Highlights of Eastern Europe - End Vienna, Small Group
Highlights of Eastern Europe - End Vienna, Small Group
Highlights of Eastern Europe - End Vienna, Small Group
14 Days Starting in Budapest and ending in Vienna
Visiting: Budapest, Kraków, Oravsky Podzamok, Warsaw, Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Ceske Budejovice, Vienna
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Delight your senses on the Highlights of Eastern Europe tour as you travel through Budapest, Warsaw and Vienna alongside Local Experts. In the German capital, a robust Berlin sightseeing itinerary meanders through the leafy Tiergarten of the Reichstag building, to the Brandenburg Gate and along the Unter den Linden to the State Opera House, and Museum Island. In Vienna, see, hear and taste the city from a local perspective at the Mozart & Strauss Concert dinner—with a menu composed of traditional Austrian delicacies and classical music masterpieces. Across the border in the Polish Capital, enjoy the Warsaw Cooking of an expert chef with a demonstration of traditional dumpling making techniques.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Budapest
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Accommodation Name: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Budapest sets the scene for a memorable journey around Eastern Europe. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers at a local restaurant. Your Welcome Dinner is a treat of mouthwatering Hungarian specialties, accompanied by specially selected wine.
Day 2: Delve Into Budapest Relaxed Start
Location: Budapest
Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Accommodation Name: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the *Liszt Academy of Music for a guided tour followed by an enchanting recital. Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a local expert to admire the façade of Matthias Church and take in the views from the Fisherman's Bastion. In the evening, perhaps choose an optional experience to see this fairy-tale city as you cruise along the Danube and enjoy a meal of Hungarian specialties? (*on occasions the Liszt Academy will be replaced by an organ recital at the Matthias Church).
Day 3: The Mountains To Kraków
Location: Kraków, Budapest, Oravsky Podzamok
Accommodation: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto.
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Take a gentle drive into Slovakia and through the breathtaking Low Tatra Mountains, where villagers still live in traditional wooden houses. Stop at scenic Donovaly. Continue north to see the picturesque Oravský Hrad Castle before crossing into Poland and continuing to historic Kraków.
Day 4: The Damsels And Dragons Of Kraków Relaxed Start
Location: Kraków
Accommodation: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto.
Accommodation Name: Mercure Kraków Stare Miasto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert to ascend Wawel Hill and visit the cathedral. Walk past the former residence of Pope John Paul II through the Old Town, to Europe's largest and most beautiful town square. See the medieval Sukiennice Cloth Hall and visit the 14th-century St. Mary's Basilica, the most important church in the city. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the trumpeter in the tower. Why not join an Optional Experience and journey into a glistening subterranean world at the 600-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mines? In a maze of tunnels deep below the surface, witness unique salt sculptures, sunken lakes and even a glorious cathedral carved entirely out of rock salt by the miners. Alternatively, enjoy time at leisure.
Day 5: Auschwitz And On To Warsaw
Location: Warsaw, Kraków
Accommodation: The Westin Warsaw.
Accommodation Name: The Westin Warsaw
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Join a Local Expert at Oświęcim, better known throughout the world by its German name, Auschwitz, infamous for its role during the Holocaust. Spend reflective moments amid the remains of the concentration camp and the memorials to those who died. Continue across the Polish plains to the country’s capital, Warsaw for the night. Dumplings are an Eastern European tradition, so in the evening enjoy a dumpling demonstration and delightful Highlight Dinner.
Day 6: The Polish Capital Of Warsaw Relaxed Start
Location: Warsaw
Accommodation: The Westin Warsaw.
Accommodation Name: The Westin Warsaw
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert in the morning to see the Old Town, Royal Castle and Palace of Culture. Visit the Chopin Memorial in the Łazienki Park. Pay your respects at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and then enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Perhaps attend a Chopin recital or delve into Warsaw's inspirational past?
Day 7: Wielkopolska To Berlin
Location: Warsaw, Berlin
Accommodation: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.
Accommodation Name: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your route leads westward, across the rolling farmlands of the central plains, over the Oder River to enter Germany. Your destination is the vibrant capital of Berlin where you can try traditional Berliner cuisine.
Day 8: The Spirit Of Berlin Relaxed Start
Location: Berlin
Accommodation: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin.
Accommodation Name: Hotel NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prepare to embrace the rejuvenated spirit of Berlin. Join a Local Expert for a drive through the leafy Tiergarten to the refurbished Reichstag building and see the Brandenburg Gate. On the eastern side, take the Unter den Linden past the State Opera House to Museum Island.
Day 9: Dresden And Golden Prague
Location: Berlin, Dresden, Prague
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel Prague
Accommodation Name: Hermitage Hotel Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey south to Dresden. Almost totally destroyed by horrific air raids in 1945, Dresden has now risen again from the ashes in a blend of old and new. See the reconstructed Frauenkirche and walk past the colossal ‘Procession of the Princes' on the wall of the Royal Palace. Explore around the Catholic cathedral to view the tiered facades of the opera house and the Baroque Zwinger Palace. After free time for lunch, head for the Czech border, high in the Ore Mountains and continue to the capital city of Prague.
Day 10: Prague, City Of A Hundred Spires
Location: Prague
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel Prague
Accommodation Name: Hermitage Hotel Prague
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert for a walk through the Jewish Quarter and learn about a different side of the history of Prague and taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry. The city is then yours to explore. Perhaps walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners, alongside the Czech cuisine.
Day 11: Bohemian Český Krumlov Relaxed Start
Location: Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Ceske Budejovice
Accommodation: Hotel Old Inn, Ceský Krumlov.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Old Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
A journey through the green Bohemian countryside will bring you to České Budějovice. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery to sample the beer and discover the secrets of how this golden vintage is made. Continue on to Český Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town nestled on the banks of the Vltava. Walk the narrow cobbled streets and arch-covered footpaths, past colorful townhouses and centuries-old inns. With a Local Expert, visit the fairy-tale, red-roofed castle, considered by many to be the finest in the land. After the day trippers have left, soak up the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at a local restaurant. Enjoy a traditional Czech Highlight Dinner of local specialties.
Day 12: Stately Vienna Relaxed Start
Location: Cesky Krumlov, Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the border into Austria and enjoy a delightful journey to Vienna. The afternoon is free for you to explore this stately capital and later why not enjoy a delightful Austrian meal with the option to dine at a country mansion?
Day 13: The Habsburgs Of Vienna
Location: Vienna
Accommodation: Hilton Vienna Park.
Accommodation Name: Hilton Vienna Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Vienna owes much of its present-day charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs. Join your Local Expert for a private visit of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Then, take some great photos on a circuit of the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence, Austrian Parliament Building and Karlskirche. Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Choose between a visit to a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties of coffee and Sachertorte or alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during an inclusive workshop and take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare with drinks at a local restaurant, before sitting down to an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music.
Day 14: Depart Vienna
Location: Vienna
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end in Vienna this morning.
What's Included
-
Meals
Includes 13 breakfasts and 11 dinners with wine, featuring local specialties.
-
Exclusive Experiences
Enjoy unique experiences such as a visit to the Liszt Music Academy in Budapest, a dumpling-making demonstration in Warsaw, a brewery tour in Ceske Budejovice, and a private tour of Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna.
-
Local Experts
Benefit from the knowledge of Local Experts in cities like Prague, Kraków, Budapest, and Vienna for in-depth exploration.
-
Luxury Transportation
Travel in comfort with an air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi in most destinations.
-
Handpicked Hotels
Stay in carefully selected, high-quality hotels throughout your journey.
-
Insight Flourishes
Experience local specialties representing the destination, courtesy of your Travel Director.
-
Wi-Fi Availability
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
All-Inclusive Service
Enjoy the ease of having all taxes, porterage charges, and gratuities included.
-
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Participate in an inclusive workshop designed to support the visually impaired community in Vienna.
What's Not Included
-
International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Optional Activities
Any optional experiences not included in the itinerary may incur an additional cost.
-
Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Any required visas or entry fees for specific countries are not included.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is there a visit to a brewery included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a local brewery in Ceske Budejovice to discover how beer is made, followed by a sampling.
-
What countries will the tour visit?
The tour will visit Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Germany.
-
What are the accommodation details for the first night?
The accommodation for the first night is at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest.
-
What historical sites will be visited in Kraków?
In Kraków, the tour visits the cathedral atop Wawel Hill, the castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze to see the Ghetto Square.
-
Are there any special activities included in Prague?
Yes, in Prague, activities include a stroll through the Jewish Quarter with a Local Expert, a visit to St. Vitus Cathedral and Prague Castle, a choice between two selected activities, and an exploration of the Old Town with a Local Expert.
-
What is the unique experience offered in Vienna?
In Vienna, a unique experience offered is the 'Dancing without Barriers' workshop in a specially designed sensory studio, which supports the visually impaired community. Alternatively, there's a visit to a traditional Viennese café to enjoy coffee and sachertorte.
-
Is there a visit to Auschwitz included?
Yes, the tour includes a powerful and moving visit to Auschwitz with a Local Expert, including the Auschwitz memorial and museum and a stop at Birkenau.
-
How many breakfasts and dinners are included?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts and 11 dinners with wine.
-
Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, cultural experiences include a dumpling-making demonstration in Warsaw, a tour of the Liszt Music Academy in Budapest, and a traditional Viennese Waltz workshop in Vienna.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Friday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Saturday - Friday
Jul 19, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions