Discover Central Europe

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.3

3 Reviews

Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover some of the hottest locations in Central Europe with a trip that offers you loads of free time and a local leader with all the best recommendations on how to spend it.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (6),
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)

Highlights

Discover the artistic history of Vienna – the city with the perfect blend of modern and historical personality. As you explore, maybe buy some traditional treats at a local cafe that employs older residents.
Stroll through Salzburg, with its staggering Eastern Alps backdrop. With your free day, maybe wander between the Old City and New City, divided by the Salzach River.
Escape city life on the peaceful shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Maybe visit the church on the tiny fairytale island in the lake’s centre and treat yourself to a slice of Bled’s famous cream cake.
See iconic Venice, with its postcard-perfect scenes, and soak up oh-so-Venetian opportunities like a gondola ride along the canals or tucking into a huge plate (or three) of pasta.
Visit Ljubljana’s riverside centre where Joze Plecnik’s bridges, the Central Market and leafy parks show why Slovenia’s capital leads the country in its green endeavours.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Train, Public Bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Tram

Guide Language

English

Starts

Budapest, Austria

Finishes

Venice, Austria

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Budapest

Szia! Welcome to Hungary. Your adventure begins in the gorgeous dual city of Budapest with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not stroll around the grand architecture and boulevards to get your bearings. Maybe explore one of the local markets and pick up a langos (a deep-fried Hungarian pastry with different toppings). Or, head to Statue Park to get an insight into the city’s past or soak off your flight in one of the many thermal bath complexes around town. After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a group of your new travel buddies together for a Hungarian feast of goulash or check out some ruin bars – bustling nightlife hubs great for groups in the Jewish Quarter, these bars feature a whole heap of weird and wonderful decor.

Optional Activities:

Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) (9000 HUF)
Budapest - Central Market - Free
Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
Budapest - Parliament Tour (13000 HUF)
Budapest - Great Synagogue (13000 HUF)
Budapest - Bike Ride (15000 HUF)
Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (3500 HUF)
Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Vienna

Hop on a train this morning to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Then, set off with your own agenda, perhaps visiting the Naschmarkt for food stalls and local produce, seeing the Spanish Riding School or relaxing in the Prater. Or take a tram to Schoenbrunn Palace. If you like, rejoin your group for kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) 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. Have a chat with the friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm and welcoming environment.

Included Activities:

Vienna - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Vienna

You’re free to choose your own adventure today, and Vienna has a lot to offer! For art lovers, there’s a vast array of museums, including the Albertina, the Leopold, Kunsthalle Wien and the Museum of Modern Art. Those interested in 19th- and 20th-century Austrian art might like to visit the Belvedere Palace – home to Gustav Klimt’s painting The Kiss. Or check out the colourful Hundertwasserhaus or the dome of the Secession building. Perhaps visit the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the neo-classical Graben or wander through Hofburg Palace – once the imposing winter retreat of Habsburg royals and now the official residence of the Austrian president. For a knock-your-socks-off moment, head to the State Opera House – one of the world’s most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture.

Optional Activities:

Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice (28 EUR)
Vienna - Schonbrunn Palace (34 EUR)
Vienna - St Stephen's Tower (6 EUR)
Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (15 EUR)
Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (18 EUR)
Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper Gallery) (20 EUR)
Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Upper & Lower Galleries) (29 EUR)
Vienna - Albertina Museum (20 EUR)
Vienna - Leopold Museum (19 EUR)
Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Salzburg

Travel to Salzburg this morning via train – this Austrian hub on the border of Germany is backdropped by the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River. When you arrive, you’ll have a full free day to explore all this gorgeous city has to offer, from the Old City to the New City. Maybe head to Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a picnic if the weather’s nice or discover Mozart’s birthplace. Consider a walk along the medieval walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg and take in the architecture (you can also pay to get inside) or find a great viewpoint and snap some photos of the city in the shadow of the mountains, with the fortress looming above on the hill. Tonight, why not ask your local leader for the best spot for dinner.

Included Activities:

Salzburg - Orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Salzburg - Mirabell Palace and Gardens - Free
Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace (15 EUR)
Salzburg - Old Market Place - Free
Salzburg - Old City Hall - Free
Salzburg - St. Peter's Abbey - Free
Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Castle (11 EUR)
Salzburg - Salzburg Cathedral - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Ljubljana

Travel by train this morning from Salzburg to Ljubljana, crossing into Slovenia and continuing to the capital. After checking in to your hotel, head out with your leader on an orientation walk through the compact city centre. Ljubljana’s riverside streets, Central Market and Plecnik-designed bridges make it easy to get your bearings on foot. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore your own way. You might join a local walking tour, ride the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle or wander through Tivoli Park. Maybe browse the stalls around the Central Market or follow the Ljubljanica River past the Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge. This evening, maybe stay by the river for dinner or ask your leader for a local restaurant recommendation.

Included Activities:

Ljubljana - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Ljubljana

After breakfast, board the train again for a daytrip to Bled. The day is yours to discover this natural wonderland. Maybe take a full-day adventure around Triglav Massive – there are many outdoor activities available here to get the heart rate up, like rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming in the warmer months. Or hire a bike and head out of town to Vintgar Gorge, where you can walk through a natural canyon. Perhaps explore Bled Castle, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the lake, or catch a pletna (small wooden boat) over to the island in the middle of the lake to ring the iconic church’s wishing bell. Your leader will have all the best options, so be sure to chat with them for their recommendations. If you’d prefer to have a relaxing day and the sun is out, maybe just find a quiet spot near the lake and spend the day reading or people-watching. Feeling peckish? Try Bled cake (made of vanilla, custard, cream and pastry) – many local cafes and cake shops claim theirs is the best, so maybe try a few and compare! Return to Ljubljana by train this evening.

Included Activities:

Bled - Day Trip

Optional Activities:

Triglav National Park - River Rafting (55 EUR)
Triglav National Park - Bus and Cable Car Trip to Mt Vogel (32 EUR)
Triglav National Park - Emerald River Adventure (full day) (115 EUR)
Triglav National Park - Canyoning (85 EUR)
Bled - Mountain Bike Hire (25 EUR)
Bled - Pletna Boat Trip (from) (20 EUR)
Bled - Castle (18 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Venice

This morning, travel to Venice. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it’s a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. A city of canals, Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader – the best way to see Venice is by foot – passing by the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. There are shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner here, so there’s plenty to explore. Tonight, what better to do than tuck into some iconic Italian cuisine (and maybe a big glass of vino) with your group.

Included Activities:

Venice - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Venice

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave your accommodation at any time after checkout. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Italy’s city of canals is an extraordinary place to see on foot, and if you’d like to spend an extra day or two exploring, just speak to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:

Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (20 EUR)
Venice - St Mark's Campanile (15 EUR)
Peggy - Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
Venice - Gondola Ride (113 EUR)
Venice - Uncommon Venice Urban Adventure (must be prebooked in advance) (79 EUR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,245

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Discover some of the hottest locations in Central Europe with a trip that offers you loads of free time and a local leader with all the best recommendations on how to spend it.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Mar 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Nicolas

Traveled, September 2023

10/03/2023

The locations visited were fantastic. Our tour leader, Nina, was very helpful and made us feel like we had a local friend who is passionate about the countries we visited. I really enjoyed my vacation.

4.5

Jai

Traveled, September 2023

10/01/2023

I do very good trip from Dubrovnik to Bled with Intrepid. This was my first time with Intrepid Travel . Starting with the biggest positive were the two lady tour leaders they were both excellent very good attitude very helpful. A big suggestion of mine for interprid is to reevaluate their hotel, locations and quality. The tour pricing should allow centrally located hotels/ apartments that are three star. Most of our state were far from the center of the city and it best two star. Also, it would be recommended to have a good local guide to have a comprehensive door of the major cities. Overall, I was satisfied with the tour with excellent rating for the tour leaders

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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