Premium Central Europe
Premium Central Europe
Premium Central Europe
15 Days Starting in Prague and ending in Berlin
Visiting: Prague, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest, Gödöllő, Tatra Mountains, Chochołów, Kraków, Nowa Huta, Wrocław, Berlin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WMPC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
From quaint villages to captivating cities and cloud-piercing peaks, this 15-day Premium adventure will lend you thousands of years of history and a wealth of cultural treasures. An expert leader will take you below Central Europe’s surface as you marvel at architecture in Prague, walk Vienna’s royal streets, taste wine in Budapest, sip vodka in Krakow and dine in lively Berlin. Discover fairy-tale castles, tackle mountain trails and try timeless local food on an unforgettable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Ahoj, welcome to Prague! You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, the Czech Republic’s boisterous capital has no shortage of things to see and do. Perhaps head out in search of one of the city’s famous beers (you won’t have to look too far) or stop by the Mucha Museum, showcasing the life and work of Czech painter Alphonse Mucha. Prague’s burgeoning food scene is worth discovering, and menus across the city are flaunting the best of Czech cuisine made with first-rate ingredients. After your meeting, get to know your fellow travellers and leader over a meal at a brilliant local restaurant where you’ll be introduced to a range of classic dishes, from goulash to grilled sausage.
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Day 2 : Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover a fascinating city that marches to its own beat during a morning tour with Urban Adventures. Prague’s many historic buildings and other stylish sights have earned this city the nickname 'Paris of the east'. Note the contrast between the grand Middle Ages architecture and buildings like the avant-garde Dancing House on the banks of the Vltava. Explore Prague’s elegant Old Town as your local guide shares tales from its hundreds of years of history. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you please, whether it be wandering through the Jewish Quarter or strolling over the beloved Charles Bridge after sunset. As night falls, the tempo picks up and a different side of Prague unfolds. The Old Town bursts to life in the evening, and the nightlife here is excellent, with many underground beer taverns, absinthe bars and jazz clubs playing music until the small hours of the morning.
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Day 3 : Cesky Krumlov
Location: Český Krumlov
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Prague and travel to another delightful Bohemian town – Cesky Krumlov. The name of the town translates literally to 'crooked meadow', thanks to its location in the sharp bend of the Vltava River. This 13th-century city is one of Europe’s most beautiful, with an enchanting fairy-tale castle perched on a hill that watches over the town below. Your leader will guide you through a maze of winding cobbled lanes in the well-preserved Old City, pointing out interesting pieces of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture along the way. In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a wonderful storytelling session at a hidden location. Sip on sparkling wine while listening to thrilling legends of murders, plots and romances in medieval Cesky Krumlov. The evening is yours to further explore this intriguing and romantic town.
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Day 4 : Cesky Krumlov
Location: Český Krumlov
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps have another walk around the town and extend it by climbing the castle's tower for expansive views, or even go on an optional guided tour of the castle. Alternatively, speak to your leader about exploring the surrounding countryside by bicycle, visiting tiny hamlets and crossing rolling hills. If there is time, and if the weather holds, an equally great option is to take a canoe or raft trip on the river that winds through town.
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Day 5 : Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will leave the Czech Republic and travel to Vienna, Austria’s capital city. Vienna is a cosmopolitan city with the air of a rich cultural heritage and golden past. On arrival, an in-depth walking tour with a local guide will take you from the Gothic splendour of St Stephens Cathedral to the neo-classical grandeur of the Graben, and then on to Hofburg Palace, where Habsburg emperors once resided in winter. With insight provided by your guide, it’s not hard to imagine what extravagant royal life here once looked like. You will have the opportunity to rest and enjoy the beauty of the monument dedicated to Empress ‘Sisi’ Elizabeth in the Volksgarten. From here you will journey on to the Ringstrasse. Your walking tour will come to an end at the State Opera House, one of the most important opera institutions in the world. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy.
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Day 6 : Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is free for you to explore Vienna's many possibilities, aided by your included 24-hour transport ticket. Your leader will be on hand to help tailor a day that will best suit your interests. Art enthusiasts can choose from several great museums, from the Albertina to the vast array found in the Museum Quarter. You might like to climb the 343 steps to the top of the tower of St Stephen's Cathedral. Schoenbrunn Palace is well worth a visit and has a guided audio tour. Another excellent way to enjoy the afternoon is to take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel. Regroup in the evening to share anecdotes over an included dinner in a traditional Viennese wine tavern.
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Day 7 : Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Vienna and head to Budapest. Hungary’s lively capital has truly come into its own since the collapse of the Iron Curtain. Its beautiful grand boulevards and opulent architecture evoke an old-world charm, while the plethora of new-age stores and restaurants lend it an air of cosmopolitan elegance. Upon arrival head on an orientation walk with you leader. In the late afternoon, visit a cellar underneath Buda Castle and enjoy a wine tasting tour in this spectacular location. Become an expert on the local fare as a sommelier guides you through a variety of wines, including Hungary’s famous Tokaji dessert wine. Once you’re schooled up on the local wine, it’s time to find something to pair it with. Hungarian food is known for being two things; hearty and delicious. Finish this exciting day with a group dinner at one of Budapest’s excellent restaurants.
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Day 8 : Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy free time to bask in the delights of Budapest. Walking is great, but cycling is perhaps the best way to see the city. A boat trip down the Danube is also a fine option. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Statue Park, to see some of the important fallen legends immortalised. The thermal baths that are dispersed around the city are not to be missed – you can indulge in anything from opulent indoor pools to more simple outdoor baths. You may like to take the opportunity to try some Hungarian goulash, or one of the more modern dishes of this veritable food capital.
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Day 9 : Godollo / Tatra Mountains
Location: Gödöllő, Tatra Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head for Slovakia to spend a night in the spectacular Tatra Mountains. Stop at Godollo Palace en route. This imperial and royal Hungarian palace was a favourite place of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary. Move forward through the windy roads of Tatra Mountains, the Alps of the East. Today’s route may take several hours, but you will make several stops along the way to break up the journey. In the late afternoon, arrive at the feature stay for the next two evenings – the Grand Hotel Stary Smokovec. A popular spot for princes and prime ministers since its opening in 1904, the historical hotel offers grandeur and serenity in the heart of the High Tatras. With manicured grounds, Art Nouveau design, luxurious rooms and award-winning restaurant, the Grand Hotel is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding mountains. Perhaps make use of the hotel’s excellent facilities and unwind in the Finnish sauna or hot tub.
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Day 10 : Tatra Mountains
Location: Tatra Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up and take a crisp clear breath of fresh air in the Tatra Mountains. Forming a border between Slovakia and Poland, the Tatras form the highest range in the Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy a day out discovering surroundings bursting with waterfalls and flowers as you embark on a guided walk with your experienced leader. Your leader will tailor your route based on the group’s interests and fitness level, but the walk is generally about six kilometres in length and is normally completed in 3 hours. Stop in at a charming mountain hut for a traditional drink and a lunch snack. Depending on the weather, explore the mountains further by funicular, gondola or electric train. Arrive back at your accommodation in the early afternoon, and the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy. You may like to continue exploring the area on foot or grab a cocktail in your hotel’s stylish bar.
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Day 11 : Chocholow / Krakow
Location: Chochołów, Kraków
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Set off across the border to Poland. Make a stop on the Polish side of the mountains, where a delicious regional delicacy awaits. Oscypek is a local smoked cheese which is made from sheep's milk. It comes in the form of a spindle shape and can be served freshly sliced or fried. As you’ll taste, it’s delicious no matter how you have it. Next up is the tiny, traditional village of Chocholow, where you will wander streets lined with wooden houses and visit a similarly rustic church. Enjoy a traditional lunch in town and then continue to Krakow. Arrive in Poland’s second-largest city in the early evening.
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Day 12 : Krakow
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a local guide for a morning walking tour in Krakow. Be prepared to encounter a staggering amount of history; the medieval Old Town alone is home to about 6000 historic sites and over 2000 works of art – but don’t worry, your guide will be on hand to help you navigate this dazzling array of monuments. Visit the cultural important Wawel Royal Castle and walk through the Kazimierz, the Old Jewish district. Historically the centre of the city’s Jewish social and religious life, the area has since enjoyed a renaissance as a Bohemian quarter, and now plays hosts to art cafes, galleries and antique shops. If the weather’s nice, visit Kosciuszko Mound for panoramic views of Krakow. Enjoy a free afternoon, then in the early evening, regroup with your leader and fellow travellers for an included vodka tasting. Vodka is part of Poland’s DNA, and this tasting will teach you a little about making and imbibing this revered spirit.
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Day 13 : Nowa Huta / Wroclaw
Location: Nowa Huta, Wrocław
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel towards Wroclaw, taking an important stop along the way at Nowa Huta – a relic of Poland's communist past. This former town, now a district of Krakow, is one of only two planned socialist realist settlements ever built and serves as one of the most renowned examples of deliberate social engineering on the globe. Join in on a guided tour of the district and learn about a part of Polish history often overlooked – a tragic time for locals and the country's entire history. Arrive in Wroclaw in the afternoon and join your leader for a wander around one of the most beautiful main squares in this part of Europe. For dinner, enjoy a traditional meal at Spitz Brewery in the cellars of the Town Hall.
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Day 14 : Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you will make the journey to Berlin. Germany’s capital charms visitors with its splendid architecture, vibrant nightlife and layered history. On arrival, perhaps do as the locals do and head to one of the city’s rooftop bars for an al fresco beverage paired with fabulous views. Berlin is blessed with one of Europe’s most exciting food scenes, and this evening you’ll wrap up your Central Europe adventure with an included farewell dinner with your leader and fellow travellers.
Day 15 : Berlin
Location: Berlin
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will have the chance to join your leader on an orientation walk around Berlin. This walk will be complete by midday, marking the end of your adventure. If you’d like to stay on in Berlin, we can help arrange additional accommodation for you on request at the time of booking.
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What's Included
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Prague - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
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Prague - Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Prague - Prague Discovery Urban Adventure with Local Guide
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Cesky Krumlov - Evening Walking Tour with Local Guide
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Cesky Krumlov - Story Telling
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Budapest - Faust Wine Cellar Tasting
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Vienna - 24-hour Public Transport Ticket
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Vienna - Walking Tour with Local Guide
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Tatra Mountains - Tatra Electric Train
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Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle
Accommodation
- Hotel (12 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Complimentary arrival airport transfer
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Is this trip right for you
This tour visits the Tatra Mountains. The drive winds through mountain passes, making it a challenge for those prone to motion sickness. The region is best discovered on foot and the itinerary includes a guided hike. If you do not wish to hike you are welcome to avail yourself of the facilities at our luxurious feature stay hotel.
Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in some of the regions we visit, which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. -
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.