Iconic Central Europe Explorer from Prague to Belgrade 12D11N, Fully Guided

Ahoj! Welcome to Prague. As soon as you arrive at Prague Airport, you’ll be received by a local representative and transferred to your 4-star hotel, Prague Leon D’oro. This hotel is situated in the city’s Old Town, in a central location with many major attractions within short walking distance.

You can explore the Czech Republic’s capital city as you wish. Immersed in history, there’s plenty to see here – perhaps check out the National Gallery, with Czech and international art on display, or the Franz Kafka Museum – a wonderful dedication to the life and work of the renowned Prague writer. Ensure you are back at the hotel before a crucial welcome meeting at 6 pm. Afterwards, get to know your group over a traditional Czech dinner - look out for local favorites goulash (a beef stew) and svickova (roast beef) on the menu.

Note: It is crucial that you attend the welcome meeting, as we will collect your insurance and emergency contact details there. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask the reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Kick off your day with a leader-led orientation walk around the city. You’ll probably sight the Prague Castle – one of the largest ancient castles in the world, visible from different parts of the city. See Charles Bridge, another medieval structure that spans the Vltava River, and head into the picturesque Old Town, with its architectural highlights, like the astronomical clock that’s been ticking since 1410. If you are a fan of beer, you’re probably familiar with Pilsner. However, did you know that this pale lager originated in the Czech Republic? Try some out on a visit to the Pilsner brewery, where you’ll also learn all about the brewing process and its origins.

Optional Activities: (additional cost)
- Museum of Communism
- Mucha Museum
- Kafka Museum

Get on a train to Olomouc today, east of Prague. Although not as popular as the capital, this city has much to offer, including the Holy Trinity Column, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Olomouc Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Olomouc also has its own astronomical clock in its Old Town, providing insight into how people kept time in the medieval period. Learn about these and more during a leader-led orientation walk. After that, you are free to explore as you wish. Ensure you ask your leader for restaurant recommendations in the city centre or go for a walk around Smetana Gardens. At the end of the day, return to your 4-star boutique accommodation, Hotel Arigone.

Included Activities: Olomouc - Orientation Walk
Optional Activity: Olomouc - Saint Vacláv Cathedral (free)

Drive across the border into Poland and on to Auschwitz, one of the trip’s most difficult but remarkably impactful experiences. As you traverse what was once the largest Nazi concentration camp with the help of a guide, you’ll learn about the suffering of millions of Jewish people as well as other persecuted groups during the Holocaust. Visiting Auschwitz is incredibly emotional, but also crucial for understanding the past and ensuring such atrocities aren’t repeated in the future. Decompress after in Krakow, your next destination, and maybe head to the Old Town for dinner.

Your home for tonight is the prestigious 3-star Hotel Krakow, one of the oldest hotels in the city situated in the lovely heart of Krakow, just minutes from the Central Railway Station.

Note: Today’s travel is approximately 4 hours. Should you not wish to visit Auschwitz, you can opt out. Your Leader can suggest alternatives, such as a visit to the nearby city of Oswiecim.

Kraków is famous for its unspoilt medieval architecture, so take it all in as you tour the city with a local guide this morning. They’ll likely bring you to Main Market Square in the Old Town, one of the largest squares in Europe, and St. Mary’s Basilica, a church known for its Gothic architecture. As you walk, learn about how Krakow changed during the Austro-Hungarian Empire and World War II. Then, relish Krakow’s culinary scene and get some hands-on experience with a cooking class – learn how to make Pierogi (Central European dumplings) and enjoy tucking into them after. Then, head back to your charming hotel, the old-world, 3-star Hotel Polonia, for a relaxing evening.

Optional Activities: (additional cost)
Schindler's Factory Museum Tour
History Museum
Rynek Underground Museum

Head down to central Slovakia today and stop in Banská Bystrica – a city with medieval origins. Upon arrival, set out on a leader-led tour, where you might see the Main Square in the Old Town and the Church of St. Francis Xavier – an excellent example of Baroque architecture. Maybe learn about the city’s role in the Slovak National Uprising of 1944 in the square dedicated to it.

Following that, make your way to your Feature Stay accommodation for the night – Hotel Grand Viglas. It feels like royalty in this castle-turned-hotel with its relaxing swimming pool and spa, as well as an upscale restaurant for dinner.

Note: Today’s travel is approximately 4.5 hours.

Today, you'll explore the nearby town of Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in a caldera formed by a collapsed ancient volcano. Your first stop is the Slovak Mining Museum. Here, you'll get a firsthand look at how the mining of precious metals has shaped this region, learning about the town's prosperous history and the communities built around this industry. Afterwards, your leader will guide you on a short but rewarding hike up Calvaria Hill, which offers majestic views overlooking the city. You'll follow a well-marked trail, enjoying plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way. After the hike, the evening is yours to relax back at the hotel.

Note: This hike will last around 30 minutes

Pack your bags as we head for Budapest today, stopping briefly at Holloko. This village, nestled in the Cserhat Mountains, is a well-kept representation of Paloc culture – an ethnic subgroup in Hungary. You might feel as though you’ve been transported back in time as you walk around Holloko, where residents often wear traditional clothing, and crafts like pottery and weaving remain integral to village life. With a local guide, walk around and learn about these traditional crafts at demonstrations – where you can even try on traditional clothing! Sample brandy and cheese pie (a local delicacy), then carry on to KK Hotel Opera, a sophisticated 4-star hotel directly next to the Hungarian State Opera House, your home for the next two nights. We are a short stroll from the city’s most famous sights and embassies.

Try the local delicacy of brandy and cheese pie before heading to the KK Hotel Opera, a stylish 4-star hotel located right next to the Hungarian State Opera House. This will be your home for the next two nights, just a short walk from the city’s top attractions and embassies.

Note: Today’s travel is approximately 3 hours.

Start the day with an orientation walk with your leader to help you familiarise yourself with Hungary’s capital. Budapest is famous for its thermal bath culture, popularly referred to as the City of Spas. You can visit the Szechenyi Baths, one of the largest and most famous thermal baths in Budapest, with several outdoor pools. Buda Castle is also a highlight, standing tall on the west side of the Danube River.

Join your leader for a bus ride to Buda Castle, a well-loved route that allows you to see many of the city’s historical parts, like the Chain Bridge, the bridge that connects Buda and Pest, and Matthias Church. Afterwards, regain your energy with langos (a deep-fried flatbread, very popular in Budapest)!

Optional Activities: (additional cost)
Szechenyi Baths
Hungarian National Museum
Hungarian State Opera House Tour
Great Synagogue
Transport and Entry to Statue Park
Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Danube Night River Cruise

Note: This walk is approximately 30 minutes and involves some stairs. If you’d rather not walk, there is an Auto-Hungarian-era funicular you can ride instead.

Join a drive to Serbia this morning, stopping off in Subotica. Enjoy a guided tour of the border city, where you’ll spot remarkable Art Nouveau architecture around the place, namely the City Hall and the Synagogue. Your leader can also explain how the Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian periods affected the city. Afterwards, drive to a local winery, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process in Serbia. Put your wine-tasting skills to the test by sampling various wines from their signature collection. Then, continue to Belgrade, your last destination, and get settled in your 4-star hotel in the heart of the city.

Note: Today’s travel is approximately 5 hours, including the time taken to cross the border.

Today also begins with an orientation walk guided by your leader, who also educates you on Belgrade’s rich history. Situated where the Danube and the Sava rivers meet, this city has been a centre of power for various empires over the centuries. Once you know your way around the city, you can explore as you wish. Maybe check out Knez Mihailova Street if you’re in the mood to shop, or head to Kalemegdan Fortress for scenic views of the rivers connecting. You can also check out the Nikola Tesla Museum, where you can learn all about how the engineer shaped technological advancement in the 20th century. Later, converge with your group for a traditional Serbian dinner.

Optional Activities: (additional cost)
Nikola Tesla Museum
Danube River Cruise
Tito’s Mausoleum (House of Flowers)

Bid farewell to your group over one last breakfast. For those who wish to remain in Belgrade, please contact us to arrange additional accommodation.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.