Central Europe's Historic Wonders Tour

On the first day of your adventure, we welcome you to the enchanting city of Prague. Upon your arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can take some time to unwind and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, please check the hotel reception boards for crucial information regarding the commencement of your tour. 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.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Prague before gathering in the evening to meet our guide. We'll provide a transfer to the bustling Old Town Square a hub of activity filled with character and charm. Here, you can choose to dine at one of the diverse restaurants offering a range of international cuisines, including traditional Czech, as well as Chinese, Indian, or Italian options. After dinner, we'll ensure you return comfortably to the hotel, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

Today, we'll delve into the charm of Prague, often celebrated as a Baroque treasure of Europe. Our day begins with a panoramic tour led by a local expert, who will share fascinating insights into the city's rich history and highlight its most iconic landmarks. We'll explore Prague Castle, a majestic complex that sits proudly above the city tickets for the castle are included in our tour. Following this cultural immersion, we'll enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Vltava River, offering us picturesque views of the cityscape from a unique vantage point.In the afternoon, around 3:00 pm, we'll set off for Moravia. Our destination is Brno, Czech Republic's second-largest city, renowned for its contemporary architecture and vibrant cultural life. Here, you'll have the chance to wander through the lively city centre, where you'll encounter its remarkable cathedral and historic town hall. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

We'll set off early from Brno, heading to Bratislava, the enchanting capital of Slovakia, nestled along the Danube River. Take your time to wander through its charming streets, where history meets modern vibrancy. Following this, our adventure continues to Trencin, a quaint medieval town in western Slovakia, renowned for its remarkable castle and lively historic centre. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we'll journey onwards through scenic landscapes of forests and rolling hills as we make our way to Poland. By the end of the day, we will arrive in Krakow, ready for what tomorrow holds.

On the morning of the fifth day, we will embark on a scenic tour of Krakow, guided by a local expert. As a city with roots dating back to the 7th century, Krakow was the historic capital of Lesser Poland and is famed for its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our exploration will introduce you to the city's medieval charm, including the expansive Market Square, one of Europes largest, lying at the heart of Krakow. We will also visit Wawel Hill, home to Wawel Castle, historically the residence of Polish kings. In the afternoon, you'll have the freedom to explore at your leisure or opt for an additional trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This remarkable site, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, features intricately carved galleries, underground chapels, and an extensive network of tunnels stretching over 300 kilometres. To conclude your day, we offer an included authentic local meal, providing a delightful taste of traditional Polish cuisine.

Following breakfast, we embark on a journey to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a quaint town nestled amidst picturesque scenery. It is renowned for its 'Calvary' an impressive monastery and chapel complex that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage site. We will then make a short stop at the charming wooden church in Barwald Dolny before continuing to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojty?a, famously known as Pope John Paul II. Here, you may wish to explore either his museum house or the basilica where he was baptised, allowing time for a leisurely stroll and lunch.Next, we visit Auschwitz, the infamous former Nazi concentration camp, which now serves as a moving memorial and museum, preserving the memory of over one million people who perished during World War II. We will also tour Birkenau, the site where trains from across Europe arrived. On our way to Katowice, well pause at Nikiszowiec, an early 20th-century neighbourhood originally built for miners and their families, noted for its distinct architecture and vibrant community life. It is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon reaching Katowice, the bustling capital of Silesia, you will have free time to explore this modern, financial city. We will spend the night in Katowice.

We set off towards Opole, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee in this charming town, known for its well-preserved old quarter and vibrant cultural scene, particularly its National Festival of Polish Song. After soaking in the town's lively atmosphere, we visit the Village Museum. This intriguing open-air exhibition provides a glimpse into rural Polish life in the late 19th century, highlighting the unique wooden architecture of the region, including mills, a church, and traditional farms tickets are included for this enriching experience.Our journey continues to Wroclaw, a city founded in the 10th century and the historic capital of Lower Silesia. The city is a fascinating blend of Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influences. Despite its devastation during World War II, Wroclaw's old town has been magnificently rebuilt and features one of the most stunning squares in Poland. Known for its numerous bridges and winding canals, Wroclaw promises an enchanting atmosphere. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a boat ride along these canals, offering a unique perspective of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore and immerse yourself in Wroclaw's vibrant character at your own pace.

Today, we'll journey to Greater Poland, arriving in its capital, Pozna?, one of the oldest cities in the nation. Here, you'll find a captivating blend of history and culture, centred around the impressive Market Square, where the Town Hall is flanked by colourful Renaissance buildings, creating an inviting atmosphere. At midday, gather in the square to witness the charming tradition of two mechanical goats butting heads to mark the houra spectacle dating back to the 16th century. Enjoy leisure time for lunch and a stroll through the lively streets before we proceed to Toru?. This Gothic city, with its magnificent historic centre designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also the birthplace of the renowned astronomer Copernicus. You may choose to visit his museum or childhood home. Later, well make our way to Gda?sk, arriving in the late afternoon. Known previously as Danzig, its historic centre offers a unique charm and vibrant life. You might want to take an evening walk to absorb the delightful atmosphere.

Today, after enjoying breakfast, we will visit the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk. This impressive contemporary building pays tribute to the "Solidarity" movement, which was instrumental in the fall of the Soviet Union, and features a monument honouring the workers who lost their lives. As we continue our tour, we will pass by the Museum of the Second World War. Afterwards, we will head to the nearby resort town of Sopot. Known for its beautiful beach on the Baltic Sea and vibrant atmosphere, Sopot is home to one of Europe's longest wooden piers, offering spectacular views. You will have free time to wander and enjoy lunch before we return to Gdansk. The afternoon is yours to explore this magnificent city at your leisure.

Today, we journey to the fascinating town of Malbork, where we will explore one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. This impressive fortress, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, is a designated World Heritage Site. Our tour includes tickets for the green route, allowing you to immerse yourself in its rich history. Following this, we travel to Frombork, a tranquil village set on the northeastern coast of Poland. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll and perhaps enjoy some lunch as you explore the beautiful walled complex that serves as the final resting place of Nicolaus Copernicus.Our next destination is the Elblag Canal, a remarkable 19th-century industrial achievement and the longest navigable canal in Poland. We will visit the museum dedicated to this engineering marvel, where you can learn about the unique system used to transport boats over land on rails to navigate elevation changes. As we conclude our day, we travel onwards to Warsaw, Poland's vibrant capital, where we will arrive by day's end.

We begin our day in Warsaw with a panoramic tour guided by a local expert. As the political and economic heart of Poland, Warsaw dazzles with its mix of modern architecture and meticulously restored historic edifices. We'll meander through the delightful old town, walking along cobblestone streets lined with buildings and the Royal Palace, all beautifully restored following their devastation in World War II. This area is now recognised as a World Heritage Site. Our tour includes a visit to the Palace of Culturea towering gift from the Soviet Unionas well as a moment of reflection in the area that once housed Europe's largest Jewish ghetto, and a stroll through the serene ?azienki Park, home to the Chopin Monument.The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps delve into history at the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city centre with its myriad of shops and activities. Please note that, depending on the number of participants, the city tour might operate as part of a regular tourist service.

On the final day of our journey, we savour one last breakfast together in Warsaw. As the trip concludes, we depart with treasured memories of our adventures and experiences. Safe travels as you continue your journey wherever it may lead.