Baltic to Central Europe Odyssey

Upon your arrival in Warsaw, we'll arrange your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Once settled, you're free to explore at your leisure. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cityscape or simply unwind. Later, you'll find important information about the commencement of your tour displayed on the boards at the hotel reception. Take this time to relax and anticipate the exciting days 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.

Our day begins with a captivating panoramic tour of Warsaw, guided by a local expert. As the political and economic heart of Poland, Warsaw is a vibrant city of nearly two million residents, where contemporary architecture seamlessly blends with painstakingly restored historical structures. We will meander through the enchanting old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its quaint cobbled streets and charming buildings, including the Royal Palace, all lovingly rebuilt after the destruction of World War II. Our itinerary includes a visit to the iconic Palace of Culture, a monumental skyscraper bestowed by the Soviet Union, and a moment of reflection on the site of what was the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. We will also wander through the picturesque ?azienki Park, home to the serene Chopin Monument. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisureyou might choose to visit the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or simply enjoy the lively city centre filled with shops and vibrant activities.

Following breakfast, we'll set off for northern Poland. Our first visit will be to Olsztynek, where you'll experience the charm of the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture. Admission is included, and you'll have the chance to explore traditional wooden houses, age-old mills, and an authentic church, offering a glimpse into the region's past. Our journey continues to the renowned Elbl?g Canal, Poland's longest navigable waterway. There, we'll visit a museum where boats are uniquely transported over land on rails to manage elevation changes. Next, we'll make our way to Malbork to explore its impressive castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is both a historical gem and an architectural marvel. We'll reach Gda?skformerly Danzigin the evening. The historic centre of this vibrant city is stunning and lively; an evening stroll is highly recommended to fully appreciate its atmosphere.

After breakfast, we'll meet our guide for a visit to the European Solidarity Centre, a remarkable modern building that honours the Solidarity movement's critical role in ending Soviet control. Notable features include the monument dedicated to the fallen workers. We'll then visit the Museum of the Second World War, which opened in 2017. This museum stands as a solemn tribute to the 3 to 6 million lives lost in Poland during the conflict. You'll have some time to explore the historic centre before we journey to Sopot, a delightful seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. Known for its lively ambience, Sopot boasts a long sandy beach and one of Europe's longest wooden piers, providing stunning sea views. In the evening, we'll board a modern ferry for our cruise to Sweden. Departure is at 19:30, with overnight accommodation in cabins and breakfast included.

After a refreshing night on the ferry, we will dock at Karlskrona in southern Sweden around 6:30 a.m. From there, we journey through picturesque landscapes to reach Stockholm, with a brief stop in Vstervik. This charming seaside town, with its quaint historic centre, offers a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and perhaps enjoy a morning coffee. Arriving in Stockholm in the afternoon, we'll find ourselves in Sweden's capital, beautifully spread across fourteen islands connected by a network of bridges and ferries. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Stockholm seamlessly combines modernity with tradition. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. We recommend a walk through the historic centre, where you can visit museums, explore parks, or simply soak up the vibrant local atmosphere.

Today we'll take you on a scenic tour of Stockholm, a captivating capital set across 14 islands. Our exploration begins in Gamla Stan, the vibrant old town known as the city between bridges. Here, you will see impressive landmarks such as the Nobel Prize Museum, the Cathedral, and the Royal Palace, all located around the charming Stortorget square. Whenever possible, we aim to visit the Fjllgatan viewpoint to offer spectacular vistas of the cityscape. The rest of the day is at your leisure, and we recommend visiting some of Stockholms renowned museums and parks. If you wish, you can also explore the City Hall and the Vasa Museum during your free time.

We'll begin our journey southward from Stockholm and spend some time in the lively coastal town of Helsingborg. After enjoying the sights, we will board a ferry for a delightful afternoon crossing from Sweden to Helsingr, Denmark, known as Hamlet's home. You'll have ample time to explore the town, with the notable Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing as a highlight of your visit. The castles rich history and stunning architecture make it a captivating experience. As the day progresses, we'll continue our travels to Copenhagen, where we'll arrive in the evening, ready to embark on new adventures in Denmarks charming capital.

In the morning, well embark on a panoramic tour of Copenhagen, the Danish capital celebrated for its exceptional quality of life and cultural richness. Our local guide will introduce us to iconic landmarks, including The Little Mermaid statue, the picturesque Nyhavn harbour with its colourful historic buildings, and the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family. We will also pass by Town Hall Square and the Tivoli Park area. Following our exploration of the city, we will depart towards the south of Denmark. Our journey will take us to Gedser, where we will board a ferry for a two-hour crossing to Germany. Upon arriving in Warnemnde, well continue our trip to Berlin, reaching this vibrant 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 itinerary may be completed using a regular passenger line, but the overall plan for the day remains unchanged.

On day nine, we delve into the rich history and culture of Berlin, Germany's vibrant capital. Our guided panoramic tour offers an insightful journey through the city's past and present. We explore notable landmarks, including the historic centre, Museum Island, the distinctive Reichstag building, and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. As we traverse the lively shopping streets and verdant city parks, Berlins unique character unfolds. We also visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum, deepening our understanding of the city's pivotal role in 20th-century history. For those interested in venturing further afield, an optional excursion to Potsdam awaits, where you can marvel at its magnificent palaces and picturesque landscapes.

Today, we journey through splendid forested landscapes to reach Dresden, a city famed for its remarkable architectural and artistic heritage, earning it a place among Germany's premier travel destinations. You'll have ample time to appreciate Dresden's magnificent palaces and enjoy lunch at your own pace. Once refreshed, we continue our adventure by crossing into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague by mid-afternoon. Here, we will embark on a panoramic tour of this captivating city, taking in sights such as the Castle, the Town Hall Square, and the iconic Charles Bridge. As evening falls, we'll escort you to the city centre, where a plethora of traditional breweries await your discovery. Please note, occasionally the Prague city tour may instead be scheduled for Sunday.

On day eleven, you have the opportunity to explore the enchanting city of Prague at your own leisure. Immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, wander through its charming streets, and discover hidden gems at your own pace. Alternatively, you may choose to delve deeper into the city's artistic side with an optional tour. This exploration will take you through the picturesque district of Mala Strana, where you can admire its baroque architecture and visit sites such as the Infant Jesus of Prague and St. Nicholas Church. A scenic cruise on the Vltava River offers a delightful perspective of the city's iconic landmarks, and a visit to the Jewish Quarter will provide insight into Prague's rich cultural tapestry.

We begin our day with an early departure from Prague, setting our course towards the picturesque Moravia region. Our first stop is Lednice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site resplendent with its exquisite castle and beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a glimpse into the area's rich architectural heritage. Continuing our journey, we'll cross into Slovakia and make a leisurely stop in Gyor, known as the city of four rivers. Here, youll have time to enjoy lunch and stroll through the charming streets. In the mid-afternoon, we arrive in Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. The evening holds the promise of discovering Budapest's lively pedestrian area, where you can savour a meal in a traditional restaurant, many of which offer the delights of live music.

Today, well explore the captivating city of Budapest, beautifully divided by the Danube River. Our day begins with a guided panoramic tour, where well discover both sides of the city. On the historic Buda side, youll find stunning architecture and charming streets, while Pest offers vibrant commercial districts bustling with life. The morning tour will provide an excellent overview and allow you to appreciate the blend of past and present in this magnificent city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to delve deeper into Budapests cultural treasures, perhaps visiting its renowned thermal baths or exploring its eclectic neighbourhoods.

On day 14, our journey begins with an early departure from Budapest, setting course for Slovakia's vibrant capital, Bratislava, situated along the Danube River. You'll have the opportunity for a leisurely stroll around the historic centre, charmingly situated at the base of the city's imposing castle. Following our time in Bratislava, we proceed to the enchanting medieval town of Trencin in western Slovakia, celebrated for its remarkable castle and lively historic centre. Here, you'll have time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, as we traverse scenic landscapes comprising forests and rolling hills, we make our way to Poland, arriving in the culturally rich city of Krakow by the end of the day.

We begin our day with a panoramic tour of Krakow, the historic capital of Lesser Poland, established in the 7th century. This enthralling city is steeped in medieval charm, and its historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore its delightful streets, taking in the grandeur of the Main Market Squareone of Europes largest and the vibrant heart of the cityand the majestic Wawel Castle Hill, the erstwhile residence of Polish monarchs.Our journey continues to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a picturesque town renowned for its monastery and chapel complex. Known as the Calvary, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a revered pilgrimage destination, set amidst tranquil landscapes.Next, we head to Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Spend some time here for lunch and perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll.In the afternoon, we visit the solemn site of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp from World War II. Over a million people faced unimaginable horrors here, and we will walk through Birkenau (Camp II), where trains transported detainees from across Europe.We conclude our day with a journey back to Warsaw, arriving at the end of the day.

After breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your journey.