Highlights of Eastern Europe

Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Vienna.

Day 2 - Arrive Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, capital of Austria. After check-in we learn about the Habsburg dynasties and their enormous empire on our afternoon sightseeing tour which includes a walking tour of Old Vienna featuring St. Stephen’s Cathedral and ‘Am Hof’. Later, we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.

Hotel: Hilton Danube

Day 3 - Vienna – Ljubljana – Lake Bled (2 nights)
This morning we head for the Karawanken Mountains and over the Loiblpass into the green hills of Slovenia. We drive to the capital Ljubljana where sightseeing with a local guide highlights the Opera House, cathedral, National Museum, castle and the numerous parks of this Roman founded city. Then we continue to the place that has been nicknamed an earthly paradise, Lake Bled, where we will enjoy a relaxing two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Park (F) (2 nights)

Day 4 - Lake Bled at leisure
Today we have the whole day to relax or perhaps take a boat trip on the lake or visit the incredible maze of underground caves at Postojna. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 5 - Lake Bled – Zagreb (2 nights)
After breakfast we make our way to Croatia and its capital, Zagreb. This afternoon our sightseeing tour includes the lower and upper town and shows us the majestic cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, St. Mark's Church, the Opera House and more! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Westin (2 nights) Map

Day 6 - Zagreb at leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps visit the museums and art galleries of this culturally rich city. Later, you may wish to take a trip to the very picturesque Croatian hinterland visiting the Plitvice Lakes National Park. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 7 - Zagreb – Budapest (2 nights)
Today we cross the border into Hungary pausing on the shores of Lake Balaton which is the largest lake in Central Europe and affectionately known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’! From here we continue to the twin towns of Buda and Pest, where our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure of the city during our stay! (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Novotel Congress (2 nights)

Day 8 - Budapest sightseeing and at leisure
After breakfast our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a walking tour of Old Buda featuring stunning views from the Fishermen's Bastion over the Danube and Parliament, we also view the Great Synagogue and visit Heroes' Square. This evening, we will enjoy an included Hungarian Highlight Dinner, accompanied by local musicians. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Day 9 - Budapest – Slovakia – Krakow (2 nights)
This morning our journey brings us to the Slovakian border and on to Poland and the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. Soon we are in Krakow where we spend the next two nights. Tonight, why not enjoy a Polish polka party? (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Sympozjum (2 nights)

Day 10 - Krakow sightseeing and at leisure
The castle and cathedral on Wawel Hill, plus a walking tour through the old town to visit the Cloth Hall and the Mariacki Church all feature on our morning sightseeing tour. This afternoon, there is the chance to visit the unique Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument, where you can see the underground chambers hewn out of the salt rock! This evening, we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast Dinner)

Day 11 - Krakow – Auschwitz – Czestochowa – Warsaw (2 nights)
This morning we step back into recent history when we visit the concentration Camp at Auschwitz, so chillingly evoked in Schindler's List, reminding us of the World War II Holocaust. Then in contrast, the beautiful Paulite Monastery at Jasna Gora is our next stop with its portrait of Our Lady 'The Black Madonna', supposedly painted by St. Luke the Evangelist. Finally, we make our way to Warsaw for our two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Westin (2 nights)

Day 12 - Warsaw sightseeing & at leisure
Today's morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a visit to the old town, the site of the Warsaw ghetto, seeing the sites evoked in Polanski's The Pianist, and viewing the Palace of Culture and Science. Later, don't miss a trip to the Wilanow Palace, the residence of Polish King Sobieski - Victor of Vienna. Tonight after dinner at our hotel, why not attend a Chopin recital? (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Day 13 - Warsaw – Poznan – Berlin (2 nights)
Today's drive takes us across the central plains of Poland to Poznan with its charming City Hall and Gothic churches. Then off to the border town of Frankfurt-an-der-Oder and into Germany where we are soon in the re-instated capital, Berlin. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Hilton (2 nights)

Day 14 - Berlin sightseeing and at leisure
Today's sightseeing tour features a united Berlin and includes a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and views the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, Unter den Linden Boulevard, and the German State Opera House. The rest of your day is at leisure, perhaps to visit nearby Potsdam or Pergamon on Museum Island. Tonight, why not try out some of this city's lively nightlife? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 15 - Berlin – Dresden – Prague (2 nights)
We travel through the Spreewald Forest to 'Florence on the Elbe', beautiful Dresden. On our arrival an orientation tour includes the Saxon Wall, Semper Opera and 18th century cathedral. We will learn about the massive restoration work that has taken place since the extensive bombing of the city in Worl War II. Next we cross into the Czech Republic. From here we make our way to the astonishing city of Prague which has been the political, cultural and economic centre of the Czech state for over 1100 years, for our two-night stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Crowne Plaza (2 nights)

Day 16 - Prague sightseeing and at leisure
Today our Tour Director will show us another Hidden Treasure but first our sightseeing tour shows us the Prague Castle regarded as the largest ancient castle in the world, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, the old town square and visits the Cathedral of St. Vitus. This evening, we will enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities at a characteristic restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Day 17 - Prague – Tabor – Vienna
This morning we leave Prague and make our way to Tabor, once the headquaters of the 15th century religious reformer, John Huss. Then we drive through Southern Bohemia passing the town of Schrems. We continue to the Imperial city of Vienna. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travelers. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Hotel: Hilton Danube

Day 18 - Vienna – USA
This morning, it is time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and new-found friends as our vacation comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Free airport transfer
Transfers on Day2 at Vienna Airport will operate at 09.00, 12.00 and 15.00. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Vienna Airport at 06.30 and 09.00.

Highlights:

Vienna
Ljublijana
Lake Bled
Zagreb
Budapest
Krakow
Auschwitz
Jasna Gora
Warsaw
Poznan
Berlin
Dresden
Prague
Lednice

Sightseeing Highlights

Vienna: Sightseeing shows us the Hofburg and Imperial Boulevards.
Ljublijana: Sightseeing includes the Opera House, Castle, Cathedral and much more.
Lake Bled: Visit this lake resort.
Zagreb: Sightseeing includes the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, St. Mark's church and Opera House.
Budapest: Sightseeing including the Fishermen's Bastion, a visit to Heroes' Square and views of the Great Synagogue.
Krakow: Sightseeing includes the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill.
Auschwitz: Visit the Concentration Camp.
Jasna Gora: See the 14th century Paulite Monastery with its portrait of Our Lady 'The Black Madonna'.
Warsaw: Sightseeing including the Old Town, Warsaw Ghetto evoking Polanski's 'The Pianist' and the Palace of Culture and Science.
Poznan: See the town known as the 'Cradle of the Polish State'.
Berlin: Sightseeing includes a visit to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, plus views the Reichstag, Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and more.
Dresden: Orientation includes the Zwinger Palace and Cathedral.
Prague: Sightseeing including a visit to St. Vitus' Cathedral and the Old Town Square.
Tabor Visit one-time headquarters of the Hussites.

Dining Highlights

16 Hot Buffet breakfasts
6 three-course dinners.
2 Local highlight restaurant dinners with wine in Budapest and Prague.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Vienna
25 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard
The services of one top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
A qualified local city guide in Vienna, Ljublijana, Zagreb, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin and Prague.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 18 (conditions apply)

Additional Visa Requirements

Visas are required for most Eastern European countries. Please consult your local Embassy to establish the specific requirements for your tour.

Note: No visa can be issued at borders in Europe.

Highlights of Eastern Europe 2010 Optional Excursions

G9 - BERLIN. Berlin By Night & Dinner
Tonight join in the fun of hearty German food, wine, beer and music. Afterwards enjoy the illuminated landmarks of the German Capital.
52 (€)

G35 - BERLIN. Berlin’s Secret Past: Reichstag Dome & the Wall
First we visit the German Parliament Building taking an elevator to its new glass Dome, designed by Norman Foster, which over the past few years, has become the symbol of re-united Berlin. We take a walk inside the Dome to admire its ultra-modern architecture and the views extending over the landmarks on both sides of the former Wall. Then we re-board our coach to stop off at the Holocaust Memoria, the site of Hitler's Bunker, before reaching the famous ‘Wall of Freedom’, the only sizeable part of the Wall still standing – the remnant of Berlin’s ‘Tale of Two cities’.
24 (€)

M1 - BUDAPEST. Danube Cruise with Dinner
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the romantic Danube River followed by a tasty dinner of Hungarian specialities.
52 (€)

P1 - KRAKOW. Wieliczka Salt Mines
Visit the greatest tourist attraction in the south of Poland. The salt mine is over 800 years old. The chambers are filled with absolutely unique salt sculptures recalling famous fairy tales. See the chambers of the good ghost of the mine and the seven dwarfs. Visit the chapel of the last supper and many other biblical scenes. Wonder at the glittering chandeliers of pure crystal salt.
46 (€)

P7 - POLAND. Polish Folklore & Dinner
Poland has a rich culture and famous folk art: enjoy the entertainment of typical music and traditional dance while savouring a 4-course meal of Polish specialities.
51 (€)

C3a - PRAGUE. Prague by Night
An evening introduction to this fairytale city with a local guide. We meander through the old city to the Magical Charles Bridge. Then we enjoy drinks and music in one of the quaint restaurants in the old town.
33 (€)

C9 - PRAGUE. Splendid Interiors
Our private mini-coach takes us through the magical narrow streets and alleys of the city, made famous by the film, Amadeus. We visit the exquisite baroque St. Nicholas Church where the Requiem Mass to commemorate Mozart’s death was performed. We drive past the homes of Nobles frequently used for Mozart’s private concerts and the Churches where his golden fingers would touch the keys of the mighty organs to produce heavenly music. Finally we visit the spectacular Theatre of the Estates, where ‘Don Giovanni’ saw its first performance. When closed we will visit the Art Nouveau 'Municipal House', with its concert hall.
44 (€)

C2 - PRAGUE. Vltava Cruise & Lunch
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the beautiful River Vltava. Lunch is also included.
45 (€)

P3 - WARSAW. Chopin’s Warsaw
The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. This exclusive private recital of his music, performed for you by a celebrated Polish pianist, in the lovely setting of one of Warsaw’s old summer palaces is one of the unforgettable memories of this trip. Champagne will be served during the intermission.
42 (€)

P4 - WARSAW. Wilanow Palace
This splendid baroque palace, as impressive as Versailles, was built in the late 17th century as a summer palace for King Jan Sobieski III. Its collection of royal furniture, portraits and china forms part of the National Museum, and in the palace grounds there’s the Museum of the Polish Poster.
31 (€)
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Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.