Venice to Budapest
24 days
From
$ 4454
Duration24 days
Experience the best of Northern Italy and Central Europe. From the canals of Venice to the grand architecture of Budapest, this 24-day adventure take you to some of the best parts of Northern Italy and Central Europe. Sample some of Italy’s best wines of a bike tour of the famous South Tyrolean Wine Road. Venture further inland and hear Mozart ringing from cafes in Salzburg, explore Vienna’s rich artistic and intellectual legacy and experience Prague’s legendary jazz scene. Travel to Poland to visit the haunting underground city of Osowka and learn its dark origins, then get active trekking among the high-altitude lakes and waterfalls of the Tatra Mountains. With the perfect mix of scheduled activities and free time to explore on your own, this trip is the perfect way to experience the charm and splendour of Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 24 daysService level: Standard
-
Physical Grading: Light
-
Ages: 15+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Venice
Welcome to Venice. This watery wonderland of bridges, towers, piazzas, canals, churches and gondolas – practically unchanged for 600 years – is literally sinking under the weight of its iconic sights. After tonight's group meeting, why not enjoy dinner with your fellow travel companions at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Venice
After an orientation walk to familiarise you with the city, you are free to venture out and explore Venice. There are only two ways to get around this city – on foot or by boat. Some of the more popular sights include Doge's Palace, the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco, and the Bridge of Sighs. Take the vaporetto (water bus) over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice. No trip here would be complete without a journey down the Grand Canal in a Venetian gondola. It's a common way for visitors to see the major canal routes from an immersive perspective. Perhaps while away the hours in busy San Marco square and be sure to try the local tiramisu and Italian coffee that's on offer. There’s creativity everywhere, even overflowing into the canals; you can see it in the venetian glass in Dorsoduro or down the streets spreading out from Campo Santo Stefano, which are lined with unique galleries and small boutiques. Maybe visit the Palazzo Ducale, full of paintings by Italian masters, and contrast it with the modern Guggenheim. Or, enjoy getting lost crossing the hundreds of bridges and uncovering your own slice of Venice. In the evening, perhaps join your fellow travellers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Venice is famous for its specialities of fresh lobster and squid ink spaghetti dishes, so make sure you give one a try.
Day 3: Bolzano
Bolzano is as curious as it is beautiful, and it is very, very beautiful. A mixture of German and Italian heritage makes for an interesting cultural mix in this valley town, from European-style epoque buildings to the Mediterranean-flavoured porticoes of the main square. The three-and-a-half-hour train journey to Bolzano is made enjoyable by glimpses of gorgeous countryside from the window. Arrive and enjoy an orientation walk through this picturesque town of green hills and sloping vineyards. Enjoy a free evening to soak up the town. The Piazza Walther (central square) is beautifully lit up in the evening and makes a great place to begin.
Day 4: South Tyrol / Bolzano
Today you’ll get to sample some of the wines this region is famous for while enjoying the fresh air and stunning surrounds with a bike tour of the South Tyrolean Wine Road. Peddle along the river and through orchards, taking in the delightful sight of villas and vineyards nestled in the hills. Stop and sip along the way, perhaps trying a glass of fragrant gewurztraminer or lightly spiced cabernet – both varieties are particularly popular here. The ride will take less than three hours, leaving the rest of the day free for you to enjoy this beautiful area.
Meals: B
Day 5: South Tyrol / Bolzano
Enjoy a full day in the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. It's an area that conjures images of Julie Andrews spinning around in Sound of Music – think softly rolling hills with patches of thick pines framed by jagged mountains. See the incredible vistas from above in a cable car ride over the area. Explore Prösels Castle, a building with a fascinating history. Constructed in the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 15th century and was briefly occupied by farmers as a form of protest in the 16th century. Take a scenic walk with a local storyteller. The area was also the setting for witch trials (and subsequent burnings) over 500 years ago. Enjoy an included lunch and contemplate the often dark history behind the beauty of Alpe di Siusi at the Rauchhütte, a well-situated alpine chalet restaurant at 1,850 metres above sea level, with stunning views and tasty local dishes.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Salzburg
Journey into Austria, taking a 4,5 hour train ride to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a World Heritage-listed city. Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival and get acquainted with the streets around your hotel. The skyline of Salzburg is filled with the domes and spires that typify baroque architecture. You’ll get a fantastic view of the city while watching the late European sunset from lofty Hohensalzburg Castle. Later, the Old Town is the perfect place for an evening stroll or a nightcap, so perhaps take a walk to a cafe and enjoy an Almdudler spritz (white wine mixed with the popular herbal soft drink).
Meals: B
Day 7: Salzburg
Today you are free to see Salzburg at your own pace. History buffs may wish to explore one or more of the preserved historical buildings scattered throughout the city. The Salzburg Fortress (part of Hohensalzburg Castle) is one option. In addition to the restored towers and fortifications, the building features a museum filled with fascinating artefacts from the middle ages – from armour to chastity belts. Old Market Square is a great place to load up on pastries and perhaps shop for trinkets, though be aware the stalls pack up from about 2 pm. In the evening, maybe ask your leader where you can grab some Tafelspitz. This classic Austrian dish features meat boiled in a broth (stay with us), usually served with minced apples and horseradish. The description may not sound particularly special, but this hearty meal combines salty, sweet and sharp flavours in a way that is incredibly satisfying.
Meals: B
Day 8: Vienna
The capital of Austria and the undisputed legacy arts hub of central Europe, Vienna awaits after a 2.5-hour train journey. Get started with an orientation walk, then set out on your own to explore this historic city. The public transport in the city is fantastic, which makes getting around easy. In the evening why not head out for the classic schnitzel, which is abundant (and delicious), but if you’d like to try something a little different ask your leader where to find a traditional beuschel (a ragout made with calf lung and heart).
Meals: B
Day 9: Vienna
Enjoy a free day in Vienna, the perfect opportunity to visit one of the city’s famous royal complexes. One option is Schoenbrunn Palace, an expansive estate designed by Empress Maria Theresa, with lawns perfect for lounging and multiple rooms preserved from different eras. The Gloriette Monument has incredible views of Vienna and the palace gardens are free to all visitors, but there's a charge for entrance and tours of the palace. Or perhaps check out the central Hofburg Imperial Palace, where bibliophiles can see one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, where towering shelves hold ancient volumes. Either of the palaces will take a whole day to explore in full, so you’ll have to choose one or the other. If you’re looking to unwind and avoid crowds, you could always spend the day in one of Vienna’s many coffee houses, nursing a brew and watching the world flow by. In the evening, you have the option of joining your fellow travellers and leader for dinner.
Meals: B
Day 10: Vienna
Vienna is a beautiful city, and today you have another free day to explore. The geometric tiling on the roof of St Stephan’s Cathedral is worth a look, and you can climb 136 metres to the top of the south tower for amazing views of the city. Perhaps even take a spin on the famous old Prater Ferris Wheel. Get lost in the marbled halls of the Sisi or Leopold museums and stop to fill up on local delights like Sachertorte or a Wiener wurst.
Meals: B
Day 11: Vienna
Today you may want to join your new group members for another orientation walk conducted by your leader. Wander past the neo-classical grandeur of the Graben and onwards to the Hofburg Palace. Finish your orientation of the city at the State Opera House, one of the world's most important opera houses and the heart of classical Viennese culture. Art lovers have a vast choice of museums, from the Albertina to those located in the Museum Quarter. You have the rest of today to further explore Vienna and its surrounds. In the evening, perhaps head out for some more Viennese cuisine.
Meals: B
Day 12: Cesky Krumlov
Depart Vienna by minivan in the morning and cross the border into the Czech Republic (approximately 3.5 hours). Our first stop is the southern Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town dates back to the 13th century and is straight out of a fairytale. Cesky Krumlov (pronounced 'Che-skee Krum-lov') means 'crooked meadow', which is befitting of a town that's nestled in a sharp bend of the Vltava River. Venture out on an included cycling trip in the afternoon, across rolling hills and through tiny hamlets (approximately 2-2.5 hours). If you have time, explore the city's castle and its fabulous masquerade hall, or climb the tower for aerial views of the town. For the active, there's the option to canoe or kayak down the river.
Meals: B
Day 13: Cesky Krumlov
Today is a free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps take an optional guided walking tour of the town, which includes commentary of the mysteries that lie behind every shopfront and house on the crooked little streets. For those who want a bit more culture, and time permitting, visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum and browse the gallery that's dedicated to the Austrian painter. If you are an adventurous spirit, jump in to a canoe and discover the town from a perspective of Vltava River.
Meals: B
Day 14: Prague
Farewell this southern bohemian town and travel by bus to Prague (approximately 4 hours). During your stay in Prague, you'll have share the apartment with other members of the group. Several separate apartments are located in the city centre so you may be a short walk away from your other group members and your leader. Staying in the city centre allows easy access to all the sights and the restaurants and bars. Each apartment has two to three rooms with one or two shared bathrooms. Most of the apartments have fully equipped kitchens and you can choose to buy your own groceries and supplies for meals. On arrival into Prague, head out on an orientation walk with your leader, and spend the rest of your afternoon as you wish.
Meals: B
Day 15: Prague
Today is free to explore Prague. The city offers many possibilities, so perhaps take a walk around the Jewish Quarter and pay respects at the Gothic looking Old Jewish Cemetery. This is Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, with 12,000 tombstones and 100,000 graves. Visiting The Museum of Communism can shade some light on this part of dark history shared by most of central European countries which somehow isn’t yet well known to the broader audience. Visiting town hall Clock Tower is a great way to finish off a busy day, before heading out for a dinner, and perhaps discovering another great side of Prague: the longest-standing and respected jazz scenes in Europe. If you should find yourself out until the early hours in an atmospheric jazz club, have a wander along Charles Bridge or Old Town Square as the sun rises for magical photo opportunities.
Day 16: Prague
Spend some time this morning at Prague Castle, the biggest castle in the Czech Republic, where you'll find the famous St. Vitus Cathedral and colourful alleyway of the Golden Lane. A bike tour through the city is a great way to see a lot of the city's sights and attractions in a short period of time. If you can make time, take a day trip out of town and visit Kutna Hora. The Bone Church (Sedlec Ossuary) is a particularly unique experience. Perhaps use your evening to head out for dinner with the group.
Day 17: Gory Sowie
Heading north by train, arrive in the small town of Broumov from where you'll cross the Czech–Polish border. From here you'll be transferred in a private vehicle to the nearby small village in range of Gory Sowie (translated as Owl Mountains). Today's travel time will be around four hours in total. On arrival, check in to our pension situated at the foot of highest mountain in the range – Wielka Sowa. On arrival, visit a nearby underground city from the tragic times of the WWII. Osowka is a mysterious underground complex where workers from concentration camps were forced to work in order to create huge systems of concrete corridors, fortifications and halls. As the work was kept in secret, until now there is many theories trying to explain what the underground city was meant to be used for. Find out yourself on an included guided visit this afternoon.
Day 18: Krakow
Continue east today by private bus and journey to Krakow (approximately 5 hours). Possibly the best known of all Poland's cities, Krakow was the residence of Polish kings from the 11th to the 17th centuries, and its Old Town is a World Heritage-listed site. Take part in leader led orientation walk and once you know your whereabouts, perhaps go and discover one of the biggest and arguably most beautiful medieval squares in Central Europe. Afterwards make your way to the Jewish Quarter and soak up the easy-going atmosphere of this place. In the evening, perhaps head out for some good Polish grub.
Meals: B
Day 19: Krakow
Today, explore the city in your own time. Discover Wawel Royal Castle, which sits atop a hill next to the Vistula River. Check out the 13th-century town square of Rynek Glowny and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica which features an extraordinary wood-carved Gothic altarpiece. There's also the lovely neo-Gothic St Francis' Basilica, which has some of Poland's best Art Nouveau. In Krakow, you will also find the second oldest university in Central Europe (the oldest is in Prague). Jagiellonian Univeristy counts Copernicus and Pope John Paul II among its alumni. If you can tear yourself away from Krakow, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 metres below the ground. This is a salt mine that was in operation for over 700 year and is listed as a World Heritage site. The mine has a labyrinth of tunnels, pits, and chambers, all hewn by hand from solid salt, with beautifully adorned chapels and underground lakes. Don't miss a look at the elaborate salt chandeliers and carvings in the Blessed Kinga Chapel. Krakow has many cellar restaurants and pubs. Perhaps end the day indulging in a few drinks and a plate of pierogi in one of the city's cheerful establishments.
Meals: B
Day 20: Tatra Mountains
Say farewell to Krakow today and travel by local buses through southern Poland to Zakopane where you will switch on to a private transport (approximately 5 hours altogether). The trip may be long and a little slow, but the scenery of rolling hills and tiny villages is soothing. Tatranska Lomnica is your destination in Slovakia. It's a small alpine resort at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains. The Tatras, the highest range of the Carpathians, stretch for about 60 kilometres across the Polish-Slovakian border and are a trekker's dream. The evening is free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps the best way to do it is to sit back, kick your feet up and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.
Meals: B
Day 21: Tatra Mountains
This morning head out on an included hike in the Vysoke Tatry mountains. The most known route is about 6km in length and it is normally completed in 3 hours, including stops on the way. The route includes gradual hill ascents and descents and walking on gravel and uneven rocky surfaces with some slippery sections. The pace and distance will be decided on the day, depending on weather and group abilities – parts of it will involve travelling by funicular, gondola and electric train and a snack lunch will be supplied during the trek. It won’t be very challenging, but a basic level of fitness will help you to enjoy it to the fullest. An alternative and easier route can be suggested by the tour leader to those that do not wish to complete the long walk. We recommend a good pair of comfortable shoes and clothes for unpredictable mountainous weather. During the walk, you may notice that some parts of the forest have been destroyed. This was the result of a tornado-like storm in 2004 that decimated approximately 10,000 hectares of timberland. In the afternoon, head back to the accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day in this beautiful location.
Meals: B
Day 22: Budapest
You have an early start today for the long journey to Budapest. As there won't be too much free time to explore on arrival, perhaps check in to the accommodation and then go for a brief walk around the city to get your bearings. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a bygone era, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe. Take the evening as an opportunity to relax after a long day of travelling. Visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or bars is a great way to do it.
Meals: B
Day 23: Budapest
Today you have a full free day to explore Budapest. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Perhaps take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to the castle for spectacular views of the Parliament Building. Perhaps head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city after the fall of the Iron Curtain. One unmissable activity is a soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths. The pools vary in temperature, and some even feature whirlpools or seats where you can enjoy a game of chess. You might like to take part in one of our Urban Adventure day tours, such as the Budapest Custom Tour or Bites and Sights. See more at urbanadventures.com/destination/Budapest-tours.
Meals: B
Day 24: Budapest
Your adventure ends after breakfast today. There are no activities planned and you're free to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel's check-out time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Wine And Bike Tour South Tyrolean Wineroad
- Alpe di Siusi Cable Car
- Rauchhütte Lunch
- Scenic Walk with Local Storyteller
- Prösels Castle Visit
- Hohensalzburg Fortress visit
- Cesky Krumlov Cycling trip (weather and season permitting)
- Visit to Underground City of Osowka
- Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar)
- Smokovec Funicular
- Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
-
Transport
Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Metro, Bicycle, Metro, Taxi -
Accommodation
Hotel (18 nights), Private apartment (3 nights), Pension (2 nights)