Recently updated on March 3rd, 2025 at 05:53 pm
Prolific travelers Jenice and Gerry haven’t stopped exploring since the end of the pandemic, but their trip to Central and Eastern Europe with Trafalgar remains one of their favorites. The retired American couple joined our Highlights of Eastern Europe tour, which took them to Vienna, Budapest, Kraków, Berlin and Prague and more across 17 epic days.
“We chose this tour as we wanted to visit the cities of our grandparents,” Jenice said.
“My grandfather was born in beautiful Krakow and my husband’s grandfather was born in Prague. These are two of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited and having this connection to them was so special.
“One photo shows my husband’s surname on one of the beautiful windows in St. Vitus Cathedral. It was a magical, memorable trip we will never forget.”
We caught up with Jenice to find out more about what made their travel to Central and Eastern Europe so special and to find out where they’re going next.
You chose our Highlights of Eastern Europe tour as you and your husband Gerry wanted to visit the cities of your grandparents. Tell us about what it was like to explore Krakow and Prague?
This was our first visit to Krakow and we were so thrilled to visit. The city is beautiful and to see where my grandfather was born was so special. We visited the castle, the cathedral and had free time to have lunch on our own. Our Travel Director Xavier bought us Paczki, the Polish donut as a treat. It was a very special day.
We had been to Prague before but couldn’t wait to return. My husband’s last name translates to ”happy” or “merry” in Czech and we were reminded everywhere. There is even a window in St.Vitus Cathedral signed by Jan Vesely. We would love to think it is a relative! Our time here was so fun. We did the walking night tour and stopped at a pub for a beer, and the next day we toured the old town and had free time to lunch in the square.
GET INSPIRED BY: Highlights of Eastern Europe
Why do you feel it was important to visit the cities and countries of your grandparents?
We both vaguely remember our grandfathers but, of course, heard stories about them throughout our lives. They both chose to come to the US for a better life and achieved that. To see where they came from was so special and made us feel a little more connected. We are so proud of our heritage and it was such a memorable trip.
Can you share 3 more of your favourite memories from this trip to central Europe?
1. Visiting Lake Bled in Slovenia, one of the most beautiful places in the world.
2. The Polish dinner where we danced Polka with the dancers in the show.
3. Visiting Auschwitz. The most solemn, sad and horrifying place we have ever been. The only day it rained the entire tour and it seemed fitting. No one spoke for a long long time after getting on the bus to leave.
What types of activities do you like to do while travelling?
We love seeing all the historical sights anywhere we travel. We also like to have free time to see things on our own and to try the local food and drinks!
Have you taken other tours with Trafalgar?
We had only done one other Trafalgar tour and that was Scandinavia and Russia back in 2017. It was a wonderful tour and we are so glad we did it then because it doesn’t look like Russia is going to be anyone’s destination anytime soon.
GET INSPIRED BY: Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
What is your favorite thing about traveling with Trafalgar?
We love not having to worry about where we are staying, transportation, or getting into major sights. Trafalgar takes care of all that so we can enjoy every minute of the trip.
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Where else is on your bucket list?
We are travelers! Since the pandemic ended we have done a river cruise in Portugal, visited Mexico twice, went to Machu Picchu and Galapagos, Israel and Jordan. We did the Highlights of Eastern Europe tour, a West Indies cruise, a cruise in French Polynesia and are soon leaving on a cruise from England to Scotland, including islands, and then on to the coast of Norway.
In October we will be in South America including Easter Island and next spring will do a tulips river cruise in April. We’re trying to plan something for next summer, and then on to Disney World in October with the whole family. We even have a river cruise in Bordeaux booked for May, 2025!
Anything else you’d like to add?
This tour was a very special one for many reasons. The places we visited and the sights are amazing. While there is a lot of touring, there is a good bit of downtime to explore on your own. We loved it.
Are you planning a trip to Central or Eastern Europe this year? Let us know in the comments below which Eastern Europe cities you’re most excited to tour….