Central Europe Capitals and Historical Treasures

Welcome to Budapest! Your journey begins with a transfer to your hotel, ensuring a seamless start to your visit. As evening approaches, we invite you to explore the vibrant pedestrian area of the city. This lively district is renowned for its delightful traditional restaurants, where many establishments feature live music, offering you the perfect opportunity to start immersing yourself in the local culture and flavours of Budapest. 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 day two, we embark on a panoramic tour of Budapest, a city beautifully divided by the majestic Danube River. Our exploration will take us to Buda, where we'll wander through the historic old town, and to Pest, renowned for its bustling commercial areas. This is a splendid opportunity to soak in the unique charm of the Hungarian capital. In the afternoon, you'll have the freedom to delve into the citys treasures at your own pace.

On our third day, we will set off early from Budapest, journeying through Slovakia where our first stop is its vibrant capital, Bratislava. Nestled along the banks of the Danube, Bratislava invites us to wander through its historic centre, lying in the shadow of its commanding castle. Our travels continue to Trencin, a delightful medieval town in western Slovakia. Known for its remarkable castle and lively historic centre, we will have the opportunity to explore the town and enjoy lunch. As the afternoon progresses, we will journey through picturesque landscapes filled with forests and gently rolling hills, making our way to Poland. We will arrive in Krakow by the end of the day, ready to discover more.

We begin our day in Krakow with a panoramic tour offering an insight into the city's rich history. Known as the capital of "Lesser Poland" and established in the 7th century, Krakow's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its medieval allure. As we wander, well explore the scenic streets and the expansive Main Market Square, one of the largest in Europe and the city's vibrant core. Our visit will also take us to the Wawel Castle Hill, the former residence of Polish royalty.Following our exploration of Krakow, we travel to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. This quaint town is enveloped by picturesque landscapes and hosts the renowned Calvary complex, a notable place of pilgrimage and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising a monastery and chapels.Our next stop is Wadowice, famously known as the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Here, you will have time for lunch and a leisurely walk through the town. In the afternoon, we visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous World War II concentration and extermination camp where over a million lives were tragically lost. Our route leads us to Birkenau, Camp II, reflecting on the sombre history of deportees brought here from various parts of Europe. Our day concludes with an evening arrival in Warsaw, allowing us time to reflect on the profound historical and cultural experiences of the day.

Our day in Warsaw begins with an insightful guided tour of the Polish capital. Home to nearly two million inhabitants, Warsaw seamlessly blends modern architecture with restored historical buildings. We'll meander through the charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its beautifully restored cobbled streets and old buildings, which were painstakingly reconstructed after World War II. During our tour, we'll visit the iconic Royal Palace and other key sites such as the Palace of Culture a towering structure given by the Soviet Union and Lazienki Park, where you'll find the renowned Chopin Monument. We'll also take time to reflect on the poignant history of what was once Europe's largest Jewish ghetto.In the afternoon, you'll have the freedom to explore Warsaw at your own pace. You might choose to delve deeper into the city's past at the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or perhaps you'll prefer to wander the vibrant city centre, a bustling area filled with shops, cafes, and activities. Whatever your interests, Warsaw offers an array of experiences to suit every traveller.

Following breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to northern Poland with Olsztynek as our first destination. Here, we'll visit the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture, where you'll find a charming collection of wooden houses, vintage mills, and a traditional church that collectively offer a glimpse into the past. Our adventure continues to the Elbl?g Canal, renowned as the longest navigable canal in Poland. We'll explore a fascinating museum located where boats are ingeniously hauled over land on rails to bypass elevation changes. Next, we make our way to Malbork to explore its spectacular 13th-century castle, originally built by the Teutonic Order. As one of the largest medieval castles in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this visit promises an awe-inspiring experience. We'll conclude our day in the evening when we arrive in Gda?sk, previously known as Danzig. This historic centre, known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, is perfect for an invigorating evening stroll.

After enjoying breakfast, our guide will accompany us to the European Solidarity Centre, an architecturally striking building dedicated to the history of the Solidarity movement, which played a significant role in dismantling Soviet influence. You'll find poignant exhibits here, including a monument honouring the workers who lost their lives during the movement. Following this, we will visit the Museum of the Second World War, opened in 2017, which offers a powerful insight into the staggering loss of 3 to 6 million Polish lives during the conflict. Well then take some time to explore Gdansks historic centre before proceeding to Sopot, a delightful Baltic Sea resort. Sopot is famed for its long sandy beaches and Europes longest wooden pier, providing breathtaking sea views. In the evening, we will board a modern ferry for an overnight journey to Sweden, departing at 7:30 p.m. Accommodation will be in cabins, and breakfast is included.

Following a smooth overnight ferry journey, we will arrive in the charming town of Karlskrona in southern Sweden at approximately 06:30 a.m. Our journey continues as we travel to Stockholm, making a stop in Vstervik, a delightful seaside town known for its picturesque historic centre. In the afternoon, we'll reach Stockholm, Sweden's stunning capital, beautifully set across fourteen islands in the Baltic Sea archipelago. With its rich history, striking architecture, and seamless blend of modernity and tradition, Stockholm offers endless opportunities for exploration. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy the city at your leisure. We suggest a leisurely walk through the historic centre or perhaps a visit to one of its many fascinating museums and scenic parks.

Today, well embark on a panoramic exploration of Stockholm, the stunning capital set on 14 interconnected islands. Our visit will begin in Gamla Stan, the vibrant old town known as "the city between bridges". Here, you'll find iconic landmarks such as the Nobel Prize Museum, located by Stortorget Square, where Nobel Prize winners are honoured. We'll also see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. When possible, we'll take in the breathtaking views from the Fjllgatan viewpoint. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace. We recommend visiting the city's numerous museums and parks for a deeper understanding of Stockholm's rich history and culture. Alternatively, you can opt for a visit to the City Hall and the Vasa Museum.

Today, we journey southwards, beginning with a visit to the vibrant coastal town of Helsingborg. After some time spent exploring this charming location, we'll take a ferry from Sweden to Denmark, arriving in the early afternoon in Helsingr, famously known as Hamlet's hometown. Here, you'll have some free time to experience the impressive Kronborg Castle, an iconic structure that played a significant role in both history and Shakespearean drama. Our day concludes with a journey to Copenhagen, where we'll arrive in the evening, welcoming you to Denmark's lively capital.

In the morning, we will embark on a guided panoramic tour of Copenhagen, the Danish capital renowned for its high quality of life, commitment to sustainability, and vibrant cultural scene. Our journey will include views of The Little Mermaid, the picturesque Nyhavn harbour with its colourful historic buildings, the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, which is home to the Danish royal family, and the lively Town Hall Square. We will also explore the area surrounding the Tivoli Gardens. After soaking in the city's highlights, we will set off for the south of Denmark. At Gedser, we'll board a ferry for a two-hour crossing to Germany. Arriving in Warnemnde, we'll then press on towards Berlin, reaching the city by the end of the day. Please note that if only a few passengers are travelling between Copenhagen and Berlin, this part of the journey may be completed using regular passenger services without altering the itinerary's content.

Today, join us for an immersive guided panoramic tour of Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany. Discover the city's rich history as we navigate through the historic centre, admire the cultural splendour of Museum Island, and witness the architectural grandeur of the Reichstag and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. You'll explore the bustling shopping streets and enjoy the tranquillity of the city's verdant parks. As part of our tour, we will also visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, offering powerful insights into the city's past. For those interested in venturing further, an optional excursion is available to Potsdam, known for its magnificent palaces and gardens, providing a glimpse into the heart of historical grandeur.

Today, we'll embark on a journey to Dresden, a city celebrated for its remarkable architectural and artistic delights, making it a top destination in Germany. You'll have time to wander amongst its stunning palaces and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following our sojourn in Dresden, we will journey into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague by mid-afternoon. Here, we'll offer you a panoramic tour, showcasing the city's grandeur with stops at the Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the famous Charles Bridge. As the day winds down, we'll include an evening transfer to the city centre, where you can explore a variety of traditional breweries and soak in the local culture. If necessary, please note that the city tour of Prague might be rescheduled to Sunday.

Enjoy a day of leisure in Prague, allowing you the flexibility to explore this historic city at your own pace. Consider immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and rich history, perhaps by wandering through its charming neighbourhoods or visiting some of its notable landmarks. Alternatively, you have the option to delve into the city's artistic side. Discover the area of Mala Strana with its picturesque streets, visit the revered Infant Jesus of Prague, admire the baroque beauty of St. Nicholas Church, or take a relaxing cruise along the Vltava River to see the city from a different perspective. You could also explore the Jewish Quarter, an area steeped in history. Whether choosing to explore on your own or partake in organised activities, Prague offers a wealth of experiences to create unforgettable memories.

Following breakfast, our exciting journey concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your travels through the heart of Europe.