Premium Central Europe

Premium Central Europe

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12 Days From

$4535

Premium Central Europe

12 Days Starting in Prague and ending in Belgrade

Visiting: Prague, Olomouc, Krakow, Banska Stiavnica, Budapest, Belgrade

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

WMPE

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $4535

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey through the heart of Europe, exploring five diverse countries and cultures along the way. Wander Prague’s streets, unwind in a 13th-century Slovakian castle and sample local flavours with alcohol tastings and a Pierogi cooking class. Reflect on history with a private tour of Auschwitz and embrace Paloc culture in Holloko, where you can try your hand at local crafts and try on traditional costumes. This trip weaves together history, cuisine and cultural immersion so you can fully experience Central Europe – what are you waiting for?

Highlights

  • Visit five different countries on this trip – from the streets of Prague to the historic depths of Belgrade, you’ll get a sense of every city with local leader insights.

  • Stay at a 13th-century castle in the Slovakian countryside, where you can relax at the spa and dine in style at the in-house restaurant.

  • Savour a variety of local flavors with unique culinary experiences, including a beer tasting tour in the Czech Republic, a wine-tasting session in Serbia, a hands-on Pierogi cooking class in Poland, and street food delights in Hungary.

  • Engage with history during a private tour of Auschwitz to understand the region’s past and reflect on its profound impact. This visit is both emotional and essential for a comprehensive view of European history.

  • Immerse yourself in a traditional Hungarian crafts and costumes in Holloko and enjoy a guided hikes in Slovakia. This trip offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and rich cultural activities.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Prague

Location: Prague

Accommodation: Prague Leon D'oro

Meals Included: dinner

Ahoj! Welcome to Prague. When you arrive at Prague Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Until then, you can explore Czech Republic's capital city as you wish. Steeped in history, there’s plenty to see here – maybe check out the National Gallery, with Czech and international art on display, or the Franz Kafka Museum – a wonderful dedication to the life and work of the famous Prague writer. After your meeting, get to know your group over a traditional Czech dinner – look out for goulash (a beef stew), svickova (marinated beef) or trdelnik (a sweet pastry, also called chimney cake) on the menu.

Included Activities:
-Prague -Welcome Dinner

Day 2: Prague

Location: Prague

Accommodation: Prague Leon D'oro

Meals Included: breaksfast

Get up and out this morning on a leader-led orientation walk around the city. You’ll probably spot Prague Castle – one of the largest ancient castles in the world, visible from different parts of the city. See Charles Bridge, another medieval structure that crosses the Vltava River. Your leader might show you the Lennon Wall – a graffiti wall that’ is both a tribute to John Lennon and a symbol of peace (and the perfect place for a photo!). Prague also has a charming Old Town with its own architectural highlights, like the astronomical clock that’s been ticking away since 1410. If you’re a fan of beer, you’re probably familiar with a Pilsner – but did you know this pale lager originated in the Czech Republic? Try some out during a brewery tour, where you’ll learn all about the brewing process and its origins.

Included Activities:
-Prague - Pilsner Brewery Tour and Tasting
-Prague - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:
-Prague - Museum of Communism
-Prague - Mucha Museum
-Prague - Kafka Museum

Day 3: Olomouc

Location: Olomouc

Accommodation: Hotel Arigone

Meals Included: breaksfast

Hop on a train to Olomouc today, east of Prague. Although often overshadowed by the capital, this city has plenty to offer – like the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Olomouc Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Olomouc even has its own astronomical clock in its Old Town, offering an insight into how people kept time in the medieval period. Learn about these and more during a leader-led orientation walk. You’re then free to explore as you wish. Make sure to ask your leader for any restaurant recommendations in the city centre or go for a walk around Smetana Gardens.

Included Activities:
-Olomouc - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:
-Olomouc - Saint Vacláv Cathedral - Free

Day 4: Krakow

Location: Krakow

Accommodation: Hotel Polonia

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, you’ll drive across the border into Poland and on to Auschwitz – one of the trip’s most difficult but profoundly impactful experiences. As you walk around what once was the largest Nazi concentration camp with a guide, you’ll learn about the suffering of millions of Jewish people, as well as other persecuted groups, during the Holocaust. While visiting Auschwitz is incredibly emotional, it’s essential for understanding the past and ensuring such atrocities aren’t repeated in the future. Decompress after in Krakow, your next destination, and perhaps head to the Old Town for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Krakow - Auschwitz Private Tour

Day 5: Krakow

Location: Krakow

Accommodation: Hotel Polonia

Meals Included: breaksfast

Krakow is best known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, so take it all in as you tour the city with a local guide this morning. They’ll likely bring you to Main Market Square in the Old Town, one of the largest squares in Europe, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a church known for its Gothic architecture. As you walk, learn about how Krakow changed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II. Then, get hands-on with Krakow’s culinary scene with a cooking class – learn how to make Pierogi (Eastern European dumplings) and enjoy tucking into them after.

Included Activities:
-Krakow - Pierogi Cooking Class
-Krakow - City Tour With Local Guide

Optional Activities:
-Krakow - Schindler's Factory Museum Tour
-Krakow - History Museum
-Krakow - Rynek Underground Museum
-Krakow - Cloth Hall 'Sukiennice' - Free

Day 6: Banska Stiavnica

Location: Banska Stiavnica

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Víglaš - Feature Stay

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Make your way to central Slovakia today and stop in Banska Bystrica – a city with medieval origins. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led tour, where you might see the Main Square in the Old Town and the Church of St. Francis Xavier – an excellent example of Baroque architecture. Maybe learn about the city’s role in the Slovak National Uprising of 1944 in the square dedicated to it. Then, head to your Feature Stay accommodation for the night – Hotel Grand Viglas. Feel like royalty in this converted castle that offers modern amenities like a swimming pool and spa, as well as an upscale restaurant for dinner.

Included Activities:
-Banska Bystrica - Orientation Walk

Day 7: Banska Stiavnica

Location: Banska Stiavnica

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Víglaš - Feature Stay

Meals Included: breaksfast

Check out the nearby town of Banksa Stiavnica today, starting with a leader-led orientation walk. Sitting in the middle of a caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano, the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, get ready for a short but rewarding hike to Kalveria Church, which sits on a hill overlooking the city. You’ll start from the city centre and take a well-marked trail, with plenty of good views of the city. After, learn about how the town once relied on mining precious metals at the Mining Museum, then relax with a free evening back at your Feature Stay.

Included Activities:
-Banska Stiavnica - Calvaria Church Hike
-Banska Stiavnica - Mining Museum
-Banska Stiavnica - Orientation Walk

Day 8: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: KK Hotel Opera

Meals Included: breaksfast

Pack up and head for Budapest today, stopping at Holloko on the way. This village, tucked away in the Cserhat Mountains, is a well-preserved representation of Paloc culture – an ethnic subgroup in Hungary. You might feel as though you're stepping back in time as you walk around Holloko, where residents often wear traditional clothing, and crafts like pottery and weaving remain integral to village life. Walk around with a local guide and learn about these different traditional crafts at demonstrations – where you can even try on traditional clothing! Sample brandy and cheese pie (a local delicacy) then continue to Budapest for the evening.

Included Activities:
-Holloko - Holloko Traditional Village

Day 9: Budapest

Location: Budapest

Accommodation: KK Hotel Opera

Meals Included: breaksfast

Get your bearings in Hungary’s capital today with an orientation walk with your leader. Many associate Budapest with its thermal bath culture, which is why it’s also known as the City of Spas. You can opt to visit the Szechenyi Baths – one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Budapest, featuring several outdoor pools. Buda Castle is also a highlight, standing tall on the west side of the Danube River. Join your leader for the Buda Castle Walk – a well-loved route that allows you to see lots of historical parts of the city, like Chain Bridge, the bridge that connects Buda and Pest, and Matthias Church. After, refuel with a langos (a deep-fried flatbread, very popular in Budapest)!

Included Activities:
-Budapest - Buda Castle Walk
-Budapest - Traditional Langos Snack
-Budapest - Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:
-Budapest - Szechenyi Baths
-Budapest - Hungarian National Museum
-Budapest - Hungarian State Opera House Tour
-Budapest - Great Synagogue
-Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park
-Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from)
-Budapest - Central Market - Free

Day 10: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Inn

Meals Included: breaksfast

Drive to Serbia this morning and stop off at Subotica. Enjoy a guided tour of the border city, where you’ll spot notable Art Noveau architecture around the place, namely the City Hall and the Synagogue. Your leader can also explain how the Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods influenced the city. You’ll then drive to a local winery, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process in Serbia. Put your wine-tasting skills to the test by sampling various wines from their signature collection. After, continue to Belgrade, your last destination.

Included Activities:
-Subotica - Wine Tasting
-Subotica - City Tour with Local Guide

Day 11: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Inn

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

As Serbia’s capital, Belgrade has a rich history and your leader will touch on this today on an orientation walk. Located where the Danube River and the River Sava meet, this city has been a centre of power for various empires over the centuries. Once you know your way around the city, the day is yours to explore as you wish. Perhaps check out Knez Mihailova Street if you’re in the mood to shop, or head to Kalemegdan Fortress for good views of the rivers converging. Maybe visit the Nikola Tesla Museum, where you can learn all about how the engineer shaped technological advancement in the 20th century. Then, get together with your group for a traditional Serbian dinner – think cevapi (grilled sausages), sarma (cabbage rolls with minced meat) and prebranac (a bean stew).

Included Activities:
-Belgrade - Leader-led Orientation Walk
-Belgrade - Farewell Dinner

Optional Activities:
-Belgrade - Nikola Tesla Museum
-Belgrade - Sveti Sava Church - Free
-Belgrade - Danube River Cruise
-Belgrade - Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers)

Day 12: Belgrade

Location: Belgrade

Meals Included: breaksfast

Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Belgrade, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (9 nights), Feature stay (2 nights)

  • Meals
    11 breakfasts, 3 dinners

  • Prague -Welcome Dinner

  • Prague - Pilsner Brewery Tour and Tasting

  • Prague - Orientation Walk

  • Olomouc - Orientation Walk

  • Krakow - Auschwitz Private Tour

  • Krakow - Pierogi Cooking Class

  • Krakow - City Tour With Local Guide

  • Banska Bystrica - Orientation Walk

  • Banska Stiavnica - Calvaria Church Hike

  • Banska Stiavnica - Mining Museum

show more

Transport

  • Private vehicle , train

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • TWIN SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • FACILITIES
  • Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.

Important Information

  • 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Check out our Q&As

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • 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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