10 May 2027
Twin share
£4,950pp
Single from £5,785
Escorted tour
Prague to Belgrade: Kraków, a Slovak Castle Stay & Budapest – 12 Days
Prague, Kraków, a 13th-century Slovak castle hotel, Budapest and Belgrade, in a premium small group of up to 12.
12 days
From £4,950
Tour overview
This 12-day premium small-group journey crosses five countries of Central Europe, from Prague to Belgrade. Groups have no more than 12 travellers aged 15 and over, with a local leader throughout and local guides in the main cities. You travel by private vehicle and train, and stay in comfortable city hotels plus two nights in a converted 13th-century castle in Slovakia, with a pool and spa. Breakfast is included daily, along with a welcome dinner, a farewell dinner and two more, and an arrival airport transfer and tips for hotels, activities and transport are included too. The trip is land-only, starting in Prague and ending in Belgrade.
Prague opens the trip with a walk past the castle, across Charles Bridge and through the Old Town, and a Pilsner brewery tasting. A train takes you to Olomouc, a university city with its own astronomical clock and the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column. Crossing into Poland, you visit Auschwitz-Birkenau with a guide, a sobering but important part of the journey, before two nights in Kraków, where a local guide shows you Main Market Square and St Mary's Basilica and you learn to make pierogi in a cooking class.
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In central Slovakia you explore the medieval town of Banská Bystrica, then settle into the castle hotel at Vígľaš for two nights. From here you visit Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO-listed mining town set in the crater of an ancient volcano, with its Mining Museum and a short hike up to the Calvary church. Driving south into Hungary, you stop at Hollókő, a traditional Palóc village with craft demonstrations, before two nights in Budapest, with a guided walk around Buda Castle and free time for the thermal baths.
The final stretch heads into Serbia. In Subotica a guided tour reveals Art Nouveau gems such as the City Hall and the Synagogue, and in Belgrade, where the Sava meets the Danube, your leader introduces the fortress and the history of a city that has been fought over by empires for centuries. A farewell dinner rounds off the trip.
The physical rating is low, with walking on cobbled streets and a few longer driving days of up to five hours. This trip suits travellers who want a comfortable, well-paced journey through Central Europe's great cities and lesser-known towns, with special stays and experiences included.
Trip highlights
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Prague's castle, Charles Bridge and a Pilsner tasting (Day 2)
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A guided visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau (Day 4)
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Kraków's Old Town and a pierogi cooking class (Day 5)
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Two nights in a converted 13th-century castle in Slovakia (Days 6–7)
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The volcanic mining town of Banská Štiavnica (Day 7)
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Budapest's Buda Castle and Belgrade's fortress (Days 9–11)
Your route
11 stops from Prague to Belgrade
- Prague Days 1–2
- Olomouc Day 3
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Day 4
- Krakow Days 4–5
- Banská Bystrica Day 6
- Vígľaš Castle Days 6–7
- Banská Štiavnica Day 7
- Hollókő Day 8
- Budapest Days 8–9
- Subotica Day 10
- Belgrade Days 10–12
Why choose this tour
Five countries in 12 days at a comfortable pace, with a castle hotel stay and tips included. Mixes the great capitals with smaller towns such as Olomouc, Banská Štiavnica, Hollókő and Subotica.
Best suited to
- Travellers who like comfortable hotels and a small group
- Anyone interested in European history, from medieval towns to the 20th century
- Couples and solo travellers on a first trip to Central Europe
- Food lovers keen on local cooking and tastings
Day-by-day itinerary
12 days from Prague, Czech Republic to Belgrade, Serbia
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Day 1 · Prague Arrive in Prague
On arrival at Prague airport you are met and taken to your hotel. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at 6pm, followed by a welcome dinner.
- Hotel
- Prague Leon D'Oro or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square Prague
A leader-led walk takes in the Old Town, Charles Bridge across the Vltava and views of Prague Castle, one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Later, enjoy a tasting of Pilsner beer.
- Hotel
- Prague Leon D'Oro or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 3 · Olomouc Train to Olomouc
Take the train east to Olomouc, an elegant university city. An orientation walk shows you the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column, the 12th-century castle and the city's own astronomical clock.
- Hotel
- Hotel Arigone or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 4 · Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kraków Auschwitz-Birkenau to Kraków
Cross into Poland and visit Auschwitz-Birkenau with a guide, learning about the millions who suffered and died here. It is a difficult but deeply meaningful visit, and it is optional. Continue to Kraków.
- Hotel
- Hotel Polonia or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 5 · Main Market Square, St Mary's Basilica Kraków
A local guide shows you Kraków's medieval Old Town, including Main Market Square, one of the largest in Europe, and the Gothic St Mary's Basilica. In the evening, learn to make pierogi and eat them for dinner.
- Hotel
- Hotel Polonia or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 6 · Banská Bystrica, Vígľaš Banská Bystrica and the castle hotel
Drive about 4.5 hours into central Slovakia, stopping in the medieval town of Banská Bystrica for a leader-led walk. Then check in to a converted 13th-century castle for two nights, with dinner at the hotel.
- Hotel
- Hotel Grand Viglas castle hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 7 · Banská Štiavnica, Slovak Mining Museum Banská Štiavnica
Visit Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO-listed town built in the crater of an ancient volcano and once rich from silver and gold. See the Slovak Mining Museum and take a short, marked hike up to the Calvary church, then return to the castle to enjoy the pool and spa.
- Hotel
- Hotel Grand Viglas castle hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 8 · Hollókő, Budapest Hollókő to Budapest
Cross into Hungary and stop at Hollókő, a village in the Cserhát Mountains that keeps the traditions of the Palóc people, with craft demonstrations and a taste of lángos. Continue to Budapest.
- Hotel
- KK Hotel Opera or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 9 · Buda Castle, Budapest Budapest
Join a local expert for a guided walk, including the Buda Castle district, reached on foot or by the historic funicular. The rest of the day is free, perhaps for the Széchenyi thermal baths or a Danube cruise.
- Hotel
- KK Hotel Opera or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 10 · Subotica, Belgrade Subotica to Belgrade
Drive into Serbia and stop in Subotica for a guided tour of its Art Nouveau buildings, including the City Hall and the Synagogue, and its mix of Roman, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. Continue to Belgrade.
- Hotel
- Hotel Mark or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · Belgrade Fortress, Belgrade Belgrade
Your leader introduces Belgrade on an orientation walk, from the fortress above the meeting of the Sava and the Danube to the lively streets of the centre. The afternoon is free, followed by a farewell dinner.
- Hotel
- Hotel Mark or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 12 · Belgrade Trip ends in Belgrade
The trip ends after breakfast, and you are free to leave at any time. Extra nights in Belgrade can be arranged when you book.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Prague (2 nights) Prague Leon D'Oro or similar
- Olomouc (1 night) Hotel Arigone or similar
- Kraków (2 nights) Hotel Polonia or similar
- Vígľaš, Slovakia (2 nights) Hotel Grand Viglas castle hotel or similar
- Budapest (2 nights) KK Hotel Opera or similar
- Belgrade (2 nights) Hotel Mark or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 11 nights in hotels, including 2 nights in a converted castle with a pool and spa
- Meals 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- Transport private vehicle throughout, the train from Prague to Olomouc, and an arrival airport transfer in Prague
- Guided visits Prague, Olomouc, Auschwitz-Birkenau, Kraków, Banská Bystrica, Banská Štiavnica's Mining Museum, Hollókő, Budapest, Subotica and Belgrade
- A Pilsner brewery tasting and a pierogi cooking class
- Tips for hotels, activities and transport
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- International flights to Prague and from Belgrade
- Departure transfer in Belgrade
- Lunches and meals not listed
- Optional activities, such as thermal baths, museums and river cruises
- Single supplement, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want flights included — they are not
- You prefer to avoid difficult history — Auschwitz is included, although it can be skipped
- You want most lunches included — 11 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- You dislike long drives — some days involve four to five hours on the road
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £4,950 per person, twin share, tour only. 10 upcoming departures.
17 May 2027
Twin share
£5,150pp
Single from £5,985
31 May 2027
Twin share
£5,150pp
Single from £5,985
14 Jun 2027
Twin share
£4,950pp
Single from £5,785
19 Jul 2027
Twin share
£4,950pp
Single from £5,785
16 Aug 2027
Twin share
£4,950pp
Single from £5,785
23 Aug 2027
Twin share
£4,950pp
Single from £5,785
06 Sep 2027
Twin share
£5,150pp
Single from £5,985
13 Sep 2027
Twin share
£5,150pp
Single from £5,985
20 Sep 2027
Twin share
£5,150pp
Single from £5,985
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
Is the Auschwitz visit compulsory?
No. Many travellers find it an essential part of understanding the region's history, but you can choose not to go, and your leader can suggest alternatives.
What is the castle hotel like?
You spend two nights in a converted 13th-century castle at Vígľaš in central Slovakia, with a swimming pool and spa. Dinner on the first night is included.
How long are the travel days?
Most drives take three to four hours, and the longest, to the castle hotel in Slovakia, takes about 4.5 hours. You travel from Prague to Olomouc by train and carry your own luggage on board.
Are tips included?
Yes. Tips for hotels, included activities and transport are covered. Tipping your leader is at your discretion.
How much walking is there?
The physical rating is low, but you explore the cities on foot over cobbled streets, and the Calvary hike at Banská Štiavnica is short and well marked.
Are flights included?
No. You fly into Prague and out of Belgrade. An arrival transfer from Prague airport is included on Day 1.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary