3-Week Eastern Europe Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Eastern Europe tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffEastern Europe travel expert at TourRadar

• 15 Days in Central Europe, incl. Vienna and Budapest

  Central Europe's cultural tapestry unfolds over two weeks featuring Wroclaw's Four Denominations District, Krakow's medieval square, and Budapest's thermal baths. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Tatra Mountains hiking provide powerful contrasts. Twelve hotel nights include traditional local experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Vienna, Austria

    Start in elegant Vienna, where summer temperatures can hit 40°C. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral and walk the Ringstrasse to the State Opera House. "Our guide's orientation really helped us navigate this sophisticated city." Book the Schoenbrunn Palace audio tour early morning to avoid tour groups. Stop for traditional Viennese coffee and cake at Vollpension, a unique cafe staffed by local seniors.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

    Take a 3-hour minivan ride to this medieval town nestled in a bend of the Vltava River. You can go canoeing or tour the 13th-century castle gardens. "Cesky Krumlov was the best surprise - like stepping into a storybook." Bring shoes with good grip since the cobblestones get slippery in wet weather.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Prague, Czech Republic

    A 2.5-hour bus ride takes you to Prague. Visit Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and the Jewish Quarter with its ancient cemetery. "The city's jazz scene is incredible - clubs play until early morning." Visit the Jewish Quarter in the evening when there are fewer tourists and the atmosphere is special.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Wroclaw, Poland

    The journey takes 6-7 hours by train and bus to reach this Polish cultural hub. Stop at Swidnica's Lutheran Church of Peace on the way. Explore Old Town Square and Cathedral Island, or walk along the River Oder for city views. Many old hotels don't have elevators, so pack light.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Krakow, Poland

    Take a 4-hour train to Krakow to see Wawel Castle and Rynek Glowny square. Plan a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau (1.5 hours each way). "The Jewish Quarter has the most authentic food and atmosphere - don't miss the pierogi." Consider visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mines if you have time.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

    Take a scenic bus ride through southern Poland to Tatranska Lomnica. The standard hiking route is 6km and takes about 3 hours with some steep parts. "Bring layers - mountain weather changes quickly." Be aware that some forest areas still show damage from a 2004 storm.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Budapest, Hungary

    Start early for the trip to Budapest. Explore both Buda and Pest along the Danube. Visit the thermal baths first thing - "go early morning to avoid crowds." Check out the unique ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter at night. Book Parliament tours well ahead as they fill up fast.

    

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• 16 Days in Eastern Europe, incl. Bucharest and Sofia

  A 16-day path through Eastern Europe leads from Bucharest's Palace of Parliament to Belgrade's Kalemegdan Park. Medieval towns like Sibiu, the Skull Tower in Nis, and Bulgaria's ancient Thracian heritage in Kazanlak highlight this fascinating route.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bucharest, Romania

    Start your journey in Romania's capital. Get to the massive Palace of Parliament by 9 AM on day 2 to beat the crowds. "The sheer scale of Bucharest's architecture is mind-boggling, especially the Parliament building," one traveler notes. Spend time in the Old Town and visit the Village Museum to see traditional Romanian rural life.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Transylvania

    Take a 3-hour drive to the Carpathian Mountains. Visit Peles Castle in the morning before it gets busy, then head to Bran Castle. "The home-cooked dinner at our Transylvanian guesthouse was a highlight - try the local plum brandy called țuică," a traveler recommends. Spend your fourth day exploring the medieval centers of Brasov and Sibiu.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Serbia

    Cross into Serbia and visit the ancient Roman city of Viminacium. Explore Belgrade where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. Take a 2-hour morning train to Novi Sad to see the Petrovaradin Fortress. "The boat ride on the Danube was spectacular, especially seeing the carved head of King Decebalus in the gorge," according to one review.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Sofia & Rila, Bulgaria

    Drive 4 hours to Sofia. Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral early to avoid crowds. Plan a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery. A visitor shares: "Rila's brightly colored frescoes are incredible - bring a scarf to cover shoulders when entering the monastery."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

    Travel east through the Rose Valley to Plovdiv to see its Roman theater. Continue to Varna on the Black Sea coast and visit the Archaeological Museum with the world's oldest gold treasure. Stay in Balchik at Queen Marie of Romania's former summer palace. "Swimming in the Black Sea at sunset was magical, though the palace accommodation is quite basic," notes one traveler.

    
  • Days 14-16

    Return to Bucharest

    Take the scenic coastal route back to Bucharest. Stop at Kaliakra Fortress along the way. Use your last day to explore more of Bucharest's Old Town. Book an evening flight on day 16 to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• 20 Days Eastern Europe River Cruise, incl. Budapest and Bucharest

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Hungary

    Start in Budapest where you can experience both historic thermal baths and lively ruin bars. Board your river ship for welcome drinks as the city lights sparkle at night. Get to the Central Market Hall early before the 8am crowds. One traveler noted: "The morning light streaming through the stained glass windows of the market hall was magical - get there early to watch vendors setting up."

    
  • Days 5-7

    Croatia & Serbia

    Visit Kalocsa, known for its paprika production, then continue to Mohács. Take a cycling trip through Kopački Rit Nature Park in Osijek, Croatia. Remember to bring binoculars to spot white-tailed eagles. The 3-hour trip to Novi Sad offers excellent views of the changing landscape. Plan indoor activities for afternoons since summer temperatures often go above 90°F.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Serbia & Iron Gates

    Visit Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress. One traveler shared about St. Sava Temple: "The acoustics in the crypt during the choir performance gave me goosebumps." Get to the sundeck early for the best views as you pass through the Iron Gates gorge, especially around 11am when you reach the narrowest section.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Bulgaria & Romania

    See Bulgaria's Belogradchik Fortress but wear good shoes for the steep 20-minute climb. Next is Constanta on Romania's Black Sea coast. The central dock location makes it easy to walk around the old town. Take a 3-hour coach ride to Bucharest for a guided tour.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Transylvania

    Travel to medieval Brasov in the Carpathian Mountains. Visit Bran Castle before 10am to avoid peak crowds. A previous visitor suggested: "Skip the crowded castle interior and instead walk the peaceful grounds and fortress walls for the best experience."

    
  • Days 18-20

    Return to Bucharest

    Walk through UNESCO-listed Sighisoara's historic streets. Stop for coffee in Sibiu's main square to see the city's famous "eyes" dormer windows. On the 4-hour drive back to Bucharest, take photos at Cozia Monastery. Finish your journey in Romania's capital.

    

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