Highlights of Central Europe
Tour Description
Day 1: Prague
Travel through the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary and experience some of the best bits of Central Europe. From the sleekness of Vienna, and from the architectural triumphs of Prague to the contrasting twin cities of Budapest, see how history, folklore and tradition are threaded through the fabric of modern life. Visit centuries-old castles, be spoilt by greenery in urban jungles, fall in love with Bohemian fairytale towns, marvel at the artistic talents of European masters and dig into a Hungarian feast cooked by a local family, especially for you. This adventure has it all.
Itinerary
Day 1: Prague
Vítejte v Praze! Welcome to Prague, the City of a Hundred Spires and the capital of the Czech Republic. Meet your new travel buddies and group leader at 6 pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, you might like to head out for a special welcome dinner together. You could tuck into a delicious meal at a Czech pub and enjoy traditional food like sausages, dumplings and salads, and fresh, crisp beer straight from the tank – just like a local. Did you know that the beer in the Czech Republic has three colours? Gold, amber and black – we recommend you try them all to see which one you like best.
Day 2: Prague
Head to Prague Castle this morning and spend time exploring the Old Royal Palace, St Vitus’ Cathedral, St George’s Basilica and the colourful Golden Lane. Then, get a taste for Czech cuisine as you tuck into lunch at a local canteen that proudly serves up traditional dishes. There’ll be plenty of lunching locals if you want to copy their order for the best dishes on offer. The rest of the day is free to do as you wish. You could wander the countless museums, or stroll the cobblestone streets, perhaps, café-hopping as you go. In the evening, maybe grab dinner with your new travel companions or hit the town solo. Your leader will have some great recommendations, no matter what you feel like.
Day 3: Cesky Krumlov
Depart Prague today and travel by local bus to the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is like something out of a fairy-tale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced ‘Chess-kee Kroom-love’) means ‘crooked meadow’, which is befitting of a town that’s nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Today, join a local guide for a walking tour of the town and hear tales of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. Later you might like to visit the town’s castle or art gallery, or head out on an optional cycling or canoeing excursion.
Day 4: Vienna
Depart Cesky Krumlov by private minivan this morning and cross the border into Austria, continuing to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. Join your leader for a walk through the city’s compact centre. Stop at the gothic-style St Stephens Cathedral, wander past the grand neo-classical Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Stop by Vollpension, where you can be treated to sweet eats just like your grandma made. This café aims to bridge the generation gap and bring people together through food by employing baking masters who happen to be ‘grandmas and grandpas’ to bake the freshest cakes in all of Vienna. Then, finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world’s most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter. In the evening, perhaps head out for some Viennese cuisine.
Day 5: Vienna
Wake up without an alarm today as you have the whole of today to explore Vienna and its surrounds at your leisure. You might like to head out to Schoenbrunn for a guided audio tour of the summer palace, designed by Empress Maria Theresa. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, although there is a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Vienna is a beautiful city, so try to capture its essence as best you can while you’re here.
Day 6: Budapest
Today, you’ll take a scenic train journey across the border into Hungary to reach Budapest. Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. Dive deeper into Budapest with a walking tour with a local guide to explore some of the city’s most interesting sights. There’s no one better to show you all of the best spots and give you local insights like someone who lives here so be sure to follow closely and ask your local guide any of your burning questions about Budapest. You’ll see the Hungarian State Opera House, St. Stephen’s Church and The Chain Bridge. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. You’ll enjoy views of the Freedom Statute and the Citadel, Gellért spa baths and Buda castle along your walk today. This The afternoon is free for you to enjoy everything Budapest has to offer. It’s the spa capital of the world so if you want to do nothing more than soak all day, you won’t be judged here.
Day 7: Budapest
After a free day to explore Budapest , enjoy a home-cooked Hungarian meal with a local family in the evening. You’ll be invited into their family home to enjoy a drink and snack on fresh vegetables, cheese, bread and homemade sausages in the garden. After whetting your appetite, you’ll get a chance to roll up your sleeves and join the family in the kitchen to learn some of their Hungarian cooking specialties with a cooking masterclass. Then, tuck into your freshly prepared meal and enjoy dinner with your new-found friends and host family. Toast your Hungarian arrival with a taste of palinka, Hungarian fruit brandy.
Day 8: Budapest
Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no more activities planned and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there’s not much time in Budapest, it’s recommended that you stay an extra few nights so you can truly experience this beautiful city. If you need help booking additional accommodation, our reservations team can help (subject to availability).
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 13, 2025 | Jul 20, 2025 | $4,475.00 | |
| Aug 17, 2025 | Aug 24, 2025 | $3,124.00 | |
| Aug 31, 2025 | Sep 7, 2025 | $3,064.00 | |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Sep 14, 2025 | $4,490.00 | |
| Sep 14, 2025 | Sep 21, 2025 | $4,490.00 | |
| Sep 21, 2025 | Sep 28, 2025 | $4,675.00 | |
| Sep 28, 2025 | Oct 5, 2025 | $4,830.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Oct 19, 2025 | $4,950.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | $4,340.00 | |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Mar 1, 2026 | $4,265.00 | |
| Mar 15, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026 | $4,265.00 | |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Apr 12, 2026 | $4,265.00 | |
| Apr 19, 2026 | Apr 26, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| May 3, 2026 | May 10, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| May 17, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| May 31, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Jun 14, 2026 | Jun 21, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Jun 21, 2026 | Jun 28, 2026 | $4,265.00 | |
| Jun 28, 2026 | Jul 5, 2026 | $4,140.00 | |
| Jul 12, 2026 | Jul 19, 2026 | $4,140.00 | |
| Jul 26, 2026 | Aug 2, 2026 | $4,140.00 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Aug 16, 2026 | $4,265.00 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Aug 23, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Aug 30, 2026 | Sep 6, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Sep 6, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Sep 13, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Sep 20, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Oct 4, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | $4,475.00 | |
| Oct 11, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Dec 13, 2026 | Dec 20, 2026 | $4,305.00 | |
| Feb 21, 2027 | Feb 28, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Apr 18, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| May 2, 2027 | May 9, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| May 16, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| May 30, 2027 | Jun 6, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Jun 13, 2027 | Jun 20, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Jun 20, 2027 | Jun 27, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Jun 27, 2027 | Jul 4, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Jul 11, 2027 | Jul 18, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Jul 25, 2027 | Aug 1, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Aug 8, 2027 | Aug 15, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Aug 15, 2027 | Aug 22, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Sep 5, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Sep 5, 2027 | Sep 12, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Sep 12, 2027 | Sep 19, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2027 | Sep 26, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2027 | Oct 3, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2027 | Oct 10, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Oct 10, 2027 | Oct 17, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Oct 24, 2027 | Oct 31, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2027 | Nov 21, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Dec 5, 2027 | Dec 12, 2027 | $4,265.00 | |
| Dec 12, 2027 | Dec 19, 2027 | $4,265.00 |