Eastern Europe: Krakow to Budapest
From $1499 without flightsPayments as low as $37
Why go?
Oh, you want medieval charm? How about historic sites, flavorful cuisine, and electric nightlife? Yeah, we figured. Escape to Krakow and Budapest for the Eastern Europe trip you’ve been daydreaming of.
Picture yourself
Descending into Poland’s otherworldly Wieliczka Salt Mine
Munching on pierogies, goulash, and other hearty foods
Wandering through idyllic streets in Slovakia
Learning about World War II where much of it unfolded
Bar hopping through Budapest’s eclectic watering holes
What you'll get
Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book ’em yourself)
8 nights in handpicked accommodations
8 breakfasts
2 dinners
Expert Tour Director
24/7 support
Insider tours of Krakow and Budapest
Itinerary
- Day 1: Overnight flight
Hop aboard your overnight flight and let it sink in…you’re going to Poland! Sit back, relax, and start thinking about all the pierogis you’re about to eat.
- Day 2: Arrive in Krakow
Welcome to Krakow, Poland, a true gem of Eastern Europe. It’s a blend of modern and historic with so much to do—the perfect jumping off point for your adventure.
Today's highlights:
- Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
- Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
- Get acquainted with Krakow on a brief walk with your Tour Director.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your group at an authentic local spot.
- Day 3: Explore Krakow + optional Wieliczka Salt Mine excursion
Today you’ll see the best parts of the city with a local guide. After your tour, if you’re up for it, head underground on an optional trip to the most beautiful (and perhaps, only) salt mine you’ve ever seen.
Today's highlights:
- Glimpse into Krakow’s royal past at Wawel Castle and Cathedral.
- Visit Schindler's Factory Museum to delve into the history of the Holocaust and the heroic efforts of Oskar Schindler and those he saved.
Wieliczka Salt Mine (extra cost)
Go underground into Wieliczka Salt Mine's stunning chambers, including the chapel of St. King.
- Day 4: Free day in Krakow or optional Auschwitz excursion
Do your own thing in Krakow or opt for the day trip to Auschwitz concentration camp for an enlightening look at the tragic history of the Holocaust.
Free time suggestions
Stained Glass Museum: Explore the permanent exhibits, learn how stained glass is made, and maybe even get a chance to watch some masters at work.
Kościuszko Mound: Dedicated to Polish hero Tadeusz Kościuszko, this mound is a reminder of Poland’s struggle for independence. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the city.
Auschwitz Concentration Camp (extra cost)
Visit the infamous concentration camp, Auschwitz, for an eye-opening and educational tour.
This excursion is pre-book only; if your trip is less than twenty-one days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase. - Day 5: Free day in Krakow
It’s been a busy trip, so take a beat and get to know Krakow on your own time. Hungry? All that kielbasa certainly isn’t going to eat itself.
Free time suggestions
Planty Park: This picturesque park encircles the Old Town, where the Medieval defensive city walls once stood. History and charm? Talk about a win-win.
Lost Souls Alley: In need of an adrenaline rush? Buy a ticket to this very immersive and very haunted experience. In this alleyway, it’s Halloween every day.
- Day 6: Travel to Budapest via Banská Bystrica
You’re at the halfway point, which means it’s high time we checked out a new country—or two! Hungary awaits, but not before a quick stop in Slovakia.
Today's highlights:
- Jump on the bus headed for Budapest.
- Grab lunch and wander the delightful streets of Banská Bystrica, Slovakia.
- Arrive in Budapest and get to know the area with your Tour Director.
- Day 7: Explore Budapest
Join a local guide for an insider tour of the Pearl of the Danube—hope you like panoramic views, because you’re in for an epic one today.
Today's highlights:
- Tour Buda and Pest with a local guide to show you all the buda-best there is to see.
- Climb the imposing Castle Hill to see the city from the nearly 750-year-old Buda Castle.
- Hit the town like never before in the city’s grungy, eclectic nightlife scene.
- Day 8: Free day in Budapest or optional Szentendre day trip
It’s a choose your own adventure kind of day. Enjoy a free day in Budapest or check out the riverside town of Szentendre, known for its Mediterranean vibes.
Free time suggestions
Dohány Street Synagogue: Budapest is home to Europe’s largest Jewish synagogue. The ornate building represents a somber reminder of the Holocaust, as it stands at the border of the WWII-era Jewish Ghetto in the city.
Ruin Bars: Once the sun goes down, Budapest’s Jewish Quarter comes alive. Head to one of the many Ruin Bars, old buildings converted into bars with graffiti-covered walls and kooky décor.
Szentendre day trip (extra cost)
Explore charming Szentendre, a picturesque town famous for its colorful streets and art galleries.
- Day 9: Free day in Budapest + Farewell Dinner
Go for a soak in the thermal spas, chow down on some local eats, and see the city however you’d like on your last day in Hungary. In the evening, enjoy one final dinner with your crew.
Free time suggestions
Thermal baths: Immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition of relaxation at a thermal bath. Széchenyi Bath is the most well-known, but there are plenty of others around town.
Chimney cakes: Popular across all of Eastern Europe, Kürtöskalács is a delicious and age-old treat that’s a bit like American fried dough. Go find one.
- Day 10: Fly home
Viszlát barátaim!
Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?
