Explore the best of Central Europe on your journey from Prague, the city of hundreds of towers, to ancient Krakow, exploring the very best of the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. Experience the atmosphere of five different countries and four capitals accompanied by a professional tour guide, travelling between countries in a comfortable bus.
Over twelve days, you´ll discover:
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic.
You will be met by your tour leader at the hotel for an introductory briefing. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to explore Prague’s attractions.
Prague is a fascinating city with lots to do. We recommend a couple of extra nights here to make the most of your time. If you want us to find you a well-located hotel, just let us know.
Accommodation
Prague, Hotel Lunik (or similar)
Today you’ll enjoy sightseeing in Prague, which is considered to be one of the prettiest towns in the world. Your local guide will walk you around the historic centre, set to the backdrop of Prague Castle – the largest castle complex in the world.
Follow in the footsteps of Czech kings to Charles Bridge; walk through the narrow streets, medieval squares, and dark passages to the Old Town Square. Here you’ll see the Orloj astronomical clock.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Prague, Hotel Lunik (or similar)
Today, you head to southern Bohemia. Nestled against the meandering banks of the Vltava River is the historic town of Cesky Krumlov, with its small squares, narrow streets, and imposing fairy-tale castle.
On arrival, we´ll check into our comfortable hotel. After lunch in one of the local traditional Czech restaurants “Hospoda,” we´ll have a guided stroll in the heart of this fairy-tale town to become familiar with the amazing sights, which would be hard to find anywhere else in the world.
We recommend an evening walk through this romantic town, which is full of cosy coffee shops and traditional Czech pubs.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Cesky Krumlov, Penzion Prelat (or similar)
Cesky Krumlov is an extraordinary architectural gem. It’s no wonder that this town has been on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1992. Here you can admire a unique complex of medieval houses dating back to the 16th century, an extensive castle and chateau grounds, a famous masquerade hall, a unique revolving theatre, chateau gardens, church of St. Vita, and more. Your guide will be there to assist with anything you might need.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Cesky Krumlov, Penzion Prelat (or similar)
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Cesky Krumlov and travel to our next amazing destination on our list – elegant Vienna. Our estimated time of arrival is about noon. After dropping off our bags at the hotel, it´s time for lunch in one of our popular restaurants in the city centre.
After lunch, the best place to start exploring Vienna is in the heart of the historical city centre. We´ll head to Stephansplatz, where you can admire the capital´s most important religious symbol, the magnificent Stephansdom Cathedral.
From Stephansdom, stroll down the Kartner Strasse, a street lined with shops. Heading to Vienna State Opera House, be ready to snap a few photos for memories you´ll never forget.
The evening is free to enjoy your first typical Viennese dinner in one of the traditional restaurants.
Meals included
Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation
Vienna, Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)
Located on the banks of the Danube River sits the Austrian capital of Vienna. In the morning, we´ll explore the Old Town with a local guide. They’ll show you the heart of the city in the eyes of a local.
The afternoon and evening are free to visit some of Vienna’s best attractions, such as Schonbrunn Palace, Hofburg Castle, and Belvedere Chateau. In the evening, why not visit the Mozart Museum or treat yourself to a show at the theatre.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Vienna, Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)
This morning we´ll travel 1 hour to Bratislava. Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, is a charming city with an intriguing history. Have a stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town, and a wander along the Danube with its many cafes and restaurants, before continuing to Budapest, another gem on the Danube River.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Budapest, Hotel Lion´s Garden.
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is a city of two parts – Buda and Pest, which sit on either side of the mighty Danube and are connected by several bridges. Its relaxed and informal atmosphere, together with its plethora of historic and cultural monuments, has placed it firmly at the top of many travellers’ visiting lists.
Some of our favourites are the sprawling Buda Castle, the amazing architecture of the Hungarian Parliament, and the Museum of Fine Arts. But one of the most treasured pastimes in Budapest has to be sitting in one of the local cafes, enjoying an al fresco lunch or mid-morning coffee, and simply watching the world go by.
Your time in Budapest will be spent on an included sightseeing tour, with free time afterward to explore on your own. In the evening, why not experience a cruise on the Danube River with great views of the spectacular neo-gothic parliament building.
Meals include
Breakfast
Accommodation
Budapest, Hotel Lion´s Garden.
This morning we cross the Hungary-Slovak border and head to the heart of Slovakia. Today´s first stop will be the medieval mining town of Banska Stiavnica, beautifully nestled in the Stiavnicke hills. This UNESCO-listed fairy-tale town is Slovakia´s oldest mining town.
During the 16th century, gold, silver, and around 140 different minerals in the volcanic soil brought enormous wealth to the town. After lunch in this wonderfully intact Gothic and Renaissance town, we´ll travel to the next precious attraction, the mountain village of Vlkolinec (Wolves’ place), which is famous for its wooden log houses with colourful facades.
Our journey then continues to Slovakia´s biggest mountains, the spectacular High Tatras, home to breathtaking fauna and flora that can no longer be seen in western Europe. On arrival, we´ll check into our hotel in Smokovec, located in the heart of the Tatras, in the shadow of Gerlachovský štít (2,654m), Slovakia´s highest peak.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Smokovec – Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
The High Tatras form the natural border between Slovakia and Poland and are the highest mountains in the Carpathian range. The landscape, three-quarters of which is in Slovakia, is crammed with rocky peaks, deep glacial valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls, pine forests, and crystal-clear streams.
This also makes it a haven for flower-filled meadows and wildlife, such as Tatra chamois, brown bears, lynx, wolves, marmots, deer, and many bird species. Today, we will explore this stunning area on foot, following some of the easy trails to mountain huts, waterfalls, and lakes.
One of our favourite things to do in the mountains is to take a cable car ride to Lomnicky Peak (2,634 m) for stunning, panoramic views (optional). You can also visit the stunning Belianska Cave or take a mountain tram to Strbske Pleso, Slovakia´s highest village.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Smokovec, Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Travel to Pieniny National Park. Pieniny is often overlooked in favour of the more popular Tatra Mountains, so this National Park will give you a flavour of the peace and tranquillity of Slovakia’s countryside – perfect for floating along on your traditional rafting trip in one of Europe´s longest canyons.
Forming a natural border with Poland, the Dunajec was used in the Middle Ages to transport wood to the north – it was a simpler way than carrying it over the mountains.
The river is relatively calm so it’s a great way to soak up the park’s natural beauty, including rafting through the picturesque Dunajec Gorge, with its towering canyon walls. After about two hours of rafting, you reach Lesnica, the perfect spot for a well-earned lunch. Our journey then continues to Krakow, the former Polish capital.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Krakow, Hotel Benefis (or similar)
Krakow is a UNESCO World Heritage City famous for its beautifully preserved Old Town, which houses three kilometres of city walls, 46 spires, countless historical buildings, narrow streets, churches, and Rynek Glowny, Europe´s biggest medieval market square. We’ve included a guided tour that explores the city’s highlights.
The afternoon is free for you to spend time in Krakow - there’s plenty to do in this relaxed and charming city. The square comes alive with performers throughout the day and provides plenty of entertainment. You may wish to visit Wawel Castle, now a museum, stroll alongside or cruise the Vistula River, enjoy a horse and carriage ride through the city streets admiring the beautiful architecture, or walk the Royal Route - the historical coronation path of Polish kings.
You can also visit the world-famous Wieliczka salt mines or the concentration camp of Auschwitz.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Krakow, Hotel Benefis (or similar)
After your last breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye as your adventure comes to an end. Krakow is a fantastic city, so if you fancy spending more time here, let us know, and we’ll help you book somewhere to stay.
Meals included
Breakfast
This well-thought-out trip is a great choice for people who like cultural discovery holidays. This trip is classified as easy with no demanding walks, so it can be managed by people with an average level of fitness.
Single room supplement: 300 EUR
Normally 16 max.
This tour starts in Prague.
This tour ends in Krakow.
To enhance flexibility our holidays do not include flights. This gives you the freedom to choose a local airport that works for you and shop for the best deal.
We recommend booking your flight to Prague as there are various good-value flights available.
You can reach Prague by public transport or book your private airport transfers directly with us. Our fast, reliable and affordable private transfers are the best way to reach your starting hotel quickly and comfortably.
If you prefer travelling by public transport let us know which airport you are flying into and we will find the best option for you.
During this tour you´ll stay in three- star hotels.
If you need to arrive or leave on a different date, please contact us and we’d be more than happy to arrange extra pre or post tour accommodation for you.
We recommend you pack as light as possible, with a suitcase or backpack that are easy to lift and carry. A daypack for activities is also useful. Below you will find a recommended packing list. It is by no means exhaustive, so if you’re in any doubt, please contact us.
Please note, we want to run this trip following the day-to-day itinerary on the trip notes. However, sometimes operational circumstances may sometimes prevent us from doing this. Your tour leader will keep you fully informed of any alternative plans that are necessary on-the-ground. Also, based on feedbacks from past travellers, occasionally our itineraries are amended. Final version of your trip notes will be emailed to you prior to travel.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. Our knowledgeable and helpful team is here to help, and we look forward to welcoming you to our spectacular country soon!
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
To download trip notes, please submit your email address down below.
This holiday is operated by our expert, in-country team at Slovakia Explorer. By booking with us, you’ll benefit from our unrivalled local knowledge, and have 24/7 support during your trip.
Our holidays offer unique experiences, which give you an unparalleled insight into Slovakia. During the planning and booking process, we pay attention to every detail of your holiday to ensure your trip is perfect.
Slovakia Explorer offers great value, high quality holidays.
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