Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sat, ARRIVAL IN WARSAW, POLAND. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to see some of Warsaw. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3:
Sun. WARSAW. The included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide is an excellent introduction to Warsaw, magnificently reconstructed after wartime destruction. Today its wide avenues are in striking contrast with the narrow lanes of the old section. This afternoon an included excursion visits the great Kampinoski National Park for a stop in Zelazowa Wola, a manor house where Chopin was born. (B,D)

Day 4:
Mon. WARSAW-POZNAN. Journey westwards to Poznan, which has been part of Polish history for the past 1,000 years. Your included city sightseeing will take in the main highlights. (B,D)

Day 5:
Tue. POZNAN-WROCLAW. A relatively short drive this morning to Wroclaw on the River Odra, the capital of Lower Silesia. The city’s network of canals and 100 bridges impart great charm. The city also boasts an impressive gothic Cathedral. This afternoon learn more on the included sightseeing tour. (B,D)

Day 6:
Wed. WROCLAW-JASNA GORA-KRAKOW. First to Jasna Gora near Czestochowa, the monastery that withstood the repeated onslaughts of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then its Black Madonna has been venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol. Your next encounter with history today will be a visit to what is left of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Overnight in Krakow. (B,D)

Day 7:
Thu. KRAKOW. EXCURSION TO ZAKOPANE IN THE TATRA MOUNTAINS. This is, they say, Poland’s most beautiful city. It was the country’s capital for almost 500 years. Today it is without a doubt its cultural capital. Included sightseeing in ancient Krakow, for centuries the residence of Polish kings. See the Market Square, the 14th-century Jagiellonian University, and St. Mary’s Church. Today’s highlight is, of course, the included excursion into the Tatra Mountains, a region of great scenic beauty dotted with picturesque villages and castles. Make a stop in Zakopane, its most famous resort. Return to Krakow for an overnight. This evening there’ll be an optional polka party. (B)

Day 8:
Fri. KRAKOW-WARSAW. A morning to enjoy this interesting city at your own pace and mingle with the locals. There’s also an opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a renowned Unesco World Heritage Site. In the afternoon return to Warsaw for an overnight. Tonight’s optional farewell dinner might be the way to round out your stay in this city. (B)

Day 9:
Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Zelazowa Wola and Zakopane
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Sun. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Mon. ARRIVAL IN MUNICH AREA, GERMANY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3:
Tue. MUNICH AREA-NUREMBERG-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Drive this morning on the autobahn directly to Nuremberg for a visit. Next, east across the border into the Czech Republic. Evening arrival in Prague. (B,D)

Day 4:
Wed. PRAGUE. The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. (B,D)

Day 5:
Thu. PRAGUE-VIENNA, AUSTRIA. This morning motor from Bohemia into Moravia and continue southwest for a few more miles before crossing into Austria. Arrive in Vienna to enjoy an afternoon of optional sightseeing. Start with a tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Reserve some energy for an exciting evening optional excursion. (B)

Day 6:
Fri. VIENNA-BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. A morning to see some unexplored corner of this intriguing capital or maybe just to do some shopping down the Kärntner Strasse. In the afternoon head for the Hungarian border and, by way of Györ, you’ll reach Budapest for two overnights. (B)

Day 7:
Sat. BUDAPEST. Buda Castle dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Heroes’ Square typifies the modern capital, while along the riverbank you find the old inns and wine cellars. Included sightseeing takes in the Parliament building, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (B)

Day 8:
Sun. BUDAPEST-SALZBURG AREA, AUSTRIA. Mid-morning departure from Budapest. Travel westwards across the border into Austria to enjoy more Alpine scenery before heading towards the Danube and finally to the Salzburg area for an overnight. (B,D)

Day 9:
Mon. SALZBURG AREA-MUNICH AREA, GERMANY. A comfortable and relatively short drive past Lake Chiemsee to the Munich area for an overnight. (B)

Day 10:
Tue. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Nuremberg, Vienna, Salzburg
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sat. ARRIVAL IN MUNICH, GERMANY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to start exploring Munich. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3:
Sun. MUNICH-NUREMBERG-PILSEN-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. An interesting itinerary today as you drive northeast for a first stop in Nuremberg, famous for its World War II war crime trials. Later, cross the border into the Czech Republic. Make a stop in Pilsen, world renowned for its lager, and then on to Prague for the next three nights. (B)

Day 4:
Mon. and Tue. PRAGUE. The city has a wealth of gothic and baroque architecture that perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. Plenty of time for some individual exploring, or maybe just a walk along the banks of the Vltava River and then a meal at a restaurant of your choice. Your second day in Prague will give you a program of optional excursions, or if you prefer, the opportunity for arranging your own day with visits to places of particular personal interest. (B daily)

Day 5:
Mon. and Tue. PRAGUE. The city has a wealth of gothic and baroque architecture that perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. Plenty of time for some individual exploring, or maybe just a walk along the banks of the Vltava River and then a meal at a restaurant of your choice. Your second day in Prague will give you a program of optional excursions, or if you prefer, the opportunity for arranging your own day with visits to places of particular personal interest. (B daily)

Day 6:
Wed. PRAGUE-BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA-BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Journey southeast by way of Brno into the new state of Slovakia for a stop in its capital, Bratislava. Next, cross into Hungary to reach Budapest in time to enjoy your first evening in this lively and lovable capital city. (B)

Day 7:
Thu. and Fri. BUDAPEST. Included sightseeing features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest that are separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. There’s plenty more to do and see during these two days; ask your Tour Director for assistance. (B daily)

Day 8:
Thu. and Fri. BUDAPEST. Included sightseeing features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest that are separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. There’s plenty more to do and see during these two days; ask your Tour Director for assistance. (B daily)

Day 9:
Sat. BUDAPEST-VIENNA WOODS, AUSTRIA-MAYERLING-VIENNA. The highlight of today’s itinerary will be the Vienna Woods and Mayerling. See the hunting lodge, the scene of the tragic death of Archduke Rudolf and his 17-year-old lover Maria Vetsera on January 30, 1889. Later, a short drive to Vienna for the next three nights. (B)

Day 10:
Sun. and Mon. VIENNA. Two whole days to fully enjoy one of Europe’s best known and loved capitals. Whatever your plans, it is wise to start off with the included city sightseeing tour. See the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg and, finally, an inside visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Splendid baroque palaces and the Viennese traditional joie de vivre give great scope for a program of optional excursions. Your stay is long enough to fit in your personal plans and choices. (B daily)

Day 11:
Sun. and Mon. VIENNA. Two whole days to fully enjoy one of Europe’s best known and loved capitals. Whatever your plans, it is wise to start off with the included city sightseeing tour. See the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg and, finally, an inside visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Splendid baroque palaces and the Viennese traditional joie de vivre give great scope for a program of optional excursions. Your stay is long enough to fit in your personal plans and choices. (B daily)

Day 12:
Tue. VIENNA-MELK-SALZBURG. Another day with a truly varied itinerary and some interesting options. Drive first to Krems on the banks of the Danube and surrounded by hills and vineyards. Here you can choose to join a cruise on the river, taking in the beautiful Wachau region. Stop in Melk to visit its great abbey before continuing the journey westwards directly to Salzburg. (B)

Day 13:
Wed. SALZBURG-MUNICH, GERMANY. Don’t miss out on the included city sightseeing excursion with a Local Guide. You’ll be taken through the historic center of Mozart’s hometown to see its many highlights, including the Domplatz, the Horse Trough, Festival Hall, and, of course, the charming Getreidegasse where Mozart was born. This afternoon motor directly to Munich. This evening join the optional Bavarian evening and farewell dinner. (B)

Day 14:
Thu. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Munich, Nuremberg, Pilsen, Bratislava, Vienna Woods and Mayerling, Melk
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sun. ARRIVAL IN FRANKFURT AREA, GERMANY. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3:
Mon. FRANKFURT-WEIMAR-BERLIN. Northwest today using the autobahn for a stop in Weimar, one-time intellectual heart of Germany and host to such luminaries as Luther, Cranach, Bach, Liszt, Schiller, and, of course, Goethe himself. It was at one time rightly known as the “Athens of Germany.” Journey past Jena, home to the world-famous Zeiss Optics Factory. Over the River Elbe for a few more miles into Germany’s capital city, Berlin. (B)

Day 4:
Tue. BERLIN. No longer divided but every bit as fascinating. Once the city of contrasts with its West and East side separating two different worlds, Berlin, since the wall came down, has developed into a harmonious blend of old and new, preserving its old massive building such as the State Opera House and the Brandenburg Gate; its neoclassic-style boulevards such as the Kurfurstendamm and the “Unter den Linden”; as well as creating brand new buildings in the most daring up-to-date architectural styles. It is now once again Germany’s capital and one of the most lively and interesting cities of Europe from a cultural point of view. In the afternoon there''s an optional excursion to historic Potsdam. (B)

Day 5:
Wed. BERLIN-WARSAW, POLAND. Drive east to Poznan, one of Poland’s oldest trading centers and now an international marketplace during its industrial fairs. See more of the Polish countryside on the way to Warsaw. (B,D)

Day 6:
Thu. WARSAW. The included sightseeing tour is an excellent introduction to Warsaw, magnificently reconstructed after wartime destruction. Today its wide avenues contrast strikingly with the narrow lanes of the old section. (B,D)

Day 7:
Fri. WARSAW-KRAKOW. Two encounters with history on your southbound journey today. First, Jasna Gora near Czestochowa, the monastery which withstood the repeated onslaught of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then, its Black Madonna is venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol. In the afternoon visit what is left of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Krakow. (B,D)

Day 8:
Sat. KRAKOW. This is, they say, Poland’s most beautiful city. For almost 500 years it was the country’s capital, and today it is without a doubt its cultural capital. Optional morning sightseeing in ancient Krakow, for centuries the residence of Polish kings. See the Market Square, the 14th-century Jagiellonian University, St. Mary’s Church, and Wawel Royal Castle. Free time later to explore this interesting town at your own pace and mingle with the locals. Tonight’s optional folklore dinner might be the way to round off your stay in this city. (B)

Day 9:
Sun. KRAKOW-BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. A comfortable drive through three countries. First south to the Tatra Mountains of Poland, then through a scenic part of Slovakia, and finally into Hungary. Your destination is Budapest, the most lively of Eastern European capitals. (B,D)

Day 10:
Mon. BUDAPEST. Included sightseeing features Buda Castle which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes’ Square, which typifies the modern capital; the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (B)

Day 11:
Tue. BUDAPEST-VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Head for the Austrian border by way of Györ. You’ll be in Vienna in time to enjoy your first afternoon and evening in this lively capital. Enjoy the included sightseeing tour with Local Guide: the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg and an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B)

Day 12:
Wed. VIENNA-PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Morning optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. This afternoon cross the Czech border into Moravia, then through the rich farmlands of Bohemia to Prague. (B,D)

Day 13:
Thu. PRAGUE. The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the National Theater, Belvedere, Charles Bridge, and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. Your Tour Director may suggest an evening optional excursion with traditional Czech music and spectacular entertainment. (B)

Day 14:
Fri. PRAGUE-MUNICH, GERMANY. Into the landscape of the Bohemian Forest before reaching the Czech-German border. Drive south, enjoying the Bavarian scenery, to Munich, the “secret capital,” for an overnight. (B)

Day 15:
Sat. MUNICH-ROMANTIC ROAD-FRANKFURT AREA. The highlight today is undoubtedly the Romantic Road, which runs north to south as far as the Alps. First to lovely medieval Nördlingen. See Rothenburg with its ramparts and towers, cobbled streets, and 16th-century houses before heading towards the Frankfurt area. (B,D)

Day 16:
Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices