2-Week Central Europe Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Central Europe tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCentral Europe travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary, incl. Berlin and Budapest

  Central Europe reveals itself through distinctive properties like Hotel Ibis Berlin and Magdas Hotel Vienna. UNESCO sites including Auschwitz and Prague's Old Town tell powerful stories. Local orientation walks, 13 breakfasts, and expert CEO guidance enhance the experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Berlin, Germany

    Get to Berlin by mid-afternoon for the welcome meeting. Your first full day covers the East Side Gallery and Checkpoint Charlie. Book TV Tower viewing deck tickets online to skip the long summer queues that can stretch 1-2 hours.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Krakow, Poland

    Take an 8-hour private transfer to Krakow with a stop at Pławniowice Palace. Plan for a meaningful visit to Auschwitz the next day. Use your free day to explore Rynek Główny, the biggest medieval market square in Europe. Try the local milk bars (bar mleczny) for authentic Polish food that won't break the bank.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Prague, Czech Republic

    The train ride to Prague takes 7-10 hours. Walking is the best way to see the historic center but bring good shoes since wet cobblestones can be tricky. Get to Charles Bridge before 8am to avoid the crowds. End your days in beer halls where you can share generous portions of Czech dishes.

    
  • Day 9

    Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

    It's a 3-hour drive to this storybook town. Remember the castle closes Mondays. The old town is small but includes some steep walks. A past visitor noted: "Book dinner reservations in advance during peak season - the best traditional restaurants fill up quickly."

  • Days 10-11

    Vienna, Austria

    A 4-hour drive brings you to Vienna. Your walking tour includes Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Want to see an opera? Book ahead or try for €10 standing room tickets on the day. The famous Sacher-Torte is worth the wait in line.

  • Days 12-14

    Budapest, Hungary

    Take a 4-hour train to your last stop. The Danube splits the city into historic Buda and modern Pest. Try the thermal baths - Széchenyi is biggest but Gellért is more intimate. A recent visitor suggested: "The evening Danube cruises offer stunning views of the illuminated Parliament building, but book the 9pm sailing for the best light."

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• 14 Days in Eastern Europe, incl. Budapest and Prague

  Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace and Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral showcase Central Europe's grandeur over 14 days. Local culture comes alive through brewery tours, classical concerts, and traditional dining experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Budapest

    Begin in Hungary's capital. Visit the Liszt Academy of Music for a morning classical recital at 9 AM before the crowds arrive. Take the afternoon to walk through Buda Castle District in comfortable shoes since the cobblestone streets are steep. A recent visitor shared: "The view from Fisherman's Bastion at sunset is unforgettable, but go around 5 PM before the evening crowds arrive."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kraków

    Take an 8-hour drive through Slovakia's Low Tatra Mountains to Kraków. Stop at the beautiful Oravský Hrad Castle on the way. Once in Kraków start your day at Wawel Cathedral early to avoid crowds. The Old Town walking tour takes about 3 hours. Bring water in summer since shade is limited. You can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines but remember there are 800 steps down.

    
  • Day 5

    Auschwitz to Warsaw

    Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in the morning (90 minutes from Kraków). Book your guided tour ahead since they sell out quickly. The drive to Warsaw is about 4 hours with most tours arriving in early evening.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Warsaw & Berlin

    Visit Warsaw's rebuilt Old Town and the Ghetto Heroes Monument. Drive 6 hours to Berlin across Poland's central plains. Bring a light jacket for Berlin's cool evening temperatures even in summer.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Berlin & Dresden

    See Berlin's main attractions: Reichstag (reserve dome visits weeks in advance), Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Drive 2.5 hours to Dresden. A visitor noted: "Dresden's Frauenkirche is stunning, but the best views are from the Brühl's Terrace along the Elbe River—go before lunch when the light is perfect for photos."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Prague & Český Krumlov

    Give Prague at least 1.5 days. Start at Prague Castle at 9 AM opening to avoid tour groups. The walk through Český Krumlov takes about 4 hours. Watch your step on wet cobblestones. Stay for dinner in the historic center after the day tourists leave.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Vienna

    Drive 3 hours from Český Krumlov to Vienna. Get to Schönbrunn Palace early since lines start forming by 10 AM. Take a waltz lesson in the evening or try coffee and Sachertorte at a traditional café. Tour the Ring Road to see Vienna's grand buildings in the morning light.

    
  • Day 14

    Return to Budapest

    The trip back to Budapest takes about 2.5 hours. Schedule afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic near the airport.

    

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• 14 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary, incl. Budapest and Prague

  The grandeur of Central Europe unfolds over 14 days, as you visit Dresden's Frauenkirche, Prague's castle district, and Vienna's classical concert venues. Museum Island in Berlin and Budapest's Fisherman's Bastion await with expert guides. Premium accommodations and traditional dining included.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Budapest, Hungary

    Begin in the Castle District of Buda for the best morning views over Pest from the Fisherman's Bastion. Visit the Liszt Academy early at 9 AM when crowds are minimal. A recent visitor shared: "The acoustic recital at Liszt Academy was incredible - try to sit in the middle of the main hall for the best sound." You'll find excellent traditional Hungarian restaurants in the Jewish Quarter with dinners costing around $25-30 per person.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kraków, Poland

    The 8-hour drive through Slovakia's Low Tatra Mountains includes scenic stops. Get to Wawel Castle right at opening time (9 AM) before tour groups arrive. The Wieliczka salt mines are a must-see but bring a jacket since it stays at 57°F underground. Take the 2 PM English tour to fit in city sightseeing during the morning.

    
  • Day 5

    Auschwitz & Warsaw

    Book a 10 AM guided tour at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The 4-hour drive to Warsaw takes you through pretty countryside. You can stop at the Black Madonna shrine in Częstochowa if time allows.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Warsaw & Berlin

    Start early in Warsaw's Old Town before tourist crowds build up. The drive to Berlin takes 6 hours across western Poland. Stay in the Mitte district to be close to main attractions. A recent tourist noted: "The Reichstag dome is spectacular at sunset, but book your free tickets at least 3 days ahead online."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Prague

    Take a morning train from Berlin (4.5 hours) to maximize your Prague time. The Malá Strana district offers charm and easy castle access. Visit Prague Castle early before lines form at 9:30 AM. The Charles Bridge is quietest at dawn or dusk.

    
  • Day 11

    Český Krumlov

    This UNESCO site is 3 hours from Prague. Plan to arrive mid-afternoon when most tourists leave and stay overnight. Late afternoon light makes for great photos from the castle tower.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Vienna

    Drive from Český Krumlov takes 3 hours. Get to Schönbrunn Palace at 8:30 AM with pre-booked tickets. Skip tourist concert venues for the Musikverein where tickets start at $40.

    
  • Day 14

    Return to Budapest

    Take the 2.5-hour RailJet train. Business class costs about $50 and provides a comfortable trip finale.

    

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