Uncover the allure of central europe
Journey through Austria, Slovakia and Poland and discover a world where architectural grandeur and fairytale cities belie a war-torn past
Uncover the allure of central europe
About your trip
This is your opportunity to relive both the splendour and drama of Central Europe’s incredible past.
Your eight-day adventure begins in Vienna and ends in Krakow – two beautiful, Austro-Hungarian cities that capture the Central European character perfectly. In that time you’ll enter a nuclear war bunker, meet world-famous stallions at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, discover architectural beauty in some of Europe’s oldest cities, as well as delve into their dramatic pasts.
Cafe-lined streets and vibrant markets are to be expected here, as are unique tastes – such as local honey mead in Bratislava and Soviet-style cuisine in Krakow – natural mountain beauty (which you’ll uncover in the Low Tatras) and, as always with Flash Pack, a touch of the unexpected.
What's Included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Private airport transfers
Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Itinerary

Your Itinerary
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Day 01 Arrive in Majestic Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, the majestic former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and an architectural marvel. Whatever time you land there’ll be a private transfer to collect you from the airport and whisk you through the city to your four-star hotel in a quiet corner of the Floridsdorf district. Later, meet your fellow travellers and guide at the hotel, then you’re off into the Old Town where you’ll enjoy a welcome drink and your first Viennese meal.
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Day 02 A world-famous riding school and a Viennese cooking class
This morning, you’ll explore Vienna on a relaxed walking tour. The city’s architecture is a sight to savour, from Art Nouveau facades to Baroque cathedrals. You’ll then meet the world-famous stallions at the Spanish Riding School, an opulent setting for a unique experience. Then, onwards to your afternoon cooking class with a local chef. Learn how to make Vienna’s signature dishes, from apfelstrudel to wienerschnitzel. In the evening, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a Viennese opera, or relax in the hotel sauna. We’ll leave it up to you.
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Day 03 Castles and cuisine in Bratislava
Today, you’re off to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Check into your new hotel, then you’ll get your first taste of your new city on a walking tour of the Old Town. Sample some traditional mead (a local speciality made of honey wine) and admire picturesque views of the Danube from the vantage point of Bratislava Castle. This evening, you’ll enjoy an exclusive beer tasting at one of the city’s breweries.
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Day 04 Unwind in the hot springs of Besenova
You’ll journey onwards to Bešeňová today, a Slovak village famous for its natural hot springs. After a three-and-a-half hour drive, check-in at your holistic spa hotel in the heart of the Liptov region. Make a beeline for the hotel’s sauna, soak up the goodness of the region’s hot springs in the hotel’s private thermal pool, or book yourself in for a massage. Later, join your Flashpackers for a dinner and another chance to sample more Slovak cuisine, this time with a healthy and holistic twist, at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Day 05 Hike the Low Tatras Mountains
Today it’s on to Low Tatras National Park, where your group will embark on a hike in the Low Tatras Mountains. Situated in the valley between two rivers (the Vah and the Hron), these picturesque mountains are home to dense green forests, caves and waterfalls, and offer beautiful views over the neighbouring High Tatras. Back at the hotel, you’ll have all afternoon to relax in the thermal springs and saunas.
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Day 06 War history and a journey to KRAKÓW
Today you’ll drive 170 kilometres across the border to Kraków, Poland. The entire drive will take three hours, but you’ll stop en-route in Oswiecimia, to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. A sombre yet vital historic landmark, the memorial is made up of two parts, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which together formed the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps during World War II. A chance to learn and reflect upon the tragedy and horrors that occurred during the genocide, you’ll visit the 13 remaining prison blocks that now serve as the museum and memorial. Afterwards, it’s onwards to Kraków. After checking in at your hotel, take a wander around your new city home.
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Day 07 UNESCO Old Town and a communist past
Today is all about immersing yourself in Krakow’s history. You’ll start in the Old Town, a medieval area and a UNESCO world heritage site. Then, you’ll visit the Nowa Huta District. A concrete neighbourhood built on Soviet architectural ideals, this was constructed with the intention of being a model communist city. Conjure the past as you delve into a nuclear bunker for a communist-style cold buffet lunch (paired with vodka, naturally). You’ll then cruise through the neighbourhood in an old-school Eastern Bloc Trabant to complete the Soviet experience. Follow this up with an exclusive vodka tasting, before enjoying a closing feast at a traditional Polish restaurant.
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Day 08 Your European adventure, complete
On your final day, it will be up to you to make your own way to the airport – your guide will be on hand to help you arrange a transfer. If you would like to combine this trip with one of our other European adventures, you can find the full list of trips here, from Sicily to Croatia.
Our Favourite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favourite hotels, for a flavour of where you may stay on this trip.

Rubinstein Hotel, Krakow
The sights of Kazimierz, Kraków’s Old Jewish Quarter, are on your doorstep at this beautifully restored townhouse with original timber ceilings.

Hotel Devin, Bratislava
Soak in evocative views of Old Bratislava from this plush hotel with a French restaurant and heated indoor pool.
Important Notes
Fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE) and out of Krakow International Airport (KRK).
Try to arrive before 6pm if you can on Day 1, in order to leave time for dinner, but we can pick you up anytime.
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures, read more here.
"Flash Pack are really helpful all the way through choosing which trip, right to the end."
"This was an amazing experience. Everyone on the trip got along great. It was is relaxing just to show up and not have to worry about anything.The details provided before the trip regarding what to pack and currencies were very helpful. "
"The customer service team of flash pack is always available, and try their best to answer all questions. Whether this be questions about aspects of the booking such as payments, or about the trip itself. Doing what is necessary to find the best answers possible. "
"Booking with Flash Pack was very easy and they provide all the necessary information in an easy to access way before the trip."
OUR PROMISE
Joining the Flash Pack comes with a few special guarantees
THE PEOPLE
Our mission to create 1 million friendships so we obsess over the group dynamic. Everyone is aged 30-49, 98% travel solo & 80% stay friends. Want to know more about your group? GET IN TOUCH
THE SECURITY
We operate using a 3rd party trust bank account meaning we guarantee refunds in 14 days if your trip has to be cancelled BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
THE TRIPS
Our trips are made up of ‘can’t-do-by-yourself’ experiences – think staying on your own private island in the Arctic and glamping in Land Rovers on the Serengeti SEE TRIPS
THE GUIDES
We only work with trusted local guides who know their destinations better than anyone. We include guide and driver tips to make sure that our team are well looked after
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