Tour overview

This 29-day small-group journey travels overland through nine countries, from imperial Vienna to the walled city of Dubrovnik, linking the great capitals of Central Europe with the mountains and coast of the Balkans. Groups have up to 15 travellers aged 15 and over, with a leader throughout. You travel by train, local bus, minivan and private transfer, and stay 28 nights in a mix of hotels, pensions, guesthouses and a hostel on a twin or multi-share basis. Breakfast is included on most days, with a dinner in Kopački Rit, leaving plenty of freedom to explore local food.

In Vienna your leader takes you through the compact centre past St Stephen's Cathedral, with a classic coffee and cake experience. You then spend two nights in fairy-tale Český Krumlov, with a guided tour, and two in Prague. Crossing into Poland, you explore Wrocław, visit the Church of Peace at Świdnica and reach Kraków, from where a local guide leads a sobering tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

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A long bus journey takes you into Slovakia's High Tatras for a hike in the mountains, before four days in Budapest to soak in its thermal baths, boulevards and nightlife. You then head into eastern Croatia's Kopački Rit Nature Park, home to white-tailed eagles, and on to Novi Sad and two nights in Belgrade, including its Zemun quarter.

Three nights in Sarajevo include a day trip to Mostar and its famous Old Bridge. In Montenegro you spend two nights in Durmitor National Park, with its glacial lakes and canyons, and two in Kotor on its secluded bay, before following the coast to Dubrovnik and its magnificent walls.

The physical rating is medium, with long travel days and some hiking. This trip suits adventurous, independent-minded travellers with time to see how Central Europe and the Balkans connect, at a budget-friendly price. Four days in Budapest and three in Sarajevo give a welcome chance to slow down, and free days throughout let you shape the journey around your own interests.

Trip highlights

  • Český Krumlov and Prague (Days 3–6)
  • Kraków and Auschwitz-Birkenau (Days 9–10)
  • A hike in the High Tatras (Day 12)
  • Four days in Budapest (Days 13–16)
  • Sarajevo and Mostar (Days 21–23)
  • Durmitor National Park and Kotor (Days 24–27)

Your route

23 stops from Vienna to Dubrovnik

29-day route: Vienna – Prague – Kraków – Tatras – Budapest – Belgrade – Sarajevo – Durmitor – Kotor – Dubrovnik
  1. Vienna Days 1–2
  2. Cesky Krumlov Days 3–4
  3. Prague Days 5–6
  4. Swidnica Day 7
  5. Wroclaw Days 7–8
  6. Krakow Days 9–10
  7. Auschwitz-Birkenau Day 10
  8. Wieliczka Salt Mines Day 10
  9. Tatranska Lomnica Days 11–12
  10. Budapest Days 13–16
  11. Kopački Rit NP Day 17
  12. Vukovar Day 18
  13. Novi Sad Day 18
  14. Belgrade Days 19–20
  15. Sarajevo Days 21–23
  16. Konjic Day 22
  17. Mostar Day 22
  18. Piva Canyon Day 24
  19. Zabljak (Durmitor NP) Days 24–25
  20. Kotor Days 26–27
  21. Budva Day 27
  22. Cetinje Day 27
  23. Dubrovnik Days 28–29

Why choose this tour

Nine countries overland in one journey, at a budget-friendly price. Mountains, capitals and coast, with plenty of free time.

Best suited to

  • Travellers with time for a long journey
  • Adventurous, budget-conscious travellers
  • Solo travellers looking for a sociable group
  • Return visitors to Europe
The peaks of Durmitor

Day-by-day itinerary

29 days from Vienna, Austria to Dubrovnik, Croatia

  1. Day 1 · Vienna Arrive in Vienna

    A welcome meeting at 6pm.

    Hotel
    Magdas Hotel or similar
  2. Day 2 · St Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna Vienna

    A walk through the centre and coffee and cake.

    Hotel
    Magdas Hotel or similar
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Day 3 · Český Krumlov Český Krumlov

    Travel by minivan into Bohemia.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Český Krumlov Český Krumlov

    A guided tour and free time.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Prague Prague

    Bus to Prague for an orientation walk.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Day 6 · Prague Free day in Prague

    Explore the Jewish Quarter and castle at leisure.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  7. Day 7 · Świdnica, Wrocław Wrocław

    Cross into Poland, visiting the Church of Peace.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  8. Day 8 · Wrocław, Ostrów Tumski Wrocław

    A free day to explore Wrocław.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  9. Day 9 · Kraków Kraków

    Train to Kraków.

    Hotel
    Pension
    Meals
    Breakfast
  10. Day 10 · Oświęcim Auschwitz-Birkenau

    A guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

    Hotel
    Pension
    Meals
    Breakfast
  11. Day 11 · Tatranská Lomnica High Tatras

    Travel through southern Poland into Slovakia.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  12. Day 12 · High Tatras Tatras hike

    A hike in the mountains.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  13. Day 13 · Budapest Budapest

    A long journey to Budapest.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  14. Day 14 · Budapest Budapest

    A free day in the Pearl of the Danube.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  15. Day 15 · Budapest Budapest

    Relax in the thermal baths or explore.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  16. Day 16 · Budapest Budapest

    A final free day in Budapest.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  17. Day 17 · Kopački Rit Nature Park Kopački Rit

    Visit a wetland nature park in eastern Croatia.

    Hotel
    Guesthouse
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  18. Day 18 · Vukovar, Novi Sad Novi Sad

    Drive to Serbia's second city.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  19. Day 19 · Belgrade Belgrade

    Travel to the White City.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  20. Day 20 · Zemun Belgrade

    Explore the Zemun quarter.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  21. Day 21 · Sarajevo Sarajevo

    Travel by bus to Sarajevo.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  22. Day 22 · Mostar Mostar

    A day trip to Mostar and its Old Bridge.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  23. Day 23 · Sarajevo, Ilidža Free day in Sarajevo

    Explore Sarajevo or visit Ilidža.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  24. Day 24 · Durmitor National Park Durmitor

    A private transfer to Montenegro's mountains.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  25. Day 25 · Durmitor National Park Durmitor

    A free day for hiking or relaxing.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  26. Day 26 · Kotor Kotor

    Drive to the Bay of Kotor.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  27. Day 27 · Kotor, Bay of Kotor Kotor

    A free day, with optional bay cruise.

    Hotel
    Hotel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  28. Day 28 · Dubrovnik Dubrovnik

    Follow the coast to Dubrovnik.

    Hotel
    Hostel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  29. Day 29 · Dubrovnik Trip ends in Dubrovnik

    The trip ends after breakfast.

    Meals
    Breakfast
A peak in the High Tatras

Where you stay

  • Vienna (2 nights) Magdas Hotel or similar
  • Český Krumlov (2 nights) Hotel
  • Prague (2 nights) Hotel
  • Wrocław (2 nights) Hotel
  • Kraków (2 nights) Pension
  • High Tatras (2 nights) Hotel
  • Budapest (4 nights) Hotel
  • Kopački Rit (1 night) Guesthouse
  • Novi Sad (1 night) Hotel
  • Belgrade (2 nights) Hotel
  • Sarajevo (3 nights) Hotel
  • Durmitor National Park (2 nights) Hotel
  • Kotor (2 nights) Hotel
  • Dubrovnik (1 night) Hostel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 28 nights in hotels, pensions, a guesthouse and a hostel
  • Meals 25 breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Train, bus, minivan and private transfers
  • Vienna coffee and cake, Český Krumlov guided tour and Wrocław walk
  • Church of Peace at Świdnica and Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour
  • High Tatras hike and a Mostar day trip
  • Leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights to Vienna and from Dubrovnik
  • Meals not included 3 breakfasts, 27 lunches and 27 dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Wrocław from above

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want comfort every night — one stay is in a hostel
  • You want many meals included — mostly breakfasts
  • You dislike long travel days — some journeys are long
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–5, 8–14 and 16–29 · Lunch: none included · Dinner: Day 17
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Austria · UK FCDO travel advice for Bosnia and Herzegovina · UK FCDO travel advice for Croatia · UK FCDO travel advice for Czech Republic · UK FCDO travel advice for Hungary · UK FCDO travel advice for Montenegro · UK FCDO travel advice for Poland · UK FCDO travel advice for Serbia · UK FCDO travel advice for Slovakia
The Hungarian Parliament across the Danube

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £5,330 per person, twin share, tour only. 45 upcoming departures.

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.

Which countries do we visit?

Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

What is the accommodation like?

A mix of hotels, pensions, a guesthouse and one hostel, on a twin or multi-share basis.

How do we travel?

By train, local bus, minivan and private transfer.

Is the Auschwitz visit included?

Yes, a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum on Day 10.

Do I need visas?

UK visitors do not need a visa for these countries for a short holiday stay.

How many people travel together?

Up to 15 travellers aged 15 and over, with a leader.

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

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