Europe's Enchanting Historic Adventure

Welcome to Prague! Upon arrival, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some time to settle in and unwind. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, ideal for a leisurely stroll through the enchanting streets of this historic city. At the hotel reception, you'll find all the essential details about the start of your tour. Feel free to use this time to acquaint yourself with Prague's vibrant culture and atmosphere. 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.

In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Prague with a local guide, showcasing the citys renowned beauty. We will visit key landmarks such as the Castle, Town Hall Square, and the iconic Charles Bridge. Following the tour, you have the freedom to explore the lively city centre at your own pace and indulge in a leisurely lunch. At 7:00 p.m., we will whisk you away to the historic centre, where traditional breweries and an array of dining choices await, set against the backdrop of a vibrant nightlife.

We'll set off early from Prague, heading to the picturesque region of Moravia, where our first stop is the enchanting Lednice. Known for its magnificent castle and beautifully manicured gardens, Lednice is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After taking the time to explore this historical gem, well journey on through Slovakia, entering Hungary for a visit to Gyor affectionately dubbed the city of four rivers. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town.Our travels continue to Budapest, where we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon. In the evening, we'll transfer you to the lively pedestrian area renowned for its delightful array of traditional restaurants, many of which offer live music. Feel free to indulge in the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife that Budapest has to offer.

Today, we embark on an insightful panoramic tour through the heart of Budapest, a city gracefully divided by the majestic Danube River. Our exploration takes us to Buda, renowned for its picturesque old town, and across to Pest, famous for its vibrant commercial precincts. Here, you'll have the chance to truly appreciate the unique charm and grandeur of this magnificent city. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to discover Budapest at your own pace perhaps wander the streets to immerse yourself in the local culture or relax by the riverbanks as you relish the citys beauty.

On the fifth day of our journey, we'll set off early from Budapest, venturing through Slovakia where we'll stop in Bratislava, the nation's capital, situated along the Danube River. This picturesque city offers a charming historic centre, nestled at the base of its imposing castle, perfect for a leisurely stroll. We then proceed to Trencin, a captivating medieval town in western Slovakia, renowned for its impressive castle and vibrant historic centre. Here, well have time to explore and enjoy lunch.Continuing our journey into Poland, we traverse a picturesque landscape of forests and rolling hills, arriving in Krakow by the end of the day. This gives you a taste of the beautiful and varied scenery that Eastern Europe has to offer as we make our way through these fascinating countries.

On the sixth day, well start with a guided panoramic tour of Krakow, a city steeped in history since its founding in the seventh century. As the former capital of Lesser Poland, Krakow boasts an Old Town that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our visit, well explore its enchanting medieval streets and the expansive Market Square, one of the largest in Europe. Well also visit Wawel Hill, home to Wawel Castle, which served as the residence of Polish kings. In the afternoon, youll have free time to continue discovering the city's vibrant atmosphere. If you're interested, you can opt to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its intricate carved galleries, underground churches, and an extensive network of tunnels. Well conclude the day with a delightful traditional local meal.

Following breakfast, we set off for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a picturesque town nestled amid scenic landscapes, famous for its monastery and chapel complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular pilgrimage destination. Our next stop is the wooden church in Barwald Dolny before we proceed to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla, better known as Pope John Paul II. Here, you'll have the choice to visit either his museum house or the basilica where he was baptised, enjoying some time for a leisurely walk and lunch.Our journey continues to Auschwitz, the notorious former Nazi concentration camp where over a million lives were tragically lost during World War II. Now a solemn memorial and museum, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit Birkenau, the section where trains arrived from across Europe, to understand its historical significance.Later, we head towards Katowice and pause at the Nikiszowiec district, a neighbourhood built in the early 20th century for miners and their families. Known for its distinct architecture and vibrant community life, it is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. In Katowice itself, the capital of Silesia, you will have free time to explore this thriving modern city, a key financial centre. Our overnight stay will be in Katowice.

Today, we continue our travels to the charming town of Opole. Known for its well-preserved old town and vibrant culture, Opole hosts the renowned National Festival of Polish Song. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy a coffee in this lively setting. We then visit the Village Museum, an open-air exhibition showcasing rural Polish life in the late 19th centurytickets are included. The museum features a collection of traditional wooden architecture, including mills, a church, and farms, offering a fascinating insight into the regions heritage.Our journey takes us onwards to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, with roots dating back to the 10th century. This historic city is famed for its picturesque old town square, considered among the most beautiful in Poland, and its unique blend of Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influences. Wroclaw is also noted for its numerous bridges and canals, providing a distinct charm to the cityscape. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a boat ride through these scenic waterways. Afterwards, youll have free time to explore the city at your own pace.

We will journey to Greater Poland and reach its capital, Poznan, renowned as one of Poland's oldest cities. The city's old town is centred around the impressive Market Square, where the Town Hall is surrounded by colourful Renaissance buildings, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. At noon, you will witness the delightful 16th-century tradition of two mechanical goats clashing horns to the sound of the clock. You'll have some time for lunch and a leisurely walk through the square. Our adventure continues to Torun, a city known for its stunning Gothic architecture and historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming place is also the birthplace of the famous astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. If you wish, you can visit the Copernicus Museum located in his former home. Later, we will head to Gdansk, previously known as Danzig, arriving in the late afternoon. The historic centre of Gdansk is both captivating and full of life, making an evening stroll highly recommended to fully appreciate the vibrant atmosphere.

Following breakfast, we embark on a guided visit to the European Solidarity Centre. This striking modern building honours the history of the "Solidarity" movement, which played a crucial role in toppling Soviet influence, and features a prominent monument dedicated to the workers who lost their lives. Afterwards, we will pass the Museum of the Second World War, known for its comprehensive exhibitions (please note, it is closed on Mondays). Next, we journey to Sopot, a charming resort town with a vibrant seaside atmosphere on the Baltic coast. Its renowned wooden pier offers panoramic views and is one of the longest in Europe. Here, you will have time to wander and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Later, we return to Gdansk, giving you the rest of the day to explore this enticing city at your own pace.

Today, we set off for Malbork to discover its remarkable castle, one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order. With tickets included for the green route, you'll have ample opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, we journey to Frombork, situated on Poland's northeastern coast. This tranquil village is known for its impressive walled complex, where the renowned astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus is interred. Enjoy a leisurely walk and a delightful lunch before we continue to the Elblag Canal. As Poland's longest navigable canal, this 19th-century engineering marvel features a unique system where boats are hauled over land on rails to manage elevation changes. We will explore the museum dedicated to this industrial feat before concluding our day by travelling to Warsaw, arriving by evening.

Today, we begin with a guided panoramic tour of Warsaw, home to nearly two million residents and a key political and economic centre in Poland. This city marries modern architecture with carefully reconstructed historical sites. Well wander through the delightful old town, where cobbled streets and the Royal Palace stand testament to the citys restoration efforts after the devastation of World War IIa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Palace of Culture, a Soviet-era skyscraper, and a reflective look at the remains of what was once Europes largest Jewish ghetto. Well also enjoy the tranquillity of Lazienki Park, the site of the majestic Chopin Monument.In the afternoon, you are free to further discover Warsaws many museums, such as the National Museum and the Warsaw Rising Museum, or indulge in some leisure time in the vibrant city centre brimming with shops and activities. Please note, depending on numbers, the city tour might operate as part of a shared service.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, as we bid farewell to the vibrant city of Warsaw, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.