Real Central Europe

Trip Type: 18 to 35s
Germany | 15 Days | 1 - 16 People
Starts From:

NZD 3,225.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Beginning in Germany and ending in Italy, this 15-day trip hits a whopping seven countries. You’ll see historic landmarks, medieval squares, hillto...

Real Central Europe

Beginning in Germany and ending in Italy, this 15-day trip hits a whopping seven countries. You’ll see historic landmarks, medieval squares, hilltop castles, romantic canals and thriving nightlife as you make memories that last a lifetime. Beginning in Europe’s alt-capital, Berlin, walk the ‘Royal Route’ in Krakow, soak up the terracotta views of Prague and Cesky Krumlov, be charmed by picturesque Lake Bled and finish up among the postcard-perfect canals of Venice. Uncover local secrets with your leader and explore at your own pace, making the most of all the optional activities that you want to do. The best part? You’ll be doing it all with like-minded young travellers who want to travel Central Europe in the same way.

Guten Tag! Welcome to Germany. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Berlin. If you arrive in Berlin early, maybe explore the city on foot – Berlin is packed with historic sites, cutting-edge galleries and iconic architecture. The city also boasts a party scene that makes NYC’s nightlife seem tame. If you’re keen to see what Berlin is about, it’s highly recommended that you arrive a couple of days early. Why not get to know your new travel crew tonight and head out for currywurst (hot dogs covered in ketchup, Worcester sauce and curry powder) and a stein.

This morning, say goodbye to Germany and hop on a train to Wroclaw – the cultural centre of southwest Poland sitting on the banks of River Oder. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon. Settle into your hotel, then follow your leader on an orientation walk around the city that makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The rest of the day is free for you to explore how you wish. Maybe check out Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square and the Four Denominations District, where the city’s incredible architecture and history are on display. Or appreciate Wroclaw from River Oder and picnic with a few of your new travel buddies.

This morning, board a train to Krakow – your base for the next two nights. As you stroll the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, glimpse the medieval architecture, castles, churches and sprawling squares with your leader. Grab some zapiekanka along the way (a baguette topped with mushroom and cheese) – a beloved street snack. Later, strike out on your own and maybe visit Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River or glimpse the impressive St Mary's Basilica and its extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. If churches are your thing, the neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica is worth a visit.

Today is a free day for you to explore Krakow. Walking the ‘Royal Route’ – the former path of Polish monarchs – takes you past most of the Old Town’s greatest treasures, including Florianska Gate and the Barbican. Tonight, visit a traditional bar mleczny (milk bar) for dinner. Polish Milk Bars, which were popular in World War II, are local canteens where you can get a home-cooked meal. Offering a glimpse into authentic Polish life, having dinner here means no English menus, sharing tables when its busy and soaking up the local atmosphere. There are very few tourists who think to visit a milk bar, unless they know a local!

This morning after breakfast, head to the Czech Republic. Take a bus to the town of Ostrava, then board the train to Prague. After checking into your hotel, your leader will show you some of Prague’s best sites on an orientation walk. Then you’re free to explore on your own. Maybe wander the streets of the Jewish Quarter and check out the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe or learn about Prague’s favourite son at the Franz Kafka Museum. Make sure to take a scenic stroll along the Charles Bridge and watch the Astronomical Clock in action as it ticks over. This is a gorgeous city, so exploring on foot is often people’s go-to activity.

Today you can enjoy more free time in Prague to visit the sites you missed yesterday. Prague Castle has a great viewpoint that provides sweeping views of the city’s red rooftops and medieval architecture. Consider a day trip to Kutna Hora, where you can visit Sedlec Ossuary – an eerie chapel decorated with human skeletons – or St Barbara Church and its medieval frescoes. Prague’s Old Town becomes particularly magical at night. Return for an evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere before checking out some of the town’s cosy cellar hangouts or underground Absinthe bars. If you’re into jazz, Prague also boasts one of the best scenes in Europe! Ask your leader for suggestions if you’re not sure where to head out tonight.

Bid farewell to Prague today and travel south to the fairytale-like town of Cesky Krumlov. Dating back to the 13th century, this tiny town closely resembles Prague with its gorgeous castle across the river and pretty mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Head out on a leader-led walk around town, as they provide insight into the architectural symbolism and Old Town mysteries. After, use some free time to head to the top of the Castle Tower for a great view of the town’s red rooftops and distant rolling green hills, explore the castle and its gardens or browse the shops that line the riverfront. If you’re feeling active, ask your leader about rafting and canoeing activities on offer (time and weather permitting).

Hop into your private transfer and travel across the border to Austria and the Baroque city of Vienna. A perennial favourite for the world’s most liveable city, Vienna is also a dream for starry-eyed travellers looking for delicious coffee and pastries (sachertorte in particular), classical music and grand palaces. Get acquainted with the city on a leader-led walk and then enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Art lovers have their pick of museums to explore – maybe check out modern Austrian art at the Leopold Museum, paintings by Monet, Degas and Picasso at the neo-classical Albertina or the world’s largest collection of paintings by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt at Belvedere Palace. This evening, why not sample Vienna’s incredible musical heritage and catch a performance at one of the city’s historic venues such as the Vienna State Opera House.

Spend another day exploring Vienna’s rich artistic and intellectual heritage. Maybe head to Schloss Belvedere (Belvedere Palace), Schoenbrunn Palace or the Hofburg Palace complex to discover Austria’s symmetrical take on over-the-top grandeur. Exploring some of the city’s more specific museums such as the Schnapps Museum, the Sigmund Freud Museum or the Globe Museum, which is located inside the impressive Austrian National Museum. Climb the tower of St Stephen’s Cathedral, take a spin on the Prater Ferris Wheel or catch a dressage show at the Spanish Riding School. If you didn’t head out last night, maybe cap off a culture-filled day with a spot of Mozart Bach or Schubert at the opera house.

This morning you’ll continue your exploration of Europe’s opulent past in Budapest. Take a train and watch the scenery pass you by – when you arrive, your leader will show you around the city on an orientation walk where you can sample a Hungarian specialty - langos (fried dough). More than just a fairy-tale-like ode to the past, Budapest is also a bustling city with hip bars, trendy cafes and plenty of cheap eats. Your evening is free and your leader will make sure that you're equipped with all the insider knowledge when it comes to which are the best (and best-kept secret) ruin bars. A night out here might just be your highlight of the trip!

Enjoy a free day to explore Budapest further today. Visible from pretty much everywhere in the city, the 13th-century Buda Castle is a must-see. Why not imagine how Hungarian kings used to live by touring the palace complex, which houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Or you could head to Fisherman’s Bastion for the best view of the city before taking a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets of the Castle District. Another option is a boat trip along the Danube River, where you’ll get a different view of the Parliament buildings, the Castle District and the bridges that link Buda and Pest. Tonight, find one of the many great dinner spots or head back to the ruin bars for a night out.

Get ready for a long day of travel today as you make the journey to Ljubljana. From there, you’ll travel to Bled – a scenic lakeside town tucked at the foothills of the Julian Alps. Arrive in the late afternoon and head to the iconic lake. Here, your leader will point out the town’s best attractions, like its 11th-century clifftop castle and the small island in the lake’s centre. Use the rest of the day to search for Bled’s famous cream cake (which shouldn’t be hard, every cafe in town claims to make the best one) or choose to join the group for an optional dinner of Slovenian specialties.

Postcard-perfect Bled (the perfect spot if you need a new banging Instagram) is also tailor-made for adventure, and as today is a free day, it’s up to you how you’d like to get active (or chill out and stare at the scenery – it never gets old). Hiking, biking, canoeing and rafting are all on the cards so you can choose to hire a bike and explore the surrounds, head to Vintgar Gorge for a walk through its natural canyon or go rafting along the Soca River. If you’d like to keep it more lowkey, head to Bled Castle for some exploration or take a plenta (small wooden boat) to the church on the island in the middle of the lake to ring the wishing bell. You could even venture further afield and take a day trip to Bohinj – another lakeside town.

This morning, travel to Venice – brace yourself for some amazing scenery on the way. Venice is one of a kind, built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. As well as all those romantic canals, it has all the hallmarks of a fine old Italian city – world-class food, performance, art and architecture. Use your free time to explore – the best way to go is on foot. Try to take in all the famous sights, like the Grand Canal, the shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza San Marco and its golden basilica, and the Bridge of Sighs. Don't even think about leaving until you've eaten some tiramisu! This is where the dish was born, and they know how to do it just right.

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. As there is much to see here, you may want to book an extra couple of days in Venice to give yourself more time to explore – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Meals
5 Breakfast(s), , 1 Dinner(s)

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

Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hostel ( 2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Krakow - Zapiekanka Snack in Kazimierz Quarter
  • Krakow - Bar Mleczny
  • Budapest – Ruin Bar Visit
  • Budapest - Langos Snack
  • Discover the magical Cesky Krumlov – you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in a fairytale, as this place is filled with medieval buildings, lush countryside and the flowing Vltava River.
  • Step into the pages of a fable on the shore of Slovenia’s Lake Bled – home to the bluest waters you might ever see. Explore the church on the island, walk around the lake surrounded by mountains and treat yourself to a slice of cream cake.
  • Eat your way through Europe with a local leader who knows all the best spots. Enjoy langos in Budapest, try Zapiekanka in Krakow, have dinner at a classic Polish milk bar and find delicious street food in Italy and Prague.
  • Explore Berlin, where history and modern culture intertwine. If it’s nightlife you’re after, Germany’s capital is home to thriving bars, underground clubs and an alternative scene not to be missed.
  • Dive into Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Venice and Krakow – with two nights spent in almost every destination and loads of free time, you can eat, shop and sightsee at your own pace and not just catch a glimpse from a bus window!
  • The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – that means using public transport such as trams, trains, buses and metro at some locations. You’ll get an authentic look at daily life but be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters. The trains used on this trip are comfortable, and all have toilets but can also be very busy. Europe is steeped in history, which means sometimes the infrastructure is old. Often there are no lifts or escalators, particularly in some train stations or hotels. The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Europe are very romantic but they’re also a good reason to pack light and leave the wheeling suitcase at home. You may have to carry your bags up and down stairs, as well as some short distances to the hotel. Make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations – check the 'Packing' section of the Essential Trip Information. Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm waterproof layers will be needed as snow and rain can be expected. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season. As some accommodation on this trip is twin or multishare, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. For those travelling as a pair, European hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Epic Europe: Central and Italy

Departing

Finishing

Availability

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price: NZD 3,565.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00

Price:
NZD 3,665.00 NZD 3,482.00

Price:
NZD 3,530.00 NZD 3,354.00

Price:
NZD 3,395.00 NZD 3,225.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
AMYC
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Berlin, Germany
Trip Finishes:
Venice, Italy
Countries Visited:
Austria
Czech Republic
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Poland
Slovenia
map

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Destination Details
Germany | 15 Days | 1 - 16 People

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