Highlights of Eastern Europe

18 Days
Featuring: Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Germany and Czech Republic

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Day 1  Depart USA Overnight flight to Vienna.

Day 2  Arrive Vienna You are met at Vienna airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in we learn about the Hapsburg dynasties and their enormous Empire on our afternoon sightseeing tour. Later, we will enjoy a welcome drink with our Tour Director.

Day 3  Vienna - Ljublijana This morning we head for the Karawanken mountains and over the Loiblpass into the green hills of Slovenia. Soon we arrive at the Slovenian capital, Ljublijana where our sightseeing tour highlights the Opera House, Cathedral, National Museum, Castle and the numerous parks of this Roman founded city. Dinner is at our hotel this evening. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 4  Ljublijana - Lake Bled This morning, don't miss the chance to visit the world-famous Lipizza Stud Farm and the awe-inspiring Postojna Caves. Then time for last-minute shopping at Ljublijana's colourful open-air market before our short drive to the charming resort of Lake Bled. Later, why not enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake shoes before dinner at the hotel tonight?
(Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 5  Lake Bled - Zagreb (2nights) 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, Archbishop's Palace, St. Mark's Church, the Opera House and more!
(Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

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/ Dinner)

Day 7  Zagreb - Budapest (2nights) Today we cross the border into Hungary pausing on the shores of Lake Balaton. From here we continue to the twin towns of Buda and Pest. Tonight, we will enjoy an included Hungarian dinner, accompanied by local musicians.
(Buffet Breakfast/ Restaurant dinner in Budapest)

Day 8  Budapest sightseeing & at leisure After breakfast our morning sightseeing with a local guide includes stunning views from the Fishermen's Bastion over the Danube and Parliament, we also view the Great Synagogue and visit Heroes' Square. Tonight, don't miss the chance of an illuminated dinner cruise along the Danube!
(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 9  Budapest - Slovakia - Krakow (2nights) This morning we drive to the Slovakian border and on to Poland and the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. Soon we are in Krakow. Tonight, we enjoy an included speciality dinner accompanied by the music of violins.
(Buffet Breakfast/ Restaurant dinner in Krakow)

Day 10  Krakow sightseeing & at leisure The castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, plus a stroll through the Old Town to visit the Cloth Hall and the Mariacki Church all feature on our morning sightseeing. This afternoon, a visit to the Wieliczka salt mine is a must! Tonight, why not enjoy a Polish Polka Party? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 11  Krakow - Auschwitz - Czestochowa - Warsaw (2nights) 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. 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, on to Warsaw for our two-nights stay. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 12  Warsaw sightseeing and at leisure Today's morning sightseeing includes a visit to the Old Town, the site of the Warsaw ghetto, seeing the sites evoked in Polanski's 'The Pianist', and views the Palace of Culture and Science. Later, don't miss a trip to the Wilanow Palace, the residence of Polish King Sobeiski - Victor of Vienna. Tonight after dinner at our hotel, why not attend a Chopin recital? (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

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

Day 14  Berlin sightseeing & 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 the day is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 15  Berlin - Dresden - Prague (2nights) Our morning drive takes us through the Spreewald forest to 'Florence on the Elbe', beautiful Dresden. Here an orientation includes the Saxon Wall, Semper Opera and 18th century Cathedral. Next we cross into the Czech Republic. From here we make our way to the astonishing city of Prague for our two-night stay. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 16  Prague sightseeing and at leisure Our sightseeing tour of this golden University city features Hradçany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Astronomical clock, St. Charles' Bridge and the Old Town Square. Then time at leisure perhaps to enjoy a lunch cruise on the Vltava River. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. (Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 17  Prague - Lednice - Vienna This morning we drive via Brno and Southern Moravia to visit the gardens of the castle of Lednice, one time home of the Liechtenstein family. From here it's a short drive back into Austria and Imperial Vienna. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 18  Vienna - USA We transfer you to the airport for our return flight to America with memories of a vacation you will never forget! (Buffet Breakfast)

Additional Visa Requirements
Visas may be required for EASTERN EUROPE and can be obtained by your Travel Agent for a fee, prior to leaving home. Note: that separate visas are needed for the Slovak Republic and Czech Republic. No Visa can be issued at borders in Europe.