Majestic Cities Of Central & Eastern Europe

Set out to experience the very best of Europe’s cultural capitals.

Arrive in Germany’s capital city of Berlin, a blend of deep-rooted history, modern flair and multi-cultural influences. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

This morning, head out with your local guide and get to know Berlin’s rich history while passing by the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfürstendamm, and the Reichstag Building. Finish your morning city tour by meeting with a Berliner to learn about life in communist East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Later, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own in one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. Later this afternoon, set out on a panoramic tour into historic West Berlin, seeing the former border crossing known as Checkpoint Charlie and remnants of the Berlin Wall. The rest of the day is yours to discover and explore at leisure.

Depart for Prague this morning, the “City of a Thousand Spires.” En route, make a stop in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. Meet a local guide for a tour highlighting its’ baroque splendor and architectural treasures such as Frauenkirche, the Cathedral of our Lady and the Royal Palace. Enjoy time on your own to explore this lovely town on the banks of the River Elbe. After arriving in Prague, join your fellow travelers in a traditional Czech cooking class.

Your introduction to this fairy-tale city opens with a visit to the remarkable Prague Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Home to kings and emperors, the complex at Prague Castle is one of the most important sites in the Czech Republic and is easily the highlight of the city. Continue on a leisurely walking tour through the Old Town and see the unique Astronomical Clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Learn about the poignant history held in Prague’s Jewish Quarter when you pass the Old Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy Prague during your free time.

This morning, hop on a train and depart for your next adventure to Vienna, the “musical city.” Upon arrival in Vienna, enjoy a short orientation drive through the city. Learn about Vienna’s sweet confectionary history at a candy workshop, where candies are still made according to traditional recipes dating back over 150 years. Then, enjoy an Impact Moment at a Viennese coffee house connecting generations, because at this café, the baked goods are lovingly crafted by grandmas. This social enterprise aims to give local retirees a chance to engage with locals and travelers around the world. Later, enjoy an evening just outside of Vienna at a beloved, folksy Viennese restaurant, where dinner intertwines with local culture and flavor to create an unforgettable night.

This morning, meet your local guide for a scenic walking tour to Vienna’s city center and take in the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city followed by some free time to make your own discoveries. Later this afternoon, participate in one of Vienna’s most treasured traditions during a Viennese Waltz lesson. Tonight, perhaps you’ll choose to explore the interiors at the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and listen to a musical performance at the famous Orangerie where the past comes alive.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque countryside en route to Budapest. Make a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Get to know the city’s 4,000-year-old history during an orientation walking tour with your Tour Manager before taking time to enjoy lunch on your own. Next, head towards a true historical gem and UNESCO site: Pannonhalma. Hear about the abbey’s history dating back a thousand years and present life in the Archabbey from one of the monks. The succession of history can be seen clearly in the various architectural styles of the monastic buildings. Top off your day in this region with a delicious meal in a local restaurant. Continue to lovely Budapest, a city divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite bank.

The beautiful city of Budapest is yours to discover. This morning, a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament, and Gellert Hill with a special stop at Heroes' Square, a unique monument to the diverse leaders of Hungary. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore as you like. This evening, perhaps you’ll take in the essence of the region during an optional dinner followed by a cruise to view Budapest’s stunning night skyline.

This morning, it’s your choice! Choose to visit the House of Terror Museum and Memorial and gain an important perspective of 20th-century Hungarian history -OR- indulge in the famous Thermal Baths of Budapest,* one of the largest spa baths in Europe. This afternoon is yours to uncover “the Queen of the Danube” however you wish. Today breakfast will be included.

Take in the picturesque landscapes en route to Poland. Make a stop for lunch near Donovaly, a small village situated within Low Tatras National Park. Your home for the next three nights is the lively city of Krakow, a historic city offering old world charm. This evening, get to know traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner featuring local cuisine.

Discover Krakow’s historic Old Town on a city tour complete with stops at the Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the university. In Market Square, marvel at the Gothic city hall tower and the beautiful palaces that surround you. You’ll also get an inside look at Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. This afternoon, embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to the camps of Auschwitz.** A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp, where you will learn about the sobering history and resilience of the human spirit. The evening is yours to spend it as you wish.

This morning, join a local guide and discover Krakow’s most known city district, Kazimierz. On a walking tour, you’ll visit many synagogues along with one of the most prominent ones – the Remuh Synogogue and Cemetery. Walk the former Jewish Market with your guide and connect with the Jewish history and culture along the way. The rest of the day is yours to explore the town on your own. Toast to the end of this memorable trip as you sit down with your fellow travelers at a Jewish restaurant, feeling connected to the cultures and traditions of Central and Eastern Europe.

Your tour comes to a close today.