2-Week Central Europe Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Central Europe 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 Days in Central Europe, incl. Berlin and Prague

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Berlin

    Begin exploring Germany's capital and give yourself time to adjust. Get to the Brandenburg Gate before 9am when it's quiet and perfect for photos. Visit the Holocaust Memorial in the morning to avoid the midday sun, then spend time at Museum Island. The East Side Gallery looks best in late afternoon light. For dinner, try the local German restaurants in Prenzlauer Berg instead of the tourist spots.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Northern Germany

    Take a scenic route through Lower Saxony and Saxony. Get to the Volkswagen Autostadt in Wolfsburg early and book a 10am tour to beat the crowds. Stop at Hannover's New Town Hall for great views from the dome elevator but check opening times in winter. Make time for Leipzig's Bach Museum, a hidden gem for music lovers.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Prague

    Plan extra time for the Dresden border crossing. You'll want two full days to see Prague properly. Walk the Charles Bridge at sunrise before the crowds arrive. Skip the touristy U Fleku and drink beer with locals at Lokal instead. Most hotels are in Prague 4 or 5, so factor in metro time to reach the center.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Budapest

    Many visitors call this city a highlight. Get to Fisherman's Bastion right at 9am opening for better photos and fewer people. Look for good Hungarian food in the Jewish Quarter rather than the expensive spots near St. Stephen's Basilica. A recent visitor shared: "The thermal baths are a must, but bring flip-flops and a waterproof phone case - they're not provided and you'll want photos."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Krakow & Auschwitz

    Have dinner in Krakow's main square after 7pm when the day crowds leave. Book the earliest Auschwitz tour at 7:30am to avoid large groups. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as you'll do lots of walking.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Warsaw & Poznan

    Start at Warsaw's Royal Castle to understand how the Old Town was rebuilt after WWII. Watch the goat clock show in Poznan's main square at noon, but arrive by 11:45am for a good spot. The trip back to Berlin takes about 3 hours, plus extra time for border traffic.

    
  • Day 14

    Berlin

    Spend your final morning in the city. If flying from Tegel Airport, leave at least 45 minutes for the trip from central Berlin due to morning traffic.

    

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