Best Of Central Europe

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Vienna/Bratislava)

Destinations visited: Slovakia, Hungary, Budapest, Poland, Austria, Vienna, Czech Republic, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$2,460

Book now

Description

Experience the best of this old-world region on a journey through enchanting Central Europe. Travel to Austria and be immersed in the country's superb musical heritage and step back in time in the castles of the Czech Republic. Experience Polish traditions while exploring the romantic Old Town of Krakow and get active in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. Conclude this classical adventure by taking the road less travelled to Budapest.

Highlights

Stroll along the Ringstrasse in Vienna.
Be captivated by Bratislava.
Explore fairytale Cesky Krumlov.
Get a taste of Bohemia in the Czech Republic.
Soak up the smooth sounds of jazz in a Prague bar.
Discover weird rock formations in Teplice nad Metuji.
Reflect upon the tragedy of WWII at Auschwitz.
Hike in the majestic Tatra Mountains.
Soak in one of Budapest's famous thermal baths.

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Vienna/Bratislava

Touch down in Vienna and soak up the splendour of Austria's capital on a walking tour. Pass the Gothic St Stephen's Cathedral and the enchanting Hofburg Palace before continuing around the Ringstrasse. In free time, get lost in the marbled halls of the Sisi or Leopold museums and stop to fill up on local delights like Sachertorte or a Wiener wurste. Head out on a day trip to Bratislava to uncover the history of this captivating Slovakian capital, which boasts over 50 fountains in the city centre.

Days 4-5 Cesky Krumlov

Cross into the Czech Republic and travel to bohemian Cesky Krumlov. With its cobblestone alleys and impressive old buildings, this is a city straight out of a fairytale. Discover the surrounding countryside on a two-wheeled excursion and if time permits, pay an optional visit to a local brewery or enjoy a guided castle tour.

Days 6-8 Prague

Travel to Prague, the 'City of a Hundred Spires', which never fails to charm with its gorgeous architecture, crooked streets and internationally renowned jazz scene. Mosey through the Old Town for a slice of Bohemia, visit Prague Castle, check out restaurants hidden away in old vaulted cellars and take a day trip out to the World Heritage-listed Sedlec Ossuary, or 'Bone Church'.

Day 9 Teplice nad Metuji

See how the locals live in rural areas while on a stay at a family-run pension. Pass the afternoon contemplating the weird and wonderful sandstone formations in the Teplice National Park or, if feeling adventurous, clamber up steep stairs and ladders to a lookout point.

Days 10-11 Krakow

Cross the border into Poland and stop to pay respects at the sombre Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and State Museum before continuing on to Krakow. Wander through the streets of the atmospheric Old Town that once housed Polish kings, see St Mary's Church and be sure to indulge in some traditional pierogi.

Days 12-13 Tatra Mountains

Limber up for trekking in the Tatra Mountains, where the crisp air and lush mountainscape makes for an unforgettable experience. When the terrain becomes too challenging, give muscles a rest aboard the funicular railway. Enjoy warm hospitality at the small alpine resort of Tatranska Lomnica.

Days 14-15 Budapest

Arrive in Budapest, the eclectic capital of Hungary. Budapest is a city of two halves - literally. Buda, on the west bank, features rolling hills while Pest, on the east bank, has a grid-like layout. Linking the two is the Chain Bridge, spanning the sparkling River Danube. Marvel at the Castle District, see former communist monuments at Statue Park and trawl through a host of museums and galleries. Then, why not end the adventure at one of the thermal baths scattered around the city, complete with whirlpools, submerged seats and chessboards.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nts), Pension (3 nts), Private apartment (3 nts)

Transport

Metro, Train, Private Bus, Bicycle, Bus

Budget

Allow EUR €395 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$2,460

Book now

Traveller reviews for Best Of Central Europe (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.