What to expect when you explore Eastern Europe with Blue-Roads Touring – an in-depth guide

Eastern Europe may be a destination you’ve never thought of for an extraordinary escape thanks to the glittering jewels of other European adventures. Nevertheless, it is a part of the world that promises new discoveries, a rich past and plenty more. 

In this blog post, we’ll share everything you can expect from our unforgettable tour of Eastern Europe. From beautiful destinations to local insights and authentic cuisines, read on for a thorough preview of one of our favored tours for 2025. 

A country filled with opulent history, delicious cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, Hungary is a destination best experienced through the senses. We invite you to do exactly that on our small group tour where you’ll uncover hidden gems along the way.  

Things to do in Budapest, Hungary’s capital city 

To ensure you gain as much enjoyment as possible in this beautiful city, we recommend you arrive in Budapest a couple of days before your Back-Roads Touring tour begins. Whilst we welcome you to the road less travelled here, we won’t spend more than an evening and morning in the city.  

Budapest attractions: 

• Explore the magnificent Buda Castle 
• Take in the decadent architecture of Matthias Church 
• Relax at one of the warm thermal baths 
• Rewind the clock at New York Café where splendour awaits 

A taste of traditional Hungarian culinary delights 

Gulyás - Goulash soup 

One of the most popular dishes in Hungarian cuisine, goulash – known as gulyás - is served at most restaurants. It consists of meat, potatoes and vegetables in a soup or stew consistency, making it an ideal meal during the colder months. Each region has its own twist on the traditional recipe so be sure to try it across the breadth of Hungary during your journey! 

Halászle - Fisherman’s soup 

For our guests who savor seafood, fisherman’s soup is a bucket-list delicacy. The traditional dish can be created with various fish; carp, perch and catfish are the most common. Paprika is a key ingredient and the soup is sometimes served with pasta. A note on the cooking style – halászle is traditionally made in a kettle over an open fire. Authentic Hungary cuisine at its finest! 

Dobos torta – Dobosh cake 

Hungary’s famous layer cake – and your first choice for a traditional Hungarian dessert. A Dobos torta is made from six layers of delicious sponge cake with five layers of chocolate butter cream and a layer of hard caramel on top. With a final smatter of ground hazelnuts, this sweet treat is rich in flavor. 

Extraordinary experiences in Hungary with Blue-Roads Touring

• Explore the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site of Hólloko 
• Enjoy a homemade lunch with a local family 

Filled with staggering castles, vast national parks and fairytale towns, Slovakia is one of Eastern Europe’s best kept secrets. This wonderful country will welcome you to explore all it has to offer, from mountainous discoveries to charming traditions.  

A taste of Slovakian culinary delights 

Bryndzové pirohy – Dumplings with sheep cheese 

Pieces of sheep cheese and grated potato are wrapped in a thin dough to create crescent-shaped dumplings, then cooked until golden brown. Each dumpling is layered on a serving dish, then topped with sour cream, bacon or crackling, and chives for a delicious snack. 

Bryndzové halušky - Potato noodles 

Often considered the national dish of Slovakia, this is a Slovakian staple you must try during your journey along the road less traveled in Eastern Europe. Made from potatoes, the small noodles are traditionally served in a cream sauce with a scattering of pork scratching. There are some variations which differ from region to region, be it the choice of toppings or sauce flavor. 

Vyprážaný syr – Fried cheese 

Unique to its country, this Slovakian cheese is sumptuous in flavor. Covered in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, then fried, the traditional dish is usually served with chips and tartar sauce.  

Extraordinary experiences in Slovakia with Blue-Roads Touring

• Savor a sweet wine tasting in Hungary’s world-famous Tokaj wine region 
• Enjoy a panoramic return journey to the Carpathian Mountains' second highest peak 
• Take part in a homemade cheese tasting session, followed by lunch, at a local farm 

From the sobering reminder of WWII at Auschwitz concentration camp to quaint towns filled with age-old stories, Poland is a place filled with stark contrasts. During your Blue-Roads Touring escape to Eastern Europe, you’ll unearth the magic that makes this country shine alongside haunting tales filled with its devastating history.  

Things to do in Kraków, Poland’s capital city 

Kraków is home for two nights of our tour. Whilst there are included experiences to enhance your time here, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore the city further at your leisure.  

Kraków attractions: 

• Stroll through the Old Town 
• Unearth secrets in the Jewish Quarter 
• Visit the almighty Wawel Castle 
• Learn Kraków’s wartime history at Schindler’s Factory Museum 

A taste of traditional Polish culinary delights 

Pierogi 

An authentic dish that allows its popularity to speak for itself. Pierogi are thinly rolled pieces of dough, filled with delicious ingredients. Served in abundance across Poland, guests can expect a mix of savory and sweet tastes. Most-loved fillings are meat, sauerkraut and mushrooms, spinach, and sweet cottage cheese with raisins and seasonal fruit. For a traditional serving, have them boiled with a topping of butter and onions.  

Gołąbki - Cabbage rolls 

Translated as ‘little pigeons’, polish Gołąbki is an appetizing combination of minced meat, onions and mushrooms, wrapped in white cabbage. Usually steamed before serving and topped with a thick tomato sauce, these cabbage rolls are a wholesome treat to enjoy at a local restaurant.  

Kotlet mielony – Pan-fried meatballs 

A homemade delicacy, these pan-fried meatballs are traditionally created from tender pork and lightly seasoned for a crisp outer layer. Kotlet mielony is served in many ways – alongside a cucumber salad, with boiled potatoes, or beside pickled beetroots.  

Extraordinary experiences in Poland with Blue-Roads Touring

• Wander underground to the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine 
• Explore Krákow during a locally guided walking tour  
• Make authentic Polish pierogi dumplings at a traditional cookery class in Kraków 
• Take a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp   

Czech Republic lies in the heart of Europe. Here, rich history, age-old traditions and a plethora of past tales await. Unearth its story through tasting Czech Republic cuisine, embracing the locals and immersing yourself in some of its more underrated destinations. 

Things to do in Prague, Czech Republic’s capital city 

Prague is where we say our goodbyes. However, that doesn’t mean your journey has to end; we recommend you stay a few extra days to truly explore this mesmerizing city filled with gothic spires, medieval clocks and tucked-away restaurants. 

Prague attractions: 

• Wander across the magnificent Charles Bridge 
• Relax among the locals in Letná Park 
• Explore the riches of Prague Castle 
• Discover age-old architecture and art in Palác Lucerna 

A taste of traditional Czech culinary delights 

Pečená kachna se zelím - Roasted duck with cabbage 

Succulent in taste, this Czech dish is usually served during Christmas, special occasions and in affluent restaurants. The duck is slowly roasted in a mix of spices and placed on top of a bed of sauerkraut for extra flavor. The authentic meal is served with a side of soft dumplings – užijte si! 

Svíčková na smetaně – Roast sirloin in sour cream sauce 

A testament to Czech’s love for creamy sauces, svíčková na smetaně is a culinary creation made from tender sirloin steak, sauce and dumplings. The sauce itself is created with onions, carrots, parsley, celeriac and cream. Served at special occasions, this is another Czech dish rich in flavor and indulgence. 

Rajská omáčka - Sweet tomato gravy 

An age-old recipe that has stood the test of time, rajská omáčka is another iconic sauce in Czech Republic cuisine. Instead of a thick creamy flavor, this creation is born of beef, root vegetables and tomato paste giving it a unique sweet and sour taste. Distinctly diverse from home to home, the sauce you taste may have a secret ingredient of cinnamon, gingerbread or another alternative. 

Extraordinary experiences in Czech Republic with Blue-Roads Touring

• Take in Brno, guided by your expert Tour Leader on an orientation tour 
• Uncover the historic landmarks of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov 
• Sample refreshing local ciders and vinegars in the UTOPIA cellar at Sudkuv Dul Fortress 

A warm welcome awaits you in 2025 whether you travel during peak season, or shoulder season – where you’ll experience cooler temperatures, less crowds and cheaper prices.  

Discover the itinerary, created by our in-house travel experts, here. 

A Blue-Roads Touring guest shares, “I felt this tour was a great way to explore Eastern Europe. I liked the selection of bigger cities, charming little towns and idyllic countryside - it allows you to experience both the more modern and traditional side of Eastern Europe...”