The Austro-Hungarian Trail

  • Destination: Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Price: $1980

Overview

Explore the Austro-Hungarian Empire on a journey of a lifetime. From Hungary’s Budapest, queen of the Danube and Tatras Mountains in Slovakia to beautiful Krakow in Poland and medieval Prague, capital of Czech Republic and land of the Bohemian kings then across the Central Alps in Austria and conclude in the imperial city of Vienna with several adventurous twists along the way.

Highlights

- Cycling along the Danube to the medieval town of Szentendre in Hungary
- Kayaking and Swimming in Lake Balaton in Hungary
- Hiking to Skok waterfall and the Green Lake in High Tatras Mountains in Slovakia
- Krakow and the unique salt mines of Wieliczka in Poland
- The beautiful Alpine towns of Hallstatt & Zell Am See in Austria
- Flying fox & White Water Rafting in the Central Alps in Austria
- Hiking through breathtaking landscapes in Bohemian Switzerland NP in Czechia
- The charming European capitals of Budapest, Vienna and Prague

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Itinerary & Trip Details

Day 1: Arrival in Hungary
Arrival in Hungary

Arrival in Budapest airport in Hungary. Pickup and transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the Queen of the Danube and one of two capitals of the Dual Monarchy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel

Day 2: Along the Danube

Along the Danube

Our adventure begins with a cycling tour to explore Budapest and the Hungarian countryside along the Danube River. We will cycle along the river passing by the famous landmarks of Budapest then we will cross into Margaret island and cycle along its beautiful landscape then continue to Buda side of the river and keep cycling by the Danube until we arrive at the medieval town of Szentendre. We will spend sometime to enjoy its laidback atmosphere, have a traditional Hungarian meal then make our way back to Budapest by boat along the Danube.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 3: Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton

Today we visit Lake Balaton, a large freshwater lake in western Hungary that is also know as the Hungarian Sea. First we will drive to the charming town of Tihany then hop on kayaks for a unique exploration tour of Lake Balaton and its breathtaking landscape with swimming stops in some of its beautiful beaches.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 4: Into the High Tatras

Into the High Tatras

Leaving Hungary behind, we will make our way to the mighty Tatras Mountains in Slovakia. It is the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains and a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Upon arrival in Strbske Pleso town we will start our hike to Skok waterfall through a beautiful mountain trail with several impressive views along the way. Afterwards we will make our way back to town and stroll around its beautiful lake then have lunch in a traditional restaurant by the shores of the lake.

Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals: B

Day 5: The Green Lake

The Green Lake

Today we embark on a more challenging hike with a more rewarding views and more impressive scenery. First we drive to Stary Smokovec town to catch the cable car up Lomnicky Peak, the second highest mountain in Slovakia. From there we’ll hike to the summit, then descend through a rugged valley to Green Lake. Enjoy lunch at lakeside hut surrounded by mighty peaks, then finish our hike through a dwarf pine forest to the White Lake then head back to town and drive to Krakow in Poland for overnight.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 6: Krakow Underworlds

Krakow Underworlds

Breakfast then drive to visit the unique salt mines of Wieliczka. We will take the Miners’ route which is far more adventurous than the normal touristic one. We will get our mining equipment and overalls, then descend into the darkness by the oldest existing mine shaft, the Regis. Each of us will be attributed a mining profession by the guide, known at the mine as the Foreman, who will carefully evaluate our execution while guided by the light of our mining lamps. This unique experience will give us a glimpse of the daily routine of underground life and the secrets of mining traditions and rituals.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 7: To Prague

To Prague

After breakfast we will drive to our next destination on our Austro-Hungarian Trail, the beautiful town of Prague in where we are going to spend the day exploring the medieval capital of Czech Republic and its predecessor Kingdom of Bohemia.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 8: Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland

A visit to the Czech Republic won’t be complete without a visit to the breathtaking national park Bohemian Switzerland. We will explore both the Czech and German parts of the national park including the famous mountain Bastei bridge and the ruins of the medieval castle Neurathen then hike through the spectacular landscape of the river Elbe Canyon and admire its sandstone towers. Afterwards we will take a boat ride through the gorges of the river Kamenice and see the sandstone canyon formed over 100 million years ago from another breathtaking perspective. Have lunch in the area then drive back to Prague.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 9: Into Austria

Into Austria

Today we cross into Austria and drive to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of the famous musical The Sound of Music.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 10: The Central Alps

The Central Alps

Have you ever dreamed of flying like a bird weightlessly through the mountains? Leogang’s Flying Fox will take you on a thrilling ride along 1600m in length, a height of up to 143m and potential top speeds of up to 130 km/h, it is one of the fastest and longest steel rope slides in the world and a once in a lifetime adventure in the Central Alps. Afterwards we will drive to visit the beautiful lake town of Zell Am See, have lunch then go for a thrilling white water rafting adventure on Salzach river through Class II-IV rapids then drive back to Salzburg.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 11: Hallstatt

Hallstatt

Our adventure continues as we drive across the Central Alps to visit the lakeside town of Hallstatt, one of Europe’s most beautiful alpine villages. We will explore this beautiful town and it’s 16th century alpine houses, narrow streets and numerous cafes and restaurants. We can also take the funicular to Hallstatt’s Skywalk for a breathtaking panoramic view over this fairytale-like town. Afterwards we will drive to Vienna our final destination on our journey and the second capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Meals: B

Day 12: Departure

Departure

Say our farewells to our epic journey and transfer to Vienna airport for final departure

Meals: B

Price Includes/Excludes

Price Includes

- Accommodation for 10 nights in standard hotels in Hungary, Poland, Austria & Czechia
- Accommodation for 1 night in a mountain lodge in Strbske Pleso in Slovakia
- All mentioned activities and tours
- All land transfers between the 5 countries in a private vehicle
- All mentioned meals (B=Breakfast – L=Lunch – D=Dinner)
- Airport Pickups

Price Excludes

- International flights to Budapest and return from Vienna
- Visa Expenses


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