Highlights of Eastern Europe
17 Day Eastern Europe Tour of Vienna, Budapest | Operated by Trafalgar
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17 Days
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8 Countries
Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic -
14 Cities
Vienna, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Zagreb, Lake Balaton, Budapest, Banská Bystrica, Kraków, Auschwitz, Warsaw, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Tábor -
24 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 16 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launch pad to a grand adventure through the highlights of Eastern Europe. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing walking tour of Old Town Vienna, revealing insights into the Habsburg dynasty, once one of the most influential royal houses of Europe. Admire the Hofburg Palace, Imperial Boulevards and the beloved St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its colorful tiled roof. This evening, we join our Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception to kick off our exciting holiday.
We cross the border to Slovenia. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Ljubljana's Opera House, Cathedral, Three Bridges Square and Castle. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Arrive at Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. During your free time, you could consider taking a boat trip on its crystal clear waters to admire the castle, which clings dramatically to a cliff rising up from the lake's edge.
We cross into Croatia and travel to its capital, Zagreb – our home for the next two nights. Join a Local Specialist who will share the landmarks of the city's Lower and Upper Town, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Opera House and St. Mark's Church, with its exquisitely colored roof. You'll have a free evening to spend as you wish. Consider heading to Tkalčićeva Street to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.
Take time to explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb's scenic cityscape, to this day lit by gas lamps in the Upper Town. Spend the day on your own, paying homage to the patron saint of Zagreb at its Stone Gate, or enjoying the city views from Strossmartre.
Crossing the border into Hungary, we enjoy a photo stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and affectionately known by locals as the 'Hungarian Sea'. We continue to the romantic capital of Budapest – our home for the next two nights. Perhaps, sail along the Danube on a scenic river cruise, enjoy a dinner of traditional Hungarian dishes and breath-taking views, or relax in the healing waters of the Szecheyni Spa Bath as the sun sets.
Today, we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the Castle district to admire picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to continue your sightseeing in Pest, seeing the imposing Parliament and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. This evening we meet a local family of winemakers, who pride themselves on their organic production. Enjoy their home smoked Mangalica ham and hear their unique family story at our BMG Experience.
The exquisite natural landscape of Slovakia provides a scenic backdrop for our journey to Poland, past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We arrive in the enchanting city of Kraków. Consider an evening of lively Polish entertainment with dinner, or perhaps visit a traditional Polish Wódka Bar.
A leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków today with our Local Specialist will include such highlights as the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. We continue through the Old Town to hear the bugle warning from St. Mary's Church and view of the Cloth Hall. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own or consider visiting a traditional milk bar. Enjoy a slice of Polish sernik babci in the Old Town Square or join an Optional Experience to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where underground chambers are hewn out of rock salt. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Our journey this morning takes us to the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust. This evening, we arrive in the elegant Polish capital of Warsaw, where we will dine at our hotel.
Connect with the youthful energy of Warsaw, a city that has triumphed over the tragedy of war and the shackles of communism. This morning, we join a Local Specialist visiting the Old Town, which the Nazis destroyed to retaliate against the Warsaw Uprising. You'll also see the site of the Warsaw Ghetto, immortalized in the Roman Polanski film – 'The Pianist'. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights on your own, or celebrate the talents of Chopin during a private recital of Chopin's works.
Journey across Poland's patchwork countryside along the Autostrada Wolności (Motorway of Freedom) which was first initiated by Nazi Germany to connect Berlin with Poland and left unfinished for decades after World War II. Continue west into Germany and arrive in Berlin, a capital city with an enviable youthful verve and charisma. Here you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the city your way, or join us for a truly memorable optional evening in former West Berlin.
This morning, witness spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Then join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the city's great landmarks, including the Neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building, lovingly restored after it fell into disuse after World War II. Spend the afternoon people-watching on Friedrichstrasse with an Fassbrause or join an Optional Experience to discover Berlin’s turbulent past.
Travel through the Spreewald Forest to Dresden - its iconic domes and spires almost entirely rebuilt after the Allied Forces left their deep scars on the city during World War II. Hear about its restoration during your orientation tour as you stroll through its streets to see the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. We leave Germany behind and travel to the Czech Republic, arriving later in glorious Prague, straddling the mighty Vltava. Spend your evening savoring hearty Czech flavors during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Explore exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades as you ramble through the ancient streets of Prague with your Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's centuries-old history. Marvel at Prague Castle and the Cathedral of St Vitus, then pass the Old New Synagogue on our way to the Old Town Square. Don't miss the hourly walk of the Apostles at the famous Astronomical Clock during your free time exploring. Perhaps indulge in some delicious sweet pastry Trdelník in the Old Town Square, admire the view from Petřín Hill or consider a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.
Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of southern Bohemia, stopping in Tábor, once a Hussite stronghold. Later, we travel to the imperial city of Vienna, where we'll take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and enjoy a final Farewell Dinner together with our fellow travelers and Travel Director.
Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic adventure together through eastern Europe.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- - 16 Breakfasts (B)
- - 7 Dinners (D)
- Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Explore this elegant capital with your Travel Director. See the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Take the day to enjoy the forests and mountains of Lake Bled.
- Take in the scenic landscapes of Zagreb.
- Take in the views of the largest lake in Central Europe - Lake Balaton.
- Spend the day basking in the iconic views of Budapest.
- Walk around the beautiful town square, Rynek Glówny. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches.
- Bear witness to the horrors/atrocities of the Holocaust at Auschwitz.
- See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
- Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.
- During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.
- Stroll through the historic center of Dresden and learn about the city's reconstruction.
- Led by your Local Specialist, explore the delightful Old Town Square and see the detailed Astronomical Clock that attracts onlookers each hour.
- Enjoy a brief stroll through Tábor and perhaps visit Žižkovo Square to admire the Gothic and Renaissance details of the town.
- Join the Schieszl family for a hearty Hungarian dinner and the story of their winery.
- Enjoy a wine tasting at Stift Klosterneuburg - a leader in sustainability and the first carbon neutral winery in Austria.
Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Slovenian Dinner (Available on Day 3)Escape the city and venture into the charming Slovenian countryside for a night of local cuisine, music, and culture at the historic Pr' Krač tourist farm. This 300 year old farm, once a vital supply center, has been preserved as a national monument, complete with a restaurant, gallery, orchard, and more. Meet the hospitable 10th generation family who still calls this farm home as you enjoy a delicious dinner and soak up the authentic atmosphere. You'll even have the opportunity to tour the farm and experience a slice of Slovenia's rural heritage.
Adult Price: €64 The Jewels of Lake Bled and the Bohinj Valley (Available on Day 3)Journey deep into a land where time has stood still, crystal clear glacial waters abound as we journey deep into the Bohinj valley seeing and learning about how the locals live, work and play. We continue through lands that time appears to have forgotten before embarking on our private Pletna boats to Slovenia's only island with its famous chapel and its wishing bell. Your Local Specialist will share so many wonderful and unique stories, myths and Legends of this Enchanting area, you might never want to leave.
Adult Price: €79 Croatian Countryside Experience (Available on Day 4)A scenic drive out of Zagreb with our Local Specialist brings us to the Croatian village of Kumrovec, birthplace of the late President of Yugoslavia, Marshall Tito. You’ll see his former home and have time to explore the museum village. Later, share a meal of delicious regional specialties in a picturesque restaurant with magnificent views of the Croatian countryside.
Adult Price: €76 Plitvice Lakes (Available on Day 5)Be prepared to be amazed on a full day tour to the UNESCO heritage-listed Plitvice National park where 16 lakes, cascading emerald waters and waterfalls come together to create a visual feast of the texture, color, sights and sounds of Nature, truly unforgettable.
Adult Price: €115 Colorful Budapest and Synagogue (Available on Day 6)
Join us for a fascinating stroll through the streets of Budapest's Jewish Quarter as we learn about the long history of the district, see the new street art murals and understand why ruined buildings are now the most popular bars in town. Then visit the striking Great Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe, and experience its unique architecture and history with our Local Specialist.
Adult Price: €51 Danube Cruise With Dinner (Available on Day 6)Enjoy a sumptuous buffet of the delicious food for which Hungary is famous. Szegedin Goulash (goulash stew), Töltött Káposzta (stuffed cabbage), chicken paprikash, Dobos-Torta and much more. All as you sail along watching the illuminated landmarks of this stunning city.
Adult Price: €96 Wonders of Budapest (Available on Day 7)Immersing ourselves in the wonders of this spectacular city, we'll enjoy a tour of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building with our Local Specialist leading the way. We'll also spend time visiting the beautifully ornate St Stephen’s Basilica. Then, we'll enjoy a light lunch at one of the city's most beautiful cafés.
Adult Price: €102 Farmhouse Dinner And Polka Party (Available on Day 8)Tonight, you'll have a chance to enjoy the typical Polka music and traditional dance of Poland's rich culture, while savoring a delicious meal of Polish specialties and beverages at our specially-selected venue.
Adult Price: €79 Wieliczka Salt Mine Exploration (Available on Day 9)With our Local Specialist, we'll visit this amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed site just outside Krakow and marvel at the unique sculptures and setting of this 800-year old salt mine. See chambers, chapels and even salt chandeliers as we follow our guide 135 m (440 ft) underground.
Adult Price: €68 Warsaw Through the Looking Glass (Available on Day 10)Step back in time to see the Warsaw of a bygone era, bear witness to its broken past, hear stories of survival, friendship and camaraderie that together helped her rise like a phoenix from the ashes to become one of Europe's most progressive and fashionable cities. Our journey through Warsaw's past, present and future features the famous ghetto bridge, seen in the movie The Zookeeper's Wife, government buildings used to smuggle people out of the ghetto, regentrified market halls, palaces, and institutions of learning. It truly is a Mermaid's Tale!
Adult Price: €35 Wilanow Palace (Available on Day 11)This splendid baroque palace was built in the late 17th century as a summer home for King Jan Sobieski III. On our visit, led by our Local Specialist, we’ll see the collection of royal furniture, portraits and china that forms part of the National Museum.
Adult Price: €45 Chopin’s Warsaw (Available on Day 11)The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. This enchanting recital of his music, performed for you by a celebrated Polish pianist in one of Warsaw’s historic buildings, is one of the unforgettable memories of this trip. Sparkling wine will be served during the intermission.
Adult Price: €54 Berlin by Twilight with Dinner (Available on Day 12)Come along for a fun night of hearty food, wine, beer and music before we drive through the city as the sun goes down and the landmarks of this impressive German Capital illuminate.
Adult Price: €72 Berlin's Secret Past Revealed (Available on Day 13)Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, touch a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.
Adult Price: €35 Traditional Lake District Dinner (Available on Day 13)Admire the architecture of this vibrant city on a scenic drive to the rural outskirts, used as the Royal Hunting grounds in centuries past. Now an exclusive residential district, you’ll dine in a charming chalet-style restaurant and enjoy an atmospheric dinner of German specialties.
Adult Price: €72 Beautiful Prague by Night (Available on Day 14)Join our Local Specialist for an evening introduction to this fairy-tale city on private transport and with a little strolling. Gaze at the panoramic views of the city of a hundred spires while our Local Specialist brings the magic of the Charles Bridge alive. Enjoy a drink in a quaint restaurant as a musician entertains and discover parts of Prague that we have not seen yet.
Adult Price: €52 Traditional Dinner In Prague (Available on Day 15)If you appreciate great food and music, join us for an evening at one of our favorite local restaurants. A wonderful opportunity to get to know glorious Prague.
Adult Price: €70 Scenic Vltava Cruise with Lunch (Available on Day 15)Take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful River Vltava and we’ll tell you about the legends, myths, culture and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. During the cruise you’ll enjoy a lunch of local specialties.
Adult Price: €63 Viennese Concert (Available on Day 16)You’ll enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Strauss and Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. You’ll receive 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the interval. Please note: on occasion a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.
Adult Price: €68