• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 10

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner with gypsy music in Budapest (HD)
• 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

10 Days ~ Austria ~ Hungary ~ Slovakia ~ Czech Republic

Tour Pace
This tour has been expertly planned to run at a leisurely pace, with two-night stays in the three main cities: Vienna, Budapest and Prague. There are no long travelling days on this compact tour; a perfect introduction to Central and Eastern Europe.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

DAY 2 – SAT – VIENNA AT LEISURE
On arrival at Vienna Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Vienna is famous for its delicious coffees and pastries so, after checking in, why not stroll to a local café? Or take a walk through the Stadtpark to see the statue of Strauss. Later, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Hilton.

DAY 3 – SUN – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
Take a leisurely drive through farming country to the Hungarian border. Continue through farmland, passing the eagle overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest, your home for two nights. Enjoy the view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Marvel at the superb murals in the Church of St Matthias beside the Fisherman’s Bastion, and take in a perfect vista of the beautiful Parliament building. View the Royal palace of Buda, then cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes’ Square and Andrassy Boulevard. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment.
Hotel: Radisson Beke (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – MON – BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
The day is set aside for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colorful embroideries, take an optional excursion to explore the ‘Secret Treasures of Budapest’ or visit a world-famous restaurant to enjoy coffee and pancakes. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – TUE – BUDAPEST – BRATISLAVA
Take a fascinating drive past the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum and along the Danube to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre. This community has long been the haunt of artists, enchanted by its brightly colored houses and quaint churches. Continue to Visegrád, where the castle walls and Solomon’s Tower are all that remain of Visegrád’s regal splendor. Walk up to the Citadel for breath-taking views across the Danube Bend. See Esztergom, former capital of Hungary, and visit its splendid cathedral. Cross the Danube at Komarom to enter the Republic of Slovakia. Skirt the foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains to arrive at your hotel in Bratislava. Upon arrival, view the presidential palace before taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town, stopping at the medieval Town Hall.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – WED – BRATISLAVA – PRAGUE
Drive to the 9th century castle, perched high above the Danube, for panoramic views across Bratislava. After crossing into the Czech Republic, drive to Brno, capital of the Province of Moravia. During an orientation tour, see the unusual baroque Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, as well as the grim Spilberk Fortress, used as a jail by the Nazis during World War Two. Continue through Czech countryside to ‘Golden’ Prague – named for its gleaming gilded spires.
Hotel: Moevenpick. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – THU – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Since the ‘Velvet Revolution’, Prague has been one of the most fashionable, beautiful and culturally exciting cities in Europe. The Czech capital features a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture; a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide introduces the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle and the majestic St Vitus’ Cathedral. Descend to the Old Town, where the tour concludes at the fascinating Astronomical Clock in the city square. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal, Carlsbad porcelain or superb costume jewellery; treasures for which the Czech Republic is world-famous. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – PRAGUE – VIENNA
Enjoy a drive through the green Bohemian countryside, passing the town of Tabor, headquarters of the 15th century reformer, John Huss, and continuing south to medieval Cesky Krumlov, with its ancient town and Renaissance castle on either side of the River Vltava. After some free time to explore, head back to Vienna for a two-night stay.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing highlight this morning is a guided visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. See also St Charles’ Church and the baroque architecture of the Opera House, the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. The afternoon is free to visit Prater Park for a ride on the famous ferris wheel, or to try the coffee and apple strudel on Karntnerstrasse. As night falls, why not join your friends for a farewell dinner? (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Vienna Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 15

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner with gypsy music in Budapest (HD)
• 13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ Austria ~ Hungary ~ Slovakia ~ Poland ~ Germany ~ Czech Republic

Tour Pace
This tour is perfectly paced with two-night stays in each of the six cities, allowing ample time for sightseeing and leisure. All driving days are of a reasonable length with frequent stops for refreshments and photos.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

DAY 2 – VIENNA AT LEISURE
On arrival at Vienna airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through the leafy Stadtpark to see the gilded statue of Strauss? Later, join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: NH Danube City/Hilton.

DAY 3 – VIENNA – BUDAPEST
Follow the Danube Valley to vibrant Budapest. On arrival, view the spectacular bridges across the Danube from Gellert Hill. Visit Matthias Church, admire the views of the ornate Parliament from the Fisherman’s Bastion and visit Heroes’ Square in Pest. Enjoy a highlight evening of Hungarian music and cuisine.
Hotel: Corinthia Grand Royal. (BB,HD)

DAY 4 – SZENTENDRE EXCURSION
Enjoy time at leisure before driving past the remainsof the Roman settlement of Aquincum to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre, with its brightly colored houses and quaint churches. There’s time to browse in the shops before returning to Budapest. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – BUDAPEST – KRAKOW
Enjoy a gentle drive into Slovakia and through the breathtaking Tatra Mountains, where peasants still live in traditional wooden houses. See the picturesque Oravsky Hrad Castle before crossing into Poland and continuing to historic Krakow.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – KRAKOW SIGHTSEEING
Join a local guide to tour historic Krakow – for centuries the seat of Poland’s kings. Ascend Wawel Hill, with its castle and legendary dragon, to visit the cathedral. Walk through the Old Town, past the courtyard of Jagiellonian University and Cloth Hall, to visit the 14th century St Mary’s Church (keep your eyes and ears peeled for the trumpeter in the tower). (BB)

DAY 7 – KRAKOW – WARSAW
Make a sombre visit with a local guide to the Auschwitz concentration camp and see nearby Birkenau. Travel north to Czestochowa to visit the 14th century Monastery of Jasna Gora, famous for the Black Madonna, said to have been painted by St Luke. Continue across the Polish Plains to the country’s capital, Warsaw.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – WARSAW SIGHTSEEING
Warsaw was almost totally destroyed during World War Two and only the detail in Canaletto’s paintings of the city enabled an authentic reconstruction to take place. On a guided tour, see the ‘wedding cake’ Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park. Pay your respects at the emotive Monument of the Ghetto Heroes and, finally, see the reconstructed Old Town, including the Royal Palace. Why not enjoy a Chopin concert? (BB,D)

DAY 9 – WARSAW – BERLIN
Cross fertile plains to the historic river port of Poznan. There’s time for lunch in the charming Old Town Square before crossing the German frontier at the River Oder on your way to the capital, Berlin.
Hotel: Concorde. (BB)

DAY 10 – BERLIN & POTSDAM SIGHTSEEING
A local expert introduces the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building (symbol of Hitler’s rise to power) and Germany’s Parliament building. Drive along Unter den Linden, seeing the beautifully restored State Opera House and Alexanderplatz. Enjoy a highlight excursion to historic Potsdam to visit the Cecilienhof, where the 1945 Treaty was signed, and visit the Gardens of Frederick the Great’s Sans Souci Palace. Consider enjoying an evening out in a lively local restaurant. (BB)

DAY 11 – BERLIN – PRAGUE
Drive south to Dresden where a walking tour introduces the Frauenkirche, now rising once again from wartime destruction. See the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, including the unique Saxon Wall overlaid with Meissen tiles, the courtyards of the Zwinger Palace and the Opera House. After some free time, head for the Czech border high in the Ore Mountains and continue to the capital of Prague.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Castle. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Prague has blossomed since the ‘Velvet Revolution’, but its unique character remains unchanged. On a guided tour, visit the amazing St Vitus’ Cathedral, which is set inside the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Later, cross the river to explore the cobblestoned Old Town Square and see its famous Astronomical Clock. As night falls, why not enjoy Prague’s exciting night life? (BB,D)

DAY 13 – PRAGUE – VIENNA
Enjoy a delightful drive through the green Bohemian countryside to medieval Cesky Krumlov, with its ancient town and Renaissance castle on either side of the River Vltava. After some free time to explore, return to Vienna.
Hotel: Hilton. (BB)

DAY 14 – VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
Venture inside the glorious State Apartments of Schönbrunn Palace during a tour with an expert local guide. There is also time to admire the gardens and Gloriette before seeing the baroque St Charles’ Church. Drive around the famous ‘Ring’, passing the Opera House, the Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. The rest of the day is at leisure: why not celebrate your final night on tour with a farewell dinner? (BB)

DAY 15 – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with complimentary transfers to Vienna Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director (Days 2-10)
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet (Days 2-10)
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• 7 night cruise in outside stateroom on the River Empress, featuring a full-service bar, library, panoramic restaurant, sun deck, sky lounge, fitness center, sauna and beauty salon
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners plus onboard entertainment (HD)
• All meals onboard while cruising (BB,L,D)
• While touring, 8 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

17 Days ~ Czech Republic ~ Germany ~ Poland ~ Slovakia ~ Hungary ~ Austria

Tour Pace
Two and three-night stays in all but one of the cities featured on the coaching portion of this tour allows you time to settle into your hotel on arrival and enjoy a city sightseeing tour the next day. The tour culminates with 7 relaxing nights aboard your luxurious River Cruise.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Prague.

DAY 2 – SAT – PRAGUE AT LEISURE
Welcome to the Czech Republic! On arrival at Prague airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore 'Golden Prague'. In the evening, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Andel’s. (D)

DAY 3 – SUN – PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing begins within the 1000 year old walls of Prague Castle where a local guide takes you inside St. Vitus' Cathedral. Time to gaze down upon the city below before descending to the magnificent Old Town Square - don't miss the chiming of the astronomical clock on the hour! This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – PRAGUE – DRESDEN
A short drive from Prague lies Nelahozeves castle, housing a world renowned art collection as well as original scores by Beethoven and Mozart. Adjacent to the museum is the birthplace of Czech composer, Anton Dvorák. Continue high into the Ore mountains to cross the German border and travel through picturesque Saxon Switzerland en route to Dresden.
Hotel: Maritim. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – TUE – DRESDEN SIGHTSEEING
From the reconstructed Frauenkirche your Tour Director walks you past the colossal 'Procession of the Dukes' mosaic and around the Cathedral to view the Opera and baroque Zwinger Palace. Now a highlight visit takes you inside the Royal Palace to admire the fabulous treasures of the Green Vault collections. (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – DRESDEN – WROCLAW
Drive to the German border this morning and admire the beautiful medieval border town of Gorlitz before crossing into Poland. Then continue to the islands, bridges, parks and graceful buildings of Wroclaw. Your guide shows you all the sights including the Main Square and University.
Hotel: Sofitel. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – WROCLAW – KRAKOW
Before leaving Wroclaw visit the enormous Raclawicka Panorama – a 120 metre long painting depicting the famous Polish victory over the Russians in 1794. Now cross the southern farmlands to reach the magnificent 14th century monastery at Czestochowa. This place of pilgrimage is the home of the world famous portrait of Our Lady, the 'Black Madonna', thought to be painted by St. Luke. Continue to medieval Krakow.
Hotel: Qubus. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – FRI – KRAKOW SIGHTSEEING
Walk through the maze of narrow alleyways which make up old Krakow, at the vast town square see the medieval Cloth Hall and the 14th century Mariacki Church, from where the 'trumpeter' sounds the hour. Ascend Wawel Hill to visit the cathedral, and to see the 'Wawel dragon'. This afternoon there is an optional excursion to the amazing subterranean world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Tonight consider a Polish dinner and folklore show? (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – OSWIECIM & WADOWICE
Journey into the surrounding countryside for a sobering encounter with the most infamous site of the Holocaust, Auschwitz. Spend some reflective moments on a guided tour of the concentration camp and overlook the remains of nearby Birkenau. Continue to the country town of Wadowice, birthplace of Pope John Paul II. See his childhood home, now a museum, and maybe try one of the famous ‘Pope's cream cakes’? (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – KRAKOW – CRUISE
Drive through the foothills of the Tatra Mountains and cross into Slovakia. Continue south to Hungary and its capital Budapest. Board your River Cruise and settle into your lavishly appointed state room with private bathroom.
Cruise Ship: River Empress. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – MON – CRUISING BUDAPEST
Today is devoted to Budapest - 'Queen of the Danube'. Your city tour features the famous Chain Bridge and takes you through the narrow medieval streets the Castle Hill district to the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner on board. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 12 – TUE – CRUISING BRATISLAVA
Cruise the famous Danube bend to arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. A city tour will acquaint you with the city’s eclectic architecture and main sights including Freedom Square, Peace Square, Mirbach Palace and Primatial Palace. (BB,L,D)

DAY 13 – WED – CRUISING – VIENNA
Travel along the stately Ring Street on your included city tour - past the Opera, City Hall and Parliament. Finish at St Stephen’s Cathedral where Mozart was married in 1782. Maybe join an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace? (BB,L,D)

DAY 14 – THU – CRUISE WACHAU VALLEY
Continue cruising to the tiny village of Durnstein, nestled below the ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. After time to explore on your own, rejoin your cruise and follow the scenic Wachau Valley. Your featured excursion is a tour of the 900 year old Baroque-style Melk Abbey, situated high atop the granite cliffs. (BB,L,D)

DAY 15 – FRI – CRUISING – LINZ
Your cruise ship slips into Linz where you embark on a full day excursion to Mozart's home town of Salzburg. Walk with your guide through the old town's narrow lanes to the ornate domed cathedral and visit the formal gardens of the Mirabell Palace. (BB,L,D)

DAY 16 – SAT – CRUISING – PASSAU
You reach Passau, situated on the Austrian border at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Danube and Ilz. Your guided walk takes you past the medieval merchant’s houses the old town. Later enjoy an organ concert on the world’s largest pipe organ in St Stephan’s Cathedral. The Captain’s Farewell Dinner is tonight. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 17 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
Disembark & transfer to Munich airport. (BB)

• Hosted by an experienced Cruise Manager
• 3 nights in the deluxe Hilton Istanbul
• 12-night cruise in an outside air-conditioned stateroom with private bathroom on the Ukrainian MS Taras Shevchenko featuring restaurants, bars, reading lounge, onboard doctor & nurse, hairdressing salon, sauna with a small swimming pool, sun deck with solarium
• Insight Traveler document wallet, and information pack
• Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers

Quality Dining

• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception and Farewell Dinner (HD)Buffet breakfast daily in Istanbul (BB)All meals onboard while cruising (B,L,D)

17 Days ~ Ukraine ~ Bulgaria ~ Romania ~ Turkey

Welcome to a fascinating voyage of discovery that encompasses ancient cities, exquisite resorts and a treasure trove of history and vibrant cultures. Visit Kiev, with its Western-style elegance, and the famous Livadia Palace in the fashionable Crimean resort of Yalta. Discover Odessa, with its Mediterranean climate and picturesque setting on the Black Sea. Taste local food prepared by a family who lives in the rural Dnieper Delta. Hunt for bargains in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and marvel at the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Kiev.

DAY 2 – KIEV
Welcome to Kiev! You are met at the airport and transferred to your cruise ship, the MS Taras Shevchenko. (D)

DAY 3 – KIEV SIGHTSEEING
See the historical buildings and monuments of Kiev today including a visit to St. Sophia’s Cathedral, its interior wonderfully decorated with gilded mosaics, frescoes and Holy icons. Maybe take the option of visiting the ‘Monastery of the Caves’? (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – CRUISING DNIEPER RIVER
The Dnieper is the largest river in Ukraine and third largest in Europe. Spend the day relaxing onboard as you watch the world drift by. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – ZAPOROZHYE
Dock at Zaporozhye where your city tour shows you Lenin Prospekt, October Square, Festival Square and Lenin Square. Visit the Cossack Museum located on legendary Khortitsa Island. A Cossack show is also an option today. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 – KHERSON
Enjoy a special excursion to Fisherman’s Island today. Board a smaller boat for a one-hour cruise through the beautiful landscape of the Dnieper Delta. On arrival, join the locals for a typical Ukrainian lunch, followed by a visit a local market. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 – SEVASTOPOL
Your half-day city tour of Sevastopol includes panoramic views of the historical cathedrals and monuments. Also enjoy a visit to the Panorama Museum, honouring the liberation of Sevastopol. Why not visit the Khan's Palace at Bakhchisarai? (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – YALTA
During your half-day city tour, see the Swallow’s Nest, a small castle built on the edge of the cliff and the house where Chekhov lived until his death. Now enjoy a visit to the Neo-Renaissance Livadia Palace, site of the Yalta conference held at the end of WWII. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 – YALTA AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure exploring this fascinating city on your own, or join an optional excursion to Alupka Palace with wine tasting. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 – ODESSA
Call in at Odessa, where your city tour shows you the Palace of the Shah, monument to Pushkin, Marine Museum, Opera Theater and French boulevard. Then time to perhaps visit an art gallery or enjoy an evening performance? (B,L,D)

DAY 11 – ODESSA AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure as you explore Odessa at your own pace, or enjoy an optional excursion to Chisinau-Moldova. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 – CRUISING TULCEA
Spend the day relaxing onboard your cruise . (B,L,D)

DAY 13 – TULCEA
Enjoy a boat excursion to the Danube Delta, the best preserved in Europe, teeming with plants and wildlife. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner tonight. (B,L,HD)

DAY 14 – NESSEBAR – ISTANBUL
A walking tour of Nessebar, shows you the old churches, Archeological Museum and wooden fishing cottages. After the tour, disembark and drive across the Turkish border to exotic Istanbul.
Hotel: Hilton. (B,L)

DAY 15 – ISTANBUL
During your city tour, see the famous Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Cap the day off with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. (B)

DAY 16 – ISTANBUL AT LEISURE
A day to explore at your own pace. (B)

DAY 17 – RETURN TO USA
Transfer to the airport in Istanbul for your flight home. (B)