Rhine to Central Europe's Enchanting Capitals

Welcome to the start of your exciting journey! Upon your arrival in Frankfurt, we'll provide a transfer to your hotel where you can settle in and unwind. You'll have some leisure time to familiarise yourself with your surroundings or simply relax after your travels. Later in the afternoon, make sure to check the boards in the hotel reception area, which will provide essential information about the beginning of your tour. Enjoy your first evening at your own pace, whether it's exploring the city or indulging in some quiet time. 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.

Begin your day with an exploration of the enchanting Rhine and Moselle Valleys, two rivers steeped in history and surrounded by quaint villages. Our journey starts with a short cruise along the Rhine, taking in the most stunning vistas between the villages of Rdesheim and Sankt Goar. Following this picturesque experience, we continue to the Moselle River, with a pause for lunch in the charming village of Cochem, renowned for its striking castle that has stood for over a millennium. Later, we head to Cologne, where you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent Gothic cathedral, once the tallest building in the world at 154 metres. You can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the Rhine River and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city centre before we proceed to our hotel in Dortmund. Please note that during fairs or congresses, accommodation may be arranged in a nearby city.

Today, we embark on a captivating exploration of the Fairy Tale Route, diving into the enchanting world that inspired the tales of the Brothers Grimm. Our first destination is Trendelburg, a charming village encircled by ancient walls. Here, we will visit the impressive medieval castle and its renowned Rapunzel Tower admission is on us. As we continue along scenic routes, we journey through forests reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel's story, arriving in Hxter in time for lunch. This vibrant town is home to Corvey Abbey, a historic 9th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, which we will explore together (admission included). Our next stop is Polle, where the ruins of Cinderella's Castle await our discovery. The day progresses to the town of Hamelin, celebrated for the legendary tale of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." After tracing the town's famous mouse tracks, we travel onward to Hanover. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely stroll near the old town hall and soak in the local atmosphere. Please note that during fairs or conferences, accommodation might be arranged in a nearby city, and Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.

Following breakfast, we journey to the charming village of Goslar, renowned for its beautifully preserved wooden architecture, ancient walls, and inviting squares. You'll have the opportunity to wander around and explore at your leisure. Our travels then take us to Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkable historic centre. With more than 2,100 half-timbered houses maintaining their original splendour over the centuries, it's a fascinating place to delve into history. The town hall and Collegiate Castle are particularly worth noting. Take some free time to enjoy a leisurely stroll and perhaps lunch before we resume our journey to Berlin, arriving there in the evening.

Today, we invite you to delve into the rich tapestry of Berlin, Germany's vibrant capital, on a guided panoramic tour. We'll uncover the city's historical heart, where iconic landmarks such as Museum Island, the Reichstag, and the majestic Brandenburg Gate await. The tour highlights both the bustling shopping streets and serene green spaces, offering a comprehensive insight into the city's dynamic character. Along the way, we'll pause to reflect at the poignant Holocaust Memorial and visit the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, pivotal sites in understanding Berlin's past. For those yearning to explore further, you have the option of venturing to Potsdam, renowned for its breathtaking palaces and extensive gardens, for an additional excursion.

Today, our journey takes us through the enchanting forests to Dresden, a city famed for its remarkable architectural and artistic legacy. Known as one of Germanys prime tourist cities, Dresden offers a wealth of magnificent palaces and cultural heritage to admire. You'll have some leisure time to explore these stunning sights and enjoy lunch at your convenience. Following our exploration of Dresden, well cross the border into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague by mid-afternoon. Once we arrive, well embark on a panoramic tour of this breathtaking city, renowned for its architectural splendour. Highlights of our tour include Prague Castle, the charming Town Hall Square, and the iconic Charles Bridge that gracefully arches over the Vltava River.As the day draws to a close, well provide an evening transfer to the city centre, offering you the opportunity to explore Prague's traditional breweries and immerse yourself in the local culture. Please note that the Prague city tour may occasionally be rescheduled for Sunday.

Spend your day in Prague choosing how you'd like to explore this captivating city. You could opt for a visit to Artistic Prague, where you'll uncover the charm of Mala Strana, admire the revered Infant Jesus of Prague, and explore the magnificent St. Nicholas Church. Perhaps a leisurely cruise on the serene Vltava River will appeal to you, offering a different perspective of the city. You can also delve into the rich history of the Jewish Quarter, known for its poignant tales and enduring legacy. Use your free time to venture through the citys many wonders at your own pace, relishing in Prague's unique blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy.

Setting off early from Prague, we head towards the enchanting Moravia region, where our first stop is Lednice. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to stunning gardens and an impressive castle, offering us plenty of time to soak up its beauty. Crossing into Slovakia, our journey leads us to Hungary, where we pause in the delightful city of Gyor. Known as the city of four rivers, Gyor provides an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch and a relaxing stroll. Continuing our travels, we reach Budapest by mid-afternoon. As night falls, we venture into the city centre, where you can explore a variety of traditional restaurants, many of which present lively musical performances, promising an engaging evening experience.

On day nine, we embark on a comprehensive panoramic tour of Budapest, a city gracefully divided by the Danube River. We explore Buda, home to the historic old town, and Pest, renowned for its bustling commercial districts. This presents the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique charm of this remarkable city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, offering the freedom to further discover Budapest's captivating sights and vibrant culture.

We will set off early from Budapest, venturing into Slovakia to explore Bratislava, the country's capital located along the Danube River. You'll have time to wander through its charming historic centre, situated beneath the impressive castle. Our journey continues to Trencin, a picturesque medieval town in western Slovakia, renowned for its striking castle and lively old town. There's ample time to explore the area and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we traverse through Slovakia's scenic landscapes of forests and rolling hills as we move towards Poland. Our day concludes with our arrival in Krakow by the evening.

In the morning, we'll embark on a captivating panoramic tour of Krakow, the historic capital of Lesser Poland, founded in the 7th century. As we explore, you'll discover the city's UNESCO-listed historic centre, celebrated for its medieval allure. We'll wander the charming streets, visit the expansive Main Market Square one of Europe's largest and the vibrant heart of the city and admire the Wawel Castle Hill, once the residence of Polish nobility. After this, our journey takes us to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a picturesque town set against a scenic backdrop, known for its monastic complex called the 'Calvary', a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a revered pilgrimage spot. Following this, we'll stop in Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II, offering time for lunch and a leisurely exploration. In the afternoon, we pay a sombre visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp of World War II, where over a million lives were tragically lost. We'll view Birkenau (Camp II), the poignant site where trains brought deportees from across Europe. We'll conclude our day's journey in Warsaw by evening, reflecting on the profound historical experiences.

Our day in Warsaw begins with a guided panoramic tour of this vibrant city. As Poland's political and economic heart, Warsaw is home to nearly two million residents and offers a captivating mix of contemporary architecture and beautifully restored historical buildings. We will wander through the enchanting old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site painstakingly rebuilt after World War II. Highlights include the Royal Palace and the quaint cobbled streets. We'll visit the iconic Palace of Culture, a towering gift from the Soviet Union, and delve into the poignant history of what was once Europe's largest Jewish ghetto. A leisurely walk through Lazienki Park, where the renowned Chopin Monument stands, is also on our agenda. The afternoon is yours to explore perhaps visit the compelling National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply enjoy the bustling city centre with its array of shops and activities.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. We hope you depart with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!