Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow & Warsaw Your journey to Central and Eastern Europe includes the "Golden City" of Prague in the Czech Republic where you'll enjoy a panoramic tour through the city, highlighting the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Stroll across Charles Bridge, where the silhouettes of the statues lining the 6-centuries-old crown jewel of Czech heritage hover like ghosts, en route to the narrow winding streets of Old Town Square. The trip recalls the route taken by the carriages of the Bohemian kings, while today it is lined with quirky galleries, shops, and cafes. In Vienna, Austria, a city tour showcases architectural marvels like the gothic St. Stephan's Cathedral and the lavish Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Budapest, Hungary, your home for two nights is often referred to as "the Paris of eastern Europe." Your tour includes visits to many famous sites like Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill. In Poland, the lively city of Krakow includes a tour highlighting Wawel Castle and Market Square, as well as a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, in operation since the 13th century. A moving visit to the former concentration camp of Auschwitz is followed by a visit to the hallowed shrine of the Jasna Gora Monastery where you will see the Black Madonna, a sacred icon. Your trip concludes in Warsaw where you will be entertained with local fare and folklore.
Day 1: Overnight Flight Your journey of Central and Eastern Europe begins with an overnight flight to Germany. Day 2: Arrive Berlin, Germany Arrive today in Berlin. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner. (D) Day 3: Berlin - Potsdam - Berlin Begin the day with a trip to Potsdam where you will see the impressive Sans Souci Palace*. *Return to Berlin for a comprehensive tour featuring Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfuerstendam and the Reichstag Building.* You will then pass through the area which was once “Check Point Charlie,” and see what remains of the Berlin Wall. (B) Day 4: Berlin - Prague, Czech Republic *LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals.* Depart Berlin for the “Golden City” of Prague. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit the Old Jewish Quarter*, its historic cemetery and museum. (B, D) Day 5: Prague Your introduction to this fairy tale city begins with a visit to the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the old town, showcasing the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian Crystal, or visit one of the city’s many fine museums. (B) Day 6: Prague - Vienna, Austria Leaving the Czech Republic you arrive in colourful and vibrant Vienna, Austria, the “musical city.” Tonight’s dinner is in one of Vienna’s great local restaurants. (B, D) Day 7: Vienna *A tour of the city showcases some of its architectural marvels, including the magnificent St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the lavish Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.* The remainder of the day is yours to experience all that Vienna has to offer. This evening you may choose to enjoy an optional dinner, followed by classical music performed at the Schoenbrunn Palace Orangerie. (B) Day 8: Vienna - Budapest, Hungary Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque Hungarian countryside en route to historic Budapest. You will discover Budapest is divided by the Danube with the historic Buda on one side and the cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite side. (B, D) Day 9: Budapest The beautiful city of Budapest is often referred to as “the Paris of Eastern Europe.” *Today, a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fishermen's Bastion, Mathias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill.* A special stop is made at Heroes Square, a unique monument where you will learn about the many diverse leaders of Hungary. Later, you will have some free time to explore Budapest on your own. (B) Day 10: Budapest - Slovakia - Krakow, Poland Enjoy a scenic drive along the Low Tatra mountain range of Slovakia en route to Poland. Your home for the next two nights is the lively city of Krakow, which still offers an old world charm. (B, D) Day 11: Krakow A city tour of Krakow’s historic Old Town features Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, the University and Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. *Later, join a former miner in exploring the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mines.* Operating since the 13th century, these spectacular mines offer a maze of unique rooms, tunnels, chapels and salt statues, and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B) Day 12: Krakow - Auschwitz - Czestochowa - Warsaw *A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp of Auschwitz.* See first hand the various prison cells and learn the history of the prison and many of the hardships that occurred within those walls. Next, travel north to the spiritual centre of Poland and the hallowed shrine of the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa. One of the monastery’s own clergy conducts an enriching tour of Jasna Gora and the famous Black Madonna, a sacred icon. The Black Madonna is world-renowned with more than 5 million pilgrims flocking to Czestochowa yearly to pay their respects. Later this afternoon you will arrive in the capital city of Warsaw. (B) Day 13: Warsaw The moving history of Warsaw, both joyous and tragic, is yours to embrace as you embark on a special city tour of this capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. (B, D) Day 14: Warsaw - Depart for Home (B) |
 
On some dates alternate hotels may be used
*Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include hotel transfers. Air rates include inter-air. Taxes and fuel surcharge extra. Air rates and availability are subject to change until paid in full. Air rates vary by departure and season. Call for other rates and gateways. COLLETTE
EXPERIENCES
*Explore the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mines operating since the 13th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. *Visit the Jasna Gora monastery with one of its clergy to witness the world-famous Black Madonna. |