Journeys: Explore Central Europe
Journeys: Explore Central Europe
$2799
Journeys: Explore Central Europe
9 Days Starting in Berlin, Germany and ending in Budapest, Hungary
Visiting: Berlin, Prague, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Budapest
Tour operator:
Tour code:
23752
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Central Europe with our "Journeys: Explore Central Europe" tour. Discover the rich history and vibrant cultures of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Hungary. Begin your adventure in Berlin, where you'll explore sections of the Berlin Wall with a historian. Wander through Prague's charming old town, and savor the world-famous Sacher Torte in Vienna. Experience the bustling Naschmarkt with a local foodie guide, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Budapest. Travel comfortably by train, private van, and on foot, staying in charming hotels and pensions. With a focus on history, art, and culinary delights, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and cultural immersion. Join us for an enriching experience across some of Europe's most captivating cities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz
Arrive at any time.Please make your own way to the joining hotel.We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.Additional Information: Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Day 2 : Berlin
Location: Berlin
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. Then discover sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian, delving deeper into the political and social history of the so-called Iron Curtain from its rise to its fall. During free time this afternoon, opt to join a river tour, people-watch at the historic Brandenburg Gate, or glimpse the city’s flourishing art scene at local galleries and museums.Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and is a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.ACTIVITY: Walk sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian to discus the the barrier that divided a country between east and west. Examine the political, social and cultural aspects of the wall from its beginnings to the fall.FREE TIME: Opt to visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, world-class museums, or the Berlin Television Tower for a sweeping view.
Day 3 : Berlin/Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Miss Sophie’s Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by private vehicle to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic centre, which dates largely to the 14th century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk along the cobbled streets, chart the city’s development through the centuries according to architectural style, from the Middle Ages to present day. This evening, opt to watch the sunset from a lively beer garden on the banks of the Vltava River.A great way to spend the evening is watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a guided tour of the old town including the Jewish quarter, astronomical clock, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. Visit all the major sights of the Old Town and simply soak up the atmosphere of a unique community where every street, inn, or theatre tells a story.
Day 4 : Prague
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: Miss Sophie’s Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore the “city of a hundred spires.” Wind your way past baroque domes and Gothic spires, sprawling plazas and spectacular cathedrals. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge, amble through the historic Jewish Quarter, marvel at the medieval astronomical clock, and delve into modern history at Wenceslas Square, where citizens rallied for an end to communism during the Velvet Revolution. Opt to climb more than 200 steps up to the palaces and courtyards of the monumental Prague Castle, the world’s largest ancient castle complex. Check out a local restaurant and try traditional Czech cuisine, such as goulash and dumplings.Charles Bridge by day is packed with vendors and street musicians. At night, it is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering. If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place for it. You'll find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine like fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy this lively city with a full free day to explore.
Day 5 : Prague/Ceský Krumlov (1B)
Location: Český Krumlov
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gold
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a scenic drive through the Bohemian countryside to the fairytale town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to visit the Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau, and get lost in the Gothic castle’s hidden passageways, Baroque theatre, and hedge maze as you explore these epic grounds built between the 14th and 19th centuries.The inclusion of Ceský Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. It sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer. TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Get out and explore.
Day 6 : Ceský Krumlov/Vienna (1B)
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Elaya Hotel Vienna City West
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the border into Austria, and go on orientation walk around Vienna. Stop by a local café to pair a cup of rich Viennese coffee with a slice of the famed Sacher torte—a decadent chocolate and nougat confection historically linked to the city’s distinguished coffee houses. Enjoy free time this evening to see Vienna’s world-renowned opera house or simply enjoy a walk around the elegant capital.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.ACTIVITY: Sample the world-famous Sacher Torte - a decadent chocolate cake topped with apricot jam and dark chocolate icing - in its birthplace, paired with a cup of rich Viennese coffee. It's a cultural experience as well as a delicious afternoon treat.
Day 7 : Vienna (1B)
Location: Vienna
Accommodation Name: Elaya Hotel Vienna City West
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, join a local chef at the famed Naschmarkt, established in the 16th century as a marketplace for wooden milk bottles, sampling some of Vienna's finest delicacies as you explore the stalls and lanes. Enjoy time this afternoon to discover the city on your own. Take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries, visit the stunning Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School, experience mass with the Vienna Boys Choir, or settle into a café.ACTIVITY: Vienna’s famous Naschmarkt was established in the 16th century as a marketplace for wooden milk bottles. Today, it’s the city’s most popular market and a major destination for visitors. Discover its bounty of stalls and lanes with the guidance of a local chef, who’ll talk about the history of the market and provide professional insight on the local cuisine and food culture of this historic city. Learn all you ever wanted about Austrian cheeses, sausages, spices, and oils and take part in tastings throughout. This perfectly tasty experience is ideal for foodies and novices alike.FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy the city as you wish.
Day 8 : Vienna/Budapest (1B)
Location: Vienna, Budapest
Accommodation Name: Nemzeti Budapest MGallery Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch a train to the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Head out for an orientation walk, then pay a visit to a G Adventures–supported café where proceeds support Hungarians living with a disability as well as rural Roma communities. During free time, opt to “take the waters” at a thermal bathhouse or explore the stunning Baroque castle, the historic resident of the Hungarian kings.You might like to have an optional dinner at a local restaurant on Váci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest.To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.ACTIVITY: Stop for a refreshment at Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, whose proceeds help fund a non-profit by the same name, which means "Never Give Up." Most of the employees at this social enterprise café are living with a disability, and the charity advocates for rights for the disabled all over Hungary. Your meal helps this café to invest in the charity's efforts, which also includes supporting rural Roma communities through much-needed social programs.FREE TIME: Enjoy some time to explore on your own.
Day 9 : Budapest (1B)
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel/pensions (8 nts). -
Journeys Highlight Moment
Naschmarkt Walk in Vienna.
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G for Good Moment
Visit Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar in Budapest.
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Foodie Moment
Sacher Torte Tasting in Vienna.
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Orientation Walk
Orientation walk in Budapest.
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Tour Prague's Old Town
Tour Prague's old town including the Jewish quarter, clock tower, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square.
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Visit a Viennese Café
Visit a Viennese café and sample Sacher Torte.
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Transport
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What's Not Included
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Arrival and Departure
Please make your own way to the joining hotel in Berlin and from the hotel in Budapest.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as river tours, museum visits, and thermal bathhouse visits are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals other than the 8 included breakfasts are not provided.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food and drinks, and tips are not included.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotel/pensions for 8 nights, offering a blend of local charm and modern amenities, ensuring a cozy and convenient base for your explorations.
Transport
Train, private van, walking.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts
Group Size
Max 16, Avg 12.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Central Europe using a combination of train, private van, and walking, providing a seamless and scenic journey between destinations.
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. Your CEO will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.
2. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.
4. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
5. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.
Group Leader
All National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
About Accommodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of train, private van, and walking for transportation between destinations and activities.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in hotels or pensions for 8 nights. These accommodations are typically small, family-run establishments with traditional character, located in central areas to maximize your time exploring the sights.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts. Other meals are not included, allowing you the flexibility to choose where and what to eat.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 people, with an average group size of 12.
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Is there a minimum age requirement to join the tour?
Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
Key activities include walking the Berlin Wall with a historian, a guided tour of Prague's old town, a visit to the Naschmarkt in Vienna with a local chef, and a stop at a social enterprise café in Budapest.
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What should I know about luggage during the tour?
You will need to carry your own luggage, which should be compact and lightweight, as you may need to transport it up and down stairs and on public transport. It's recommended to pack light.
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What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?
The CEO will accompany the group, providing information, suggestions for activities, and assistance with travel arrangements. They are not traditional guides but will help enhance your travel experience.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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