Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Berlin, Germany. (Mon.) Time to rest and start exploring the capital of reunified Germany. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Berlin. (Tue.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the Ku’damm, the restored Reichstag, monumental Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, the 210 foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park, and a visit to the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH. Drive along Unter Den Linden Boulevard, pass the German State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie. The afternoon is free and an optional excursion to historic Potsdam is available. Tonight is your chance to sample Berlin’s fine restaurants and nightlife! (BB)

Day 4:
Berlin–Dresden–Prague, Czech Republic. (Wed.) South through the area that used to belong to the “other part” of Germany. Stop in Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the city has since been restored to its baroque splendor. You’ll love the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera! Then head for Bohemia and the Czech capital of Prague. How about an optional Czech folklore show tonight? (BB,D)

Day 5:
Prague. (Thu.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features 1,000-year-old HRADCANY CASTLE, the former residence of Bohemian kings; ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL; the Old Town; the Jewish ghetto; and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards, you may want to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square. This evening why not join an optional dinner outing? (BB)

Day 6:
Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary. (Fri.) Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Around lunchtime you reach Bratislava, the economic and political center of the Slovak Republic. Later, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Budapest. (Sat.) Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe''s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world''s second-largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (BB)

Day 8:
Budapest–Vienna, Austria. (Sun.) This morning drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. (BB)

Day 9:
At Leisure in Vienna. (Mon.) A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join optional excursions to the Vienna Woods, historical Schönbrunn Palace, or to just explore this magnificent city on your own. An optional farewell dinner may be the perfect way to celebrate the success of your vacation! (BB)

Day 10:
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

BERLIN
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

DRESDEN
Orientation

PRAGUE
Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

BRATISLAVA
Lunch stop

BUDAPEST
Guided sightseeing, picture stop at Fishermen’s Bastion, visit St. Matthias Coronation Church

VIENNA
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Munich, Germany. Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Munich–Prague, Czech Republic. An orientation tour of Germany’s “secret capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, and MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city. Later, head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.” How about an optional Czech folklore show tonight? (BB,D)

Day 4:
Prague. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. See 1,000-year-old HRADCANY CASTLE, ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL (on Sundays no inside guiding permitted), the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afternoon at leisure; you may want to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or relax at an outdoor restaurant. This evening why not join an optional dinner outing? (BB)

Day 5:
Prague–Bratislava, Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary. Into Moravia where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Around lunchtime you reach Bratislava, the economic and political center of Slovakia. Afterwards, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Budapest. Your Local Guide takes your through Eastern Europe''s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world''s second-largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (BB)

Day 7:
Budapest–Vienna, Austria. This morning drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursions to the wine village of Grinzing is available. (BB)

Day 8:
At Leisure in Vienna. A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join exciting optional excursions, such as the Vienna Woods, historic Schönbrunn Palace, a concert, or just explore this magnificent city on your own. (BB)

Day 9:
Vienna–Melk–Salzburg. A scenic day! From Krems enjoy a leisurely DANUBE CRUISE to Weissenkirchen. Continue by coach along the Danube to historic Melk. No landscape is more typically Austrian than the Sound of Music lakeland of the Salzkammergut. Pass lovely Lake Wolfgang on your way via Bad Ischl to Salzburg. (BB,D)

Day 10:
Salzburg–Munich, Germany. A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historical center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, and the monumental Domplatz. Also visit MOZART’S BIRTHPLACE in the charming Getreidegasse. A comfortable drive brings you back to Munich. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner and, as a finale to this exciting vacation, you may want to enjoy a stein of beer at the famous Hofbräuhaus. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

MUNICH
Welcome dinner; orientation including Marienplatz; farewell dinner

PRAGUE
Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

BRATISLAVA
Lunch stop

BUDAPEST
Guided sightseeing, picture stop at Fishermen’s Bastion, visit St. Matthias Coronation Church

VIENNA
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral

DANUBE CRUISE

SALZBURG
Guided sightseeing, visit Mirabell Gardens, St. Peter’s Churchyard, and Mozart’s birthplace
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Berlin, Germany. Time to rest or to explore the capital of reunited Germany. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Berlin. Sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the Ku’damm, the restored Reichstag, monumental Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, and the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park. Visit the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH (except on Sundays), drive along Unter Den Linden Boulevard, pass the German State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie. The afternoon is free, and an optional excursion to historic Potsdam is available. Tonight is your chance to sample Berlin’s fine restaurants and nightlife! (BB)

Day 4:
Berlin–Warsaw, Poland. Transfer to the railway station and board the EUROCITY TRAIN to Warsaw. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Warsaw. Your Local Guide will tell you about the tormented, often tragic history of this important gateway city between East and West. See the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Quarter) with its market square and 14th-century CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN, the “wedding cake” Palace of Culture and Science, neoclassical Lazienki Palace, and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. In the HISTORICAL MUSEUM a moving film shows the city before and after wartime destruction. Afternoon at leisure. How about tonight’s optional Polish dinner and folklore show at a typical Warsaw restaurant? (BB)

Day 6:
Warsaw–Czestochowa–Auschwitz–Krakow. This morning visit JASNA GORA, the monastery near Czestochowa, and admire its BLACK MADONNA, which is venerated as the “Queen of Poland” and has become the country’s national symbol. Next, stop in Auschwitz to visit what is left of the CONCENTRATION CAMP, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Krakow. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Krakow. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide 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. Tonight you can try out one of Krakow’s traditional inns. (BB)

Day 8:
Krakow–Slovakia–Budapest, Hungary. A scenic day taking you right through the heart of mountainous and densely wooded Slovakia, where brown bears still roam free. Approach Budapest soon after arriving in the wide open valley of the Danube River. Why not join an optional folklore performance tonight? (BB,D)

Day 9:
Budapest. Your Local Guide takes your through Eastern Europe''s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world''s second-largest Jewish Synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (BB)

Day 10:
Budapest–Vienna, Austria. Drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. (BB)

Day 11:
At Leisure in Vienna. A whole day at leisure offers you the opportunity to join exciting optional excursions to the Vienna Woods, historic Schönbrunn Palace, a concert, or to just explore this magnificent city on your own. (BB)

Day 12:
Vienna–Brno, Czech Republic–Prague. Across the Czech border and into Moravia. In Brno, the country’s second-largest city and Napoleon’s headquarters during the “Battle of the Three Emperors” at nearby Austerlitz, time for an orientation tour and lunch. In the afternoon drive through the rich farmlands of Moravia and Bohemia to Prague. This evening maybe attend a concert featuring Mozart, Dvorak, or Smetana, all of whom found inspiration here. (BB,D)

Day 13:
Prague. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features 1,000-year-old HRADCANY CASTLE, the former residence of Bohemian kings; ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL (on Sundays no inside guiding permitted), the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards, you may wish to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner outing? (BB)

Day 14:
Prague–Dresden, Germany–Berlin. Turn back to Germany and stop in Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the city has since been restored to it baroque splendor. You’ll love the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera. Next, return to Berlin and enjoy a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (BB,D)

Day 15:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices