Itinerary

Day 1 Warsaw
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of the Polish capital. Dinner and overnight Hotel Mercure Grand.

Day 2 Warsaw
The 700-year-old capital of Poland is a symbol of nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from Grand Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, summer residence of the last king of Poland. See the Palace of Science and Culture (known as a “Wedding Cake”), the Saxon Gardens, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Then a walking tour shows you Old Town, Old Market Square, and St. John”s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free. You might want to attend an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. Overnight Hotel Mercure Grand.

Day 3 Warsaw-Auschwitz-Krakow
This morning, journey to Czestochowa, famous for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the Yasna Gora Monastery, popularly called the “Black Madonna.” In the afternoon, tour solemn Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration camp from World War II. It is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Then on to Krakow Dinner and overnight Hotel Mercure Old Town.

Day 4 Krakow
Sightseeing starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, where you’ll see the Royal Castle and visit the Royal Cathedral. Then, on a walking tour of the Old Town, visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free to shop and do more sightseeing.Overnight Hotel Mercure Old Town.

Day 5 Krakow-Prague
Drive through the Polish countryside, crossing the borders of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Continue to Prague, the Czech capital, with its lovely Baroque churches, promenades, parks, and old city walls. Overnight Hotel Angelo by Vienna House or Hotel Andels.

Day 6 Prague
Built on seven hills and both banks of the Vltava River, Prague is one of the most alluring cities in Europe. Your city tour starts with a panoramic drive to see the famous Wenceslas Square, Strahov Stadium and Castle Square. On a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany with the Cathedral of St. Vitus the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower Cross, the Charles Bridge and a walk through the old quarter of Prague, viewing the Jewish Ghetto, the Town Hall and the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps attend an optional cultural performance, shop, or just relax. Overnight Hotel Angelo by Vienna House or Hotel Andels.

Day 7 Prague-Vienna
After breakfast head to Vienna, the “City of the Waltz..” Your time is free in Austria’s lovely capital. Overnight at the Hilton Vienna.

Day 8 Vienna
Start the day with a visit to the Hofburg Palace, then a panoramic tour of the Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, gather for a dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hilton Vienna.

Day 9 Vienna-Budapest
Today, journey to Budapest. The afternoon is free to explore the “Paris of the East”, shop along the Vaci Utca, nibble a delicious slice of apple strudel, sip an excellent Hungarian wine, or perhaps join one of the optional excursions available. Overnight at the Hotel Museum.

Day 10 Budapest
In 1873, the twin cities of Buda and Pest joined with ancient Obuda to form a new, unified city, Budapest. Charming and beautiful, the city was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of all the main attractions: The Parliament, Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own. Tonight, enjoy dinner with entertainment in a typical Csarda restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Museum.

Day 11 Budapest-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport or you may extend your stay in Budapest.

Additional nights in Warsaw and/or Budapest available.