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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Central Europe

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Best of Central Europe

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Description

Experience the charm of Central Europe on this 15-day, steady-paced adventure from Vienna to Budapest. Discover the hidden fairytale gem of Cesky Krumlov, hike the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and step back in time as you walk the streets of Wroclaw. Spend a night at Vienna’s quirky Magdas Hotel, join your local leader on an orientation walk through Prague and indulge in coffee and cake at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community. Visit the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow, join a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and round off your journey with free time to uncover Budapest’s eclectic neighbourhoods.

Trip Name
Best of Central Europe
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
15
Highlights
  • Hike through the lesser-known Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. With a range of trails available, you’ll be high above the valley floor, admiring the views in no time.
  • See the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow and feel the emotional wallop of a sobering visit to nearby Auschwitz.
  • Discover Cesky Krumlov on a guided tour around town with your small group. See medieval buildings, beautiful countryside and the flowing Vltava River.
  • Get the low-down on Budapest’s classic charm, cafe culture and eclectic neighbourhood vibes during your time here. Have you actually been to Budapest if you didn’t go to the ruin bars?
  • Savour the Viennese tradition of kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) at a cafe that empowers older locals by providing them with employment and fostering social connections.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Vienna
Guten Tag! Welcome to Austria. Your adventure begins in Vienna with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not walk around to get your bearings or, better yet, take a spin on the famous Prater Ferris Wheel nearby for a bird’s eye view. Make sure you stop for kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake) for a break from your exploring. Vienna is known for its coffeehouse culture – so much so that UNESCO lists it as an example of ‘intangible cultural heritage’. After the meeting, why not use tonight to get to know your new travel pals over dinner. Your leader will have all the best recommendations for where to try local specialties like goulash or Wiener schnitzel – maybe save some room for a slice of sachertorte (chocolate cake filled with apricot jam) for dessert.
Day 2 - Vienna
Join your leader for a walk through the city's compact centre this morning. Stop at the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, wander past the neo-classical Graben and have a look at the Hofburg Palace. Continue along the Ringstrasse and then finish your orientation walk of the city at the State Opera House – one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Then you’re in for a real treat! Stop for kaffee and kuchen at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. This afternoon is free for you to keep on checking out the sights of the city.
Day 3 - Cesky Krumlov
Depart Vienna by bus this morning and cross the border into the Czech Republic. Your next stop is the southern bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Cesky Krumlov means crooked meadow, because it sits on a tight bend of the Vltava River. When you arrive, set off on a guided tour of the town with a local guide, starting in the main square. Wander through the Old Town, see the city's oldest pharmacy then arrive at the Cesky Krumlov Castle. See the royal gardens from above and enjoy the panoramic views of the town below.
Day 4 - Cesky Krumlov
Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. Maybe take an optional guided castle tour, which lets you in on the mysteries that lie behind every corner of this stronghold dating back to 1253. For those who want a bit more culture, you could visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and browse the gallery that's dedicated to the Austrian painter. If you’re after something more active, jump into a canoe and check out the town from a different perspective – on the Vltava River.
Day 5 - Prague
Leave Cesky Krumlov and travel by bus to Prague. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader so you can get your bearings of the local neighbourhood. For your free afternoon and evening, why not discover another great side of Prague – its music! The city has one of the longest-standing and respected jazz scenes in Europe, with jazz clubs playing into the early hours of the morning. Otherwise, maybe along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square for some great photo opportunities.
Day 6 - Prague
Today is free for you to explore Prague. The city offers endless possibilities – maybe take a walk around the Jewish Quarter and pay your respects at the Gothic-inspired Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. Tonight, be sure to meet back up with your group and maybe organise dinner and drinks at one of the city’s renowned beer halls.
Day 7 - Wroclaw
This morning, you'll take a local train and private bus across the border into Poland before continuing to Wroclaw. Wroclaw is the cultural centre of southwest Poland, sitting on the banks of the River Oder for over 1000 years and shaped by Czech, German and Polish influences. On the way, stop in Swidnica – a town known for its fascinating Lutheran Church of Peace. Arrive in Wroclaw in the early afternoon and settle into your hotel, then follow your leader on an orientation walk around this city that feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of today and tomorrow are free for your own discoveries.
Day 8 - Wroclaw
Spend today exploring Wroclaw however you’d like! Maybe explore Ostrow Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square and the Four Denominations District, where the city’s incredible architecture and history is on full display. Don’t miss out on appreciating Wroclaw from River Oder or experiencing the vibrant cultural scene – your local leader will be on hand to give recommendations on local hotspots.
Day 9 - Krakow
Hop back on a local train to Krakow. Possibly the best known of all Poland's cities, Krakow was the residence of Polish kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Join your local leader on an orientation walk around the city, then maybe head to one of the biggest medieval squares in Central Europe. You could also visit Wawel Royal Castle, which sits on a hill next to the Vistula River, or check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica. This city is also home to the second oldest university in Central Europe – Jagiellonian University, which boasts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni. Tonight is again all yours to do as you please – maybe make your way to the Jewish Quarter for laidback vibes and good food.
Day 10 - Krakow
Today, travel to Oswiecim. When you arrive, you’ll join a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. Back in Krakow in the afternoon, spend some more time exploring in your own time. Or, if you can tear yourself away from Krakow, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines – a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 m below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. At night, pull up a pew and indulge in a plate of pierogi and a few beers to say cheers to another adventure.
Day 11 - Tatra Mountains
Say farewell to Krakow today and travel by local bus through southern Poland to Tatranska Lomnica, a small alpine resort in Slovakia.Your accommodation sits at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains – the highest range of the Carpathians – which stretch for about 60 km across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a hiker’s dream. This evening is free for you to enjoy as you please – maybe sit back, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.
Day 12 - Tatra Mountains
This morning, head out on an included hike in the High Tatra Mountains. Parts of it will involve travelling by funicular, gondola and electric train. During the walk, you may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed. This was the result of a tornado-like storm in 2004 that decimated approximately 10,000 hectares of timberland. In the afternoon, head back to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day in this beautiful location.
Day 13 - Budapest
You have an early start today for the journey to Budapest. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. As there won't be too much free time to explore, maybe check into the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the neighbourhood to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards, cafe culture and interesting laneways make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. Take the evening as an opportunity to relax after a long day of travelling. Visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or eclectic ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter is a sure-fire way to have a good night out with your crew.
Day 14 - Budapest
Today is free for you to explore Budapest at your own pace. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Maybe take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to Buda Castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building and the Pest side of the city. One unmissable activity is to soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. You might also like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled!
Day 15 - Budapest
Your adventure ends after breakfast today. As there are no further activities planned, you’re able to leave your accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay to see all that Budapest has to offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 4,734-
18-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 6,095-
25-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 4,734-
02-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 4,956-
09-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 6,090-
13-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 5,660-
23-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 6,060-
27-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 5,660-
30-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 6,260-
06-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 5,690-
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 5,590-
27-06-202611-07-2026AUD $ 5,460-
04-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 5,260-
11-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 5,860-
18-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 5,490-
01-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 5,760-
08-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 5,260-
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 5,260-
22-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 5,460-
29-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 6,160-
05-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 6,495-
09-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 5,990-
12-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 5,830-
16-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 5,790-
19-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 6,130-
26-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 6,495-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 6,395-
10-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 5,590-
17-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 5,490-
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 5,195-
27-03-202710-04-2027AUD $ 5,455-
10-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 5,455-
17-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 5,455-
24-04-202708-05-2027AUD $ 5,455-
01-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 5,665-
08-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 5,665-
15-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 5,195-
22-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 5,875-
26-05-202709-06-2027AUD $ 5,875-
29-05-202712-06-2027AUD $ 5,875-
05-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 5,665-
12-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 5,665-
26-06-202710-07-2027AUD $ 5,665-
03-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 5,455-
10-07-202724-07-2027AUD $ 5,455-
17-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 5,455-
28-07-202711-08-2027AUD $ 5,195-
07-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 5,455-
11-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 5,455-
14-08-202728-08-2027AUD $ 5,455-
21-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 5,665-
28-08-202711-09-2027AUD $ 5,665-
01-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 5,875-
04-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 5,875-
11-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 5,875-
15-09-202729-09-2027AUD $ 5,875-
18-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 5,875-
22-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 5,195-
25-09-202709-10-2027AUD $ 5,875-
02-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 5,665-
09-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 5,455-
16-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 5,455-

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights)

Transport

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Taxi, Tram

Map

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