Eastern Highlights

Eastern Highlights

48K Views
11 Days From

$2505

$1645

Eastern Highlights

11 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Munich

Visiting: Munich, Nuremberg, Prague, Krakow, Banska Bystrica, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Graz, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Salzburg

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

MEH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2505 $1645 Operator discount: -$860 -34%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

From incredible architecture and captivating historical attractions to the vibrant local culture, there's a lot to explore on this Eastern European tour! Toast to the German life in an authentic beer hall. Experience authentic Czech cuisine fit for locals! Embark on a thought-provoking tour of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Stroll along Budapest's Danube River and soak up glamour and rich history in Vienna! Enjoy immersive experiences on local guided walks and explore Prague, Krakow, and Budapest at leisure on free days. This is a must-see way to explore Eastern Europe.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the local German experience in a traditional beer hal

  • Explore Prague, Krakow and Budapest at leisure on free days

  • Visit Auschwitz concentration camp for a historic experience

  • Opt to see one of the world's oldest mines – Wieliczka Salt Mine

  • Embark on a guided tour of Ljubljana

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Munich

julia_grateful

Location: Munich

Meals Included: Dinner

Willkommento Munich! This morning, meet up with your tour guide after checking into the hotel and discover the tour's itinerary! Embark on an orientation tour through Munich's top attractions. Combining old and new seamlessly, Munich is a captivating city that's home to a myriad of cultural sights right next to contemporary industries, high-fashion shopping and, of course, the elegant BMW. To fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture, join today’s optional excursion to see the city’s top sights and taste Bavarian cuisine at the famous Viktualienmarkt! Tonight is the perfect opportunity to mingle with your tour leader and new travel companions! Enjoy a traditional German dinner in a beer hall and savour the authentic tastes of Germany.

  • Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria

  • Welcome dinner in a traditional German beer hall

Day 2: Nuremberg - Prague

adamyule
Mr Kane!
Panagiotis Myrelis
Steffen Breitung

Location: Nuremberg, Prague

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, enjoy an orientation tour of Nuremberg en route to the next destination - Prague. Nuremberg is the second-largest city in Bavaria and home to renowned art, architecture, historic chapels and traditional beer! Next stop, Prague - a stunning city with ornate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist influences. Traverse these cobbled streets in search of local bars and courtyards. And for the most satisfying experience, explore the delicious beer and art aplenty! Gain a deeper understanding of the city with a locally guided walk before tucking into traditional Czech cuisine at a local eatery this evening.

  • Orientation tour of Nuremberg

  • Discover Prague on a guided tour

  • Taste authentic Czech cuisine in Prague

Day 3: Prague: Free Day

adamyule
Mr Kane!
Panagiotis Myrelis
Steffen Breitung

Location: Prague

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, discover the storybook charm of Prague at leisure. Learn more about the city on the Prague+ optional excursion. Choose to join, and see top attractions like Prague Castle, the well-known Charles Bridge, the ‘Old Town’ and the Jewish Quarter! Discover the man-made grotto from the 'Secret Garden' and see the rich history of Prague echoed in the spellbinding churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks. Take a trip to the John Lennon Wall and a sip at a local beerhouse! Absinthe was also once a popular drink of choice here. Some even argue that Van Gogh's relationship with this infamous beverage is one of history's most notable stories! Tonight, join an evening of traditional Czech music, dance and food!

Day 4: Prague - Krakow

adamyule
Mr Kane!
Panagiotis Myrelis
Steffen Breitung

Location: Prague, Krakow

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, depart Prague as the tour continues to Krakow. On the way, take a sobering tour of the Auschwitz concentration camp grounds. Discover this sordid stage in Europe's history during a guided tour. Once the Auschwitz tour concludes, journey on towards Krakow - the royal capital of Poland. Today, this centuries-old capital houses some of the most outstanding Gothic and Renaissance architecture in all of Europe, as well as millions of complementary artworks. After arriving in Krakow, check into the hotel for the night before enjoying an included dinner.

  • Guided tour of Auschwitz concentration camp

Day 5: Krakow: Free Day

Location: Krakow

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, discover more of Krakow on a free day! Kick-off with a guided walking tour. Explore Krakow's top sights and learn more about their history and significance as you go. Then, spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure. Alternatively, embark on the optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the mine provides an intriguing viewpoint into the rich history of the area. Descend below ground and traverse 2km of tunnels to behold chapels, reliefs and freestanding sculptures that have been carved into the salt rock walls as well as subterranean lakes and archaeological exhibits.

  • Explore Krakow on a walking tour

Day 6: Banska Bystrica - Budapest

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sotiris_pantera
luisalopesphotography

Location: Banska Bystrica, Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Visit Banska Bystrica in Slovakia today! Enjoy a scenic orientation tour of this city that houses exquisite buildings as old as the Middle Ages. The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is up next! There is a lot to explore in this stunning city, from untamed beauty to architecture in the styles of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation driving tour for unmatched views of the Houses of Parliament, and marvel at the city views from along the riverside. Make note of spots to revisit on tomorrow's free day! This evening, try authentic cuisine with a delicious included meal at a local restaurant.

  • Orientation tour of Banska Bystrica

  • Discover Budapest with a local guide

Day 7: Budapest: Free Day

fernweh_stories
sotiris_pantera
luisalopesphotography

Location: Budapest

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, explore more of this stunning city and take advantage of some free time! Discover the unique and fascinating details of Budapest that date back to times gone by. Take particular note of historical remnants depicting conflicts such as WWII and the uprising of 1956. Experience architectural delights like St. Stephen’s Basilica and cultural hotspots such as the Central Market while delving into the city’s fascinating history on today’s Budapest+ optional excursion. Alternatively, join the Budapest Baths optional excursion to soak in the thermal waters of the most popular bath-houses in Budapest - Szechenyi Baths. This evening, join the optional Danube River cruise and marvel at the city's lights at night!

Day 8: Bratislava - Vienna

Location: Bratislava, Vienna

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore the brilliance of Vienna today! En route, stop in Bratislava, Slovakia for a guided driving and walking tour. Marvel at the top attractions in the city; see if you can catch a glimpse of Bratislava Castle overlooking the city. After arriving in Vienna, embark on a driving tour of one of the few places that boasts cultural and historical landmarks as part of such a modern city. Conclude the driving tour with an included dinner. End the day by opting for an incredible evening of great music at a Mozart Concert!

  • Explore Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city

  • See the highlights of Vienna on a guided tour

Day 9: Graz - Ljubljana

Location: Graz, Ljubljana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, the tour leaves Vienna behind and journeys onward to enchanting Ljubljana with a stop en route in the Austrian city of Graz for an orientation tour. After arriving in Ljubljana, explore the city's gems on an orientation tour. The city might be small but it holds untold beauty and wonder, with a rich blend of cultures, activities and sights. Dating back centuries, marvel at Ljubljana Castle overlooking the city. This evening, take advantage of this walkable city by exploring even more on your own. Alternatively, join the optional excursion this evening to experience local Slovenian cuisine and culture.

  • Experience an orientation tour of Graz

  • Discover the magic of Ljubljana on a guided tour

Day 10: Lake Bled - Salzburg - Munich

julia_grateful

Location: Lake Bled, Salzburg, Munich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Ljubljana as the coach heads for its last destination on this Eastern Europe tour - Munich! En route, stop for some incredible photos at Lake Bled and even some famous Bled Cream Cake. Salzburg, Austria is the next idyllic stop. The landscapes are straight out of a storybook, with gorgeous architecture, a cliff-top fortress and impressive mountain ranges to explore. Also, as the original home of Mozart and the setting for The Sound of Music, there might be some residual music magic in the air! Lastly, travel to Munich where the evening is free to explore on your own. Why not join the Munich Farewell Dinner and enjoy one last meal with the group?

  • Experience picture-perfect Salzburg

  • Visit beautiful Lake Bled

Day 11: End Of Tour In Munich

julia_grateful

Location: Munich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, this adventure-filled Eastern European tour concludes after 11 exciting days! After breakfast, share contact details with your newfound travel family to keep in touch. Feel free to use #ExpatExplore and #BetterTogether when posting your tour memories on social media. Expat Explore wishes you a safe and rewarding journey ahead!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
    Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

  • Transport

    Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
    Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

  • Meals

    10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

  • Tour Leader

    Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
    Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

What's Not Included

International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.



All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.

Mode of Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard

  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Accommodation

  • 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms

  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.


Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.


Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.


We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.


For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.


With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.


For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.

Health and Fitness

We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.

Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.

Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.

We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.

For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.

With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.

Experiences

  • Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria

  • Welcome dinner in a traditional German beer hall

  • Orientation tour of Nuremberg

  • Discover Prague on a guided tour

  • Taste authentic Czech cuisine in Prague

  • Guided tour of Auschwitz concentration camp

  • Explore Krakow on a walking tour

  • Orientation tour of Banska Bystrica

  • Discover Budapest with a local guide

  • Explore Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city

  • See the highlights of Vienna on a guided tour

  • Experience an orientation tour of Graz

  • Discover the magic of Ljubljana on a guided tour

  • Experience picture-perfect Salzburg

  • Visit beautiful Lake Bled

Check out our Q&As

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No, entrance fees are not included.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

    All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All our tours are conducted in English.

  • Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

    Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes, As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.

    In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.

  • Is the tour coach air conditioned?

    Yes, Full air-conditioning

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.

  • Children on tour?

    Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Abby  

Amazing value for money! Great tour! Great tour guide!

We had a wonderful tour, extremely good value for

We had a wonderful tour, extremely good value for money. You see and do so much - great way to "get a taste" of each country. We had 6 dinners and all breakfast included which was delicious and very convenient. The hotels are nice and comfortable and most in great locations to city centre. Our tour leader Rachelle was absolutely incredible! She is very organised and made everything completely stress free. It was very well planned and smooth. Rachelle taught us so much about each destination and was very knowledgeable.

Laurie  

Eastern Highlights - great tour!

I would highly recommend eastern highlights to any

I would highly recommend eastern highlights to anyone looking for a super fast paced tour that explores multiple countries. In 11 days we were able to see the hearts of several countries, exploring capital cities, eating local foods, learning about the countries from local tour guides and making lifelong memories. The hotels were above expectations and the meals provided for both breakfasts (buffet style) and dinners were exceptional. The tour guide rachelle and driver frank were both enthusiastic, hard working and very knowledgeable. The tour was very good value for money. The tour is very fast paced, so not for those looking for a relaxing holiday. The tour is predominantly older people - however still lots of opportunities to head into town for partying if your a young traveller like myself.

Maria  

Eastern Highlights with Rachelle

This was our first time tour with Expat Explore. T

This was our first time tour with Expat Explore. This tour was our birthday celebration for our sister's birthday. We had a great time exploring. The most exciting part of the tour was the independence and exposure in public transport. We never had this kind of exposure with other tour groups. Our tour director Rachelle was very patient, approachable and precise in giving us directions. I would love to have her again in our next explore tour.

Sheryl  

Intense yet satisfying experience

11 packed days of go-go-go! So many things to see,

11 packed days of go-go-go! So many things to see, but well worth it to find those places that you may want to go back and spend more time. A ton of walking (we logged about 75 miles). Optional activities were wonderful. Tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Thursday

Dec 23, 2024 - Jan 02, 2025
$2260 $1685

Operator discount: -$575

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$2505 $1985

Operator discount: -$520

Wednesday - Saturday

May 21, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2505 $1845

Operator discount: -$660

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2505 $1745

Operator discount: -$760

Saturday - Tuesday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
$2505 $1645

Operator discount: -$860

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$2505 $1745

Operator discount: -$760

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$2505 $1745

Operator discount: -$760

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2505 $1745

Operator discount: -$760

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$2505 $1645

Operator discount: -$860

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$2505 $1645

Operator discount: -$860

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 29, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$2505 $1765

Operator discount: -$740

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.

    At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.