austria.Hundertwasserhaus
Photo of Buda Castle Royal Palace on Hill Hungary, Budapest.Buda Castle
Zywiec Brewery Museum, Żywiec, Żywiec County, Silesian Voivodeship, PolandZywiec Brewery Museum
Photo of Town Hall on the Market Square, Wroclaw, Poland.Wrocław Market Square
Tatra Gallery, Poprad, District of Poprad, Region of Prešov, Eastern Slovakia, SlovakiaTatra Gallery
Cloak Bridge, Český Krumlov, okres Český Krumlov, Jihočeský kraj, Southwest, CzechiaCloak Bridge
Photo of aerial view of Old Town Square in Prague, Czech republic.Old Town Square
Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel, KG Leopoldstadt, Leopoldstadt, Vienna, AustriaViennese Giant Ferris Wheel
Photo of amazing red deers in Prague zoo.Prague Zoo
Photo of scenic aerial sunset on the architecture of the Old Town Pier and Charles Bridge over the Vltava River in Prague, Czech.Charles Bridge
Wroclaw central market square with old houses and sunset. Panoramic evening view, long exposure, timelapse. Historical capital of Silesia, Wroclaw (Breslau) , Poland, Europe.Cathedral Island
Visiting Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow Poland.Wieliczka Salt Mine
Photo of Budapest City park big playground in aerial panoramic view.City Park
Baszta Sandomierska
Photo of aerial view of Schonbrunn Palace is a major tourist attraction in Vienna, Austria.Schönbrunn Palace
White Polyana ski station Potok
A picture of a Humboldt Penguin at the Kraków Zoo.Krakow Zoo
Photo of the Albertina is a museum in the Innere Stadt of Vienna, Austria. Albertina houses one of the largest print rooms in the world.Albertina
Wrocław Africarium, Dąbie, Osiedle Biskupin-Sępolno-Dąbie-Bartoszowice, Wroclaw, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, PolandWrocław Africarium
Photo of the Wiener Riesenrad or Vienna Giant Wheel 65m tall Ferris wheel in Prater park in Austria.Prater
Photo of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria.St. Stephen's Cathedral
Photo of main square in Krakow on a summer day, Poland.Old town Market Square in Krakow

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Vienna

  • Vienna - Arrival day
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  • Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Vienna, Austria, where your journey begins. Settle into your accommodation at Magdas Hotel (or similar), a unique establishment supporting refugees. After a welcome meeting at 6 pm, explore the city or take a ride on the iconic Prater Ferris Wheel for stunning views. Spend the evening getting to know your fellow travelers over a delightful dinner.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Vienna

  • Vienna
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  • Hundertwasserhaus
  • Kreuzenstein Castle
  • Schönbrunn Palace
  • Albertina
  • Prater
  • St. Stephen's Cathedral
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Embark on a guided morning walk through Vienna's historic center, visiting landmarks like St Stephen's Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Conclude at the State Opera House, then enjoy coffee and cake at Vollpension Cafe, a community-focused establishment. Spend the afternoon exploring Vienna's museums or take a tour of the grand Schoenbrunn Palace.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Vienna to Cesky Krumlov

  • Český Krumlov
  • Vienna
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  • Český Krumlov Castle Tower
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Depart Vienna and journey to the charming town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Discover its medieval allure on a guided tour, exploring the Old Town and the impressive Cesky Krumlov Castle. Enjoy panoramic views from the castle's royal gardens and immerse yourself in the town's fairy-tale ambiance.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Cesky Krumlov

  • Český Krumlov
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  • Egon Schiele Art Centrum
  • Cloak Bridge
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Enjoy a day of leisure in Cesky Krumlov. Opt for a guided castle tour or visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum to appreciate Austrian art. For a unique perspective, consider canoeing on the Vltava River, offering a refreshing way to experience the town's scenic beauty.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Cesky Krumlov to Prague

  • Prague
  • Český Krumlov
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  • Old Town Square
  • Charles Bridge
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Travel to the vibrant city of Prague. Upon arrival, join an orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the local area. Spend your free afternoon exploring Prague's renowned jazz scene or capture stunning photos at Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Prague

  • Prague
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  • Museum Jawa Konopiště
  • Old Town Square
  • Jerusalem Synagogue
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Explore Prague at your own pace, with options to visit the historic Jewish Quarter and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Delve into history at the Museum of Communism or unwind in one of Prague's famous beer halls for an authentic Czech experience.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Prague to Wroclaw

  • Wroclaw
  • Prague
  • Świdnica
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  • Church of Peace in Świdnica
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Cross into Poland, stopping in Swidnica to visit the remarkable Church of Peace. Continue to Wroclaw, a city rich in cultural heritage. Settle into your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk, then explore the city's historic charm at your leisure.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Wroclaw

  • Wroclaw
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  • Museum of Natural History
  • Wrocław Market Square
  • Cathedral Island
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Discover Wroclaw's captivating sights, including Ostrów Tumski, the Old Town Square, and the Four Denominations District. Enjoy the city's vibrant cultural scene and take in the stunning architecture, with your guide available for local recommendations.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Wroclaw to Krakow

  • Krakow
  • Wroclaw
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  • Wawel Castle
  • St. Mary's Basilica
  • Baszta Sandomierska
  • Old town Market Square in Krakow
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Travel to Krakow, Poland's historic gem. Join an orientation walk to explore the city's medieval heart, including Wawel Royal Castle and Rynek Glowny. Visit St Mary's Basilica and St Francis' Basilica, and discover the prestigious Jagiellonian University. Spend the evening in the lively Jewish Quarter.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Krakow and Auschwitz

  • Krakow
  • Oświęcim
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  • Zywiec Brewery Museum
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine
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Visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a guided tour. In the afternoon, explore Krakow further or venture to the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines. Conclude your day with a traditional Polish meal and toast to your experiences.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Krakow to Tatranska Lomnica

  • Krakow
  • Tatranská Lomnica
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  • Góralski Ślizg
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Journey through southern Poland to Slovakia, arriving at the alpine resort of Tatranska Lomnica. Nestled in the High Tatra Mountains, this picturesque location offers a serene retreat. Spend the evening soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of this stunning region.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Tatranska Lomnica

  • Tatranská Lomnica
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  • Tatra Gallery
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Embark on a guided hike through the breathtaking High Tatra Mountains. Traverse scenic trails, taking in the natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Tatranska Lomnica to Budapest

  • Budapest
  • Tatranská Lomnica
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  • Buda Castle
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Travel to the vibrant city of Budapest, Hungary. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take a leisurely stroll to acquaint yourself with the surroundings. Enjoy the evening exploring Budapest's renowned culinary scene or unwind in one of its famous ruin bars.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Budapest

  • Budapest
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  • Buda Castle
  • City Park
  • Rudas Baths
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Explore Budapest, the 'Pearl of the Danube,' at your own pace. Consider a boat trip on the river or visit Buda Castle for panoramic views. Discover the historical Statue Park or relax in the city's famous thermal baths. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and rich culture of this captivating city.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Budapest

  • Budapest - Departure day
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Conclude your European adventure in Budapest. After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and depart at your convenience. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories made during this incredible journey through Central Europe.

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