Central Europe's Heritage Castles to Canals

Welcome to your journey in Prague! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some leisure time to unwind and get acquainted with the city. In the afternoon, do check the information boards at the hotel reception for updates on the start of your tour. Please be aware that the tour may welcome new travellers or bid farewell to others at different points along the route, although the maximum group size will always be maintained. Enjoy your first day in this beautiful city as you prepare for the exciting experiences ahead. 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 your second day in Prague, enjoy some free time to explore this splendid city at your own pace. In the evening, well gather and provide a transfer to the vibrant Old Town Square. This bustling area is teeming with life, and you'll find a diverse selection of restaurants offering cuisines from around the globe, including local Czech dishes as well as Chinese, Indian, and Italian options. After an enjoyable dinner, we'll provide transport back to your hotel for a restful night.

Today, we delve into the heart of Prague, a baroque treasure of Europe. Our morning begins with a captivating panoramic tour led by a local guide, who will unfold the rich history and highlight the city's renowned landmarks. You will marvel at the grandeur of Prague Castle with entry tickets included a significant symbol of the city. Following this, we embark on a leisurely boat cruise on the Vltava River, offering a chance to see the city from a unique perspective.By early afternoon, we depart Prague and set out for Moravia. Our destination is Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, celebrated for its contemporary architecture and thriving cultural scene. On arrival, youll have time to wander through its vibrant centre. Here, you'll encounter the stunning cathedral and historic town hall.

We begin our day with an early departure from Brno, setting off towards Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia situated along the Danube River. Once there, you'll have some free time to wander through its beautifully preserved historic centre, exploring the picturesque streets at your leisure. Our journey then continues to Trencin, a quaint medieval town in western Slovakia renowned for its impressive castle and lively historic centre. You'll have time to enjoy a stroll around the area and perhaps savour a local lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on a scenic drive through landscapes adorned with forests and rolling hills as we make our way to Poland. Our day concludes with an evening arrival in Krakow.

Today, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow with a local guide. Founded in the seventh century, Krakow is the capital of Lesser Poland and features an Old Town that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will wander through charming medieval streets and visit the Market Square, which is one of the largest in Europe and serves as the heart of the city. Our exploration includes Wawel Hill, home to Wawel Castlethe former residence of Polish kings. In the afternoon, you are free to explore on your own. If you wish, you can opt for an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can marvel at carved galleries, underground churches, and over 300 km of tunnels. To conclude the day, we will indulge in a traditional local meal.

After breakfast, we're off to explore Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a quaint town nestled in picturesque surroundings, renowned for its monastery and chapel complex. This 'Calvary' is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage centre. Our next brief stop is at the charming wooden church in Barwa?d Dolny before arriving in Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojty?a, more famously known as Pope John Paul II. Here, you may choose to visit either his museum home or the basilica where he was baptised, with time to enjoy a leisurely walk and lunch.Our journey then takes a poignant turn as we visit Auschwitz, the infamous former Nazi concentration camp and now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed memorial and museum. We will tour Birkenau, the extension where victims arrived from across Europe during World War II. En route to Katowice, we pause at Nikiszowiec, a distinctive neighbourhood originally built for miners and recognised for its unique early 20th-century architecture. This vibrant community is currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon reaching Katowice, the bustling capital of Silesia, you'll have free time to explore the modern cityscape and immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere. Accommodation for the night will be in Katowice.

Today, we'll journey to the charming town of Opole, where you'll have the chance to enjoy a leisurely coffee break amidst its thriving and well-preserved old town, renowned for hosting the National Festival of Polish Song. Following our visit, we'll head to the Village Museum, an engaging open-air display that transports you to rural Poland during the late 19th century. Here, we are set to explore its fascinating wooden architecture, including mills, a church, and traditional farms tickets for this visit are included in your itinerary.Our voyage will then take us to Wroclaw, a city steeped in history since its founding in the 10th century and marked by Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influence. Although the old town was reconstructed after World War II, it boasts one of Poland's most stunning squares and is renowned for its numerous bridges and canals. In the afternoon, we will experience the city's beauty from the water with an included boat ride along its scenic canals. The rest of the day will be yours to explore this captivating city and uncover its unique charm.

Today, we will explore Greater Poland, starting with a visit to its capital, Pozna?one of the oldest cities in the country. In the heart of the city, you'll find the impressive Market Square, where the Town Hall is surrounded by colourful Renaissance buildings, offering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. At noon, be prepared to witness the charming 16th-century spectacle of two mechanical goats butting heads at the stroke of the clock. There will be time for you to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll.Our journey continues to Toru?, famed for its Gothic architecture and stunning historic centre, honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This walled city is also the birthplace of the renowned astronomer Copernicus, and you may opt to visit his museum or childhood home. Later in the day, we will travel to Warsaw, Poland's vibrant capital, where we plan to arrive in the evening.

We begin our day in Warsaw with a panoramic tour led by a local guide, introducing us to this vibrant Polish capital, where contemporary skyscrapers blend seamlessly with restored historical architecture. As we explore the charming old town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we encounter many historic buildings, including the Royal Castle, and wander along cobbled streets painstakingly restored after the devastation of World War II. Visiting the Palace of Culture a towering gift from the Soviet Union offers insights into the architectural legacy and history of the city. Well also reflect on the poignant history of the former largest Jewish ghetto in Europe and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Lazienki Park, home to the iconic Chopin Monument.The afternoon is yours to discover Warsaws offerings at your own pace. You might choose to immerse yourself in culture at museums like the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum. Alternatively, enjoy exploring the vibrant city centre with its array of shops and activities. Please bear in mind that depending on the group size, the city tour might be conducted as a standard tourist service.

As your journey draws to a close, our time together in Warsaw concludes after breakfast. It has been a rewarding experience filled with discovery and shared moments, leaving you with cherished memories to carry forward. Safe travels and we hope your future adventures are just as inspiring.