Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12-Day Central Europe Journey: Poland to Croatia via Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia

Viewed by 364 travelers

Day 1: Explore Kraków

Kraków, Poland on July 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Camelot

Start your day with hearty Polish breakfast options in a charming, art-filled café in Kraków’s Old Town.
PLN40, 1h

9:45am

Visit Wawel Castle

Explore this iconic Renaissance castle complex overlooking the Vistula River, featuring royal chambers and the famous Dragon’s Den. Open 9 am-5 pm.
PLN30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pod Wawelem

Enjoy traditional Polish cuisine including pierogi and grilled meats in a lively setting near Wawel Castle.
PLN60, 1.5h

2:00pm

Stroll through the Main Market Square

Wander around Europe’s largest medieval town square, visit St. Mary's Basilica, and perhaps climb the tower for panoramic views.
PLN15 for basilica tower, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Szara Gęś

Dine in a stylish restaurant offering modern takes on classic Polish dishes, situated in the Main Square.
PLN90, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kraków

Day 2: Kraków Museums & Jewish Quarter

Kraków, Poland on July 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Charlotte

Savor fresh bakery goods and coffee in a modern French-inspired bistro in the Old Town.
PLN35, 1h

9:30am

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAK)

Discover contemporary art from Polish and international artists in this cutting-edge museum, open 10 am-6 pm.
PLN25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Miodova

Experience warm Polish hospitality and local dishes just on the edge of the Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz.
PLN50, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kazimierz Jewish Quarter

Walk this historic district with synagogues, street art, galleries, and charming cafes. Visit the Old Synagogue from 10 am-5 pm.
PLN12, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Dawno Temu na Kazimierzu

Enjoy traditional Polish-Jewish fusion dishes in a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Kazimierz.
PLN80, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kraków

Day 3: Auschwitz & Departure to Budapest

Kraków, Poland on July 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Grab a quick breakfast with local pastries before your excursion.
PLN20, 0.5h

8:00am

Tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visit the profound World War II memorial and museum located 70 km from Kraków. Open 7:30 am-7 pm, book guided tours in advance.
PLN60, 4h

1:00pm

Light lunch at a nearby café

Refuel with a light lunch near the memorial site before heading to Budapest.
PLN30, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Budapest by Train

Embark on an approximately 7.5-hour train journey from Kraków to Budapest, enjoy scenic views along the way.
EUR40, 7.5h

10:30pm

Check-in and Rest in Budapest Hotel

Settle into your accommodation and rest after the long journey.
Variable, Overnight
Find Hotels in Kraków

Day 4: Discover Budapest

Budapest, Hungary on July 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Gerlóczy

Relax with a French-Parisian style breakfast in a quaint café near the city center.
HUF2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Buda Castle and Castle Hill

Explore the historic royal palace, complex museums, and stunning panoramic views of Budapest. Open 10 am-6 pm.
HUF3000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pest-Buda Bistro

Enjoy classic Hungarian dishes like goulash and stuffed cabbage in a cozy bistro close to the castle area.
HUF3500, 1.5h

3:00pm

Relax at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Unwind at one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, open 6 am-10 pm, featuring outdoor pools and wellness treatments.
HUF5500, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Paprika

Savor authentic Hungarian fare with a warm ambiance in a local favorite restaurant.
HUF4000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Budapest

Day 5: Danube & Parliament

Budapest, Hungary on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at New York Café

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast in one of Budapest’s most famous historic cafés, known as the ‘most beautiful café in the world’.
HUF3500, 1.5h

10:00am

Tour Hungarian Parliament Building

Book a guided tour inside this iconic Gothic Revival building, showcasing stunning architecture and Hungarian history. Tours start from 8 am-4 pm.
HUF3500, 1h

11:30am

Walk Along Danube Promenade

Enjoy the scenic riverside promenade with views of the Chain Bridge and Buda side’s landmarks.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kiosk Budapest

Modern Hungarian and international dishes served in a lively setting near the river.
HUF4000, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit House of Terror Museum

Engage in Hungary’s 20th-century history through exhibits focusing on fascist and communist regimes. Open 10 am–6 pm.
HUF3000, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Borkonyha Winekitchen

Enjoy an upscale meal paired with excellent Hungarian wines in a Michelin-starred setting.
HUF15000, 2h
Find Hotels in Budapest

Day 6: Onward to Vienna

Budapest, Hungary to Vienna, Austria on July 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light and quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 0.5h

8:15am

Train to Vienna

Fast and comfortable 2.5-hour train ride from Budapest to Vienna.
EUR40, 2.5h

11:00am

Check in and settle at Vienna hotel

Drop bags and prepare for afternoon exploration.
Variable, 0.5h

11:30am

Visit Schönbrunn Palace

Tour the magnificent summer palace of the Habsburgs with lush gardens and historic interiors. Open 8:30 am-5:30 pm.
EUR22, 2.5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Café Residenz

Dine on traditional Viennese dishes and famous Sachertorte near Schönbrunn Palace.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:30pm

Stroll Vienna’s Ringstrasse & Visit State Opera House

Walk the historic boulevard and admire landmarks such as the Hofburg Palace and finally see the Opera House exterior or attend a guided tour if time permits (tours at 2 pm or 4 pm).
EUR10 for Opera Tour, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Plachutta Wollzeile

Sample the classic Tafelspitz (boiled beef), a Viennese specialty in a renowned restaurant.
EUR50, 2h
Find Hotels in Budapest

Day 7: Vienna Museums & Culture

Vienna, Austria on August 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy pastries and coffee in the historic and elegant café popular with intellectuals since the 19th century.
EUR20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kunsthistorisches Museum

Explore one of the world’s finest fine art museums with works by masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Open 10 am-6 pm.
EUR20, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Naschmarkt

Taste diverse local and international street food at Vienna’s famous open-air market.
EUR15, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Belvedere Palace

See beautiful baroque architecture and the impressive collection including Klimt’s The Kiss. Open 10 am-6 pm.
EUR18, 2h

5:00pm

Coffee & Cake at Demel

Relax and enjoy renowned Viennese pastries and desserts in this historic confectionery.
EUR15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Steirereck

Indulge in modern Austrian cuisine at a top-rated gourmet restaurant in Stadtpark.
EUR120, 2h
Find Hotels in Vienna

Day 8: Engage Vienna’s Old Town

Vienna, Austria on August 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sperl

Experience Vienna’s traditional café culture with classic Viennese coffee and pastries.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Stephansdom Cathedral and Tower Climb

Visit the iconic Gothic cathedral in the city center. Climb the tower for panoramic city views. Open 6 am-10 pm.
EUR6 for tower climb, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Zum Schwarzen Kameel

Enjoy traditional Viennese sandwiches, wine, and snack plates in a historic setting.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hofburg Palace Complex

Tour imperial apartments, the Sisi Museum, and the Spanish Riding School (check for available tours). Open 9 am-5:30 pm.
EUR18, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Stadtpark

Walk and rest in this famous green space adorned with statues and a lake.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Figlmüller

Taste the legendary Viennese schnitzel in a traditional but lively atmosphere.
EUR35, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Vienna

Day 9: Travel to Ljubljana & Explore

Vienna, Austria to Ljubljana, Slovenia on August 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Train to Ljubljana

Approximately 6.5-hour train journey through scenic landscapes from Vienna to Slovenia’s capital.
EUR40, 6.5h

2:00pm

Check in to Ljubljana hotel

Settle into accommodation and refresh.
Variable, 0.5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Restaurant Julija

Savor local Slovenian specialties and fresh seasonal dishes in the city center.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Ljubljana Old Town

Stroll the charming pedestrian streets, visit Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge, and picturesque riverside cafés.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Ljubljana Castle

Take the funicular or hike up to the castle for views and a brief history visit. Open 10 am – 8 pm.
EUR12, 1.5h

8:00pm

Dinner at Špajza

Enjoy modern Slovenian dishes in a cozy, rustic restaurant in the heart of Ljubljana.
EUR30, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Vienna

Day 10: Ljubljana & Lake Bled Day Trip

Ljubljana, Slovenia on August 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Le Petit Café

French-style breakfast favorites in a quaint café setting.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Day trip to Lake Bled

Take a 1-hour bus trip to Lake Bled, a breathtaking alpine lake with a church on an island and a medieval castle. Explore the area and enjoy lake activities.
Bus fare EUR10, Lake attractions vary, 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Vila Ajda by the lake

Fine dining with views of Lake Bled offering Slovenian and international cuisine.
EUR35, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Ljubljana

Travel back to Ljubljana to enjoy the evening at leisure.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gostilna As

Seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes in an elegant setting in Ljubljana.
EUR40, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Ljubljana

Day 11: Zagreb, Croatia Arrival

Ljubljana, Slovenia to Zagreb, Croatia on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for travel with breakfast included at the hotel.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Train to Zagreb

Journey from Ljubljana to Croatia’s capital takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
EUR15, 3h

12:00pm

Check in and freshen up

Arrive and check into your hotel in Zagreb before exploring.
Variable, 0.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Vinodol

Traditional Croatian dishes served in a friendly, casual atmosphere near the city center.
HRK100, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Zagreb Cathedral and Ban Jelačić Square

Tour the impressive neo-Gothic cathedral and the lively central square with cafes and shops.
Free, 1.5h

3:45pm

Explore Upper Town (Gornji Grad)

Walk through historic streets filled with museums, galleries, and charming viewpoints.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Agava Restaurant

Known for excellent food and wine, Agava offers Croatian specialties with a modern twist.
HRK150, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Ljubljana

Day 12: Dubrovnik Coastal Finale

Zagreb to Dubrovnik, Croatia on August 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nourishing breakfast before your trip to Dubrovnik.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Fly to Dubrovnik

1-hour flight from Zagreb to Dubrovnik to reach the Adriatic coast, picturesque and historic.
EUR70, 1h

9:00am

Check in and drop luggage at hotel

Get settled before touring the old city.
Variable, 0.5h

9:30am

Walk Dubrovnik City Walls

Experience stunning views of the Adriatic and old town by walking the intact 16th-century walls. Open 8 am to 7 pm.
HRK200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nautika

Dine in a premium seaside restaurant with spectacular views offering fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors.
EUR70, 1.5h

2:00pm

Cable Car to Mount Srđ

Take the cable car for panoramic photos of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. Open 9 am - 8 pm.
HRK200, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Banje Beach

Unwind at the popular beach close to the historic city center with views of the old walls.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Proto Fish Restaurant

Savor traditional Dalmatian seafood cuisine in one of Dubrovnik’s oldest restaurants.
EUR60, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Zagreb to Dubrovnik
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go