The Best of Eastern Europe

Arrive in Vienna at any time.
As your fellow travellers are arriving throughout the day, there are no planned activities until your Group Meeting this evening, so check-in to the hotel (check-in time is approx 3pm) and enjoy the city.
Check the notice boards or ask at reception for the exact time and location of the group meeting, which usually starts between 6 and 7pm.. After the meeting, you may like to head out for a meal at a local restaurant with your group and leader.

This morning we will enjoy a walking tour of the city's beautiful and elegant streets, taking in Vienna's most famous sights. The tour will focus on the Hofburg, residence of the Habsburg family for nearly 650 years and St. Stephen´s Cathedral, the landmark of Vienna. As we discover the sights, you will hear tales of the infamous Habsburgs - such as the story of Sissi and Franz Joseph - their marriages and deaths, and other tales from Vienna's folklore as we discover the Sachertorte coffee houses and of course, the oldest cake shop in the city.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Wander the elegant streets a little more, take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries, pay a visit to the stunning Lippizaner horses of the renowned Vienna Riding School, experience a joyful mass with the Vienna Boys Choir, or just settle yourself on a café terrace, order up a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake and watch the world go by over coffee.

We depart Vienna by local train to our first stop in the Czech Republic, the charming town of Cesky Krumlov.

The city of Krumlov, first referred to in 1253 as "Crhumbenowe", had a mixed population of Czechs and Germans until 1938. Its name comes from an old German term: “krumben ouwe“ (crooked shaped meadow), which later evolved to Krumlov. In the 15th century Cesky (Czech) was added.

The inclusion of Český Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. The act of including the town itself sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer.

After arrival and checking-in to our hotel, we will head out to explore the town.

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hrs

After breakfast, we will set off for a rafting trip (approx. 1-2 hours) on the river that winds right through the centre of Cesky Krumlov - a favorite summer pastime here. Afterwards, you might want to have lunch in one of the many pretty restaurants offering fantastic local cuisine, sitting on a terrace overlooking this fairy-tale medieval town.

The afternoon is yours for exploration: discover the history and architecture of this charming town. Don´t miss the castle, which is one of the largest in central Europe. It is a complex of forty buildings and palaces, situated around five castle courts and a park spanning an area of seven hectares.

Check out the Jewish synagogue built in Nouveau-Romanesque style in 1909 by the local Jewish community, featuring an eight-sided tower with Torah-shaped windows. Enjoy the local architecture, small museums or local galleries and much more....

Today we head to the capital of the Czech Republic – “Golden” Prague - by public bus. Prague is regarded by many as the unspoilt jewel in Europe’s historic crown. As well as the chance to visit all the major sights of the Old Town and Hradcany (the Castle of the Bohemian Kings), we have time to simply soak up the atmosphere of a unique community where every street, ghetto, inn or theatre tells a story.
Just a stone's throw away is Charles Bridge, by day thronged with vendors and street musicians. At night, the bridge is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering. If you can handle the stairs, climbing the hundreds of steps to the famous Prague Castle (known as Hradcany), you'll be rewarded with a glorious view of the city. Like Charles Bridge, the castle is best enjoyed at night, when there is dramatic lighting and few visitors. If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs, which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place to find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine such as fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.

The Prague Ghetto, which includes the Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues is one of the famous areas of Europe where the Jews of the city lived and thrived before WWII and definitely worth a visit.

Prague certainly has no shortage of breathtaking views and the next hill over from the castle, Petrin Hill, offers a less obstructed panorama-style view. If you're not in the mood for hiking uphill, you can always take a cable car all the way to the top. An alternative is an evening watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost, on a warm summer evening.

Estimated travel time Cesky Krumlov to Prague 4 hrs

Exchange city life for the quiet village of Teplice nad Metuji.

We depart Prague by local train (approx. 4 hours), to arrive at Teplice nad Metuji, our base for exploring the bizarre rock formations of this region. After checking-in to our family-run pension and a short lunch break we spend the afternoon hiking through some of the weird and wonderful sandstone pinnacles and canyons. The rock forest only covers a small area but we easily spend the afternoon letting our imaginations run wild....

Estimated Travel Time Prague to Teplice, 4 hrs

Today we leave the Czech Republic and begin our exploration of Poland. We will travel to Oswiecim. This is the site of one of history's most horrific crimes, Auschwitz-Birkenau embodies tragedy, inhumanity and the survival of will. Today the museum stands testament to the inconceivable atrocities of the Second World War, whilst paying tribute to the thousands of lives unjustly taken within.

After the Auschwitz visit we continue to Krakow, our home for the next 2 days.
Krakow is a thriving European city that still retains the old Eastern European charm. Head first to the centre of everything- the Old Town’s Rynek Glowny square, one of the world’s largest medieval squares. You can sit for hours watching the people wander by over the cobblestoned streets. Make time to indulge in the mighty carbohydrate, Poland’s favorite food group. As the birthplace of the bagel you can sample them from vendors in the square or eat your body weight in the most delicious of Polish delicacies, the pierogie. These little ravioli-like pouches filled with all sorts of things, the best being mashed potato, will tempt you to work your way through each variety during your stay. To really eat like a local, get your Tour Leader to take you to a “milk bar” where you can line up with the locals for traditional cheap polish food, cafeteria style! When you awaken from your carb-coma, visit the royal castle perched on the Wawel Hill, providing a great view of the city.

For some of the history that makes Krakow so famous, visit the former Jewish district with its 7 synagogues, which was used as the location for filming the movie Schindler’s List. Three gigantic Gothic churches and more than 800 pubs are huddled in nooks and alleyways where time slows down. This is also a good opportunity to take a day trip to learn more about the history of WWII at the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, sites where some of the worst atrocities were perpetrated during the war.

If you can tear yourself away from the charms of Krakow, make a visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines, located only a short distance away. Here, you will be plunged into a deep underground network of tunnels and chambers some 135m below the surface. The Blessed King's Chapel is a highlight not to be missed, with its elaborate salt chandeliers and carvings.

You may want to end your day embracing Polish social traditions in one of Krakow’s many cellar restaurants and pubs. Dive into the thriving social scene over a few vodkas in one of these cheerful establishments, Zubrowka (Bison Grass Vodka) is a must!!!

Please note that our simple accommodation in Krakow uses shared bathrooms.

Estimated travel time Teplice to Auschwitz 6 hrs
Estimated travel time Auschwitz to Krakow 2 hrs

Today we say goodbye to lovely Krakow and head to the Tatras mountains by train and bus.

We will check-in to our pension and after a bit of relaxation, take a short orientation walk in the village with your tour leader.

The following day, after breakfast will be a free day for you to choose from one of the hiking options for exploring this beautiful mountain range.

Estimated travel time Krakow to the Tatras: 4-5 hours

Our journey through central Europe continues to the capital of Slovakia – Bratislava. We leave High Tatra by local bus to Poprad where we change to a train to continue on to Bratislava.

After lunch you can enjoy an afternoon walking orientation tour of the Bratislava Old Town and spend the rest of the day in this charming and vibrant city full of very good restaurants, bars and clubs.

Goodbye Slovakia, Hello Hungary! We travel by train to the “Queen of the Danube” – Budapest.

Estimated travel time to Bratislava, 6 hrs
Estimated travel time Bratislava to Budapest, 3 hrs

Today we have a morning orientation walk of Budapest
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this beautiful city.
Situated on a beautiful stretch of the Danube, Budapest consists of two parts: Buda and Pest. Buda is the older and more historical part of the city, with old narrow winding streets and medieval buildings. Here you can find Buda’s most ancient sights: the Royal Palace, St. Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill with its old town. You might like to have dinner in a local restaurant on Váci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest.

You are free to depart at anytime today.