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Journey through Central Europe

From $5,597
total price from Boston, New York
$4,795 air & land inclusive plus $802 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
16 days
Tour Membership
12-24 Guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment.  With both comprehensive touring and time for independent exploration, it provides a generous overview of four distinctly different – and fascinating – nations.

Tour Details

Journey through Central Europe

From $5,597

total price from Boston, New York
$4,795 air & land inclusive plus $802 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
16 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
16 days

Tour Membership
12-24 Guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply wish to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment.  With both comprehensive touring and time for independent exploration, it provides a generous overview of four distinctly different – and fascinating – nations.

Your Tour at a Glance

Click on this icon in the Dates and Prices section below to view the hotel summary for selected departure date

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.

Day
Day
Itinerary
Hotel
Rating
1
1
Depart U.S. for Warsaw
2-3
2-3
Warsaw
Superior First Class
4-6
4-6
Krakow
Not rated
7-9
7-9
Budapest
Deluxe
10-12
10-12
Vienna
Deluxe
13-15
13-15
Prague
Superior First Class
16
16
Depart Prague for U.S.

Small Group Highlights

  • Warsaw sightseeing
  • Guided visits to Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine, Krakow
  • Comprehensive Budapest touring
  • Scenic Danube Bend
  • Vienna sightseeing and classical music performance
  • Tour of elegant Prague, including Old Town Square, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Warsaw, Poland
Depart U.S. for Warsaw, Poland
2
Day 2: Arrive Warsaw
D
D
Day 2: Arrive Warsaw

After arriving in the Polish capital late this morning, we have free time before we gather for tonight’s welcome dinner at our hotel.

After arriving in the Polish capital late this morning, we have free time before we gather for tonight’s welcome dinner at our hotel.

3
Day 3: Warsaw
B
B
Day 3: Warsaw

Virtually destroyed during World War II, Warsaw was rebuilt in the decades that followed.  With the fall of Communism, the city has become more dynamic and progressive while retaining much of its distinct character.  We tour this phoenix city today, visiting the faithfully rebuilt Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Royal Castle, whose origins date to the late 13th century.  We also tour the area of the former Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Cemetery.  As we walk the streets that the Jews of Warsaw once inhabited, we can imagine the 1943 uprising when a small number of Jewish Resistance fighters inside the ghetto held out against Nazi forces for an incredible 22 days.  This afternoon is free for independent exploration; before dinner on our own tonight, we enjoy a private classical piano recital.

Virtually destroyed during World War II, Warsaw was rebuilt in the decades that followed.  With the fall of Communism, the city has become more dynamic and progressive while retaining much of its distinct character.  We tour this phoenix city today, visiting the faithfully rebuilt Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Royal Castle, whose origins date to the late 13th century.  We also tour the area of the former Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Cemetery.  As we walk the streets that the Jews of Warsaw once inhabited, we can imagine the 1943 uprising when a small number of Jewish Resistance fighters inside the ghetto held out against Nazi forces for an incredible 22 days.  This afternoon is free for independent exploration; before dinner on our own tonight, we enjoy a private classical piano recital.

4
Day 4: Warsaw/Krakow
B
D
B
D
Day 4: Warsaw/Krakow

Today we journey south to Krakow, Poland’s third-largest city and a major center of Polish culture and education.  Krakow survived World War II intact, leaving it with more historic buildings and monuments than anywhere else in the country.  Its authentic Old Town is a UNESCO cultural site, and the Main Market Square ranks as the largest medieval square in Europe.  Upon arrival late this morning, we have time for lunch on our own before we embark on a tour of the city’s historic area, featuring St. Mary’s Church; the Royal Chambers of Wawel Castle, seat of royalty for more than 500 years; and Wawel Cathedral, the national church.  We dine together tonight at our hotel.

Today we journey south to Krakow, Poland’s third-largest city and a major center of Polish culture and education.  Krakow survived World War II intact, leaving it with more historic buildings and monuments than anywhere else in the country.  Its authentic Old Town is a UNESCO cultural site, and the Main Market Square ranks as the largest medieval square in Europe.  Upon arrival late this morning, we have time for lunch on our own before we embark on a tour of the city’s historic area, featuring St. Mary’s Church; the Royal Chambers of Wawel Castle, seat of royalty for more than 500 years; and Wawel Cathedral, the national church.  We dine together tonight at our hotel.

5
Day 5: Auschwitz
B
L
B
L
Day 5: Auschwitz

We travel this morning to the industrial city of Oswiecim – Auschwitz in German – and the concentration camp that is now a museum chronicling the horrors of the Nazis’ "Final Solution".  We tour Auschwitz I, used mainly to hold prisoners, as well as the vast camp at Birkenau (and Auschwitz II), where more than one million people died during the Holocaust.  After this somber visit, we return to Krakow, where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.

We travel this morning to the industrial city of Oswiecim – Auschwitz in German – and the concentration camp that is now a museum chronicling the horrors of the Nazis’ "Final Solution".  We tour Auschwitz I, used mainly to hold prisoners, as well as the vast camp at Birkenau (and Auschwitz II), where more than one million people died during the Holocaust.  After this somber visit, we return to Krakow, where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.

6
Day 6: Krakow
B
B
Day 6: Krakow

This morning we tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a virtual underground city, with galleries, lakes, chapels, and murals – all carved from salt.  The mine’s centerpiece is the Chapel of Saint Kinga, with its chandelier and mural of The Last Supper carved by three miners over a period of 68 years.  Though no longer a source of hard salt, the mine does extract and sell salt from ground water in the underground lakes.  Then we return to Krakow, where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, with lunch and dinner on our own in this historic capital.

This morning we tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a virtual underground city, with galleries, lakes, chapels, and murals – all carved from salt.  The mine’s centerpiece is the Chapel of Saint Kinga, with its chandelier and mural of The Last Supper carved by three miners over a period of 68 years.  Though no longer a source of hard salt, the mine does extract and sell salt from ground water in the underground lakes.  Then we return to Krakow, where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, with lunch and dinner on our own in this historic capital.

7
Day 7: Krakow/Slovakia/Budapest, Hungary
B
L
D
B
L
D
Day 7: Krakow/Slovakia/Budapest, Hungary

We enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tatra Mountains as we travel by bus from Poland to Hungary via Slovakia, where we stop for lunch.  Boasting the highest elevations in the Carpathian mountain range, the Tatras count as a popular winter sports destination.  Early this evening we reach the Hungarian capital of Budapest and our hotel, located in Buda’s lovely and historic Castle District.  A Hungarian king originally built Buda Castle in the aftermath of a 13th-century Mongolian invasion.  Destroyed in a 17th-century siege, rebuilt, and decimated once again in World War II, the castle complex was reconstructed according to the original medieval design in an extensive post-war project that lasted through the 1980s.  We enjoy dinner together tonight at our hotel.

We enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tatra Mountains as we travel by bus from Poland to Hungary via Slovakia, where we stop for lunch.  Boasting the highest elevations in the Carpathian mountain range, the Tatras count as a popular winter sports destination.  Early this evening we reach the Hungarian capital of Budapest and our hotel, located in Buda’s lovely and historic Castle District.  A Hungarian king originally built Buda Castle in the aftermath of a 13th-century Mongolian invasion.  Destroyed in a 17th-century siege, rebuilt, and decimated once again in World War II, the castle complex was reconstructed according to the original medieval design in an extensive post-war project that lasted through the 1980s.  We enjoy dinner together tonight at our hotel.

8
Day 8: Budapest
B
D
B
D
Day 8: Budapest

Today’s half-day tour of the Hungarian capital begins adjacent to our hotel with a visit to Matthias Church, the symbol of Buda’s Castle District, and a stroll around Fisher­man’s Bastion for outstanding views of the Pest side of the city across the Danube.  Then we cross the Chain Bridge into Pest where we tour Dohány Synagogue, Europe’s largest.  Following an afternoon at leisure, tonight we enjoy a typical Hungarian dinner at a local restaurant.

Today’s half-day tour of the Hungarian capital begins adjacent to our hotel with a visit to Matthias Church, the symbol of Buda’s Castle District, and a stroll around Fisher­man’s Bastion for outstanding views of the Pest side of the city across the Danube.  Then we cross the Chain Bridge into Pest where we tour Dohány Synagogue, Europe’s largest.  Following an afternoon at leisure, tonight we enjoy a typical Hungarian dinner at a local restaurant.

9
Day 9: Budapest
B
B
Day 9: Budapest

We’re free to discover the “Paris of the East” on our own today.  Among the city’s riches, the ornate Opera House stands out as one of Budapest’s most spectacular buildings; it is also among the top opera houses in Europe.  There’s time to take a guided tour of the Opera House or even enjoy an evening performance there (the season runs from September through June); visit the Thermal Bath at the Hotel Gellert with its pools of varying temperatures, steam rooms, and an outdoor artificial wave pool; or the Museum of Fine Arts, displaying Central Europe’s most important collection of foreign art.  For an outdoor experience, walk one of the many trails in the Buda Hills or take a leisurely stroll on Margaret Island.  Lunch and dinner today are on our own.

We’re free to discover the “Paris of the East” on our own today.  Among the city’s riches, the ornate Opera House stands out as one of Budapest’s most spectacular buildings; it is also among the top opera houses in Europe.  There’s time to take a guided tour of the Opera House or even enjoy an evening performance there (the season runs from September through June); visit the Thermal Bath at the Hotel Gellert with its pools of varying temperatures, steam rooms, and an outdoor artificial wave pool; or the Museum of Fine Arts, displaying Central Europe’s most important collection of foreign art.  For an outdoor experience, walk one of the many trails in the Buda Hills or take a leisurely stroll on Margaret Island.  Lunch and dinner today are on our own.

10
Day 10: Budapest/Danube Bend/Vienna, Austria
B
L
B
L
Day 10: Budapest/Danube Bend/Vienna, Austria

Today we pass through the countryside of Western Trans­danubia as we travel by coach to Vienna.  En route we visit Szentendre, a small town packed with artisans’ shops and a museum showcasing the work of ceramicist Margit Kovács.  We continue on to the ­village of Neszmély where we stop for lunch and then reach the Austrian capital late this afternoon.  Dinner tonight is on our own–an opportunity, perhaps, to try Vienna’s famed Wiener Schnitzel.

Today we pass through the countryside of Western Trans­danubia as we travel by coach to Vienna.  En route we visit Szentendre, a small town packed with artisans’ shops and a museum showcasing the work of ceramicist Margit Kovács.  We continue on to the ­village of Neszmély where we stop for lunch and then reach the Austrian capital late this afternoon.  Dinner tonight is on our own–an opportunity, perhaps, to try Vienna’s famed Wiener Schnitzel.

11
Day 11: Vienna
B
D
B
D
Day 11: Vienna

A half-day tour of this jewel of the Habsburg Empire includes a visit to the ornate Vienna Opera House, one of Europe’s grandest, and an inside visit to majestic Schönbrunn Palace.  The afternoon is at leisure.  Following dinner at a local restaurant, we attend a concert of classical music in this most musical of all cities.

A half-day tour of this jewel of the Habsburg Empire includes a visit to the ornate Vienna Opera House, one of Europe’s grandest, and an inside visit to majestic Schönbrunn Palace.  The afternoon is at leisure.  Following dinner at a local restaurant, we attend a concert of classical music in this most musical of all cities.

12
Day 12: Vienna Woods
B
B
Day 12: Vienna Woods

This morning we en­joy a tour of the Vienna Woods, which gained renown during the heyday of the Austrian Empire.  We visit the medieval abbey of Heiligenkreuz and the health spa town of Baden-Baden before returning to Vienna, where the remainder of the day is free to explore as we wish.

This morning we en­joy a tour of the Vienna Woods, which gained renown during the heyday of the Austrian Empire.  We visit the medieval abbey of Heiligenkreuz and the health spa town of Baden-Baden before returning to Vienna, where the remainder of the day is free to explore as we wish.

13
Day 13: Vienna/Prague, Czech Republic
B
L
B
L
Day 13: Vienna/Prague, Czech Republic

We leave this morning for Prague, proud capital of the Czech Repub­lic.  We reach Prague this afternoon and join our tour director for an informal walk through Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

We leave this morning for Prague, proud capital of the Czech Repub­lic.  We reach Prague this afternoon and join our tour director for an informal walk through Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

14
Day 14: Prague
B
B
Day 14: Prague

We spend the morning exploring the Hradcany (castle) district, home of the distinctive castle towering above the Vltava River.  Dating to the 9th century, the castle today is the seat of the presi­dent of the Czech Republic.  Among the highlights of our tour: a visit to Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral and a stroll along Golden Lane, with its picturesque artisans’ cottages.  The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring this enchanting city as we wish.  Restaurants abound for lunch and dinner on our own today.

We spend the morning exploring the Hradcany (castle) district, home of the distinctive castle towering above the Vltava River.  Dating to the 9th century, the castle today is the seat of the presi­dent of the Czech Republic.  Among the highlights of our tour: a visit to Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral and a stroll along Golden Lane, with its picturesque artisans’ cottages.  The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring this enchanting city as we wish.  Restaurants abound for lunch and dinner on our own today.

15
Day 15: Prague
B
D
B
D
Day 15: Prague

This morning’s visit to Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish ghetto, includes the Old Jewish Cemetery with its centuries-old headstones and generations buried atop one another, as well as several of the once-thriving synagogues now part of the Jewish Museum of Prague.  Then the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to stroll through Old Town Square or visit Wenceslas Square, site of the demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.

This morning’s visit to Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish ghetto, includes the Old Jewish Cemetery with its centuries-old headstones and generations buried atop one another, as well as several of the once-thriving synagogues now part of the Jewish Museum of Prague.  Then the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to stroll through Old Town Square or visit Wenceslas Square, site of the demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.

16
Day 16: Depart for U.S.
B
B
Day 16: Depart for U.S.

We transfer to the airport early today for our connecting flights to the U.S.

We transfer to the airport early today for our connecting flights to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 14 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and unrated hotels
  • 24 meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Warsaw 57 66 72 76 75 68 55
Budapest 62 70 77 80 80 70 60
Vienna 61 68 75 79 78 69 59

Average Temperature (°F )

  Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Warsaw 57 66 72 76 75 68 55
Budapest 62 70 77 80 80 70 60
Vienna 61 68 75 79 78 69 59

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Berlin – On Your Own

4 days, 3 nights
From
$1,195
+ $495 Single Supplement

Berlin – On Your Own

4 days, 3 nights
From
$1,195
+ $495 Single Supplement

Explore the cosmopolitan German capital – a city of art, culture, and history – as you wish.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Rail transportation Prague/Berlin
  • 3 nights’ accommodations at Hotel am Steinplatz (Superior First Class)
  • 3 meals: 3 breakfasts
  • Transfer from rail station and to airport

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Jozsef Levai

"I cannot imagine a better tour guide than Joe. He was always looking out for our safety and comfort. His knowledge of the cities we visited was extensive. He was a pleasure."

Neil Lowenbraun
Briarcliff Manor, NY

Dalija Volkskiene

"Dalija was absolutely superb!…Having Dalija as our tour director has sold us on Odysseys for future trips…She took care of EVERYTHING! She went above and beyond in every way possible."

Robert & Sheila Budoff
Annandale, VA

Signe Tarziere

“I can’t praise Signe enough! She is very knowledgeable but also made it a very personal experience with her kindness and humor. She got to know every member of the tour personally.”

Lois Barry
Cotuit, MA

Ania Szwajgier

"Ania was truly excellent…Absolute attention to detail, highly respected by her peers, and exhaustive in her efforts to meet individual needs."

David Hill & Susan Haywood
Auckland, New Zealand

Eva Koszeghy

"Eva was all I could want in a tour manager and guide. She was totally devoted to our safety, our care, [and] our interests. Experiencing Hungary through her was a beautiful gift."

Ann Murrah
Winter Park, FL

Silvija Horsta

“Silvija went the extra mile for everyone…[she] deserves the highest accolades possible for her more than outstanding leadership.”

Barbara & Herman Ziegler
Charlotte, NC

Renata Guzera

"What is above excellent? Phenomenal? Saintly? She worked non-stop to make certain our trip was wonderful – and exceeded doing so far, far beyond my expectations."

Hal Watkins
Lyons, IL

Ieva Kreslina

"Wonderful leader, attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and kind. I felt very safe and comfortable under her watchful eye."

David Schutz
Swampscott, MA

Tour Directors

Renata Guzera

"What is above excellent? Phenomenal? Saintly? She worked non-stop to make certain our trip was wonderful – and exceeded doing so far, far beyond my expectations."

Hal Watkins
Lyons, IL

Eva Koszeghy

"Eva was all I could want in a tour manager and guide. She was totally devoted to our safety, our care, [and] our interests. Experiencing Hungary through her was a beautiful gift."

Ann Murrah
Winter Park, FL

Silvija Horsta

“Silvija went the extra mile for everyone…[she] deserves the highest accolades possible for her more than outstanding leadership.”

Barbara & Herman Ziegler
Charlotte, NC

Jozsef Levai

"I cannot imagine a better tour guide than Joe. He was always looking out for our safety and comfort. His knowledge of the cities we visited was extensive. He was a pleasure."

Neil Lowenbraun
Briarcliff Manor, NY

Ieva Kreslina

"Wonderful leader, attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and kind. I felt very safe and comfortable under her watchful eye."

David Schutz
Swampscott, MA

Signe Tarziere

“I can’t praise Signe enough! She is very knowledgeable but also made it a very personal experience with her kindness and humor. She got to know every member of the tour personally.”

Lois Barry
Cotuit, MA

Ania Szwajgier

"Ania was truly excellent…Absolute attention to detail, highly respected by her peers, and exhaustive in her efforts to meet individual needs."

David Hill & Susan Haywood
Auckland, New Zealand

Dalija Volkskiene

"Dalija was absolutely superb!…Having Dalija as our tour director has sold us on Odysseys for future trips…She took care of EVERYTHING! She went above and beyond in every way possible."

Robert & Sheila Budoff
Annandale, VA

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

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Guest Photos & Testimonials

This was a pleasant trip; our guide was first rate, the local tours were great, and the group size was just about perfect.
Henry Prince Kagey
San Diego, CA
Overall, we felt that Odysseys did a wonderful job at selecting the sites to see in each location. Everything was impeccably organized…We would definitely recommend it to others.
Lyn Rosenstein & Colleen Decoste
Newton, MA
This was a pleasant trip; our guide was first rate, the local tours were great, and the group size was just about perfect.
Henry Prince Kagey
San Diego, CA
Overall, we felt that Odysseys did a wonderful job at selecting the sites to see in each location. Everything was impeccably organized…We would definitely recommend it to others.
Lyn Rosenstein & Colleen Decoste
Newton, MA
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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