Eastern Europe Explorer Tour

You will be met at Prague International airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. This Bohemian metropolitan city situated on the banks of the River Vltava offers a blend of both old and new world’s which is sure to entice your appetite this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Two Night Special Stay: Prague

This morning we will discover one of the truly magical cites of Europe – Prague on our Included tour. With our local guide we will walk around Hradcany Castle, see St. Vitus Cathedral and the Mala Strana and walk across the Charles Bridge. One of the most familiar sights in Prague the Charles Bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV after the Judith Bridge was destroyed by floods and provided the connection between the Old Town and Little Quarter. We then explore the Old Town Square and witness the Astronomical clock strikes the hours. This afternoon choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a walking tour of Prague’s Communist era buildings and events. Step back in time to 1948 and re-live the history of these dark controlling years or; (2) a visit to the 13th century Gothic-style synagogue, built around 1270 this is the oldest synagogue in Europe or; (3) Learn about making beer in Bohemia from the middle ages as you visit some of the most known well known local breweries and pubs for a tasting, including U Fleku Brewery which has been brewing beer since 1499. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner of hearty Czech cuisine.

We depart Prague for Dresden, perhaps the greenest city in Germany. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. On our Included guided tour we see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House and visit the courtyards of the Zwinger. We continue our journey through the Spreewald forest to Germany’s capital, Berlin our home for the next three nights.
Three Night Special Stay: Berlin

This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, where SCENIC ENRICH Our local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as we visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam we return back to Berlin. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENIC ENRICH We have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After our tour, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war.

This morning choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Checkpoint Charlie Museum, where you will learn the historic details of this notorious time in German history, such as the Berlin Wall and stories of those who risked their lives for freedom; or (2) A relaxing Cruise on the Spree River where you can view all the Berlin sites and fine architecture from the waterways; or (3) enjoy a guided tour of the Topography of Terror museum (Gestapo HQ). This afternoon Berlin is yours to explore on your own.

This morning we are taken to the main train station for our Included journey to Warsaw aboard our first class rail carriage. Time en-route to relax and watch the rural scenery change from the evergreen forests and rolling hills of Germany to the broad agricultural farmland of western Poland. We arrive this evening into Warsaw. Poland’s cultural, entertainment and financial capital was believed to be founded in the late 13th Century, when the Duke Boleshaw built a castle here overlooking the Vistula river.
Two Night Stay: Warsaw

Warsaw was largely destroyed in World War II, however the historic centre has been rebuilt and has attained UNESCO World Heritage status. We visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide this morning for a striking reminder of the suffering endured in WWII. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. Choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE: (1) an excursion to Wilanow Palace - known as Poland’s Versailles; or (2 )visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, and learn about Poland’s history. SCENIC ENRICH: This evening an exclusive piano concert of Chopin music in Manor House, followed by dinner.

We travel to Czestochowa and admire the portrait of the ‘Black Madonna’, said to have been painted by St Luke and located in the beautiful 14th century Jasna Gora Paulite Monastery. We continue to Auschwitz and visit the former concentration camp and its museum, for chilling reminders of the Holocaust in World War II. Early this evening we arrive in the city of Krakow. Poland’s former capital for nearly six centuries and largest city was one of the few Polish cities scarcely damaged in World War II allowing us to enjoy it in original glory.
Two Night Stay: Krakow

Included Sightseeing of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes a guided walking tour of the old town where we visit St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill. SCENIC ENRICH This afternoon we visit the nearby 800 year old Wieliczka Salt Mines. Our tour includes statues of historic and mythical figures, all sculpted by miners out of rock salt. This evening we will soak up the atmosphere of a Polish folklore show with dinner.

After breakfast we depart Krakow and cross the border into Slovakia, passing the 13th century Castle of Oravsky Hrad en-route to the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
Two Night Stay: Budapest

Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour before your choice of one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (2) Explore the lime stone caves under the Castle Labyrinth; or (3) Explore the history of classical music in Hungary. Spend your afternoon at leisure before enjoying a highlight dinner whilst reminiscing about the adventures you have experienced with new found friends.

After breakfast, transfer* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.