Highlights of Eastern Europe 2027 - 15 Days

Our tour starts today in Krakow, Poland's capital until 1956. Thanks to its medieval core and old Jewish quarter, the city has gained a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, we have two nights here to uncover its rich history. Krakow's historic architecture survived World War II unscathed, unlike most other Polish cities, and its culture has been preserved to the present day. It was the residence of Polish kings and has nearly one hundred churches, as well as the country's oldest university. Among its most important architectural treasures are Saint Mary's Church, which contains the world-famous altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, the medieval buildings of the Jagiellonian University and Wawel Castle and Cathedral. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Krakow at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport (KRK), which is around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. In the city centre of Krakow, you can find numerous Polish restaurants - 'pierogi' (Polish dumplings) are a must-try. There are also plenty of bars selling local beers and of course a wide range of vodkas, too. If you're looking for local hot spots, try Chmiel, which is a basement bar beneath the forecourt of Wawel Castle, C.K. Browar, which is a popular micro-brewery or Starka Restaurant and Vodkas where you can try out an array of homemade flavoured vodkas. There is a lot to see and do in Krakow; if you can spare the time, we suggest arriving a day early to make the most of this fascinating city (especially if you plan to take the optional excursion to Auschwitz or Wieliczka Salt Mine tomorrow). Alternatively, you could consider combining this holiday with our Budapest to Prague Adventure (trip code: CZ) to make a two-week adventure through Eastern Europe.

This morning our tour leader will take us on a short orientation walk around the city's stunning Old Quarter to help us get our bearings. The rest of today is then free for you to explore Krakow and its surroundings. The Jewish Kazimierz district, the setting for the film Schindler's List, has many points of interest, including the Old Synagogue and the Museum of Jewish Life. Further afield, you might like to make an excursion to Oswiecim, the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, which is a haunting reminder of the terrible atrocities that took place here during World War II. Alternatively, it's possible to visit the Royal Castle, perched high on Wawel Hill, which overlooks both the Old Quarter and the Vistula River. Constructed in Renaissance style, the castle houses exquisite treasures collected through the ages by Polish monarchs. Next to the castle is Wawel Cathedral, which is the final resting place of the Polish Kings. Another option is to visit the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mines, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mines go as deep as 300 metres underground and inside them you'll see a 400-year-old chapel, a subterranean salt lake and chambers large enough to hold the Eiffel Tower! The Chapel of Saint Kinga is the mine's most spectacular feature. Please note, there are 350 steps down into the mine at the beginning of the tour and then a further 450 on the route. The temperature underground can be much cooler than on the surface, so be sure to bring a jumper. Unfortunately, there's only time today to visit either Auschwitz or the Wieliczka salt mine. If you'd like to see both, you can always extend your stay in Krakow pre-tour. Please see the Optional Activities section of our trip notes about pre-booking the optional excursion to Auschwitz prior to travel. This excursion books up quickly so it is important to book this at least one week in advance of your arrival.

This morning, we'll leave Krakow behind us and head out for an inflatable rafting trip on the Dunajec River, heading to a point close to the Polish border near Lesnica. It's a chance to get active and likely get wet, as well as enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Remember to bring a change of clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting wet and a towel with you today. The river has been a famous attraction since the middle of the 19th century when tourists came here to cruise on log-built rafts. We'll meander along the bottom of the spectacular canyon that bears the river's name, passing a landscape of towering limestone cliffs, blanketed in lush forests of fir, beech, larch and spruce. The gorge in Pieniny National Park is particularly noteworthy for its diverse collection of wildlife including lynx, wolf and stag that can often be spotted on its slopes. Birdlife includes some 14 species of bats as well as eagles, pygmy owls, three-toed woodpeckers and rare black storks that can be spotted along the river's edge. Later in the day, we'll visit Spis Castle. Sat on a hilltop above the town of Spisske, it was once home to the Hungarian kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins show both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Finally, we'll continue by bus to Tatranska Lomnica in the High Tatra Mountains, one of the most scenic regions of Slovakia. Snow-capped for most of the year, the compact High Tatra range is sliced by beautiful valleys and lakes. An ideal region for winter sports, in summer the network of well-marked trails is a hiker's delight.

Today, we travel by local train to Starý Smokovec, before taking the funicular to Hrebienok at 1,285 metres/4,216 feet above sea level. From Hrebienok, we begin a scenic circular walk through the forests of the Tatras towards the region's oldest mountain hut. The trail passes a series of beautiful waterfalls and cascades, connected by charming wooden footbridges. As the path climbs gradually through the forest, several viewpoints provide opportunities to enjoy the surrounding mountain landscapes. A highlight of today's excursion is Rainerova Chata, the oldest mountain hut in the Tatras, where there will be time to relax, enjoy lunch, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional alpine refuge. Today's hike is 4.2 kilometres /2.6 miles and is expected to take around 1 hour 20 minutes. The walk is graded easy, with a total ascent and descent of 162 metres / 531 feet. The terrain is generally well-maintained, consisting of a mixture of gravel and forest paths, with paved sections near the waterfalls, and wooden boardwalks and bridges. Suitable for most walkers with a reasonable level of mobility.

This morning, we'll travel by private bus to Spis Castle. Sat on a hilltop above the town of Spisske, it was once home to the Hungarian kings and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins show both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. We'll continue by bus to Kosice, Slovakia's second-largest city and the cultural heart of eastern Slovakia. Known for its beautifully preserved medieval old town. Our tour leader will take us on an orientation tour where you'll see St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the largest church in Slovakia, along historic buildings, cafés and fountains. After lunch, we'll cross the border into Hungary and continue to Tokaj, our destination for the day. The Tokaj Wine Region Historic Cultural Landscape has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, celebrating centuries of winemaking tradition. En route to our hotel, we'll stop to enjoy a wine tasting and discover the flavours that have made the region famous.

After breakfast, we will make our way to the small village of Tard. This traditional village is celebrated for its rich Matyo folk heritage. The Matyo embroidery , is recognised by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. We'll be welcomed by the women of the Matyo community of Tard. They will share with us their food, traditions and show us their unique craftmanship. You will have the opportunity give a go to embroidery. We'll resume our journey to Budapest by private bus. We'll arrive in Hungary's capital late in the afternoon.

Situated on a beautiful stretch of the Danube River, Hungary's capital consists of two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda is the older, more graceful part, with cobbled streets and medieval buildings, whilst Pest is the modern business centre. Using local transport, this morning we'll take a guided walking tour to see the major sites of this impressive city. Our walk will include the Basilica of Saint Stephen and the Parliament buildings before we cross the Chain Bridge to the Castle District and Watertown. Here, we'll stop to see Buda's most ancient gems - Castle Hill with the Old Town, Fisherman's Bastion and the Royal Palace. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might like to relax in one of the famous historic thermal baths, fed by natural hot springs, or take a boat cruise on the Danube. Another recommended attraction is Szentendre; an artist's town with a Serb minority located on the bank of the river, which can be reached by train or bus.

Today is free for you to explore more of the Hungarian capital. You might like to take the funicular up to the castle and wander around the grounds. Whilst on the Buda side of the river, you could also stop by the Fisherman's Bastion again to get a shot of the parliament building from across the water.

Over on the Pest side of the city, there are so many restaurants to try out - Langos is a delicious local fast food dish, it's a deep-fried flatbread usually topped with sour cream and cheese. Chimney cake is also popular and you'll find stalls all around the city selling it.

This morning, we'll say goodbye to Budapest and travel by private coach to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The journey takes approximately three hours, although occasional delays may be experienced at the border crossing. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of this compact and historic city. Once known as Pressburg and formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, Bratislava has a rich and fascinating past shaped by centuries of royal influence and conflict. Our walk will take us through the charming Old Town, a maze of medieval streets and attractive squares. Along the way, we'll see some of Bratislava's most important landmarks, including Michael's Gate, the city's last remaining medieval entrance, the elegant Main Square, and St. Martin's Cathedral, where many Hungarian kings and queens were crowned. Following the tour, there will be free time to explore at your own pace. You may wish to continue discovering the city's historic sights, browse the local shops, or simply relax in one of Bratislava's many welcoming cafés and trendy bistros. In the late afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Vienna, Austria's elegant capital. Just a short drive from Bratislava, we expect to reach the city within around an hour and a half. Renowned for its imperial architecture, grand boulevards and rich musical heritage, Vienna will be our base for the next two nights.

Today we'll meet our local guide for a walking tour of Vienna, we'll be introduced to the city's rich imperial heritage. During our walk, we'll pass many of Vienna's most famous landmarks, including Karlsplatz, Heroes' Square (Heldenplatz), the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Palace Complex, the Imperial Treasury, the Austrian National Library, the renowned Spanish Riding School, Vienna's historic residential quarters, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the grand Vienna State Opera. While there won't be time to visit the interiors of these attractions during the guided walk, the tour provides an excellent overview of the city and its history. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore independently and revisit any of the sights that interest you most. For those with a sweet tooth, Vienna offers some irresistible culinary treats. Be sure to try a slice of the famous Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam, or indulge in Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Austrian dessert of light, shredded pancakes dusted with icing sugar and often served with fruit compote. These beloved local specialties are the perfect way to experience Vienna's celebrated café culture.

Today we travel by private coach to the charming South Moravian town of Mikulov, a destination renowned for its rich history, picturesque architecture and long-standing wine-making traditions. Nestled in the heart of one of the Czech Republic's most important wine regions, Mikulov is surrounded by vineyards, scenic walking paths and family-run wine cellars that reflect the area's deep connection to viticulture. En route, we'll visit the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest designed landscapes in Europe. Here, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful parklands surrounding Chateau Lednice, admiring its elegant architecture, ornamental gardens and tranquil setting. In the afternoon, we'll experience one of the region's highlights with a tasting of local wines, offering an opportunity to discover the distinctive flavours of South Moravia. We will then round off the day with a walking tour of Mikulov's historic old town, where centuries of history can be seen in its colourful streets, atmospheric squares and impressive landmarks, all overlooked by the town's striking hilltop castle.

This morning we will explore the renowned cemetery in Mikulov, where generations of local Jews, including several notable historical figures, are laid to rest. Spanning nearly two hectares, the Jewish cemetery in Mikulov is one of the most significant in South Moravia. It features around 4,000 tombstones and the oldest dates back to 1605. In the afternoon, you will be free to delve into Mikulov. Why not visit Mikulov castle, described as being one of the most picturesque castles in Moravia. The castle's garden ranks among the largest of its kind in the Czech Republic. Or, ascend one of the Czech Republic's most ancient shrines. Holy Hill is a striking natural landmark overlooking Mikulov. The climb is well worth the effort-at the top, you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding landscape, beautifully patterned with rows of vineyards.

The final destination of our Eastern European tour is Prague, the capital city of Czechia. We have a slightly longer train journey ahead of us (four-and-a-half hours total) including one connecting train. Twelve centuries have adorned Prague with a labyrinth of old streets, wonderful palaces and photogenic bridges. We'll enjoy a guided city tour to take in some of the main highlights including the Old Town Square and City Hall, set amid antique houses and arcades. Other sites include the Astronomical Clock, Powder Tower and Prague Ghetto, which includes the Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues. We'll also see Charles Bridge, the most handsome bridge over the Vltava River and the area of Hradcany which contains the castle of the Bohemian Kings.

Today, you're free to enjoy Prague at your own pace. You might like to catch the train to the 700-year-old Konopiste Castle. The castle was once owned by Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered the start of World War I. Another option is to take a boat trip on the Vltava River. There are also many classical music concerts on offer and if the timing is right, you might be lucky enough to see a performance in one of the old atmospheric churches. Alternatively, you could visit the Bunker Museum, where a range of Cold War relics are on display from an age when paranoia and spying was at an all-time high - interestingly, this museum is housed in a former communist bunker underneath the city. Finish up your day with a hearty meal at one of Prague's traditional restaurants, serving up steaming goulash and dumplings and, of course, local beer.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Prague. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Prague at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Prague Airport (PRG).