This epic cross-European adventure offers an intriguing combination of Central Europe’s castles and romantic squares with the Balkans’ own historic towns and wondrous landscapes. But this trip isn’t a cobweb-enshrouded history tour — you’ll connect with village life, immerse yourself in urban centres, and get active with outdoor pursuits, including kayaking in Montenegro and hiking through diverse country. With 28 days devoted to this journey, this is your chance to discover what still feels like a well-kept secret.
Hotels/pensions (27 nts).
27 breakfasts
Allow USD945-1230 for meals not included.
Train, long-distance bus, local bus, ferry, walking, private vehicle.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide in Auschwitz.
Berlin: Arrive at any time.
Berlin: Explore this amazing city. Opt to visit the East Side Gallery, Checkpoint Charlie, world-class museums, or the Berlin Television Tower for a sweeping view of the area.
Berlin/Krakow: Travel to Krakow, Poland's cultural hub, stopping at the P?awniowice Palace grounds along the way. Take an orientation walk upon arrival and use the evening to explore this lively city.
Krakow: Visit Auschwitz for a sobering look at the region's history. Spend the rest of the day exploring charming Krakow.
Krakow: Take a free day to explore.
Krakow/Prague: Take a scenic day train into Czech Republic. Soak up the atmosphere of Prague, a unique community where every street, ghetto, inn and theatre tells a story.
Prague: Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO before exploring all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.
Prague/?eský Krumlov: Travel to ?eský Krumlov. Spend time wandering the small city or visiting the small town's castle.
?eský Krumlov/Vienna: Take private van to Austria in time for a walking tour of Vienna's most beautiful sights, including the Hofburg and St Stephen's Cathedral. Later, check in to your accommodations, a G Adventures supported social enterprise.
Vienna: Wander the elegant streets a little more, take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries or just settle yourself on a café terrace, order up a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake and watch the world go by over coffee.
Vienna/Budapest: Travel to Hungary to explore the beautiful city of Budapest. Visit a G Adventures-supported social enterprise café for a welcome drink. Opt to visit Buda Castle, window shop in Pest or soak in the city's famous thermal baths.
Budapest: Spend a free day exploring this charming and historic city. Opt to take a boat trip down the Danube, or travel further afield to the Etyek wine country.
Budapest: Spend a free day exploring this charming city.
Budapest/Novi Sad: Today we will be traveling by local bus to Novi Sad. Enjoy the first opportunity to try some Serbian cuisine.
Novi Sad/Belgrade: Spend the morning exploring Novi Sad. Visit the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and, with time, check out the charming old town, or Stari Grad. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bus ride to Belgrade.
Belgrade: Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress then spend a free day floating down the Danube or shopping in one of the many bustling markets.
Belgrade/Sarajevo: Travel to Sarajevo, one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the region. Walk around the cobblestone streets, visit the famous Latin Bridge, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this resilient place.
Sarajevo: Take an included tour of the 'Tunnel of Life' to get a better understanding of the tragic recent history of this captivating city. Spend some free time exploring the Stari Grad section and looking for 'Sarajevo Roses'.
Sarajevo/Mostar: Travel through beautiful countryside to reach charming Mostar. The city's symbol, a beautiful reconstructed Ottoman-style bridge, is a reminder of the tenacity of Bosnians in recent times. Wander the old city and visit the new, taking in the many reminders of what the people of this region have survived.
Mostar/Kotor: Continue on to Montenegro and arrive to the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage-listed region. There is free time here to relax or explore as desired.
Kotor: Enjoy a sea kayaking tour before free time to relax or explore. Wander the streets of the walled city of Kotor or relax on picturesque beaches.
Kotor/Dubrovnik: Travel to Croatia and experience the 'Pearl of the Adriatic' in Dubrovnik. Choose to relax in one of the many cafés, explore the old town fortifications, or take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands.
Dubrovnik: In the morning, visit the G Adventures-supported Deša project, a non profit dedicated to empowering and employing women in the community. Then enjoy a free afternoon to explore the Dalmatian Coast.
Dubrovnik/Hvar: Head to the island of Hvar. Enjoy amazing beaches, nightlife, and water sports.
Hvar: Soak in the scenery and relish the calm on a boat ride around the Pakleni Islands.
Hvar/Split: Ferry back to the mainland and arrive to Split. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO site at Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy free time to explore this charming seaside town.
Split: Depart at any time.