Our best multi-destination tours of Central Europe

If your heart is set on exploring Central Europe but you can’t decide where to pin down for your next great escape, why not choose to combine several (or maybe even all) of your top picks in one trip? Multi-destination travel is a fascinating way to dive deep into distinct and diverse cultures, on a journey that’s immersive and enriched with carefully-chosen experiences across borders. Here, we explore multi-destination tours of Central Europe, a part of the world steeped in history, natural beauty and enchantment, no matter the time of year.

Why plan a multi-destination trip to Central Europe

Multi-destination travel is a formidable way to uncover the distinctive cultures, histories, and charms of different destinations in one fell swoop. It may seem like a daunting concept, but it comes with many great benefits. It encourages you to plan efficiently, maximize your vacation time, and visit multiple countries in distant regions that you may not (soon) return to. As well as saving you money in the long run, multi-destination trips are better for the environment, since you’ll be booking fewer flights than if you were to explore each destination separately.

If you’re looking for your next vacation to Central Europe, read our guide to planning a multi-destination trip and take a look through our best tours crossing two or more borders. These itineraries offer eye-opening insights and unforgettable moments in Austria, Germany, Poland, Switzerland and beyond, and have been thoughtfully curated and designed by our local experts – the best people you can rely on, to help you plan the ultimate multi-destination travel experience.

Top multi-destination tours of Central Europe

Whether you’re in the mood for city-hopping, sunshine on quiet islands and beaches, or an end-of-year trip marked with festive cheer, we recommend some of our favorite trip ideas in Central Europe:

Visit classic cities in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

Three firm favorites on Central Europe’s map, Austria, Germany and Switzerland are filled with all the classic spirit and effervescence of old-world Europe. On this nine-day tour packed with soul-stirring experiences, you’ll get to know the highlights, mysteries, and unique characteristics of six top towns and cities – with a day trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle thrown in for good measure.

Start off strong with Vienna’s regal elegance, taking a trip to the Schönbrunn Palace and even exploring historic neighborhoods by e-scooter. Go out biking amongst the vineyards of the Wachau Valley, step back in time amidst the castle ruins of Dürnstein, and hop onto a cable car ride in Hallstatt for cinematic mountain and valley vistas. Take a decidedly musical tour of Salzburg, where you’ll traverse filming locations made famous by The Sound of Music before settling down for a concert by candlelight. Punctuate your vacation with a scenic train ride to Munich, where you’ll dive into the history of the Third Reich and key events from World War II, before carrying on to Zurich to sample Swiss chocolates – the best way to end your trip on a high note, if you ask us.

Unearth the historic gems of Poland and Hungary…

From its Baltic Sea coastline up to the rugged peaks of the Tatra Mountains, Poland is a country of sheer, breathtaking diversity – and you’ll get to witness this firsthand as you explore the old towns of Gdansk and Warsaw, the Jasna Góra Monastery and grounds of Auschwitz, the pottery-making traditions of Boleslawiec, and the great outdoor landscapes of Zakopane – a year-round hub for adrenaline-boosting activities.

This 12-day tour promises a healthy mix of history, culture and nature adventures, putting the spotlight on Poland’s very best before ending with a few days amidst the stunning sights of Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Considered by UNESCO as “one of the world’s outstanding urban landscapes”, the city offers a rich taste of Hungarian culture and history. Over two days you’ll be treated to a bite-sized exploration you won’t soon forget – complete with a funicular ride up Castle Hill, a tour of the dignified Buda Castle, and a leisurely cruise down the Danube.

… and include Slovakia for its undiscovered wonders

If this whistle-stop tour of Polish and Hungarian attractions doesn’t feel quite enough, why not throw Slovakia into the mix on a 15-day trip? This largely undiscovered and heavily underrated destination holds a remarkable history that spans more than 4,000 years; you’ll enjoy cherry-picked experiences of this as you tour the Orava Castle complex, the UNESCO-listed mountain settlement of Vlkolínec, as well as the Gothic cathedral, Town Hall, and other significant landmarks of capital city Bratislava.

This comprehensive trip is topped off with a tour of Poland’s medieval-era Malbork Castle, a visit to the birthplace of composer Frédéric Chopin, a venture into Krakow’s Jewish Quarter, and an exploration of the Wieliczka Salt Mine – a brilliant showcase of European mining techniques from the 13th to the 20th centuries. With Budapest’s allure and a Danube river cruise completing the list of activities, you’ll likely not be wanting for more.

Seek out the sun-soaked sights of Slovenia and Croatia

Slovenia and Croatia are two great, distinctive destinations to pair for a one-of-a-kind foray into Central Europe, and with its mixture of highlights and lesser-trodden trails, this 15-day tour offers the perfect balance of culture, heritage and nature. Kicking off in the capital city Ljubljana, your time in Slovenia will encapsulate old-town sightseeing, a journey to the shores of Lake Bled, and an adventure in the depths of the Postojna Cave Park.

You’ll then be whisked away to Croatia to wander along the Plitvice Lakes, dive into 3,000 years of history in Zadar, and seek out the landmarks of Split, made famous for featuring in hit TV show Game of Thrones. You’ll have a fair dose of sunshine and wine to claim on this itinerary, too, with island-hopping excursions, beachfront R&R, and a chance to soak up Dubrovnik, Croatia’s Pearl of the Adriatic, all firmly on the cards. Our favorite part of this tour, however, has to be its culmination in a trip to Konavle village, where you’ll venture into Croatia’s mountainous countryside and spend a day enriched with cheese, wine, olive oil, and traditional crafts.

Christmas markets in Central Europe: see the region at its most festive

Could there be a more special way to discover Central Europe than during the Christmas period? Spanning Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, this tour features 15 colorful days packed with festive cheer, and is sure to delight both the young and young at heart. You’ll start and end in Vienna, stopping in Salzburg, Munich, Dresden, Prague and more, with visits to the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and historic Melk Abbey along the way.

Many of the towns and cities toured on this itinerary will take on a magical charm as they’re dotted with bustling market stalls, adorned with twinkling decorations, and sometimes dusted with snow. Surround yourself with Vienna’s grandeur as you enjoy its seasonal offerings, dive into age-old festive traditions in picturesque Salzburg, feast on klobása sausages and sweet brioche breads in Prague, and take in the smaller town charms of Bamberg, whose market on Maximiliansplatz offers a wonderful break from the typical tourist trail.

Make it happen

Have these trip ideas inspired you to plan a multi-destination tour of Central Europe? Get in touch with one of our local experts today – they’re on hand to help you put together a tailor-made trip of a lifetime.