Experience Overview
String together some of central Europe’s most enchanting destinations on this 15-day adventure from Berlin to Venice. Start with the buzz of Berlin, with its historic sites and modern vibrancy, before experiencing the Bohemian cultural hub of Prague. See Bratislava’s small-city charms and get excited by Budapest’s picturesque duality. Discover the delights of Vienna’s cosmopolitan city centre, stroll through stunning Salzburg, take a moment to yourself on the shores of Lake Bled and then finish with a vino in Venice. With ample free time in each spot and a local leader armed with tried and true recommendations, what more are you waiting for?
Highlights
- Bask in the cosmopolitan glow of Berlin – an exciting city with a complex history. In your own time, see the remaining fragments of the infamous wall that once divided the city, but now unites it with murals and memorials.
- Discover the artistic history of unique Vienna – the perfect blend of modern and historic personality – then enjoy some kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) at a local café that empowers older residents with employment and purpose.
- Escape city life on the peaceful shores of Lake Bled in Slovenia. Maybe visit the iconic church on the tiny fairytale island in the lake's centre and treat yourself to a slice of Bled's famous cream cake.
- Immerse yourself in the bohemian vibes of the Czech Republic, soak up the smooth sounds of jazz at a low-lit bar in Prague and sample locally made pilsners.
- Make cross-country travel a breeze with a European trip including train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1602
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Train,Private vehicle,Public bus,Metro,Taxi
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AMRBC
Starts: Berlin, Austria
Finishes: Venice, Austria
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7),Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights),Hostel (1 night),Guesthouse (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3880 (CAD 259 /day)
Itinerary
Guten Tag! Welcome to Germany. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Berlin. If you arrive early, you may like to take a Spree River cruise, visit the multiple museums and galleries at Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz or stop by the impressive Berliner Dom Cathedral. Tonight after your meeting, why not join your newfound travel pals for dinner? Berlin’s food is a mix of classic German with Bavarian, Italian and Middle Eastern influences. But who can go past a traditional currywurst, schnitzel or pretzel together with a stein of beer.
Optional Activities:
- Berlin - Museum Pass (3 Day Ticket) (32 EUR)
- Berlin - Bike Tour (30 EUR)
- Berlin - Jewish Museum (10 EUR)
- Berlin - National History Museum (10 EUR)
- Berlin - Pergamon Museum (18 EUR)
- Berlin - Spree River Cruise (27 EUR)
- Berlin - Berliner Dom Cathedral (10 EUR)
- Berlin - TV Tower (25 EUR)
- Berlin - Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz (12 EUR)
- Berlin - German History Museum (7 EUR)
- Berlin - Checkpoint Charlie Museum (18 EUR)
- Berlin - Schloss Charlottenburg (12 EUR)
- Berlin - Reichstag (time slot must be booked online in advance) - Free
- Berlin - Topography of Terror - Free
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Set out to discover more of Berlin today, as you’ll have free time to enjoy it as you please. There are plenty of impressive sites for you to check out – the Brandenburg Gate, remnants of the Berlin Wall and the dominating Reichstag building – either on your own, during a bike tour or all at once from the observation deck of the Berlin TV Tower. There are also a couple of unique memorials, like the Jewish Memorial and the Topography of Terror, which are well worth your time. Tonight, maybe explore Berlin’s thriving foodie scene with a few dinner suggestions from your leader.
Optional Activities:
- Berlin - German History Museum (7 EUR)
- Berlin - Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz (12 EUR)
- Berlin - TV Tower (25 EUR)
- Berlin - Checkpoint Charlie Museum (18 EUR)
- Berlin - Topography of Terror - Free
- Berlin - Reichstag (time slot must be booked online in advance) - Free
- Berlin - Schloss Charlottenburg (12 EUR)
- Berlin - Jewish Museum (10 EUR)
- Berlin - Bike Tour (30 EUR)
- Berlin - Museum Pass (3 Day Ticket) (32 EUR)
- Berlin - National History Museum (10 EUR)
- Berlin - Berliner Dom Cathedral (10 EUR)
- Berlin - Spree River Cruise (27 EUR)
- Berlin - Pergamon Museum (18 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Berlin and hop on an early train to Dresden. After checking in to your accommodation, travel to Rathen, where you can enjoy a hike to the sandstone pinnacles of Bastei. The unique rock formation offers some of Germany’s best views and is home to the remnants of the medieval Neurathen Castle. If a hike doesn’t take your fancy, you’re welcome to join in on the journey to Rathen and spend your time exploring the riverside village or stay in Dresden, immersing yourself in the city’s history and heritage.
Included Activities:
- Bastei - Hike
Optional Activities:
- Dresden - Electric Car Manufacturer Tour (9 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Germany behind and board the train to Prague. You'll travel through the Labe Valley, with fairytale-like landscapes to the right and left. This is a gorgeous train journey, so grab a window seat if you can and get lost in the scenery! When you arrive, check-in at your hotel and then see the highlights on a leader-led orientation walk. Prague's architecture can be traced from the Middle Ages through to the avant-garde of the Gehry-designed Dancing Building (also called the Fred and Ginger Building). Finish with a visit to a Czech brewery, where you can sample a pilsner in its homeland. Spend your free afternoon at Prague Castle – the biggest in the Czech Republic – where you'll find the famous St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane. Continue to wander through the old Jewish Quarter to see what remains of the city's formerly significant Jewish community.
Included Activities:
- Prague - Czech Brewery Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With another free day in Prague, maybe learn how the Bohemian artists, writers, dissidents and the Bohemian mentality shaped the nation. Don’t forget to sample some traditional and modern Czech snacks along the way. If you feel like a daytrip out of the city, ask your leader to help you organise a trip to Kutna Hora. See the Church of Santa Barbara and Sedlec ossuary or The Church of Bones – a small Roman Catholic chapel that contains skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people! At night, Prague’s Old Town comes alive with many great restaurants and pubs, some in old vaulted cellars. The nightlife in Prague is also some of the best in Central Europe. Whether you're after dance clubs, beer halls, jazz clubs or underground absinthe bars, there's something for everyone.
Optional Activities:
- Prague - Castle Visit (350 CZK)
- Prague - National Museum (350 CZK)
- Prague - Town Hall Clock Tower (250 CZK)
- Prague - Museum of Communism (380 CZK)
- Prague - Jewish Quarter (500 CZK)
- Prague - Bike Tour (650 CZK)
- Prague - Kafka Museum (260 CZK)
- Prague - Mucha Museum (300 CZK)
- Kutna Hora - Day Trip (by public transport) (250 CZK)
- Kutna Hora - Church of St Barbara (160 CZK)
- Kutna Hora - Sedlec Ossuary & Bone Church (160 CZK)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Prague and travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Set along the Danube, Bratislava blends past and present with its charming Old Town and lively boutiques and cafes. You have a free day to explore it all today. You could climb to the top of the tower at Michael’s Gate or UFO Tower for a bird’s eye view of Bratislava, visit the Bratislava City Museum to learn about the country’s communist past or spot as many of the city’s quirky statues as you can. For dinner, maybe seek out some local delicacies like kapustnica (a sauerkraut and sausage soup) – your leader will have the lowdown on the best spots.
Optional Activities:
- Bratislava - Blue Church Bratislava - Free
- Bratislava - Kamzik TV Tower - Free
- Bratislava - Slavin War Memorial - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Transfer from Bratislava to Budapest and enjoy a free day in the self-proclaimed Pearl of the Danube. Perhaps explore the historical Buda Castle and palace complex. Forget about the bustling city and lose yourself in the history of the winding streets of the Castle District, which dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon, you could take a slow cruise along the Danube for some pretty epic views of the riverside Parliament Building, the Castle District and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. The spectacle is particularly beautiful, especially at sunset and at night.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll have a second meeting with the new members of your group at 6 pm. Before then, the day is yours. Why not stroll around the grand architecture and boulevards to get your bearings? Maybe explore one of the local markets and pick up a langos (a deep-fried Hungarian pastry with an assortment of different toppings). Why not head out to Statue Park to get an insight into the city’s past or take a soak in one of the many thermal bath complexes around town? After the meeting tonight, perhaps get a group of friends together for a Hungarian feast of goulash or stroll to the Jewish quarter and check out some ruin bars – unique nightlife hubs that are great for groups and feature a whole heap of weird and wonderful decor.
Optional Activities:
- Budapest - Szechenyi Thermal Baths (starting from) (9400 HUF)
- Budapest - Pub Crawl (starting from) (9000 HUF)
- Budapest - Central Market - Free
- Budapest - Transport and Entry to Statue Park (5000 HUF)
- Budapest - Parliament Tour (12000 HUF)
- Budapest - Great Synagogue (9000 HUF)
- Budapest - Bike Ride (6000 HUF)
- Budapest - Hungarian National Museum (2900 HUF)
- Budapest - House of Terror (4000 HUF)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop on a train this morning to the cosmopolitan city of Vienna. After dropping your bags at your accommodation, you’re in for a real treat! Stop for Kaffe and kuchen (coffee and cake) with your group at Vollpension – a local cafe that empowers older members of the community by providing them with employment and purpose, while bridging the gap between the staff and the younger patrons who visit the cafe. Have a chat with the friendly staff while enjoying your sweet treat in this warm and welcoming environment.
Included Activities:
- Vienna - Kaffee and Kuchen Experience
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You’re free to choose your own adventure today, and Vienna has a lot to offer! For art lovers, there's a vast array of museums, including the Albertina, the Leopold, Kunsthalle Wien and the Museum of Modern Art. Those interested in 19th- and 20th-century Austrian art should visit the Belvedere Palace – home to Gustav Klimt's painting 'The Kiss'. Check out the colourful Hundertwasserhaus or the dome of the Secession building. Perhaps visit Hofburg Palace – once the imposing winter retreat of Habsburg royals and now the official residence of the Austrian president, or visit the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the neo-classical Graben. If you want to see something impressive, head to the State Opera House – one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture.
Optional Activities:
- Vienna - Spanish Riding School Practice (28 EUR)
- Vienna - Schoenbrunn Palace (22 EUR)
- Vienna - Food, Coffee & Market Tour Urban Adventure (115 EUR)
- Vienna - St Stephen's Tower (6 EUR)
- Vienna - Prater Ferris Wheel (14 EUR)
- Vienna - Belvedere Gallery (Lower Gallery) (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Albertina Museum (19 EUR)
- Vienna - Leopold Museum (15 EUR)
- Vienna - Hofburg Palace & Sisi Museum (16 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Salzburg this morning via train – this Austrian hub on the border of Germany is backdropped by the Eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River. When you arrive, you’ll have a full free day to explore all this gorgeous city has to offer, from the Old City to the New City. Maybe head to Mirabell Palace and Gardens for a picnic if the weather's nice or discover Mozart’s birthplace. Head to the medieval walls of Fortress Hohensalzburg and marvel at the architecture (you can also pay to get inside), or find a great viewpoint and snap some photos of the city in the shadow of the mountains, with the fortress looming above on the hill. Tonight, why not ask your local leader for the best spot for dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Salzburg - Mirabell Palace and Gardens - Free
- Salzburg - Mozart's Birthplace (12 EUR)
- Salzburg - Old Market Place - Free
- Salzburg - Old City Hall - Free
- Salzburg - St. Peter's Abbey - Free
- Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Castle (11 EUR)
- Salzburg - Salzburg Cathedral - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hop on a train to the Slovenian resort town of Bled. Sitting at the edge of the Julian Alps, this place is full of picturesque sights that are sure to take your breath away and the rail journey from Salzburg is a great way to start! Grab a window seat if you can, as you'll be crossing the Alps through a tunnel that sits 1300 m above sea level, with mountain vistas on every side. When you arrive, follow your leader to the shore of glistening Lake Bled, where many of the town’s attractions can be seen. After soaking in the sights with your group, you’ll have a free afternoon to choose your own route. For a taste of the local cuisine, try some Bled cake made of vanilla, custard, cream and pastry (many local cafes and cake shops claim theirs is the best, so if you must, maybe try a few and compare). After settling into your accommodation tonight, why not head out for a group dinner.
Included Activities:
- Bled - Lake Walk
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you have a free day to enjoy all the fun activities Bled has to offer (calling all nature lovers!) Maybe take a full-day adventure around Triglav Massive – there are many outdoor activities available here to get the blood pumping, such as rafting, caving, canoeing and swimming in the warmer months. Why not hire a bike and head out of town to Vintgar Gorge, where you can walk through a natural canyon. Perhaps explore Bled Castle, sitting atop the cliff overlooking the lake, or catch a pletna (small wooden boat) over to the island in the middle of the lake to ring the wishing bell. Your leader will have all the best options, so be sure to chat with them for their recommendations. If you’d prefer to have a relaxing day and the sun is out, maybe just enjoy the beauty of Lake Bled, find a quiet spot near the lake and spend the day reading or people-watching.
Optional Activities:
- Triglav National Park - River Rafting (55 EUR)
- Triglav National Park - Bus and Cable Car Trip to Mt Vogel (32 EUR)
- Triglav National Park - Emerald River Adventure (full day) (110 EUR)
- Triglav National Park - Canyoning (65 EUR)
- Bled - Mountain Bike Hire (25 EUR)
- Bled - Pletna Boat Trip (14 EUR)
- Bled - Castle (15 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, travel to Venice. A city of canals, Venice is built over a hundred small islands connected by 400 bridges. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader – the best way to see Venice is by foot – passing by the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Palace of the Doge, Piazza San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. There are shops, markets, galleries and churches around every corner here, so there’s plenty to explore. Tonight, what better to do than tuck into some iconic Italian cuisine (and maybe a big glass of vino?).
Optional Activities:
- Ca’ D’Oro - Galería Franchetti (15 EUR)
- Venice - Accademia Gallery (16 EUR)
- Venice - Chicchetti & Wine Tour of Venice Urban Adventure (112 EUR)
- Venice - Gondola Ride (80 EUR)
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection (17 EUR)
- Venice - Doge's Palace & Bridge of Sighs (30 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Basilica Treasury (5 EUR)
- Venice - St Mark's Campanile (12 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave your accommodation at any time after checkout. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Italy’s city of canals is an extraordinary place to see on foot, and if you’d like to spend an extra day or two exploring, just speak to your booking agent.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Abigail - Traveled, July 2023
Our tour guide mel was amazing, however the weather was not on our side for the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
James - Traveled, December 2019
Juan ensured that we were always fully aware of our logistical requirements and that we had a good knowledge of the sites at each destination. He had an expert knowledge of the history of Europe and knew each city well. The route chosen was very interesting and our accommodation and transport were of a very good standard. Juan ensured that he was available to each member of the group and that we bonded well. We were a mixed group aged from aged from early 20s to late 50s and a mix of singles and couples. We looked out for each other and all felt part of the group. Juan’s friendliness and unflappability set the tone for the group. Overall I would highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/02/2020
Andrew C - Traveled, April 2019
Trip leaderMarta Wiacek took good care of us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Julie M - Traveled, April 2019
This was my 3rd Intrepid trip and they were all well organised with excellent leaders and went to great locations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Charis G - Traveled, March 2019
The overall experience was positive and a great taster for Central Europe. However, I found the itinerary did not include enough group activities which meant that there was a lot of researching/coordinating to be done individually which took up a lot of time which isn't ideal when we only have approx 1.5 days in each city.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Kuo-Lin C - Traveled, March 2019
The trip itself was nice, and the leader was great, but found poor administration communication. We emailed four times to confirm that we are going to join on day 5, but the admin didn’t let the leader know. The group was delayed on day one waiting for us when we was never intended to be there.And we had not received any contacts for the leader though we asked.The local leader almost canceled our remaining bookings.Also the day 5 hotel address wasn’t given to us when we asked, just the name, and there was two hotel in the same city with the same name.We went to the wrong hotel and had to take taxi to the second one.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Alvin L - Traveled, March 2019
It was really good, and organised well. Prepared well
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Georgina M - Traveled, March 2019
I loved the tour the flexibility and different ways of travel. Intrepid is the best the group was amazing and our guide was very helpful and made our trip memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Glenn B - Traveled, March 2019
Szolt was amazing I would rate it more than 5! He made sure everyone was looked after all of our travelling was hassle free and well organised. He made reservations for dinner and activities so we wouldn't miss out on anything. All of his recommendations were fantastic. I wouldn't have had such an amazing trip if it wasn't for him. Thank you so much
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Karlyanne S - Traveled, March 2019
This was my most favourite trip ever with intrepid. The countries were amazing and the guide was super knowledgeable and experienced. The group of people was also great.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Kevin B - Traveled, March 2019
The experience was exactly as expected; the cost of the tour was very good, everything was organised well, tour leader (Zsolt) was excellent and attentive to everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Manuel Q - Traveled, March 2019
The trip were very smooth and well organized . But we had some issue during our itinerary with the train over night but our leader was so good to sort it out and also giving us many optional extra activities which it make our experience way better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2019
Ella - Traveled, July 2019
Amazing! Would definitely recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/14/2019
Melissa - Traveled, June 2018
Knew a lot and was a well experienced traveler
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2018
Emma - Traveled, June 2018
Our group of friends had the best time on this tour. It was a great preview of Central Europe if you haven’t been. It showed me some places that are absolutely on my list to come back to and stay longer! Bled and Budapest ended up being my to favorite places. If you are looking for a trip that is fairly fast paced and full of gorgeous monuments and history, this is right for you. We loved the flexibility of our transportation being organized and our days being free. Although, we ended up doing lots of activities with the group because we enjoyed each other’s company so much! Great locations, great tour leader who was in constant communication with us, and great overall trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/07/2018
Kaela - Traveled, June 2018
Loved my tour! Everything was great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2018
Venessa - Traveled, September 2015
This was a great taste of central Europe. Our guide was excellent. She helped us pick the best activities to do in each city and was always available when we needed her. The accommodations were all central and easy to see the city. Our transportation on the trains was not possible due to the refugee situation in Europe, but Intrepid worked out private vans for us to travel to each city. It was flawless.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/30/2015
Anonymous - Traveled, May 2010
Andy was a fantastic, insightful tour leader who kept all of us feeling included for the trips duration. Would have no hesitation in recommending this trip to others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2010
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