Central Europe's Enchanting Heritage Journey

Welcome to Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic. Upon arrival, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your journey. Once settled, you'll have some free time to explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, please check the hotel reception boards for important information regarding the commencement of your tour. Enjoy your evening discovering Prague's vibrant atmosphere, whether that involves wandering through its historic streets or relaxing in one of its charming cafes. 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 our journey, we will begin by exploring Prague with a local guide, known for its breathtaking beauty. Our tour will include iconic landmarks such as the majestic Prague Castle, the bustling Town Hall Square, and the historic Charles Bridge. After this enriching experience, you'll have the afternoon to yourself to wander through the vibrant city centre and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many delightful cafes or restaurants. At 7:00 p.m., we will head back to the historic centre, where you're free to discover a variety of traditional breweries, savour excellent local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the lively nightlife that Prague has to offer.

On the third day of our tour, we will depart early from Prague and head towards the picturesque region of Moravia. Our first stop will be in Lednice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll have the opportunity to wander through its exquisite gardens and admire the striking architecture of its castle. As we continue our journey, we'll make our way through Slovakia, eventually entering Hungary and pausing in the quaint city of Gyor, known as the city of four rivers. Here, you'll have time for a leisurely lunch and a chance to explore its charming streets. Our travels will then bring us to Budapest by mid-afternoon. In the evening, we'll provide a transfer to the citys vibrant pedestrian area, where you can discover delightful traditional restaurants, many of which offer live music, adding an engaging flair to your dining experience.

Upon waking in Budapest, our day begins with a panoramic tour of this enchanting city, famously divided by the majestic Danube River. We will first explore Buda, renowned for its historic old town and atmospheric streets. Then we will venture into Pest, celebrated for its bustling shopping districts and vibrant urban life. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. This splendid city offers a myriad of possibilities, from visiting its impressive landmarks to indulging in local cuisine or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere.

We set off early from Budapest to explore Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, situated along the Danube. Youll have an opportunity to wander through its historic centre, which lies in the shadow of the towering castle. As our journey continues, we head to Trencin, a medieval town in western Slovakia renowned for its impressive castle and lively historic centre, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and some exploration. In the afternoon, we traverse scenic forested landscapes and rolling hills en route to Poland. By day's end, we'll arrive in Krakow, where you'll be able to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Today, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow, a city steeped in history and the former capital of Poland. Founded in the 7th century, Krakow's medieval heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we explore, we'll meander through its charming streets, visit the impressive Main Market Square one of the largest of its kind in Europe and view Wawel Castle Hill, which once served as the royal residence. Our journey will then take us to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a serene town renowned for its monastery and chapel complex, known affectionately as the "Calvary", and a significant pilgrimage site. Next, we'll visit Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, where you can enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk through the town. Our afternoon continues with a poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp from World War II. Over a million people lost their lives here, and we'll specifically tour Birkenau (Camp II), where deportees from across Europe arrived by train. We'll conclude our day with an transfer to Warsaw, arriving by evening.

Today, we embark on a panoramic tour of Warsaw with a local guide, exploring this vibrant city that serves as Poland's political and economic heart. Home to nearly two million people, Warsaw showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary architecture and carefully reconstructed historic buildings. Well wander through the charming old town, known for its beautifully restored cobbled streets and the stately Royal Palace, both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites following their post-war restoration. Our visit includes the iconic Palace of Culture, a striking skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, and a reflective walk through the areas that once formed part of Europe's largest Jewish ghetto. Well also enjoy a leisurely stroll through Lazienki Park, where the serene surroundings of the Chopin Monument await. In the afternoon, you have free time to delve deeper into Warsaws cultural scene. You might choose to visit the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply wander the bustling city centre, soaking in the lively atmosphere filled with shops and activities.

We set off early for Wroclaw, a city rich with history from the 10th century, serving as the capital of Lower Silesia. Here, you'll encounter a fascinating blend of Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influences against the backdrop of a historic centre beautifully restored after World War II. Wroclaw is renowned for its stunning square and a multitude of bridges and canals, enhancing its unique character. In the afternoon, we offer a delightful boat trip through these picturesque waterways, providing a unique perspective of the city. Afterwards, you're free to explore Wroclaw at your leisure, with its inviting streets and vibrant culture offering plenty of opportunities for discovery.

Today, we embark on a journey to Greater Poland, heading to its capital, Pozna?one of Poland's oldest cities. Here, the Old Town welcomes us with its impressive Market Square, adorned with colourful Renaissance buildings that exude a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. At noon, you'll witness the delightful 16th-century tradition of two mechanical goats butting heads on the hour, a charming spectacle you won't want to miss. There will be time for you to enjoy lunch and wander the picturesque streets.In the afternoon, we travel onward to Toru?, famed for its Gothic architecture and charming historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the birthplace of Copernicus, this city offers the opportunity to visit his museum/home should you wish. Later, we continue to the coastal city of Gda?sk, formerly known as Danzig, arriving in the late afternoon. Its vibrant historic centre is full of life, and we highly recommend an evening stroll to fully soak in the city's unique atmosphere.

Following breakfast, we will embark on a visit to the European Solidarity Centre, a modern architectural marvel that honours the "Solidarity" movement, instrumental in the collapse of Soviet power, and pays tribute to the workers who lost their lives. Our tour will then pass by the Museum of the Second World War, although please note it's closed on Mondays. Next, well travel to Sopot, an elegant seaside town famed for its vibrant atmosphere and lengthy wooden pier, which offers stunning panoramic views over the Baltic Sea. Youll have some free time here to explore the beach and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Later, we will return to Gdansk, where you can spend the afternoon wandering around, discovering the delights of this historic and lively city.

Today, we embark on a visit to Malbork, where we'll delve into the history of one of Europe's most remarkable medieval castles. Constructed in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, this vast fortress is a designated World Heritage Site. Our admission includes access to the green route, providing us with an in-depth look at this architectural marvel. We then proceed to Frombork, a tranquil village on Polands northeastern coast. Here, you'll find a walled complex that houses the tomb of Nicolaus Copernicus, offering a chance to relax and savour lunch amidst this serene setting.Our journey continues to the Elblag Canal, the longest navigable canal in Poland, renowned for its unique 19th-century engineering. We'll explore the museum dedicated to this innovation, where you can learn about the fascinating system of pulling boats over land on rails to navigate changes in elevation. The day concludes with our arrival in Warsaw, the vibrant capital of Poland, by the evening.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.