Majestic Eastern European Odyssey

Welcome to Prague! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, where youll have some leisure time to relax or begin exploring the captivating streets of this remarkable city. In the afternoon, please check the hotel reception boards for important information regarding the start of your tour. Enjoy your stay and prepare for an exciting journey 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 our second day in Prague, we'll embark on a panoramic tour guided by a local expert, exploring one of Europes most captivating cities. Our morning will be filled with visits to iconic landmarks, including Prague Castle, the historic Town Hall Square, and the remarkable Charles Bridge. After the tour, you can enjoy free time to meander through the vibrant city centre and savour lunch at your own pace. As the evening unfolds at 7:00 p.m., we'll offer a transfer to the historic centre. Here, youre free to explore bustling traditional breweries, relish delicious dining experiences, and perhaps immerse yourself in Pragues lively nightlife.

Well set off early from Prague, embarking on a journey through the picturesque Moravia region to visit Lednice, celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, well have the opportunity to roam its exquisite gardens and admire the grandeur of its castle. Our route will then lead us through Slovakia before we cross into Hungary, pausing in Gyor, famously known as the city of four rivers. There, well take a break for lunch and a leisurely walk. Our travels will resume, bringing us to Budapest by mid-afternoon. In the evening, well transfer you to the pedestrian area, where you'll discover delightful traditional restaurants, many offering the pleasure of live music performances.

Today, we will embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Budapest, a city elegantly split by the Danube River. Our exploration will take us to Buda, renowned for its historic old town, and Pest, famous for its vibrant commercial districts. This guided tour offers a perfect opportunity to experience the unique charm and splendid architecture of this beautiful city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to delve deeper into Budapest's cultural offerings or simply relax and soak in the city's enchanting atmosphere.

We will set off early from Budapest, travelling through Slovakia to visit Bratislava, Slovakia's capital located along the Danube River. There will be an opportunity to explore its historic centre, which rests beneath the formidable castle that overlooks the city. Our journey continues to Trencin, a picturesque medieval town in western Slovakia renowned for its impressive castle and lively historic centre. You'll have time to wander through this charming town and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will proceed through scenic landscapes of forests and rolling hills as we make our way into Poland. Our day concludes with an evening arrival in Krakow.

In the morning, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow with a knowledgeable local guide. The city, established in the seventh century, is the capital of Lesser Poland and boasts an Old Town that has been honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our exploration will take us through its enchanting medieval streets to Market Square, one of the largest squares in Europe and the bustling heart of the city. We'll also visit Wawel Hill, home to the historic Wawel Castle, which once served as the residence of Polish kings. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to discover the city at your own pace. If you're interested, you can opt for an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its remarkable carved galleries, underground chapels, and extensive network of tunnels spanning over 300 kilometres. We will conclude the day with a traditional local meal.

After breakfast, we will set off for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a picturesque town renowned for its monastery and chapel complex, the "Calvary," a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage destination. Our next stop will be the wooden church in Barwald Dolny, followed by a visit to Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II). Here, you have the option to explore his museum house or visit the basilica where he was baptised, with ample time for a stroll and lunch. We will then journey to Auschwitz, the notorious former Nazi concentration camp, now a poignant memorial and museum where over a million lives were lost during World War IIa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour will continue at Birkenau, the infamous arrival point for trains from across Europe. On our way to Katowice, we'll pause at the Nikiszowiec neighbourhood, constructed in the early 20th century for miners and their families. Known for its distinct architecture and lively community, this area is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. Upon arriving in Katowice, the capital of Silesia, you will have free time to discover this modern, financial hub. Our overnight stop will be in Katowice.

Today, we continue to Opole, where you'll have time to enjoy a coffee in this lively town known for its well-preserved old quarter and the National Festival of Polish Song. After departing Opole, we'll visit the Village Museum an open-air showcase of rural Polish life in the late 19th century. The exhibits highlight the regions wooden architecture, including mills, a church, and farm structures, offering a glimpse into the past. Our journey then leads us to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, established in the 10th century. Reflecting Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German influences, Wroclaw features a beautifully reconstructed old town square, post-World War II. Known for its picturesque bridges and canals, well enjoy a leisurely boat ride in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to explore this fascinating city.

Today, we journey to Greater Poland, arriving in its historic capital, Poznan. Known as one of Poland's oldest cities, Poznan boasts an impressive Market Square. Here, you'll see the iconic Town Hall surrounded by vibrant, colourful Renaissance buildings, creating a welcoming and lively ambience. At noon, witness the delightful 16th-century tradition at the square, where two mechanical goats butt heads as the clock chimes. There will be ample time to savour lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst this beautiful setting.We then proceed to Toru?, a Gothic walled town renowned for its exquisite historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as the birthplace of the astronomer Copernicus. You may choose to visit his house, now a museum, to delve deeper into his life and contributions. Our day concludes with a journey to Warsaw, Polands bustling capital, where we will arrive by day's end.

Today, we embark on a guided panoramic tour of Warsaw, the vibrant capital of Poland. With its unique blend of modern skyscrapers and meticulously restored historic architecture, Warsaw serves as a dynamic political and economic centre. During our tour, well explore the enchanting old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring beautifully reconstructed buildings, the Royal Palace, and the charming cobbled streets reminiscent of times past. We'll also visit the imposing Palace of Culture, a monumental gift from the Soviet Union symbolising post-war resilience. As we delve into Warsaw's history, well reflect on the harrowing past of the citys former Jewish ghetto, once the largest in Europe. Our exploration continues with a leisurely walk through Lazienki Park, where you can admire the impressive Chopin Monument set amidst serene landscapes. In the afternoon, youll have the freedom to discover Warsaw at your own pace. Perhaps delve into history with a visit to the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply wander through the bustling centre, exploring its shops and local activities. Please note, the city tour may operate as a regular tourist service depending on group numbers.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with a wealth of cherished memories.