Highlights of Eastern Europe

Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launchpad to a grand adventure through the highlights of Eastern Europe. After check-in, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing walking tour of Old Vienna, revealing fascinating insights into the Habsburg dynasty, once one of the most influential royal houses of Europe. Admire the Hofburg Palace, Imperial Boulevards, Am Hof Square and the beloved St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its colourful tiled roof. This evening we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to kick off our exciting holiday.

We cross the Loibl Pass in the Karawanken Mountains into the lush green hills of Slovenia, arriving later in Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. Why not admire its crystal clear waters from the comfort of a boat and gaze in wonder at the fairy-tale castle clinging dramatically to a cliff that rises up from the lake's edge? This evening, we dine at our hotel.

Spend the day at leisure soaking up the romantic atmosphere of this alpine lake setting. Perhaps visit the ruins on Bled Island, navigate the lake's tranquil waters from a canoe, or consider joining an Optional Experience to the extensive maze of underground caves at Postojna.

We leave the emerald waters of Bled behind and arrive in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, where we will join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see its Opera House, Cathedral, National Museum, Three Bridges Square and Castle, enjoying magnificent views of the city. We cross into Croatia and arrive in its capital, Zagreb - our home for the next two nights where we will spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Consider heading to Tkalčićeva Street to indulge in the flavours of traditional fruit brandy.

Explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb's charming cobblestone lanes and squares, to this day lit by gas lamps. Join a Local Specialist who will share the landmarks of the city's lower and upper town, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Opera House and St. Mark's Church, with its exquisitely coloured roof. Spend the rest of the day at leisure paying homage to the patron saint of Zagreb at its Stone Gate, or enjoying the city views from Strossmartre.

Crossing the border into Hungary, we enjoy a photo stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and known affectionately by locals as the 'Hungarian Sea'. We continue to the romantic capital of Budapest - our home for the next two nights. Meander along the romantic Danube on a scenic river cruise, enjoy an evening of Hungarian wine tasting or relax in the healing waters of the Szecheyni Spa Bath as the sun sets.

We join a Local Specialist for a fascinating walking tour of the Castle district today, admiring picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman's Bastion with its towers representing the seven Magyar tribes that formed the Hungarian nation. See the imposing Parliament and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Later we join the Schieszl family for a traditional Be My Guest dinner and hear the story of their winery that once sheltered a Jewish friend who was fleeing Nazi persecution.

The pristine natural landscape of Slovakia provides a picturesque backdrop for our journey to Poland, past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We arrive in the enchanting city of Kraków where we enjoy time at leisure. Consider an evening of lively Polish entertainment with dinner, or perhaps visit a traditional Polish Wodka Bar.

A leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków this morning with our Local Specialist showcases the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. We continue through the charming Old Town with a visit to the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the Mariacki Church. Spend the afternoon exploring the city or consider visiting a traditional milk bar, enjoy a slice of Polish Sernik Babci in the Old Town Square or join an Optional Experience to the unique Wieliczka Salt Mine, where underground chambers are hewn out of rock salt. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

Our journey this morning takes us to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust and more than a million lives lost. Travelling to Jasna Gora Monastery, we rub shoulders with Catholic pilgrims who have journeyed to the famous shrine to the Virgin Mary for centuries to see the iconic Black Madonna of Czestochowa. This evening, we arrive in the elegant Polish capital of Warsaw where we will dine tonight at our hotel.

Soak up the youthful energy of Warsaw, a city that has triumphed over the tragedy of war and the shackles of communism. This morning we join a Local Specialist visiting the Old Town, which the Nazis destroyed to retaliate against the brave Warsaw Uprising, and the site of the Warsaw Ghetto, immortalised in the Roman Polanski film - The Pianist. Spend the rest of the day seeing the sights - visit the 14th century Royal Castle or celebrate the talents of Chopin and perhaps enjoy a private recital of Chopin's works.

Cross Poland's patchwork countryside to the charming city of Poznań - its Old Town Square a riot of colourful façades rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. View the Renaissance town hall and see the city's impressive Gothic churches. Continue west into Germany and arrive in the capital Berlin, a capital city with enviable youthful verve and charisma.

Ascend an icon of reunification this morning as you enjoy a Cultural Insight experience with spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the city's great landmarks, including the neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building, lovingly restored after it fell into disuse after World War II. Spend the afternoon people-watching on Friederichstrasse with an Fassbrause or join an Optional Experience to discover the turbulent past of this magnificent city.

Travel through the picturesque Spreewald Forest to Dresden - its iconic domes and spires almost entirely rebuilt after the Allied Forces left their deep scars on the city during World War II. Hear about its restoration during your orientation tour as you amble through its charming streets to see the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. We leave Germany behind and travel to the Czech Republic, arriving later in the glorious fairy-tale city of Prague, straddling the mighty Vltava. Spend your first evening savouring hearty Czech flavours during a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.

Explore exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades as you ramble through the cobblestone streets of Prague with your Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's fascinating history. Marvel at Prague Castle, the 14th century Charles Bridge and Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock and hourly Walk of the Apostles. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, then enjoy the rest of the day free to explore or relax. Perhaps indulge in the delicious chocolate flavours of Trdelník in the Old Town Square, admiring the picturesque cityscape from Petrin Hill or consider a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.

Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of Southern Bohemia, stopping in Tábor, once a Hussite stronghold. Later we travel to the Imperial city of Vienna, where we'll enjoy a final Farewell Dinner together with our fellow travellers and Travel Director.

Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic adventure together through Eastern Europe. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.