Central European Explorer
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Set off from Frankfurt and finish in Budapest on a 13 day sweep through Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and the Czech Republic. Expect a Rhine cruise past castles, Cologne’s soaring cathedral and Amsterdam’s canals, windmills and cosy cafés. Berlin delivers headline sights – Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and moving memorials – before baroque Prague with castle entry and a Vltava boat ride. Alpine scenery frames Munich and Innsbruck, plus Swarovski’s glittering world and storybook Salzburg. Glide across Lake Traunsee en route to Vienna’s grand boulevards and wine taverns in Grinzing. Round things off on the Danube in Budapest – Buda’s hills and Pest’s bustle included.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
FrankfurtEnds
BudapestMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Germany that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, HungaryTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travelers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
$3,864.00
$500.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Frankfurt
Cruise on the Rhine
Cologne
Amsterdam
Hamelin
Berlin
Dresden
Prague
Munich
Innsbruck
Salzburg
Lake Traunsee
Vienna
Budapest
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Frankfurt
Welcome to Frankfurt – we arrange your transfer to the hotel, and you have free time to settle in. This afternoon you will receive essential information, either in person or via the information board at hotel reception.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Frankfurt - Cruise on the Rhine - Cologne - Amsterdam
We enjoy a scenic Rhine cruise between Rüdesheim and St Goar – the river’s most picturesque stretch – then continue to Cologne, renowned for its vast Gothic cathedral. We travel onwards to the Netherlands, reaching Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 3 - Amsterdam
We discover the storybook Netherlands, beginning at Zaanse Schans with its traditional houses, canals and windmills, then on to Volendam, a scenic fishing village. From Volendam we take a short boat to Marken – once an island, now linked by a dike – where houses were traditionally built on stilts to guard against flooding. In the afternoon we join a guided tour of Amsterdam, taking in classic windmill views and the Rembrandt statue, the contemporary elegance of the South District and the centuries old craft of diamond cutting around Museum Square. We finish at Central Station, and your guide will share tips so you can explore the canals, markets and cafés.
Day 4 - Amsterdam - Hamelin - Berlin
We depart Amsterdam for Germany, pausing in Hamelin – a charming town whose lanes recall the tale of the Pied Piper. We continue via Marienborn, the former border between East and West Germany, and arrive in Berlin in the evening.
Day 5 - Berlin
We delve into Berlin with a local guide on a panoramic coach tour, seeing Museum Island, the Television Tower, central shopping streets, the old cathedral scarred by the war, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and expansive parks. We pause to visit the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. The afternoon is free for you, and in the early evening we provide a transfer to lively Kantstrasse.
Day 6 - Berlin - Dresden - Prague
We travel through forested landscapes to Dresden, celebrated for its architectural and artistic heritage. You have time to explore its splendid palaces and enjoy lunch. Later we continue to the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague and heading to Old Town Square – a vibrant first taste of the city. You can dine at one of the many restaurants serving Czech and international cuisines before we return to the hotel.
Day 7 - Prague
We explore Prague – the Baroque jewel of Europe – with a local guide on a panoramic tour that includes entry to Prague Castle. Afterwards we take a relaxing boat ride on the Vltava. The afternoon is free for you to keep discovering the city at your own pace.
Day 8 - Prague - Munich - Innsbruck
We set off early for Bavaria, reaching Munich around midday, where you have free time to wander the historic centre and find lunch. In the afternoon we cross into Austria and arrive in Innsbruck, capital of Tyrol, with time to explore. In the evening you can choose a restaurant in the Golden Roof area and the Old Town.
Day 9 - Innsbruck - Salzburg
We visit the Swarovski Museum – admission included – to explore its striking gardens and learn how the renowned crystal pieces are made. You then have free time to stroll Innsbruck’s historic centre. Our route continues along scenic mountain roads to Kitzbühel, a Tyrolean town famed for its ski resort, where snow is possible for much of the year and which hosts the legendary Hahnenkamm race. We reach Salzburg at day’s end.
Day 10 - Salzburg - Lake Traunsee - Vienna
We spend the morning in Salzburg, Mozart’s city, whose Renaissance and Baroque centre lies beneath its imposing fortress. We then journey through lakes and mountains to St Wolfgang, a renowned pilgrimage site, before continuing to Traunkirchen on the shores of Lake Traunsee. Here we take an included cruise to view four castles on the lake, disembarking in Gmunden, and continue to Vienna for an evening arrival.
Day 11 - Vienna
We embark on a panoramic tour of Vienna with a local guide, taking in grand avenues, elegant palaces, spacious parks and the vibrant historic centre. The afternoon is free for you to explore. In the evening we include a transfer to the Grinzing district – once a wine growing village, now part of the city – known for its traditional taverns, where you have time to dine.
Day 12 - Vienna - Budapest
After roughly three hours we arrive in Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Our first stop is lively Váci utca, where you have free time for lunch. We then enjoy an included boat trip on the Danube – historic Buda on one bank and cosmopolitan Pest on the other – followed by a panoramic tour of the Queen of the Danube. Afterwards you have free time, and in the evening you can opt to join a Magyar show with dinner.
Day 13 - Budapest
After breakfast our journey concludes – we hope you leave with wonderful lasting memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Budapest
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Frankfurt
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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