Central Europe Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Central Europe tour packages
- What people love about Central Europe Tours
- Best tour companies for Central Europe tours
- Central Europe tours for every type of group
- Top Central Europe travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Central Europe
- Contact our Central Europe travel experts
- What our customers ask about Central Europe Tours & Trips
The best Central Europe tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Central Europe
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Both the places we visited and the guide were amazing - there was no shortcomings throughout the entire trip.”
Madeleine, traveled in April
From Vienna's Hofburg Palace to Prague's Jewish Quarter, this route showcases Central Europe's finest landmarks. The UNESCO-listed Cesky Krumlov castle, Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, and Krakow's medieval Rynek Glowny square await. Accommodations include Vienna's Magdas Hotel, a social enterprise supporting refugees.
Duration 15 days Destinations Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,055
30% Off- NZ$4,239You save $1,816
Best of Central Europe Tour
29 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our itinerary played out as described in the final time table.”
Mike, traveled in March
Fifteen days across 6 countries feature stays in Berlin's Park Inn Alexanderplatz and Budapest's Novotel Centrum. UNESCO sites including Auschwitz and Prague's Jewish Quarter tell powerful stories. Habsburg palaces in Vienna, medieval Krakow, and traditional Polish dinner options create memorable moments.
Duration 10 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary Age Range 6 to 90 year olds Operator Eskapas From $4,769
3% Off- NZ$4,626You save $143
Berlin to Budapest
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accomodation exceeded expectations. Well organised with a good amount of independent time.”
Sharron, traveled in April
Five iconic cities across four countries unfold, from Berlin's TV Tower to Prague's Jewish Quarter. Seven nights in central hotels and hostels include brewery visits and a 4km Bastei hike. Highlights feature Czech pilsner tasting and visits to Budapest's Parliament Building.
Duration 8 days Destinations Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,515
15% Off- NZ$2,138You save $377
Central Europe unfolds from Prague's Charles Bridge to Budapest's Szechenyi Baths. A 13th-century castle stay at Hotel Grand Viglas, UNESCO-listed Banska Stiavnica, and pierogi making in Krakow create lasting memories. The route covers 6 cities across 5 countries for approx. $390 per day.
Duration 12 days Destinations Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium From $8,180
10% Off- NZ$7,362You save $818
Balkan Extended - Budapest to Dubrovnik
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our tour to the Balkan & Extended for 13 days were excellent, we were so happy to have him as our guide.”
Katherine, traveled in April
The 15-day Central European adventure winds from Budapest's Chain Bridge area, through Serbia's Novi Sad and Slovenia's Lake Bled, to Dubrovnik. Wine tastings at Zvonko Bogdan Winery and UNESCO sites like Plitvive Lakes highlight the journey. Premium hotels include Leonardo Boutique Budapest and Royal Inn Belgrade.
Duration 15 days Destinations Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator Balkan and more From $8,618
23% Off- NZ$6,636You save $1,982
What people love about Central Europe Tours
- Best of Central Europe
I though the Intrepid tour was fantastic. The group leader did a great job in looking after us and providing us with good orientation in all the countries we visited. The only point that could be improved, was in relation to accommodation. In Prague, five people were placed in the one hotel with one bathroom and toilet. This is not really ideal, however, when we raised this issue, our group leader went out of his way to provide an alternate accommodation for my husband and I. I felt that this was really good and we were very pleased with the outcome. The other tour participants were great and I recommend this to anyone who is interested in a great holiday. Thank you Zsolt.
- Best of Central Europe Tour
Oh it was incredible! Everything went so smoothly with no hiccups at all. We loved the hotel in Paris . It was a small hotel with a great breakfast. We also appreciated being close to metro. Our guide Anne was best of all. There are no words to adequately describe her contributions. Till the next time… Debby
Tao out tour guide & driver was excellent, very helpful and friendly; and extremely knowledgeable i the history of the Yugoslavian countries
Balkan Extended - Budapest to Dubrovnik
Best tour companies for Central Europe tours
Looking at customer feedback across these major tour operators, Intrepid's guides consistently get top marks - they know their stuff, keep things running smoothly and really connect with travelers on a personal level. The accommodation situation is a bit mixed though, with some travelers noting smaller rooms than expected and basic amenities at certain stops.Trafalgar has built quite a following thanks to tour directors like Judith Lee, who our customers say adds real depth to each destination with local insights and handles all the daily logistics without a hitch. The itineraries are well thought out too, hitting key spots while leaving room to actually experience each place.G Adventures works well for travelers who want a more intimate group setting - you'll typically travel with just a handful of others, which makes it easy to bond and gives you flexibility to branch out on your own when you want. We've heard from several customers though that the accommodations could use an upgrade, and some felt the daily planning could be tighter.This feedback comes directly from our travelers who've actually taken these tours over the past year, giving us a clear picture of what each company does well and where they could improve. The insights help us match people with the right tour style - whether they prioritize expert guides, structured itineraries or small-group dynamics.
Central Europe tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Small Group
557 tours in Central EuropeIf you prefer keeping things cozy, our small group trips cap at 12-16 people and dig deeper into local life. You might make pierogies with locals in Krakow, visit family wineries near Mikulov or hike the trails of Slovakia's Tatra Mountains. These usually run about two weeks, giving you time to really know each place. The smaller numbers mean we can book charming boutique hotels and eat at local spots that bigger groups can't fit into. Our guides can be more flexible too - they'll often make unexpected stops at local festivals or markets they spot along the way.
Top Central Europe travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Our solo tours through Central Europe work really well with small groups of 10-16 travelers, which makes it easy to meet new friends along the way. You'll get a nice mix of group activities and personal time - join in for guided city walks and local beer halls, then branch off to explore using our guides' insider transport tips. Prague, Budapest and Krakow are particularly good picks for solo travel since they're safe cities with lots going on after dark. Our travelers tell us they love having someone sort out the train connections between places while keeping the freedom to discover things at their own pace.The riverside routes connecting Vienna, Budapest and Prague are consistently top picks for couples. You get a perfect blend of romantic moments like classical concerts in Vienna's old halls and evening cruises on the Danube, plus practical perks such as central hotels and flexible meal arrangements. Many pairs tell us they appreciate having the key details sorted while keeping their evenings open for private dinners and walks together. The journey includes lovely stops in quieter spots like Cesky Krumlov and Bratislava where you can step away from the busy cities, and also includes shared experiences at castles and wineries.Young travelers tend to go for our active Central Europe tours that combine culture with outdoor experiences. The routes include hiking up in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, taking on the rapids of Dunajec River and cycling the Danube bike paths. There's plenty of social time built in - you'll share dinners in Prague's beer halls, learn to cook Polish dishes in Krakow and check out Budapest's unique ruin bars. Our younger guests like having an expert handle the planning while leaving them free to discover local nightlife and cool spots. The balance of planned activities and free time lets them shape their own experience.Our senior travelers usually pick the comfort-focused tours covering Central Europe's highlights at an easier pace. We include hotels right in the city centers, gentle orientation walks and cultural experiences like music venues in Vienna and thermal baths in Budapest. The schedule leaves good gaps between activities, and our guides know exactly which restaurants and sites work best for different mobility needs. The older travelers in our groups really value having someone manage the train connections while still keeping their independence to explore as they like. They particularly enjoy our small groups and the chance to learn local history and culture from guides who know their stuff.Central Europe stands out for families who want cultural experiences while keeping their options open. Our family travelers gravitate toward tours that pair Budapest's architectural grandeur with hands-on moments, like joining local bakers for coffee and cake at Vienna's Vollpension café. The train journey through the Alps, crossing at 1,300 meters, gives children an unforgettable view with mountains surrounding them on every side. Parents value how the schedules balance guided activities with open afternoons, leaving time to wander Salzburg's fortress, take boats out on Lake Bled, or discover family-friendly spots serving local specialties like traditional Bled cake. In Venice, families bond during orientation walks past the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and naturally, several gelato shops. With 2-3 nights in each place, the pace suits families perfectly - you're not constantly repacking bags, and everyone has time to fall into the natural rhythm of each destination.
Solo Travelers2,193 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples1,192 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)99 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)1,157 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Central Europe
- Spring 2025
- May 2025 popular 1,261 tours
- Summer 2025
- June 2025 1,478 tours
- July 2025 1,475 tours
- August 2025 popular 1,533 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
- September 2025 popular 1,541 tours
- October 2025 1,276 tours
- November 2025 569 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
- December 2025 popular 559 tours
- January 2026 299 tours
- February 2026 287 tours
Contact our Central Europe travel experts
Claire
Expert in Central Europe at TourRadar
Claire is one of our seasoned Central Europe Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Central Europe tours answered!
- Choose from 2,920+ Central Europe tours
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Central Europe Tours & Trips
What Kind of Local Food Can You Try in Central Europe?
You'll find amazing food all across Central Europe with each country putting its own spin on traditional dishes. Hungary's definitely known for goulash - it's this really hearty beef stew that'll warm you right up and you've got to try lángos which is this incredible fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese. The best places to find these are in Budapest's markets and local restaurants. Over in the Czech Republic you'll love their pierogi - these are like dumplings stuffed with meat cheese or potatoes and don't miss trdelník a sweet pastry that's roasted right in front of you in Prague's Old Town Square. Poland's got their own version of pierogi too plus amazing kielbasa sausages - try these at Krakow's milk bars and basement restaurants they're really authentic. Austria's famous for Wiener Schnitzel and if you've got a sweet tooth the Sachertorte is incredible especially at Vienna's traditional cafes. There's this really special place called Vollpension in Vienna where older locals work making coffee and cakes it's such a unique experience.
How Do You Get Around Central Europe?
Getting around Central Europe's actually pretty straightforward. The train system's really efficient connecting major cities like Prague Vienna and Budapest - you'll love the scenic route from Berlin to Budapest through the Labe Valley. Buses are great if you're watching your budget especially for smaller towns. Big cities have metro systems and trams that make it super easy to explore. You can rent a car if you want more freedom but honestly parking in old city centers can be a bit tricky. Our tours use a mix of trains metros and buses which works really well for seeing everything comfortably.
What Local Cultural Experiences Can You Join In?
There's so many ways to dive into Central European culture! In Hungary you can catch these amazing folklore shows with traditional costumes and music right in Budapest. Czech Republic's all about the beer culture - you'll get to taste authentic Pilsner right where it all started in Prague's historic pubs. Want to get hands-on? Try making pierogi in Poland during a cooking class in Krakow it's such fun. Slovakia's got these incredible craft demonstrations - pottery weaving you name it especially in villages like Holloko. And Vienna's coffee culture is something else - you'll want to spend hours in their gorgeous cafes trying different cakes and coffees.
Where Are The Hidden Gems That Tourists Often Miss?
Let me tell you about some amazing places most tourists don't know about. Olomouc east of Prague has this incredible UNESCO site the Holy Trinity Column but without the crowds. Then there's Banska Stiavnica in Slovakia - it's got this fascinating medieval mining history and UNESCO status. Regensburg in Germany's absolutely beautiful with its medieval center and Gothic cathedral hardly anyone knows about. And if you're up for some adventure the Dunajec River Gorge in Slovakia offers incredible rafting through some of the most beautiful scenery you'll see.