Tours Eastern Europe Tours Eastern Highlights

Eastern Highlights

Countries: 7 Days: 11 Per Day: US$ 149
Start Point:Munich
End Point:Munich
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 2,505
From US$ 1,645
check-greenFlexible booking: 10-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

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  • Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Low deposit secures your booking
  • Services of your Expat Explore tour leader
  • Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
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Summary

Awe-inspiring architecture, fascinating historical attractions and lively local culture. This Eastern European tour has it all! Drink a toast to life in a German beer hall. Eat just like the locals do and taste authentic Czech cuisine. Experience a sobering tour of Auschwitz concentration camp. Walk along the Danube River in Budapest at dusk. Drink in the glamour and historical splendour of Vienna. Take immersive walking tours with local guides and enjoy free days in Prague, Krakow, and Budapest. Explore at a steady pace. Make new friends. Start ticking off your bucket list! This is Eastern Europe at its finest.

Highlights

  • Join the locals in a German beer hall in Munich 
  • Enjoy free days to explore Prague, Krakow and Budapest
  • Honour history at Auschwitz concentration camp 
  • Choose to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine - one of the oldest in the world!
  • Experience the charm of Ljubljana on a guided tour

Start Point

Hotel in Munich | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Munich | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Munich

Welcome to Munich! Check into your hotel this morning and meet up with your tour leader who will brief you on the upcoming itinerary. Then, head into Munich and see the sights on an orientation tour! Munich will delight the avid explorer. It’s a city that is a great combination of old and new. To explore the city more, join today’s optional excursion and follow a local guide to learn more about Munich’s top sights and to taste delicious Bavarian cuisine at the famous Viktualienmarkt! This evening, get to know your fellow passengers and tour leader over dinner in a traditional German beer hall and enjoy a taste of German culture and cuisine.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Munich

Welcome to Munich! Check into your hotel this morning and meet up with your tour leader who will brief you on the upcoming itinerary. Then, head into Munich and see the sights on an orientation tour! Munich will delight the avid explorer. It’s a city that is a great combination of old and new. To explore the city more, join today’s optional excursion and follow a local guide to learn more about Munich’s top sights and to taste delicious Bavarian cuisine at the famous Viktualienmarkt! This evening, get to know your fellow passengers and tour leader over dinner in a traditional German beer hall and enjoy a taste of German culture and cuisine.

Experiences

Munich orientation tour: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city.

German beer hall: Tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 2: Nuremberg - Prague

En route to Prague, visit Nuremberg and enjoy an orientation tour of the city. Bavaria’s second-largest city, Nuremberg is famous for its art, architecture, ancient chapels and great beer! Next, we make our way to Prague. A beautiful city boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture. Explore the streets to find quirky bars, cobbled lanes and courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of art, any exploration of Prague is a rewarding one. After getting your bearings on a walking tour of the city with a local guide, experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant for dinner on your first night in Prague.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Nuremberg: Join your tour leader and see the medieval castle in Nuremberg and get a chance to explore the old town and shop at the markets in the town square. Nuremberg is home to incredible architecture, painstakingly restored using original stone after the bombings of the Second World War.

Prague guided tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the “City of a Hundred Spires” with a local guide. See highlights including the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square.

Prague dinner: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant on your first night in Prague. You will also have the option to try some famous Czech beer!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Prague: Free Day

The day is yours to enjoy the fairytale magic of Prague! Join the Prague+ excursion for deeper insight into the city. Choose to visit the magnificent Prague Castle, the famous Charles Bridge, the ‘Old Town’ and the Jewish Quarter. Find the ‘Secret Garden’ which leads to a man-made grotto. Prague's dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks. Try some local brew in a beerhouse and visit the John Lennon Wall. Prague is also the home of absinthe. Some say that Vincent Van Gogh’s love affair with this drink is considered to be the most famed in history!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Prague - Krakow

Leaving Prague behind, continue on the journey to Krakow. En route, spend time visiting the harrowing grounds of Auschwitz concentration camp. Learn more about this tragic period of European history on a guided tour. After the tour of Auschwitz, travel on to Krakow. The royal capital of Poland for centuries, Krakow today is home to some of Europe’s most impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture – and over 2,3 million artworks to complement its historic buildings and monuments. Arrive in Krakow, check into tonight’s accommodation and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.

Experiences

Auschwitz concentration camp guided tour: Visit the concentration camp which was operated by Nazi Germany during WW2. Learn the history and see the sites of one of history’s most harrowing events.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Krakow: Free Day

The day is yours to explore Krakow further. Start the day with a guided walking tour. Learn all about the history and significance of Krakow’s top sights as you explore. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish! There is also the chance to take an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mine dates back to the Middle Ages and is a fascinating look at the area’s history. Descending underground, you’ll walk through 2km of tunnels, chapels, reliefs and freestanding sculptures carved from salt rock walls; along with underground lakes and archaeological displays.

Experiences

Krakow walking tour: Take in some of Europe’s most impressive Gothic and Renaissance architecture, learn about the history and explore the iconic landmarks including the Old town square, views of St. Mary's Basilica, Grodzka street, Krakow Castle, Wawel Cathedral, Kazimierz (Jewish district) and the Old Synagogue.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Banska Bystrica - Budapest

Today, enjoy a visit to Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. Embark on an orientation tour of this picturesque town, home to beautiful buildings dating back to the late Middle Ages. Next up is Budapest, the Hungarian capital! Blessed with natural beauty as well as Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture, this city is beautiful to discover. Arrive and get an overview of Budapest with a driving tour. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the riverside admiring the city – take note of spots to revisit tomorrow on your free day. Tonight’s meal is at a local restaurant- a great chance to try the local cuisine!

Experiences

Orientation tour of Banska Bystrica: Explore this beautiful Slovakian city with your tour leader. Surrounded by mountains, this beautiful city has a lot to offer visitors in the form of history and unique architecture.

Driving tour of Budapest: Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. See both sides of Buda and Pest. This is a great way to learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, take a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen's Basilica, the state opera, the castle district, and more.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 7: Budapest: Free Day

Make the most of a free day in this incredible city. Budapest has traces of the past evident in the interesting and unusual details. Join the Budapest+ optional excursion to experience architectural delights such as St. Stephen’s Basilica and cultural hotspots like Central Market while uncovering the city’s fascinating history. Or, choose to take a dip in the thermal waters at one of the city’s bath-houses – something Budapest is famous for! The Budapest Baths optional excursion visits one of the most popular bath-houses in Budapest - Szechenyi Baths. Finish off your free day with an optional evening cruise along the Danube and see the city illuminated at night!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Bratislava - Vienna

Today, the grandeur of Vienna is calling! Visit Bratislava in Slovakia en route and enjoy a driving and walking tour with your tour leader. See some of the capital city’s main sights and see if you can spot Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city. On arrival in Vienna, enjoy a driving tour. Few cities can show off such cultural and historical splendour and maintain a profile as an exciting, modern city, but Vienna does it well! After the driving tour, enjoy a delicious included dinner. The perfect ending to your time in Vienna is a Mozart Concert in one of the great music halls!

Experiences

Orientation tour of Bratislava: Join your tour leader on a driving and walking tour of Slovakia’s capital city. See the top sights and don’t miss a chance to get a photo at the Bratislava Castle! 

Guided tour of Vienna: On the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see the Schonbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. Vienna is known as the 'City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few as your local guide on your walking tour will tell you. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the Ring Strasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Graz - Ljubljana

Leaving Vienna behind, head for the charming city of Ljubljana, making a stop in the beautiful city of Graz to enjoy an orientation tour on the way. Arrive in Ljubljana and enjoy a walking tour of this little gem of a city. Despite its small size, you’re sure to be entranced by the beauty of this city, which features a wealth of cultures, activities and sights. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the city and dates back to the 16th Century. Tonight, explore a little more and take advantage of the fact that pretty much everything is just a short stroll away! Choose to join the optional excursion to experience local Slovenian culture and cuisine.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Graz: Visit this bustling city and enjoy an orientation tour of Austria’s second-largest city with your tour leader. Graz is home to a charming Old Town, palaces and forts coupled with intriguing contemporary art. 

Guided tour of Ljubljana: Meet up with an expert local guide who will accompany us on a walking tour of the city. On foot, we'll encounter the inimitable scenery of the medieval old town, Preseren Square, City Centre, the Riverfront, Dragon Bridge and Cobblers Bridge. When the formal tour is done, there will still be some time to explore on your own. We recommend that you make your way to the 13th-century St. Nicholas Church - it's Baroque architecture is truly spectacular.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 10: Lake Bled - Salzburg - Munich

Depart Ljubljana and travel towards the last destination for this Eastern Europe tour - Munich. Along the way, enjoy a photo stop at beautiful Lake Bled and perhaps take the time to enjoy the iconic Bled Cream Cake. Next up, stopover in picture-perfect Salzburg, Austria. Featuring gorgeous architecture, a formidable cliff-top fortress and impressive mountain ranges in the distance, you could be forgiven for thinking that you were in a fairytale! This was also Mozart’s home-town – see if a little of the genius rubs off! Shortly afterwards travel onwards to Munich. Be sure to join the optional farewell dinner for one last group dinner and a delicious three-course meal at a local beer hall.

Experiences

Visit Salzburg: Experience this wonderful city which was once home to Mozart! Divided by the Salzach River, the west side of Salzberg’s centre is characterised by the medieval and baroque architecture of the World Heritage Listed Old City (Altstadt), which faces the 19th century New City (Neustadt). A fairytale castle overlooks the city upon a steep hill and against a background of scenic Alpine mountains.

Visit Lake Bled: This beautiful lake in Slovenia is situated in the Julian Alps and surrounds Bled Island in the middle of the lake, and is overlooked by the medieval Bled Castle on the north shore.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: End of tour in Munich

After 11 incredible, experience-filled days, this Eastern European adventure concludes after breakfast. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found travel friends, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #ExpatExplore and #BetterTogether. We hope you've loved every minute of your Eastern Highlights tour, and we wish you a safe onward journey!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners 
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard 
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) 

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

15 Experiences!

  • Explore Munich; capital of Bavaria
  • Welcome dinner in a traditional German beer hall
  • Orientation tour of Nuremberg
  • Discover Prague on a guided tour
  • Taste authentic Czech cuisine in Prague
  • Guided tour of Auschwitz concentration camp
  • Explore Krakow on a walking tour
  • Orientation tour of Banska Bystrica
  • Discover Budapest with a local guide
  • Explore Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city
  • See the highlights of Vienna on a guided tour
  • Experience an orientation tour of Graz
  • Discover the magic of Ljubljana on a guided tour
  • Experience picture-perfect Salzburg
  • Visit beautiful Lake Bled

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Munich, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Munich

Photos of the tour

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Dates & Rates

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
23 Dec 2024 - 02 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 2024-12-23Specialised festive version of itineraryUS$2,260 US$1,685
30 Apr 2025 - 10 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-04-30Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$2,025
21 May 2025 - 31 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-21Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,845
11 Jun 2025 - 21 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-11Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,745
05 Jul 2025 - 15 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-05Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,645
23 Jul 2025 - 02 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-23Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,845
13 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-13Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,845
03 Sep 2025 - 13 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-03Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,745
24 Sep 2025 - 04 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-24Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,745
05 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-05SOLD OUT!
15 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-15Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,645
29 Apr 2026 - 09 May 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-04-29Book now with low depositUS$2,505 US$1,765

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Note: As the 23 December 2024 departure date takes place over the festive season, the itinerary will feature special festive experiences! Click here to view.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

203 reviews
D
Donna S Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Had a wonderful time
I had a great time. I had this as a bucket list trip, so I was very much looking forward to it. Sadly, Mother Nature decided to flood much of the area while I was there. George, our driver was amazing at taking detours to keep us safe. Hans our tour guide kept us amused by teaching us German songs and telling us the history of the area. I learned so much more than I thought I would and saw some amazing sites. The food was beyond delicious.
J
Jack Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Everything advertised and more
Very weil organzied, excellent guide and driver, hotels and meals were all great and would use Expat again
J
JD Verified Buyer 2024-09-24
We saw all that was promised.
The areas seen were great. But there was a marathon to see how quick they could walk the city if some locations.
N
Nicky Verified Buyer 2024-07-23
Incredible trip!
I thought the itinerary was really well designed! You get to see a lot! Poland was the highlight for me - visiting Auschwitz, Krakow - a vibrant, charming city, and the salt mine. Can be fast-paced especially towards the end but it is expected being a highlights tour. We had the flexibility to explore on our own when we had free days. Our tour leader was super organised and our driver really went above and beyond to make our coach ride comfortable and fun! I did a different tour with another company last year, this was definitely better and will book again with Expat!
T
Teacher Verified Buyer 2024-07-13
Fantastic Experience
This was my third ExpatExplore trip and it was well worth it. Central and Eastern Europe is stunning beyond words. The trip consisted of a variety of options that my family and I all enjoyed. It is clear EE put a lot of thought into making the best tour possible. Even the local guides were a highlight as they were informative AND funny. As a teacher, many trips are not affordable on my budget. With Expat Explore, I get the most for a very reasonable price. Like I stated, this was my third trip—I will be going on more.

Why this tour?

Tour Eastern Europe with Expat Explore to see the region’s highlights and more! The Eastern Highlights tour showcases seven countries in 11 days. It’s a definite must-do for history and culture enthusiasts! It combines rich history, top attractions, popular cities, captivating local culture and a few off-the-beaten-track destinations. 

Begin and end this east European tour in Munich, a charmingly historic yet modern German city with many things to see and do. Overall, the tour features a number of highlights:

  • Get familiar with world-famous cities like Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Ljubljana on locally guided tours. Locals offer unique insight into their cities and the tours give you a chance to see the highlights and famous sites when touring Eastern Europe! Chat to the local guides for more information you are specifically interested in.
  • Make the most of three full free days in Budapest, Krakow and Prague. This is time you can spend completely as you wish. Choose to join optional excursions or explore solo. It’s up to you!
  • Enjoy tastes of local cuisine - from German beer halls to traditional Czech dishes. One of the best ways to get to know a new destination on Eastern Europe tours is through its food and drinks! 
  • Embrace history: from the beauty of Eastern Europe’s art and architecture in cities like Budapest, Prague, Nuremberg, Salzburg and Vienna, to the sombre tones of a guided tour of Auschwitz concentration camp. Seeing all sides of history allows travellers to truly appreciate the past, present and future.
  • Experience the natural splendour of Lake Bled in Slovenia and the quaint historic beauty of Banska Bystrica in Slovakia.   
  • Make stops in Bratislava in Slovakia and Graz in Austria.

Other great optional activities include a Mozart concert (a wonderful way to complete Vienna tours) and an evening cruise along the Danube river in Budapest!

Is this the right tour for me? 

What will the accommodation be like on tour?
Twin-share rooms in quality hotels selected by our team will be used on these tours of Eastern Europe. Travellers will be roomed with people of the same gender and a single supplement is available for purchase if you would prefer more privacy. 

How do I plan a trip to Eastern Europe?
Decide what you would like to see and experience, find an itinerary that matches your wishlist and go for it! This tour is a great combination of history, culture, bucket-list sites and fun! 

What is the best time to visit Eastern Europe?
Eastern Europe tours can be enjoyed year-round - just decide on the type of holiday you would prefer. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds in spring and autumn. Summer brings lots of people and warm weather - great for basking in the sun and spending time outdoors. Winter is chilly and festive in Eastern Europe - there is a great atmosphere during Christmas and New Year!

If you enjoy history, exploring new cities, experiencing a country’s culture and local cuisine, this tour is sure to tick all of your boxes. If you prefer lots of time outdoors or perhaps a slow paced getaway, a beach holiday may be more enjoyable. 

This Eastern Europe itinerary balances an activity-filled 11-days with ample amounts of free time to explore at your own pace. Enjoy it all with the accommodation, transport, most meals, and experiences included in the tour price! This tour is the perfect way to see the highlights of Eastern Europe.