Vienna To Athens

All content by Intrepid

43 days (ex Vienna/Bratislava)

Destinations visited: Slovakia, Serbia, Hungary, Greece, Poland, Montenegro, Austria, Vienna, Croatia, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Czech Republic, Albania, Athens, 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$6,950

Book now

Description

What better way to experience the diverse culture of Central Europe than on this extensive jaunt from Vienna to Athens? Visit Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, Albania and Greece. Discover the myths and legends of ancient cities and be dazzled by the rich culture of vibrant, old towns. From the heart of Bohemia to the verdant Greek Islands - with a smatter of alpine views and golden beaches in between - unravel the fascinating history of this region. For anyone who's ever wanted to step back in time and meet colourful characters along the way, this is the ultimate adventure.

Highlights

Visit Austria and explore the cultural history of Vienna.
Cycle the Czech Republic's countryside around Cesky Krumlov.
Get a taste of Bohemia in Prague.
Conquer the slopes of the Tatra Mountains through Poland and Slovakia.
Visit Hungary and cross the Chain Bridge in Budapest.
Stay overnight in a mountain monastery.
Travel to Croatia and discover the medieval heritage of Dubrovnik.
Enjoy the pristine beaches of Montenegro.
Admire exquisite frescoes in Albania's Et'hem Bey Mosque.
Be captivated by charming Corfu.
Visit Greece and lose yourself in ancient Athens.

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Vienna/Bratislava

Travel to Austria and soak up Vienna's rich culture. Discover the castles, cathedrals and medieval towers of Bratislava.

Days 4-5 Cesky Krumlov

Cycle through the Czech countryside. Afterwards, consider visiting the impressive Krumlov Castle or enjoy a pilsner or two with the locals.

Days 6-8 Prague

Stroll the Charles Bridge, shop for Bohemia crystal or head out to enjoy some of the best nightlife in Central Europe. Later, take the opportunity to check out the unique sculptures at the World Heritage listed Sedlec Ossuary, or 'Bone Church'.

Day 9 Teplice nad Metuji

Enjoy hiking among the region's bizarre rock formations at a village hideaway.

Days 10-11 Krakow

Arrive in Poland and try to comprehend the horrors of the Holocaust at Auschwitz before travelling to Krakow. This former home to Polish kings still retains a regal air, courtesy of the magnificent Wawel Castle.

Days 12-13 Tatra Mountains

Head to the alpine town of Tatranska Lomnica and enjoy stunning vistas while trekking the breathtaking Tatras.

Days 14-16 Budapest

Visit Hungary and peruse masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, wander across the impressive Chain Bridge from Buda to Pest or spend the afternoon soaking in a thermal bath.

Days 17-18 Osijek

Journey to fascinating Osijek. Take a stroll along the Drava River, inspect the enchanting medieval citadel or perhaps explore the provincial town of Dakovo, famous for its Lipizzaner horses.

Day 19 Novi Sad

Nestled on the banks of the Danube, surrounded by vineyards and steeped in rich traditions, this historic Serbian town is a delightful stop. Visit a unique honey museum and sample the sweet produce.

Days 20-21 Belgrade

Discover history in one of Europe's oldest cities. Visit the impressive Kalemegdan Citadel or get a taste of the local cuisine and entertainment on an evening visit to Skadarska Street.

Days 22-24 Sarajevo/Mostar

Explore a city that is shrugging off memories of war and emerging as one of Europe's most beguiling capitals. Take a day trip to Mostar to see the town and bridge that were rebuilt after being reduced to rubble during the Yugoslav wars.

Day 25 Ostrog Monastery

Set into a rocky cliff face, the stunning Ostrog Monastery is a popular destination for pilgrims. Pay respects to Saint Vasilije, the miracle worker.

Days 26-27 Kotor

Montenegro's well-preserved medieval town, Kotor, is packed with castle ruins, crooked streets and atmospheric harbourside bars.

Days 28-30 Dubrovnik

Visit Croatia and walk along the city walls of Dubrovnik for exceptional coastal views. Stroll along the marble streets to soak up the charming atmosphere of the 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.

Day 31 Ulcinj

The sands of Velika Plaza are believed to hold potent healing powers - a great excuse to lie back on these Montenegrin shores and relax.

Days 32-33 Tirana

Albania's compact capital, Tirana, is best explored on foot. Turkish and Italian influences are apparent in the architecture and the Et'hem Bey Mosque is a must-see for its intricate frescoes

Days 34-35 Berat

Thought to be one of the oldest cities in the country, charming Berat is better known to Albanians as the 'City of a Thousand Windows'. With an incredible concentration of historical buildings - including a crumbling castle - there's much to explore.

Days 36-37 Gjirokastra

Step back in time and explore this perfectly preserved Ottoman town. Get a taste of the region's tumultuous past at its magnificent citadel and be sure to visit the 18th-century bazaar.

Days 38-39 Saranda

Gateway to the beautiful Albanian Riviera, Saranda is a lively seaside town full of Mediterranean-flavoured cafes and bars. Travel out of town to explore the ruins of Butrint and stop by the Blue Eye Spring.

Days 40-41 Corfu

Sickle-shaped Corfu offers a World Heritage-listed Old Town and miles of scenic coastline. Delve into the myths of ancient Greece with a trip to the Archaeological Museum and perhaps take a stroll along the elegant Liston.

Days 42-43 Athens

The journey ends in Greece's sprawling 3,400-year-old metropolis. Be sure to sample scrumptious Greek souvlaki and visit the Parthenon for impressive panoramas of the city.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (26 nts), Pension (6 nts), Private apartment (3 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts), Hostel (2 nts), Homestay (2 nts), Monastery (1 nt)

Transport

Metro, Bus, Bicycle, Train, Taxi, Tram, Minibus, Ferry

Budget

Allow EUR €1,125 for meals not included.

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

from USD$6,950

Book now

Traveller reviews for Vienna To Athens (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.