DAY 1

Arrive Vienna
Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launch pad to a grand adventure through the highlights of Eastern Europe. After checking in, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing walking tour of Old Vienna, revealing insights into the Habsburg dynasty, once one of the most influential royal houses of Europe. Admire the Hofburg Palace, Imperial Boulevards, Am Hof Square and the beloved St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its colourful tiled roof. This evening, we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to kick off our exciting holiday.
Hotel: Hilton Danube Waterfront
Meal: Welcome Reception

DAY 2

Vienna – Lake Bled (2 Nights)
We cross the Loibl Pass in the Karawanken Mountains and into the lush green hills of Slovenia. Arrive later in Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. During your free time, you could consider taking a boat trip on its crystal clear waters to admire the castle, which clings dramatically to a cliff rising up from the lake’s edge. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Hotel: Park
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 3

Lake Bled Free Day
Spend the day on your own, up the romantic atmosphere of this Alpine lake setting. Perhaps visit the ruins on Bled Island, navigate the lake’s tranquil waters from a canoe, or consider joining an Optional Experience to the extensive maze of underground caves at Postojna.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 4

Lake Bled – Ljubljana – Zagreb (2 Nights)
We leave the emerald waters of Bled behind and arrive in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, where we will join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see its Opera House, Cathedral, National Museum, Three Bridges Square and Castle. We cross into Croatia and travel to its capital, Zagreb – our home for the next two nights. You’ll have a free evening to spend as you wish. Consider heading to Tkalčićeva Street to indulge in the flavours of traditional fruit brandy.
Hotel: Westin
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 5

Zagreb Sightseeing and Free Time
Explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb’s scenic cityscape, to this day lit by gas lamps. Join a Local Specialist who will share the landmarks of the city’s lower and upper town, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Opera House and St. Mark’s Church, with its exquisitely coloured roof. Spend the rest of the day on your own, paying homage to the patron saint of Zagreb at its Stone Gate, or enjoying the city views from Strossmartre.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 6

Zagreb – Lake Balaton – Budapest (2 Nights)
Crossing the border into Hungary, we enjoy a photo stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and affectionately known by locals as the ‘Hungarian Sea’. We continue to the romantic capital of Budapest – our home for the next two nights. Sail along the Danube on a scenic river cruise, enjoy an evening of Hungarian wine tasting or relax in the healing waters of the Szecheyni Spa Bath as the sun sets.
Hotel: Danubius Margitsziget
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 7

Budapest Sightseeing and Free Time
Today, we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the Castle district to admire picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman’s Bastion with its towers representing the seven Magyar tribes who formed the Hungarian nation. See the imposing Parliament and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Later we meet the Schieszl family and ‘Connect With Locals’ over a Be My Guest dinner.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Dinner with wine

DAY 8

Budapest – Slovakia – Kraków (2 Nights)
The exquisite natural landscape of Slovakia provides a scenic backdrop for our journey to Poland, past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We arrive in the enchanting city of Kraków where we enjoy time at leisure. Consider an evening of lively Polish entertainment with dinner, or perhaps visit a traditional Polish Wodka Bar.
Hotel: Qubus
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 9

Kraków Sightseeing and Free Time
A leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków this morning with our Local Specialist will include such highlights as the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. We continue through the Old Town with a visit to the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the Mariacki Church. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own or consider visiting a traditional milk bar. Enjoy a slice of Polish Sernik Babci in the Old Town Square or join an Optional Experience to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where underground chambers are hewn out of rock salt. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 10

Kraków – Auschwitz – Czestochowa – Warsaw (2 Nights)
Our journey this morning takes us to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust. Travelling to Jasna Gora Monastery, we rub shoulders with Catholic pilgrims, who have journeyed to the famous shrine for centuries to see the iconic Black Madonna of Czestochowa. This evening, we arrive in the elegant Polish capital of Warsaw, where we will dine tonight at our hotel.
Hotel: Leonardo Royal
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 11

Warsaw Sightseeing and Free Time
Connect with the youthful energy of Warsaw, a city that has triumphed over the tragedy of war and the shackles of communism. This morning, we join a Local Specialist visiting the Old Town, which the Nazis destroyed to retaliate against the Warsaw Uprising. You’ll also see the site of the Warsaw Ghetto, immortalised in the Roman Polanski film – The Pianist. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights on your own – visit the 14th-century Royal Castle or celebrate the talents of Chopin during a private recital of Chopin’s of his works.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 12

Warsaw – Poznań – Berlin (2 Nights)
Cross Poland’s patchwork countryside to Poznań – its Old Town Square a riot of colourful façades, rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. View the Renaissance town hall and see the city’s impressive Gothic churches. Continue west into Germany and arrive in Berlin, a capital city with enviable youthful verve and charisma.
Hotel: Hampton by Hilton City Centre Alexanderplatz
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 13

Berlin Sightseeing and Free Time
Ascend an icon of reunification this morning as you ‘Dive Into Culture’ and witness spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Then join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the city’s great landmarks, including the Neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building, lovingly restored after it fell into disuse after World War II. Spend the afternoon people-watching on Friederichstrasse with an Fassbrause or join an Optional Experience to discover Berlin’s turbulent past.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 14

Berlin – Dresden – Prague (2 Nights)
Travel through the Spreewald Forest to Dresden – its iconic domes and spires almost entirely rebuilt after the Allied Forces left their deep scars on the city during World War II. Hear about its restoration during your orientation tour as you stroll through its streets to see the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. We leave Germany behind and travel to the Czech Republic, arriving later in glorious Prague, straddling the mighty Vltava. Spend your evening savouring hearty Czech flavours during a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Vienna House Andels
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Regional Meal

DAY 15

Prague Sightseeing and Free Time
Explore exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades as you ramble through the ancient streets of Prague with your Local Specialist who will share insights into the city’s centuries-old history. Marvel at Prague Castle, the 14th-century Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, with its Astronomical Clock and hourly Walk of the Apostles. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, then enjoy the rest of the day free to explore or relax. Perhaps indulge in the delicious chocolate flavours of Trdelník in the Old Town Square, admire the from Petrin Hill or consider a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

DAY 16

Prague – Tábor – Vienna
Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of Southern Bohemia, stopping in Tábor, once a Hussite stronghold. Later, we travel to the imperial city of Vienna, where we’ll enjoy a final Farewell Dinner together with our fellow travellers and Travel Director.
Hotel: Hilton Danube Waterfront
Meal: Buffet Breakfast,Farewell Dinner

DAY 17

Depart Vienna
Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic adventure together through Eastern Europe. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal: Buffet Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights

• CITY TOUR in Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Kraków, Warsaw, Berlin and Prague
• ORIENTATION of Dresden
• VISIT Lake Bled in Slovenia, Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest, the concentration camp at Auschwitz, Jasna Gora Monastery, Poznań in Poland, Berlin TV Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague and Tábor
• VIEW Lake Balaton

Dining Highlights

• 16 hot buffet breakfasts
• 8 dinners (including Be My Guest)

First class travel Highlights

• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Hand-picked Trip Highlights
• Optional Experiences and free time
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• VIP entry to many sights