Central European Capitals and Culture Adventure

Welcome to your journey in Prague, an enchanting city renowned for its rich history and captivating architecture. Upon arrival, we'll provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel where you can relax and enjoy some leisure time. This will be your chance to begin exploring the vibrant city at your own pace, whether that means strolling along the charming streets or simply unwinding in a caf. In the afternoon, you'll find important information about the official start of your tour displayed on the boards at the hotel reception. 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 the second day of your journey in Prague, we will embark on a panoramic tour led by a local guide, exploring one of Europe's most exquisite cities. Our itinerary includes the iconic Prague Castle, the bustling Town Hall Square, and the magnificent Charles Bridge, each a testament to the city's rich heritage. After soaking in the sights, you'll have the afternoon free to meander through the vibrant city centre, allowing you to discover charming streets and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Please note, if our group is small, the city tour may be part of a shared service with other travellers.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Prague, soaking in the city's rich atmosphere at your own pace. Take this opportunity to further explore any sights you might have missed or simply relax at a charming caf as you watch the world go by. After lunch, around 3 p.m., we'll leave the enchanting streets of Prague behind and journey to the Moravian region. Our destination is Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, celebrated for its modernist architecture and dynamic cultural life. On arrival, we'll have time to explore the energetic city centre, where you'll find impressive landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. This stroll offers a perfect glimpse into Brno's vibrant spirit and historical charm.

We set off early from Brno to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, nestled along the Danube River. Here, its beautifully preserved historic centre awaits your exploration, offering picturesque streets perfect for a leisurely walk. Once you've soaked in the charm of Bratislava, we journey onward to Trencin, a small medieval town in western Slovakia brimming with history. Known for its impressive castle and lively centre, you'll have time to wander through its streets and enjoy lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, we continue our scenic route through captivating landscapes of forests and rolling hills as we make our way to Poland. We will arrive in Krakow by the end of the day, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.

This morning, we will embark on a guided panoramic tour of Krakow, a city with roots stretching back to the seventh century. As the capital of Lesser Poland, Krakow's historic Old Town has earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our exploration will take us along charming medieval streets, through the expansive Market Square one of Europes largest and truly the heart of the city and up to Wawel Hill, where Wawel Castle stands as a former royal residence. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Krakow further at your own pace. Should you wish, you may join an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO-listed site, renowned for its intricate carved galleries and subterranean chapels spanning over 300 km of tunnels. To cap off our day, we will savour a traditional local dinner.

Following breakfast, we will set off for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a picturesque town renowned for its monastery and chapel complex, collectively known as the "Calvary" a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage destination. Our journey will then take us to Barwald Dolny, where we will briefly visit its charming wooden church. Next, we'll continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla, later known as Pope John Paul II. Here, you can choose to explore either his museum house or the basilica where he was baptised, with time to enjoy a leisurely walk and lunch.Our afternoon will be spent at Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp that stands as a poignant memorial and museum today. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will explore Birkenau, the notorious site where trains from across Europe arrived. On our route to Katowice, we will make a stop at the Nikiszowiec neighbourhood. This area, known for its unique architectural style and vibrant community life, was built in the early 20th century to house coal miners and is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon reaching Katowice, the dynamic capital of Silesia, you'll have free time to explore this modern city. We'll spend the night in Katowice.

We set off for Opole, a vibrant small town celebrated for its well-preserved old town and renowned National Festival of Polish Song. Here, you'll have some time to enjoy a coffee and soak in the lively atmosphere. Afterwards, we will visit the open-air Village Museum, where you can explore the traditional rural life of late 19th-century Poland, with tickets included. This fascinating site showcases authentic wooden architecture, including mills, a church, and various farm buildings. Our journey continues as we head to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia. Founded in the 10th century, Wroclaw's rich history is influenced by Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German cultures. The city's old town, meticulously rebuilt after World War II, boasts one of Poland's most stunning squares, surrounded by beautifully restored architecture. Famous for its numerous bridges and charming canals, Wroclaw invites us to enjoy a serene boat ride on its waterways. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to discover the city's unique charm at your own pace.

We journey to the Greater Poland region and arrive in Poznan, one of the countrys oldest cities. Its historic core is graced by the splendid Market Square, where the Town Hall stands among vibrant Renaissance buildings, creating a lively and welcoming ambiance. At midday, delight in the charming 16th-century tradition of two mechanical goats butting heads to the clock's chime in this bustling square. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely walk. Our adventure continues to Torun, a captivating Gothic city with a UNESCO-listed historic centre and known as the birthplace of Copernicus. If youre interested, you can explore his museum and former home. Later, we'll make our way to Warsaw, Polands dynamic capital, arriving at the day's end.

We begin our day in Warsaw with a panoramic tour led by a local guide. Warsaw, home to nearly two million residents, serves as Poland's political and economic centre and showcases a captivating blend of modern and carefully restored historical architecture. We will explore the charming old town, where the Royal Palace and cobbled streets stand as a testament to meticulous restoration efforts following their destruction during World War II, now honoured as a World Heritage Site. The tour includes a visit to the Palace of Culture, a towering gift from the Soviet Union, and reflections on the poignant history of Warsaw's Jewish ghetto, once the largest in Europe. Our journey through the city continues with a stroll in Lazienki Park, a serene setting that houses the famed Chopin Monument.In the afternoon, you're free to immerse yourself further in Warsaw's rich offerings. Consider visiting the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum for a deeper understanding of the city's past, or perhaps enjoy the bustling city centre, alive with shops and various activities. Please note, our tour may be operated as part of a regular service depending on the group size.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, allowing you to depart with fond memories of your travels.