Enchanted European Capitals and Heritage Journey

Welcome to Berlin! Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy some leisure time to relax or explore the local area at your own pace. In the afternoon, make sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for details about the commencement of your tour. This information will help you prepare for the exciting experiences ahead. Enjoy your first taste of the dynamic energy of Berlin, a city rich in history and culture, as you begin your adventure. 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.

Today, immerse yourself in Berlin's vibrant culture with our guided panoramic tour of Germany's fascinating capital. Together, we'll explore notable sites including the historic centre, Museum Island with its world-class museums, and the iconic Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate. We'll stroll along bustling shopping streets and unwind in the city's lovely parks. Our journey will also take us to the poignant Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, offering important insights into the city's history. For those seeking further exploration, you have the option to visit Potsdam and marvel at its magnificent palaces during an optional excursion.

Today, we journey into Lower Saxony to visit Wolfsburg, a city established in 1938 as a planned settlement for Volkswagen factory workers during the Nazi era. The entire city is centred around the automotive giant. Our entry to Autostadt the city's automotive park is included, where we can explore its gardens and exhibitions. Youll have free time to wander and enjoy lunch in this unique setting. Our next stop is Celle, renowned for its charming old town, featuring half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as a grand Renaissance castle. Later, we'll make our way to Hannover, arriving by mid-afternoon. The capital of Lower Saxony, Hannover, is a key economic, cultural, and scientific centre in Germany, offering a striking blend of historic and modern architecture amidst sprawling parks. Our accommodation for the night will be here, giving you the chance to explore the city at your leisure.

After breakfast, we journey to the Rammelsberg Mines near Goslar, a historic silver mining site active since the Middle Ages. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this landmark offers a fascinating insight into the regions industrial heritage. Included in our visit is access to the museum, where we learn about the miners' lives and the site's enduring legacy. Our travels continue to Goslar itself, with its stunning medieval old town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets create a truly enchanting atmosphere, dominated by the impressive Church of St. Peter. Our adventure leads us to Gttingen, a lively university and scientific centre once home to the Brothers Grimm. Well pause here for lunch and a leisurely exploration of its historic centre. In the afternoon, our journey crosses through the region of Thuringia, with a stop in the charming spa town of Bad Sooden, nestled among picturesque forested hills. Known for its timber-framed architecture and tranquil vibe, it's a delightful hidden gem. Later, we reach Eisenach, steeped in Baroque and Renaissance architecture. This town holds historical significance with sites such as the Bach House, birthplace of the famous composer, and Luther's House, pivotal in the life of the Protestant Reformer. Dinner is included, offering a chance to savour the local fare.

Today begins with a visit to the striking Wartburg Castle, perched high above Eisenach. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress is renowned as the place where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, offering both a journey through history and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Once we finish exploring the castle, you will have free time in Eisenach to enjoy lunch and explore at your own pace. Music enthusiasts may wish to visit the Bach House, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, or explore the Automobile Museum, located in the former main factory of East Germany's car industry, showcasing an impressive vintage vehicle collection.In the afternoon, our journey continues to Gotha, where we will admire the exterior of its grand Baroque palace and wander through the enchanting historic centre. We then travel to Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, noted for its impressive cathedral and well-preserved medieval old town. A particular highlight is a picturesque bridge lined with houses that have been continuously inhabited for over 500 years. By late afternoon, we arrive in Leipzig, a city renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Home to famous composers such as Bach and Wagner, Leipzig played a significant role during the era of the GDR and continues to thrive today with a vibrant population.

Departing from Leipzig, we pause at the striking Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Unveiled in 1913, this grand 91-metre structure honours a pivotal Napoleonic War battle. Our journey continues to Dresden, the Saxon capital, renowned for its Baroque and Renaissance splendour. You have time to savour lunch and explore the city's elegant palaces and riverside promenades. Later, we head across the border into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague by mid-afternoon. Here, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of this enchanting city, often celebrated as one of Europe's most beautiful. Key sights include the imposing Prague Castle, the historic Old Town Square and the iconic Charles Bridge. We conclude the day with an evening transfer to the city centre, an area buzzing with traditional breweries where you can enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere. Keep in mind, the panoramic tour may occur on Sunday in some instances.

Today is a day of leisure in the captivating city of Prague. You have the freedom to explore its enchanting streets, delve into its rich history, or simply relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere at your own pace. If you wish, there's an optional opportunity to discover Artistic Prague. This includes a visit to the charming district of Mala Strana, the holy site of the Infant Jesus of Prague, the intricately designed St. Nicholas Church, and a soothing cruise on the Vltava River. You could also explore the historic Jewish Quarter, an area steeped in cultural significance. Enjoy this chance to engage with the unique blend of history and art that Prague offers.

We begin our day early, departing from Prague and venturing into the scenic Moravia region, where we'll visit Lednice. This captivating destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites us to explore its exquisite gardens and admire the remarkable castle architecture. As we journey across Slovakia into Hungary, we'll pause in Gyor, affectionately known as the city of four rivers. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque surroundings. As our adventure continues, we'll arrive in Budapest by mid-afternoon, with an evening transfer to the bustling pedestrian area. This vibrant spot is dotted with delightful traditional restaurants, many offering live music, inviting you to soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy a memorable evening.

Today, we will embark on a comprehensive panoramic tour of Budapest, elegantly divided by the majestic Danube River. We'll explore Buda, famed for its historic old town, and Pest, renowned for its vibrant commercial areas. This tour will allow you to truly experience the unique charm of this splendid city. The afternoon has been set aside for your personal exploration, offering you the freedom to uncover more of Budapest's captivating sites at your own pace.

Well start our day with an early departure from Budapest, heading north into Slovakia. Our first stop is Bratislava, the country's capital, beautifully situated on the banks of the Danube River. Here, youll have the opportunity to wander through the historic centre, nestled at the foot of the striking Bratislava Castle, and soak in the charm of this quaint city. After some time in Bratislava, our travels take us further into Slovakia to the medieval town of Trencin. Known for its imposing castle and vibrant historic centre, Trencin offers plenty for you to explore, along with lovely options for lunch. In the afternoon, well journey onward, passing through scenic landscapes adorned with forests and rolling hills as we make our way towards Poland. By the end of the day, well arrive in Krakow, where you can unwind after a day of exploration.

In the morning, well embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow, the historic heart of "Lesser Poland." Founded in the 7th century, this city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its rich medieval architecture. We'll wander through its charming streets, explore the spacious Main Market Squareone of Europes largestand visit Wawel Castle Hill, once the residence of Polish royalty. Our next stop is Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, renowned for its striking monastery and chapel complex. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vital pilgrimage spot, it's an enriching cultural experience. Well continue to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, where you'll have an opportunity to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. In the afternoon, well visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the poignant site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp, where over a million lives were tragically lost during World War II. Well explore Birkenau (Camp II), where deportees arrived from across Europe. Well conclude the day in Warsaw, arriving in the evening.

On the morning of Day 12, well embark on a fascinating guided tour of Warsaw, Poland's vibrant political and economic centre. This city, with its blend of tradition and modernity, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Explore the charming Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been meticulously rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. Wander through its quaint cobblestone streets, admire the Royal Palace, and take in the grandeur of the Palace of Culture, a towering symbol gifted by the Soviet Union. Reflect on the history of what was once Europes largest Jewish ghetto and enjoy a leisurely stroll through Lazienki Park, where the serene Chopin Monument stands amidst lush surroundings.Following our tour, youll have time to relax and enjoy lunch before we set off for Pomerania around 2:30 p.m. Our journey will take us to Poznan, a lively city renowned for its splendid main square and dynamic atmosphere. Upon arrival, youll have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with Poznans vibrant charm and perhaps delve into its bustling streets to discover local delights.

On day 13, we set off early from Poznan, heading westward through the expansive plains towards Germany. Our destination is Berlin, and we anticipate arriving by 11:30 a.m. As we journey across the border, you can enjoy the changing landscapes and look forward to returning to the vibrant city of Berlin.

With breakfast to start your day, our journey concludes as you reflect on the remarkable experiences we've shared. As you say farewell to Berlin, you'll carry home treasured memories of a captivating adventure.