Central Europe: Castles, Culture & Capitals

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
A must for any inquisitive adventurer, Central Europe is a treasure chest of cultural wonders and architectural masterpieces. Join this immersive trip to uncover the highlights, including all four alluring capitals in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. We also take in fairytale castles and history-soaked towns, making a special stop at the Une...
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$4,354
From$3,225
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Take a guided tour of the beautiful Old Town in Prague
    • Explore the cobbled streets and quaint squares of Cesky Krumlov
    • Visit the magnificent Lednice Chateau estate, a Unesco-listed masterpiece
    • Sip local wines in a vineyard in Skalica
    • Soak up the majestic landmarks of Vienna on a guided tour
    • Cap the adventure with an evening cruise down the Danube

What's this trip about?

    A must for any inquisitive adventurer, Central Europe is a treasure chest of cultural wonders and architectural masterpieces. Join this immersive trip to uncover the highlights, including all four alluring capitals in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria. We also take in fairytale castles and history-soaked towns, making a special stop at the Unesco-listed Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, often named among the prettiest towns in Europe. Private transport allows us to optimise our time, while an expert leader and guided tours unlock the intriguing past and fascinating culture of this picturesque region.Discover captivating cities and fairytale landmarks in the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityPrague
End CityBudapest

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Austria
  • Czechia
  • Hungary
  • Poland
  • Slovakia

Attractions

  • Bratislava
  • Budapest
  • Prague
  • Vienna

Activities

  • Culture
  • History

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts included, one wine tasting & picnic lunch
    • All accommodation

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Prague

The tour begins in Prague in the late afternoon. If you arrive early, the Czech capital is the perfect place to wander: cut through the alleys of the medieval Old Town, sample the much-lauded Czech beer or try the hearty local cuisine. If you’re interested in visiting...

Day 2 Full day in Prague and free afternoon

Spend a full day exploring the wealth of attractions Prague offers, with a guided sightseeing in the morning followed by free time. We explore the Old Town, including: the Old Town Square; Wenceslas Square, which houses the impressive Lucerna concert hall; the Jewish ...

Day 3 Transfer to historic town of Cesky Krumlov

We hop into our private minibus for a transfer (approximately three hours) to the historic town of Cesky Krumlov, home to petite squares, narrow cobbled streets, an open-air theatre with a revolving auditorium, and a magnificent castle. We enjoy a guided walk of the t...

Day 4 Visit the Renaissance town of Telc; onto Lednice Chateau; transfer to Mikulov in the wine region of Moravia

After breakfast, we travel (approximately two hours) to the Czech town of Telc; a great example of Renaissance architecture that has changed little over the past century. The Renaissance chateau here is a favourite with filmmakers – featuring in more than 50 movies – ...

Day 5 Visit the royal town of Skalica; onto a local vineyard for a tasting; transfer to Bratislava

After breakfast, we cross the border into Slovakia and to the royal town of Skalica (approximately one hour), where we take a guided walk of the landmarks. Here we'll unravel the captivating history and cultural highlights nestled within the remnants of ancient city f...

Day 6 Unforgettable daytrip to Vienna

This morning, we transfer to Vienna, Austria, for a day of sightseeing in this fabled capital city. We have a guided tour and then free time to visit impressive sites such as St Stephen's Cathedral, the majestic Schoenbrunn Palace (summer palace of the Hapsburgs), the...

Day 7 Cross the border into Hungary, full day in Budapest

This morning, we transfer to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. The mighty Danube splits this great city into halves: Buda, dominated by the Castle Hill palace complex high above the river, and Pest, the bustling and more cosmopolitan centre of trade. We spend the mor...

Day 8 End Budapest

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. If you wish to explore this fascinating city more, we recommend booking an extra night post-tour. Please ask your sales representative for more details.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,225
Price per day$403
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Supplement
Single Supplement
Availability
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$0
07 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$0
13 Sep 2025
20 Sep 2025
$0
27 Sep 2025
04 Oct 2025
$0
16 May 2026
23 May 2026
$0
06 Jun 2026
13 Jun 2026
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12 Sep 2026
19 Sep 2026
$0
26 Sep 2026
03 Oct 2026
$0

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,151
Great
3,276
Average
615
Disappointing
145
Terrible
186
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

highlights of central europe

An excellent introduction to the countries visited. The tour leader, Peter, plying and explaining the flute. Very pleasant knowledgeable man, with a good sense of ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Brilliant ... but

I will deal with the 'but' first. This is definitely not a 1; leisurely; more a 2, moderate. The distances to walk are comparatively large and the surfaces (cobbl...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

The tour takes in five of Central/Eastern Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the  time available. Hotels are good....

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

The tour takes in five of Central Europe's historic capitals, allowing you to see as much as possible in the time available. Hotels and breakfasts are good. A few of...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2016

Provided byExodus Travels

HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

Highlights of Central Central Europe (June 2011) was a marvelous overview of the cities, villages, and countryside of this culturally and scenically rich region, and...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on
Exodus Travels Company Reviewsby Exodus Travels

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Single supplement

Accommodation

Travel by private air-conditioned bus Group normally 6 to 18, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs 13 nights 3-star hotels and comfortable pensions, all en suite All breakfasts included,The accommodations selected for this adventure are a mix of three- and four-star hotels and a pension, each chosen for comfort and convenience. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip. Prague: Hotel Lunik (nights 1 and 2) On a quiet street in the Královské Vinohrady district, this traditional family hotel is just a few minutes’ stroll from the historic city centre. There’s free wifi (and a computer corner should you need it), plus the hotel lobby sells Nespresso coffee and cold alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Cesky Krumlov: Penzion Prelat (night 3) Stay just a moment’s walk from a bend in the Vltava River and the historic centre of Cesky Krumlov with a night at Penzion Prelat. The historic, red-roofed building has been revamped with care taken to preserve its original charms, including antique furniture and wood-beamed ceilings in many of the rooms. There’s also a social area with a bar, where the group can gather and discuss their adventures. Mikulov: Hotel Galant (night 4) Kick back at this four-star in the centre of town. For a small entrance fee, there’s a wellness centre with an indoor pool for a quick dip, plus an open roof terrace with two whirlpools, deckchairs and views over the Mikulov landmarks. It also has two Finnish saunas, plus a small infrared sauna. Elsewhere, there’s a restaurant serving selected local wines and the hotel’s own homemade beer. Bratislava: Hotel Bluebell (nights 5 and 6) Offering modern, homely rooms, the Hotel Bluebell is the ideal place to sink into for a couple of nights. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the centre of Bratislava, while each room comes with tea- and coffee-making facilities should you wish to simply relax. Budapest: Hotel Andrassy (night 7) In the capital of Hungary, we typically stay in Hotel Andrassy, a modern hotel in the city centre. Rooms are traditional and unfussy and include an En-suite with massage shower. You'll dine in the the Andrássy garden restaurant for breakfast.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts are included. The cuisines of Central Europe possess many similarities yet retain their own gastronomic traditions. Hearty soups, noodles, dumplings made from wheat or potato, and meat dishes consisting of pork, beef and game are regional staples. You will also find a large variety of sausages and vegetables featuring prominently in many dishes. Dairy products, including cheeses and creams, are heavily used here too. Breakfasts are usually continental with a choice of eggs Lunch is the main meal of the day in Central Europe; we usually stop en route for a hot lunch at a restaurant or cafe Desserts are plentiful and varied with each country having unique sweets and cakes Czech beer is renowned for its quality and taste, while many of the countries visited on the trip also offer good wines and local spirits Vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, but there may not be the same variety as you have at home. Please advise us upon booking. The leader will accompany the group to a restaurant each evening but will provide recommendations if you wish to explore separately.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Seven nights in comfortable three- and four-star hotels
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by private minibus
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-AVU

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