Magical Journey Through Central Europe - 9 Days

Welcome to your tour! Upon your arrival in Prague, we will provide transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, you’ll find detailed information about the start of your journey displayed on boards in the hotel reception area. 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.

Today, we’ll embark on a panoramic tour of Prague with a knowledgeable local guide, showcasing why this city is hailed as one of Europe’s finest. We’ll explore iconic sights such as Prague Castle, the historic Town Hall Square, and the captivating Charles Bridge. Following the tour, you’ll have some leisure time to roam the vibrant city centre and enjoy lunch at your own pace.

As evening approaches, we’ll take you to the historic centre at 7:00 p.m., where you’ll find a variety of traditional breweries and superb dining options. Embrace the lively nightlife atmosphere and soak in the fascinating surroundings as you conclude your day in the heart of this enchanting city.

On the third day of our journey, we set off early from Prague, travelling to the picturesque region of Moravia. Our destination is Lednice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning castle and beautiful gardens. There will be ample time to explore this splendid setting. Moving on, we cross into Slovakia, making our way to Hungary, where we pause in the charming city of Gyor, often referred to as the city of four rivers. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll. Our travels continue to the vibrant city of Budapest, where we'll arrive by mid-afternoon. In the evening, we include a transfer to a lively pedestrian area, perfect for discovering traditional restaurants, many offering delightful live music.

Today, we take you on a panoramic exploration of Budapest, a city gracefully divided by the Danube River. We'll delve into the historic allure of Buda with its charming old town, as well as the vibrant commercial hub of Pest. You'll have the opportunity to soak in the city's rich atmosphere and capture the essence of its unique appeal. The afternoon is yours to discover the city's wonders at your own pace, whether it's a leisurely walk along the riverbank or sampling some of Budapest's culinary delights.

On the fifth day, we set off from Budapest early in the morning, travelling through Slovakia where our first stop is Bratislava, the capital city. Here, you can take a leisurely walk through its picturesque historic centre, beautifully situated at the base of a formidable castle by the Danube. We then journey onwards to Trencin, a lovely medieval town in western Slovakia. Known for its majestic castle and lively historic core, it's a perfect spot to explore and have lunch. Later in the afternoon, our route takes us through scenic landscapes of forests and rolling hills as we proceed to Poland. By the end of the day, we will have arrived in Krakow, concluding a day filled with exploration and discovery.

This morning, we'll embark on a guided panoramic tour of Krakow, a city founded in the seventh century and the capital of Lesser Poland. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with charming medieval streets that we'll explore. Among the sights are the impressive Market Square, one of Europe's largest and a vibrant city hub, and Wawel Hill, crowned by the historic Wawel Castle, once home to Polish royalty. In the afternoon, you're free to explore or perhaps join an optional excursion to the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can marvel at the intricate carved galleries, subterranean churches, and a network of over 300 km of tunnels. We'll round off the day with a traditional local meal, offering a taste of Krakow's culinary heritage.

After breakfast, we will depart for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a small town nestled in picturesque surroundings, renowned for its monastery and chapel complex, known as the “Calvary” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage destination. Our next brief stop will be at the wooden church in Barwald Dolny, before continuing to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla, more widely known as Pope John Paul II. Here, you can choose to visit either his museum house or the basilica where he was baptised, with time to stroll the area and enjoy lunch.

Following this, we’ll visit Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp where over a million people lost their lives during World War II. Now preserved as a memorial and museum, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our visit will include discovering Birkenau, the camp's site where trains from all over Europe arrived.

On our journey to Katowice, we will visit the Nikiszowiec neighbourhood, noted for its distinctive early 20th-century architecture, originally built for miners and their families. This vibrant community area is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. In Katowice – the capital of Silesia and a major financial centre – you’ll have free time to explore the city’s modern offerings before we settle for the night in Katowice.

Today, we journey from Katowice to Opole, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee in this vibrant town famed for its well-preserved old centre and renowned National Festival of Polish Song. We'll then proceed to the Village Museum—entry included—an enlightening open-air museum that vividly depicts rural Polish life in the late 19th century, showcasing traditional wooden architecture with elements such as mills, a church, and farms.

Our travels continue to Wroclaw, a city with a rich tapestry of Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influences, established in the 10th century and serving as the capital of Lower Silesia. Wroclaw's old town, meticulously restored after World War II, boasts one of Poland's most stunning squares, offering the perfect setting for lunch and a leisurely exploration. In the afternoon, we will cross into the Czech Republic, reaching Prague by evening to prepare for an evening of relaxation or exploration.

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to your journey, taking with you cherished memories of the experiences and destinations you've encountered.