From the palaces and opera houses of Vienna to the picturesque beaches of Croatia, Eastern Europe has countless hidden gems. Hungary, Czech Republic, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland – these are countries often overshadowed by their western counterparts but equally rich in culture, history, and architecture. If you enjoy holidaying without crowds, Eastern Europe tour packages are a great choice. Let’s explore some of the highlights of these holiday destinations.

Hungary
Many claim that the country’s capital, Budapest, is prettier than Paris. Spread across both sides of the Danube, the city can be split into Buda and Pest. Buda is known for its serene, green hills dotted with castles, while Pest buzzes with historic coffee houses and rooftop bars. The thermal spas are a must-visit here. Budapest is also an important port for cruises down the Danube. For a relaxing holiday, you could join a week-long cruise that sails from Budapest to Germany with stops en route at Austria’s iconic cities. Then there’s the charming town of Szentendre, Lake Balaton, the historic cities of Debrecen and Eger, and the rolling vineyards throughout the country.

Czech Republic
Many East Europe holiday packages, for example, the Imperial Capitals Tour, club cities in Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Austria. In the Czech Republic, Prague is usually the first stop. This is a city overflowing with history and culture. Walking down its cobblestone streets puts you in the middle of a medieval, fairytale world. Picture castles, town squares, and arched bridges... You’ll see many more beautiful examples of baroque architecture as you explore Český Krumlov, Olomouc, Telc, and other Czech cities. Along with man-made creations, the Czech Republic is also renowned for its natural beauty and relaxing spa towns like Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne.

Austria
Eastern Europe tour packages are incomplete without a stopover in Austria. Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck are probably the country’s most-visited cities. Each offers a unique experience. While Vienna is known for its ornate palaces, rich museums, and horse-drawn carriages, Salzburg makes its mark as the birthplace of Mozart. In the winter, both cities come alive with the famous Austrian balls and bustling Christmas markets. Relatively quieter, Innsbruck is known for its rugged mountains, the Nordkette Funicular, and stunning examples of Imperial architecture.

Croatia
It would be quite fair to credit the show, ‘Game of Thrones’, with the rising popularity of Croatia. Many of the country’s winding streets and ancient city walls were reimagined as King’s Landing. You can easily spend a week here on a guided tour hopping between Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Plitvice, Split, and the unspoiled Mediterranean islands. The country’s coastline spoils you with several sandy bays and unique pebble beaches. Don’t be surprised to find seafront restaurants and buzzing cafes sitting beside UNESCO-protected palaces and scenic parks.

Slovenia
Did you know Slovenia was the world’s first green tourist destination? While Ljubljana entrances you with its pastel-coloured houses and dragons, the Logar and Soča River Valleys are ideal for long hikes and photo safaris. The 24-kilometre long Postojna Cave boasts of the first cave railway system and the mystical Predjama Castle. And then there’s Bled – the image of paradise in the Alps. The best way to see these sights is with a guided tour package. Many Europe holiday packages curate the best of Slovenia and Croatia into a 10-12 day itinerary.

Poland
With a generous mix of ancient fortresses, examples of almost every European architectural style, white sandy beaches, rich museums, and thriving cafes, Poland loves to surprise visitors. As one of the larger eastern European countries, Poland is best explored with a tour package like the Odyssey Portrait of Poland. Begin your journey in Warsaw, a vibrant city rebuilt on the ashes of WWII. From there, move on to Gdansk, Torun, Poznan, and Jasna Góra before stopping in Krakow. Some of the most iconic highlights along the way include the Gothic Marienburg Castle, a 13th-century Teutonic Knights’ castle, a monastery that houses the Black Madonna, market squares, the spectacular Wieliczka Salt Mines, and the ruins of the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.

Picking the Right Europe Holiday Packages
Having a good holiday isn’t just about ticking places off your bucket list. At Odyssey, we design holiday packages that balance sightseeing with cultural experiences so you enjoy a holistic holiday experience. Our holiday packages are inclusive of your accommodation throughout the tour, city transfers, a guide, and more. We’ll even help you book international flight tickets and process your visa applications.

But that’s not our USP. We understand how the company you keep influences your holiday. So, we create holiday packages that give you an opportunity to travel with a small group of like-minded people as well. Who knows – along with photographs, you may come home with new friends.