Eastern Europe Highlights Journey - 11 Days

Welcome to Munich! This morning, check into your hotel and meet your tour guide to review the itinerary. We will begin with an orientation tour to explore Munich's highlights. A city that masterfully combines tradition with modernity, Munich offers a wealth of cultural attractions alongside cutting-edge industries and high-end shopping, not to mention the renowned BMW headquarters.

To delve deeper into the city's culture, you may choose to join an optional excursion showcasing Munich's top sights. This evening, take the opportunity to connect with your tour leader and fellow travellers over a traditional German dinner in a historic Bavarian restaurant, where you will savour the authentic flavours of Germany.

Today, we embark on an orientation tour of Nuremberg as we make our way to Prague. Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, is renowned for its impressive art, architecture, historic chapels, and traditional beer.

Afterwards, we continue to Prague, a city rich with Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Cubist architecture. As you wander its charming cobbled streets, take the opportunity to explore local bars and hidden courtyards. Enhance your experience by sampling the abundant local beer and appreciating the vibrant art scene.

Later, we'll join a guided tour to deepen our understanding of Prague's captivating history and culture. In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring traditional Czech cuisine at a local eatery.

Today, experience the enchanting allure of Prague at your own pace. To delve deeper into the city's heritage, consider joining the optional Prague+ excursion. On this tour, we will explore the majestic Prague Castle and the picturesque Malá Strana district. We'll also visit the intriguing man-made grotto known as the 'Secret Garden'. Throughout Prague, you'll find a tapestry of history woven into its stunning churches, grand opera houses, vibrant concert halls, and serene parks. You might choose to visit the iconic John Lennon Wall or relax with a drink at a local beerhouse. This evening, we invite you to an unforgettable night featuring traditional Czech music, dance, and cuisine.

Today, we depart from Prague and head towards Krakow, pausing en route for a poignant visit to Auschwitz concentration camp. Here, a guided tour will provide insight into this tragic chapter of European history. After this reflective experience, we continue our journey to Krakow, Poland's historic royal capital. Famed for its remarkable Gothic and Renaissance architecture, as well as an impressive collection of artworks, Krakow promises to captivate. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and later enjoy an included dinner.

Today, immerse yourself in Krakow with a day of discovery. We begin with a guided walking tour, exploring the city's most notable landmarks and delving into their historical and cultural significance. After the tour, you have the freedom to continue exploring at your own pace.

For an alternative adventure, consider an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Middle Ages. Here, you'll descend underground to navigate 2km of tunnels, uncovering chapels, sculptures, and reliefs carved directly into the salt rock walls, alongside subterranean lakes and archaeological exhibits that reveal the area's deep-rooted history.

Today, we explore Banska Bystrica in Slovakia. We will embark on a scenic orientation tour to admire the city's impressive architecture, with some buildings dating back to the Middle Ages.

Next, we journey to Hungary's capital, Budapest, renowned for its charming beauty and diverse architecture, including Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau styles. On arrival, we will take an orientation driving tour, which offers exceptional views of the iconic Houses of Parliament and the scenic riverside vistas.

Take note of places you may wish to explore further during tomorrow's free day. In the evening, savour authentic local cuisine with an included dinner at a charming restaurant.

Today, we're offering you the opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating city of Budapest. You have free time to explore the city's rich tapestry of history and culture at your leisure. Noteworthy are the sites associated with significant events such as WWII and the 1956 uprising.

If you opt for our Budapest+ excursion, you'll visit architectural marvels like St. Stephen’s Basilica and cultural gems such as the Central Market, gaining insight into the city's historic past.

Alternatively, you can unwind with a visit to the famous Szechenyi Baths for our optional baths excursion, immersing yourself in their restorative thermal waters.

This evening, you have the option to join a Danube River cruise. It's a spectacular way to take in Budapest's illuminated skyline.

Today, we set off to explore the splendour of Vienna, with a stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Here, you'll have the opportunity to admire some key sights, including the historic Bratislava Castle, which offers stunning views over the city.

Upon arrival in Vienna, we embark on a guided driving tour, showcasing this unique blend of cultural and historical landmarks set within a vibrant, modern city. As the tour concludes, we'll enjoy a delightful dinner together.

In the evening, you may choose to attend a classical concert at the Schönbrunn Palace Orangery, an iconic venue where Mozart himself once performed. This optional experience promises a memorable night of extraordinary music.

Today, we depart Vienna and head to the captivating city of Ljubljana, with a stop in Graz for an orientation tour. In Graz, discover the architectural charm of this Austrian city, known for its Renaissance and Baroque buildings. Upon our arrival in Ljubljana, we embark on an orientation tour to uncover its rich cultural tapestry. Despite its modest size, Ljubljana brims with history and diverse influences.

Don't miss the stunning Ljubljana Castle, which has watched over the city for centuries. This evening, enjoy free time to explore the city's vibrant streets or opt for an evening excursion to savour Slovenian cuisine and immerse yourself in local culture.

As we bid farewell to Ljubljana, we set off towards our final destination: Munich. On the way, we pause at the stunning Lake Bled, where you'll have the chance to capture breathtaking photos and perhaps indulge in a slice of the renowned Bled Cream Cake.

Our next stop takes us to the enchanting city of Salzburg, Austria. With its storybook landscapes, remarkable architecture, and a cliff-top fortress, Salzburg offers a glimpse into its rich history. Known as the birthplace of Mozart and the backdrop for The Sound of Music, it's a city with a harmonious blend of culture and natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Munich, your evening is free to explore at your leisure. Consider gathering with the group for a final dinner to commemorate our journey.

After 11 thrilling days exploring Eastern Europe, our tour concludes today. Over breakfast, take the opportunity to exchange contact details with your new friends to stay in touch. We wish you a safe and fulfilling onward journey!