Central Europe's Historic Capitals Adventure

Upon your arrival in Prague, our team will ensure you are smoothly transferred to your hotel. Once settled, you're free to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Later on, you can find the details and start times of your tour displayed on boards in the hotel lobby. Please be aware that travellers may join or depart at various stages of the trip; however, the maximum group size is never exceeded, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout your journey. 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, you'll have the day to explore the city at your own pace. This will allow you to immerse yourself fully in the vibrant culture and stunning architecture of this historical capital. As evening approaches, we will gather for a guided transfer to the lively Old Town Square. This bustling area is brimming with activity and offers a diverse selection of dining options. Whether your palate favours Czech cuisine or something more international like Chinese, Indian, or Italian, you'll find a restaurant to suit your taste. After enjoying dinner and perhaps taking in the atmosphere of this iconic square, we will provide a return transfer to the hotel, concluding your day amid the heart of beautiful Prague.

Today's exploration of Prague, a baroque treasure in Europe, promises to be captivating. Joined by a knowledgeable local guide, we embark on a panoramic tour to uncover the city's rich history and iconic sites. An exciting highlight is our visit to Prague Castle, with tickets included for a seamless experience. After immersing ourselves in the castle's grandeur, we'll enjoy a delightful boat cruise on the Vltava River, offering unique views of this beautiful city.In the afternoon, around 3:00 p.m., we bid farewell to Prague as we set off towards Moravia. Our journey brings us to Brno, the Czech Republic's second-largest city, renowned for its contemporary architecture and dynamic cultural scene. Once there, you'll have the opportunity to stroll through its bustling centre, where you'll encounter the remarkable cathedral and the quaint historic town hall.

We embark early from Brno, heading to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. This charming city on the banks of the Danube captivates with its beautifully preserved historic centre, where you'll have time to explore its picturesque streets. Our journey then leads us to Trencin, a quaint medieval town in western Slovakia. Known for its impressive castle, Trencin offers a vibrant historic centre, ideal for a leisurely stroll and enjoying lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our route through scenic landscapes, passing lush forests and rolling hills as we make our way to Poland. We arrive in Krakow by the end of the day, ready for the next leg of our adventure.

In Krakow, we will embark on a panoramic tour with a local guide, giving you a captivating insight into this historical city. Founded in the 7th century, Krakow was once the capital of Poland and is now the heart of the Lesser Poland region. The city's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts medieval streets and the expansive Market Square, which is among the largest in Europe. As we explore, we will visit the famous Wawel Hill, where Wawel Castle served as the residence of Polish kings for centuries. In the afternoon, you will have the freedom to explore the city at your leisure. If you're feeling adventurous, consider joining an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This remarkable site, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features a labyrinth of tunnels, carved galleries, and underground chapels, all testament to the site's storied history. In the evening, we'll round off the day with a traditional meal, giving you a taste of the local cuisine.

Following a hearty breakfast, we will set out for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a charming town renowned for its monastery and chapel complex, known as the "Calvary." This site holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a significant pilgrimage destination. Our next stop is the wooden church in Barwa?d Dolny, where we'll pause briefly before proceeding to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla, who would become Pope John Paul II. Here, you will have time to visit either his museum house or the basilica where he was baptised, as well as enjoy a leisurely walk and lunch.We will then make a poignant visit to Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp, where more than a million lives were tragically lost during World War II. Now a memorial and museum, Auschwitz is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour includes Birkenau, where trains from across Europe once delivered those who suffered here. As we journey towards Katowice, we will visit the Nikiszowiec neighbourhood, an area built in the early 20th century for miners and their families. Known for its distinctive architecture and vibrant community life, Nikiszowiec is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. In Katowice, the capital of Silesia, you will have some free time to explore this modern city and thriving financial hub. Accommodation for the night will be in Katowice.

Today, we journey on to Opole, where you will have a chance to savour a coffee in this bustling small town, celebrated for its well-preserved old town and the National Festival of Polish Song. Our next stop is the Village Museum, an open-air museum with included tickets, offering a glimpse into rural Polish life in the late 19th century. Here, you can explore wooden structures such as mills, a church, and farms that capture the essence of the region's traditional architecture. We then head to Wroc?aw, a city established in the 10th century and the capital of Lower Silesia. The city has been shaped by Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influences, and its old town, carefully rebuilt after World War II, boasts one of Poland's most picturesque squares. Wroc?aw is also renowned for its numerous bridges and canals. This afternoon, we will embark on a boat ride along these waterways, offering you a unique perspective of the city. Afterwards, you will have free time to delve deeper into Wroc?aw's vibrant atmosphere at your leisure.

Today, we journey into the region of Greater Poland, arriving in Poznan, one of Polands oldest cities. Here, you can admire the impressive Market Square, where the historical Town Hall is flanked by vibrant Renaissance buildings that add to the cheerful atmosphere. Just before noon, be sure to observe the delightful 16th-century tradition in the square: the mechanical goats from the Town Hall clock will playfully butt heads for your entertainment. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll before we continue our journey.Next, we reach Torun, a walled Gothic city renowned for its magnificent historic centrea UNESCO World Heritage Siteand the birthplace of Copernicus. There, you have the opportunity to visit his museum, located in what was once his home. Later, we set off for Gdansk, which was formerly known as Danzig. We aim to arrive by late afternoon, allowing you to explore the charming and lively historic centre at your own pace. A recommended evening walk will help you fully savour the vibrant atmosphere of this captivating city.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk, an impressive modern complex that honours the history of the Solidarno?? movement and its significant role in the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. The nearby monument pays tribute to the workers who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. Afterwards, we'll drive past the Museum of the Second World War (Please note: closed on Mondays) before continuing our journey to Sopot, a delightful seaside resort on the Baltic coast. Known for its lively vibe and striking beach, Sopot is home to one of Europe's longest wooden piers, offering stunning sea views. You will have some time to enjoy a leisurely stroll and tuck into a local lunch before we return to Gdansk. Once back, you'll have free time to further explore the charming streets of this historic city.

On our tenth day, we begin our exploration at Malbork, renowned for its magnificent castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Our visit includes tickets for the castle's green route, allowing us a comprehensive tour of the grounds. Following our time in Malbork, we journey to the serene village of Frombork, perched on Poland's northeastern coast. Here, you'll find a splendid fortified complex that serves as the final resting place of Nicolaus Copernicus. It's a lovely spot for a leisurely walk and lunch while soaking in the historical ambiance. Our itinerary then takes us to the Elbl?g Canal, a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering and the longest navigable canal in Poland. We visit the accompanying museum, which showcases this innovative waterway where boats are uniquely transported over land on rails to navigate the region's varying elevations.As the day progresses, we make our way to Warsaw, Poland's vibrant capital, arriving by evening. The city awaits us with its rich history and bustling atmosphere, setting the stage for the exciting experiences that lie ahead.

Our day in Warsaw begins with a panoramic tour led by a local guide. As Poland's political and economic heart, Warsaw is a vibrant city where modern architecture stands alongside carefully restored historical buildings. We will explore the beautifully reconstructed old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its elegant Royal Palace and charming cobbled streetsremarkably restored after being heavily damaged during World War II. Our walk will take us to the Palace of Culture, a prominent skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, and through areas that once formed the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe, serving as poignant reminders of the city's past. We'll also enjoy a leisurely stroll in ?azienki Park, where you can see the iconic Chopin Monument. In the afternoon, you are free to enjoy Warsaw at your own pace. You might choose to delve into the city's rich history by visiting the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum. Alternatively, the vibrant city centre offers a plethora of shops and other activities waiting to be explored. Keep in mind, depending on the size of our group, the city tour may be arranged within a regular tourist service.

Following breakfast, our journey draws to a close. We trust you have enjoyed your travels with us and that you leave with lasting memories of the incredible experiences and destinations encountered along the way. Safe travels and we hope to see you on future adventures.