Central Europe's Cultural Gems Tour - 11 Days

Welcome to your adventure in Germany's bustling capital, Berlin! Upon your arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Once settled, you will have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace and acclimate to the city's vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, be sure to check the information boards in the hotel reception area for important details regarding the start of your tour. Enjoy your free time as you begin this incredible journey. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Berlin, we dive into the vibrant culture of Germany�s capital with a guided panoramic tour. We�ll explore the historic centre, taking in sights like Museum Island, the impressive Reichstag, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. As we meander through Berlin, we'll pass its bustling shopping streets and enjoy the lush greenery of its parks. The tour includes poignant visits to the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, providing a reflective pause amidst our journey through history. If you wish to explore further, consider an optional excursion to Potsdam, where you can admire its breathtaking palaces.

Today, we journey through captivating landscapes from Berlin to the historic city of Dresden, celebrated for its remarkable architecture and artistic heritage. Take time to explore the city's grand palaces and savour a leisurely lunch at your own pace. Afterward, we�ll continue our adventure by crossing into the Czech Republic, reaching Prague by mid-afternoon. Here, we will embark on a panoramic tour of this enchanting city, showcasing landmarks such as the majestic Castle, the vibrant Town Hall Square, and the renowned Charles Bridge. Our day concludes with an evening transfer to the city centre, where you can visit various traditional breweries and soak up the local atmosphere. Please note that on some occasions, the city tour of Prague may be deferred to Sunday.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Prague, where you are free to explore the city's enchanting streets and hidden gems at your own pace. Should you desire a more structured experience, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Prague's artistic heritage. Dive into the charms of Mala Strana, marvel at the Infant Jesus of Prague, and take in the grandeur of St. Nicholas Church. You may also opt for a relaxing cruise on the Vltava River, followed by a stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter, rich in history and culture.

We begin our day with an early departure from Prague, making our way into the picturesque Moravia region. Here, we�ll visit Lednice, a place of enchanting beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to wander through its exquisite gardens and admire the architectural splendour of its castle. Our journey then takes us through Slovakia before entering Hungary, with a stop in the quaint city of Gy?r, known as the city of four rivers. You'll have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore at your leisure. Continuing on to Budapest, we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon. In the evening, we�ll provide a transfer to the lively pedestrian area, where you can discover traditional Hungarian restaurants, many offering live music for a truly authentic experience.

Today, we'll enjoy a panoramic tour of Budapest, a city beautifully divided by the mighty Danube River. Our exploration covers Buda, with its historic old town, and Pest, renowned for its bustling commercial districts. As we traverse this splendid city, you'll have plenty of opportunity to soak up its unique charm. The afternoon is yours to explore Budapest at your leisure, perhaps venturing into its vibrant streets or relaxing by the river.

We depart early from Budapest and head north through Slovakia, where we'll stop in its charming capital, Bratislava, located alongside the Danube River. You�ll have a chance to wander through the historic centre at the base of the impressive Bratislava Castle. We then continue onto the enchanting medieval town of Trencin in western Slovakia. Known for its striking castle and lively historic centre, Trencin offers a perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch and a bit of exploration. Our journey resumes in the afternoon, taking us through scenic landscapes filled with forests and rolling hills as we make our way to Poland. We�ll arrive in Krakow by the end of the day.

Today, we�ll embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow, the charming capital of Lesser Poland, founded in the 7th century. Its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mesmerises with its medieval allure. Explore the city's enchanting streets and experience the grandeur of the Main Market Square, one of Europe's largest and the bustling heart of Krakow, as well as Wawel Castle Hill, the former residence of Polish kings. Our journey continues to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a quaint town set amidst picturesque landscapes, known for its significant monastery and chapel complex�the "Calvary"�which holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital pilgrimage destination.

We then visit Wadowice, birthplace of Pope John Paul II, where you�ll have time to savour lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, we solemnly visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp from World War II, where over a million lives were tragically lost. Our visit will take us to Birkenau (Camp II), where trains laden with deportees from across Europe arrived. By the end of the day, we�ll reach Warsaw, concluding our poignant day of exploration and remembrance.

In the morning, join our guided panoramic tour of Warsaw, a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. As Poland's bustling political and economic centre, Warsaw offers a unique mix of tradition and innovation. We'll visit the beautifully restored Old Town, with its historic architecture, the Royal Palace, and charming cobbled streets that stand as a testament to the city�s resilience after the devastation of World War II. We'll also see the Palace of Culture, a skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, and learn about the poignant history of what was once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Lazienkowski Park, home to the celebrated Chopin Monument. After some free time for a stroll and lunch, we'll set off around 2:30 p.m. for Pomerania, making our way to Poznan. Known for its lively atmosphere, Poznan offers a vibrant main square that you�ll have time to explore upon arrival.

Leaving Poznan early in the morning, we journey through the expansive landscapes, crossing into Germany. Our destination is Berlin, where we expect to arrive by approximately 11:30 a.m.

As our journey draws to a close, you will depart with a treasure trove of wonderful and enduring memories from your adventure. Please make sure to confirm the timing of your departure flights, as you may require an additional night's accommodation if it's necessary.