Combine picturesque vistas, unsettling historical discovery and exotic urban exploration in this many splendoured a gem amongst our Central Europe tours.
This 21-day Central Europe tour combines history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Explore Warsaw's haunting past at the Uprising Museum and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps. Discover Krakow's medieval charm and descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Journey through Hungary, visiting Eger's wine region and Budapest's stunning architecture. Explore Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, and Vienna's imperial grandeur. Conclude in Prague, marveling at its astronomical clock and historic Jewish cemetery.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $1420 USD (number of singles limited).
Download Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Warsaw
Arrival in Warsaw.
After WWII, a reconstruction campaign by its citizens resulted in today's meticulous restoration of Warsaw's Old Town with its churches, palaces and market-place. It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century.
Overnight in Warsaw.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Warsaw: City Tour
Warsaw has shrugged off its dour Eastern Bloc image, and is finally showing its true colours. The vibrant heart of the largest country in "New Europe", Warsaw is now poised to make is presence felt as a business and cultural hub.
We begin our sightseeing today with a drive along the Royal Route and a brief orientation drive around the city before beginning our walking tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO protected site. We visit Castle Square, the Uprising Monument, and then drive over to the Praga area for a view of the river. From there go to the Jewish Ghetto area and to Umschlag Platz.
We also visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, dedicated to the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The museum sponsors research into the history of the Uprising, and the history and possessions of the Polish Underground State. It collects and maintains hundreds of artefacts, ranging from weapons used by the insurgents to love letters, in order to present a full picture of the people involved.
Overnight in Warsaw.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Not finding what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a private custom tour tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Day 3 Warsaw - Czestochowa - Krakow
We leave for Krakow via Czestochowa, the "spiritual home" of Poland where pilgrims from every corner of the country come to Jasna Gora (Luminous Mountain) Monastery to worship the image of the Black Madonna, Poland's most important icon. Legend says that the icon was painted by St Luke the Evangelist on a piece of cypress wood from the table used by Mary in Nazareth. The icon was brought from Jerusalem and installed in the monastery around 1384.
We continue to Krakow.
Overnight in Krakow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Krakow: Walking Tour & Oswiecim (Auschwitz)
Krakow is very compact, and the whole central region with its cobblestone streets is full of well-preserved architecture, Gothic churches and splendid museums. On our sightseeing tour (largely on foot at a leisurely pace) we visit Wawall Hill with the Royal Castle, Market Square, and the 16th century Renaissance Cloth Hall. We continue onward to Jagiellonian University and St Mary's Church with the Wit Stwosz altar. This was designed in 1489 by Wit Stwosz of Nuremburg and is the finest sculptural work in Poland.
We then stroll down the hill from the castle complex and enter the Old Town, one of the most famous old districts in Poland and the center of Poland's political life from 1038 until King Sigismund III Vasa relocated his court to Warsaw in 1596. The entire medieval old town is among the first sites chosen for the UNESCO's World Heritage List. The district features the centrally located Rynek Glowny, or Main Square, the largest medieval town square of any European city. There is a number of historic landmarks in its vicinity, such as St. Mary's Basilica (Kosciol Mariacki), Church of St. Wojciech (St. Adalbert's), Church of St. Barbara, as well as other national treasures.
This afternoon we head out of the city for a tour of Auschwitz, solemn journey into the darkest chapter of human history. The tour begins at the imposing main gate of Auschwitz I, marked by the chilling inscription "Arbeit macht frei." As visitors traverse the former barracks, they encounter haunting exhibits displaying personal belongings of victims, offering a stark reminder of the lives lost. The tour continues to Auschwitz II-Birkenau, the vast extermination camp. Walking along the infamous railway ramp, one can imagine the terror and despair of the countless prisoners who arrived by train. The sprawling complex of barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria is a sobering reminder of the scale of the Nazi operation.
Return to Krakow.
Overnight in Krakow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mines
Today we travel to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. On our 5km (3 mile) journey below the earth's surface we will see the saltformed caves and grottoes, a subterranean lake and a chapel with statues carved from salt. The mines' 11 levels of galleries stretch 300km (186 miles), and some 20,000,000 tonnes (22,000,000 tons) of rock salt were extracted over 700 years. According to local legend, the deposits were discovered in the 13th century by a Hungarian princess named Kinga, whose lost ring was found in a block of salt extracted here.
We also visit the museum associated with Oskar Schindler's factory made famous in Steven Spielberg's epic 'Schindler's List', before returning to Krakow.
Your afternoon is free to further explore this beautiful city. There are many cafes and pubs, which are located in medieval basements and cellars with vaulted ceilings. Obwarzanki (English: bagels) are undoubtedly a symbol of Krakow. On the Square there is a bagel seller every few steps.
Overnight in Krakow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Krakow - the High Tatras of Slovakia - Eger, Hungary
A full day of travel today takes us from Krakow to Eger in Hungary. We first pass though the very south of Poland. Nearby is Zakopane, nestled at the base of the Tatra Mountains. Steep peaks towering 1800 m (6,000 feet), roaring waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and a wide array of wildlife are features of this resort destination.
From here we will travel through the scenic Tatras Mountains, located in both Slovakia and Poland, en route to Hungary. We will have lunch in Slovakia, and then continue through the picturesque landscapes as green hills and tranquil river valleys gradually give way to the sweeping plains of Hungary. Our destination for the day is Eger, situated in the Eger Valley between the Bukk and Matra Hills. Eger is famous for the strong red Bull's Blood (Egri Bikaver) wine that gave them courage, for its medieval library, and for the northernmost minaret in Europe. There are still many accessible sites and much charm to the narrow streets, arcaded buildings, wrought-iron gates, and Baroque towers and domes of the Old Town. This is the perfect walking city with something interesting at every turn. Situated in the valley between the lavender peaks of Hungary's highest mountains, the Matras, and the wooded Buk Hills, the natural backdrop for this city's historic monuments is superb.
Overnight in Eger. Hotel Korona or similar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Eger: Town Tour
Eger has been inhabited since the Stone Age. During the early Middle Ages the area was inhabited by German, Avar and Slavonic tribes. Taken over by the Hungarians in the 10th century, Eger reached an age of prosperity during the 14th-16th centuries. Winegrowing, for which the town is still famous, began to be important at that time. During the Turkish occupation of Central Hungary, Eger became an important border fortress, successfully defended by Hungarian forces in the 1552 Siege of Eger, in the face of overwhelming odds.
Our walking tour today will include a visit to the famous castle of Eger with its museum and underground casements. We will also see the Archbishop's Palace, Franciscan Church, and Turkish Minaret.
Overnight in Eger.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Eger - Budapest
This morning we travel by road to Budapest. Along our way we will visit Holloko, one of Hungary's most beautiful towns. The small town of 650 people, with its two streets and nesting in a valley, is enchanting. What sets it apart is the Old Village where 50 houses have been listed and declared historic monuments. Holloko has been added to UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list, with its preserved unique ethnographic and folk art values. The village is certainly picturesque with its cobbled streets and little white houses noted for the round tiles like giant coins that protect the interiors.
From here we will continue to Budapest via Szentendre on the 'Danube Bend'. This riverside town of colourful buildings and cobblestone streets has been populated for over a thousand years. Today we find an array of wine cellars, unique museums, art galleries and shops... all providing a wonderful atmosphere. Time permitting, we may begin our sightseeing program with some on-foot touring.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Budapest: City Tour
This morning we depart for a bus tour of Budapest.
We start our day at Heroes Square and nearby Vajdahunyad Castle, where we briefly learn a bit about the history of Hungary. Our tour will continue toward Margaret Bridge over which we cross to the Buda side. Our next stop is the Citadel, a great place for panoramic views of the whole city. After a quick picture stop we continue to castle hill where we spend the rest of the day. A visit of St Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastions is by many seen as a highlight of the day.
After a lunch break we continue on foot to the Royal Palace, where we visit the National Gallery dedicated exclusively to Hungarian art.
At this point you are free to continue independent exploration or return on our bus back to the hotel. Your Tour Leader can help you to plan the rest of your day.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Budapest: Walking Tour
This morning we embark on a leisurely WALKING tour of city's urban heart. This is an area is full of stately old buildings, grand avenues, and innumerable tiny streets. We will take local transport to the huge neo-Gothic Parliament (Orszaghaz), the most visible building of Budapest's left bank. Built by 1,000 workers between 1885 and 1902, this building has now become the symbol of the capital with its slender towers, spacious arcades, high windows and vast central dome. Nearby one can see the magnificent building housing the Museum of Ethnography. Walking southeast we come to the stately and sprawling Liberty Square (Szabadsag ter). In the square's center remains a gold hammer and sickle atop a white stone obelisk, one of the few monuments to the Russian 'liberation' of Budapest in 1945. Passing by Roosevelt Square we soon come to the famous Chain Bridge, the oldest and most beautiful of the seven road bridges that span the Danube in Budapest. Before it was built, the river could be crossed only by ferry or by a pontoon bridge that had to be moved when ice blocks began floating downstream in the winter.
We continue along the pedestrian 'Promenade' with great views of Gellert Hill and Castle Hill on the opposite bank. We will stroll past the Concert Hall (Vigado), which is a curious mix of Byzantine, Moorish, Romanesque and Hungarian motifs. From here we walk to one of the liveliest places in Budapest, Vorosmarty Ter, a large square that the north end of Budapest's best known shopping street--Vaci Utca. This is a fantastic pedestrian-only area of the city that has undergone a full transformation over the last 10 years.
Eventually we will arrive at the famous 19th century Central Market Hall. This cavernous three-story market teems with people browsing stalls packed with everything from salamis and red-paprika chains to folk embroideries and souvenirs. The balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Budapest.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Budapest - Bratislava
This morning we travel by road from Budapest to Bratislava.
In the afternoon we will arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava is situated on both banks of the Danube and a promontory of the Little Carpathians. During the second half of the 20th century, Bratislava finally became a Slovakian city where an ambitious rebuilding and restoration program has transformed the city.
Overnight in Bratislava.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Bratislava: City Tour
The Romans were the first to have a watch post in Bratislava here above the Danube. In the eleventh century, a fortified castle was constructed on the site to protect the Hungarian kingdom. In the twelfth century Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa took control of the castle. In the fifteenth century, it achieved its real fame when King Sigismund ordered construction of a fortified Gothic castle here. When the Turks invaded Buda in 1541, this castle became the seat of the Hungarian government. In sixteenth-century Hapsburg days, it was rebuilt in Renaissance styles. In Napoleonic days, it is said that the Little Emperor watched the counterattack of the Russian and Polish armies after the Battle of Austerlitz from this site. But in Napoleonic times, a fire largely destroyed it. For 150 years it remained in a state of disrepair, until 1953, when the renovation that still continues got under way.
Our half-day morning city BUS / WALKING tour takes us to the main sights of Bratislava, including the historic Old Town, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin and the 14th century Tower of St. Michael in the ancient city walls. The afternoon is free.
Overnight in Bratislava.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Bratislava, Slovak Republic - Vienna, Austria
Today we travel to Vienna, the Austrian capital.
Vienna is a true cosmopolitan center, where different tribes and nationalities have, for centuries, fused their cultural identities to produce the intriguing and often cynical Viennese. Around 1900, Vienna was a city of vibrant, stimulating, intellectual life, a dynamic capital of elites that did pioneering work in many fields. Otto Wagner remarked in 1905 that "in spite of unfavourable conditions, Vienna is marching at the head of cultural nations". In a similar vein, international critics noted that Vienna was virtually unsurpassed in the sheer wealth of modern architecture that it had to offer at the time.
Overnight in Vienna.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Vienna: City Tour
Walking about downtown Vienna is an absolute pleasure. Our morning WALK takes us through some of the most well-trodden tourist routes in Vienna. We will take local transport to the Staatsoper, the premiere opera and classical music venue in Vienna, and possibly the world. From here we walk, heading north on Kartner Strasse, a pedestrian-only walkway of shops, trees, cafes and buildings of historical and cultural interest. Instantly recognizable along this walk is the Gothic, glorious Stephansdom (St Stephen's Cathedral). This is the geographical and emotional heart of the city. Our stroll down Graben St. takes us past Neo-Classical architectural masterpieces; then we turn onto Kohlmarket and head to Michaelerplatz and its array of architectural sites. As part of our tour, we'll also visit to Treasury of Hofburg.
Today our provided meal is lunch, to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy their evening at leisure, perhaps to attend one of the many beautiful concert venues, or even take in an opera.
Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Vienna.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 15 Vienna: Schonbrunn Palace
The grandiose city was the showpiece of the all-conquering Habsburg dynasty, which controlled much of Europe for over 600 years. Despite the ravages of time, its cultural gems endure: monumental edifices line the city centre, world-class museums burst with historical and artistic treasures, and internationally established orchestras perform in lavish concert halls.
Today we head out of the city centre to Schonbrunn Palace, where we walk through the manicured gardens and enjoy the view from the Gloriet overlook. This enormous Baroque palace was built to accommodate Empress Maria Theresia and her large family. Today the park and its enclosed historic Zoological garden are enjoyed by joggers, walkers, and families with children.
The balance of the day is free for you to explore this elegant Imperial capital. You may choose to stroll along the shopping district around Kaertner Street and the Graben and stop at the historic Demel Pastry Shop for a sweet break.
Overnight in Vienna.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16 Vienna, Austria - Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Today we travel from Vienna to Cesky Krumlov.
Medieval arcades and etched Renaissance facades in apricot, beige, and pea-green shades; rust-red, pink, and golden Baroque buildings surround the town's cobblestone square with a Plague Monument (Morovy sloup) in its centre. Here you can explore the square, the side streets, and the winding River Vltava that separates the Old Town from the towering castle. This is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite towns in the Czech Republic.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17 Cesky Krumlov: Castle Tour
Cesky Krumlov is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite towns in the Czech Republic, and always a favorite among travellers. Today we will visit the mighty Renaissance castle of Cesky Krumlov, once the seat of the powerful Lords of the Rozmberks and the Schwarzenbergs. The castle houses a rich collection of period furniture, tapestries and historical weapons. The present castle complex is one of the largest in Central Europe and was recorded on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992
The great castle complex dominates the town of Cesky Krumlov. Under the Castle Complex lies the old town with its winding alleys and venerable Gothic and Renaissance houses. The historical centre of the town is on the UNESCO Heritage list, and after our castle tour the rest of your day will be free to stroll in this historical city centre. Explore the backstreets, visit the small shops and cafes, and wander the pathways along the river.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18 Cesky Krumlov - Prague
Today we travel to Prague, the magnificent capital of the Czech Republic. Prague lies on the seven hills flanking the banks of the Vltava River with the most outstanding views being from Prague Castle. Sometimes it is called Prague the Golden, sometimes Prague the City of 100 Spires. It is compared with Florence and Rome in its beauty. Thomas Mann said it was one of the world's most magical cities; Goethe called it the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world. Virtually untouched by war, its architecture is Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Empire and Art Nouveau.
Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19 Prague: Old Jewish Quarter & Wenceslas Square
Our WALKING tour today takes us to the Old Jewish Quarter and the old Town Square with its famous town bell and astronomical clock.
The Old Jewish Cemetery is an incredible sight. The second oldest in Europe, it was established in the 15th century. Burials took place from 1439 to 1787. Today there are 12,000 tombstones jammed together, leaning one on another, every one at a different angle and size, the whole creating a graphic and surreal image. We also visit the museum/memorial and the Klaus Synagogue with a permanent exhibition called "Jewish Customs and Traditions" highlighting the significance of the synagogue and Jewish festivals.
We continue to the Old Town Square. The 15th century designer of the astronomical clock located here was master clockmaker Hanus of Ruze. According to legend, he was blinded by Prague's town councilors for fear that he would make another like it for another town; so magnificent and applauded was his creation. One day toward the end of his life, he asked a friend to lead him to his great creation. As the figure of Death tolled the hour, Hanus thrust his hand into the clock's apparatus; the clock stopped, and it was centuries before a craftsman could be found who was skilled enough to make it work. In World War II, the clock is said to have stopped again after the Nazi murder of hundreds of citizens of Prague.
We finish our walking tour at Wenceslas Square in time for lunch (your own account). The balance of the day is at leisure. Prague is famous for its concert halls: The Municipal House, Rudolfinium, Mozart Theatre, National Theatre, The State Theatre -- all of them close to the center of the city with performances almost every night. Your Tour Leader can help organize optional evening activities.
Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 20 Prague: Prague Castle & Old Town
Our morning sightseeing tour of Prague travels through the city centre to Prague Castle. We begin our WALKING tour near Pohorelec Square before the Cernin Palace. As we head towards the castle we will pass the following: Strahov Monastery, the Loreta, the Cappucin Monastery, and the Archbishop's Palace. Before entering the castle, we will pause by the wall for a city panorama and orientation before our 2-hour visit of the castle.
We enter into first courtyard with its famous fountain and walk over to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. We continue to the St. Vitus Cathedral and visit the choir and crypt before heading to the third courtyard. Here we enter the Old Palace from St. George Square and then continue toward the Golden Lane (Kafka's House) where we pause for a break and refreshment, and then carry on the Old Castle Steps with photo stops along the way.
We will stop at Nikolas Church before crossing the ancient Charles Bridge (Karluv Most), an artistic masterpiece famous for its vendors and artists. For over four hundred years, this work of art, built by King Charles IV in 1357, was the only link between the two halves of Prague. We admire the many sculptures as we walk across. We finish the formal part of our tour in the Old Town, an excellent spot for lunch. The afternoon is free to further explore this amazing city.
Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 21 Departure
Departure from Prague.
STASTNU CESTU!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Full-time Tour Leader services and local guide support at several locations.
Breakfast and dinner (hotels & local restaurants) daily.
All accommodation, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving/departing on tour dates.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.
Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Seasonality and Weather
This trip is offered in spring and early fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner. Showers can occur at any time.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest. Though we do not rate this tour "strenuous", it is a busy program with numerous city / town walking tours featuring uneven surfaces, inclines and / or stairs. You must be able to spend several hours on your feet per day, walking at a leisurely pace. There may not be porters available in all locations. We also make use of public transit in some cities in order to maximize sightseeing where vehicles are impractical (most people quite enjoy this insight into daily life).
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page.
Accommodation
Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3-star) throughout. Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All hotels have en suite toilet and bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is sometimes available; you MUST be independent with your luggage. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver, local step-on guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum (plus Tour Leader)
Regions visited: Central And Eastern Europe and Western Europe
Countries visited: Poland; Hungary; Slovakia; Austria and Czech Republic
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
The hotel consists of three structurally connected historical buildings of Gothic Renaissance origin located between the square and Kájovská and Na louži streets. Within the years each hotel building went through Renaissance and Baroque reconstructions and refurbishments.
