Journey through Central Europe & Romania

Your European adventure begins in the beautiful city of Vienna. After a welcome meeting at 6 pm, you'll have the chance to explore the city, perhaps taking a spin on the famous Prater Ferris Wheel. Your accommodation for the night is the unique Magdas Hotel, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting refugees. After your meeting, why not get to know your travel companions over a delicious dinner?

Join your guide for a morning walk through Vienna's compact city center. Marvel at the gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral, stroll past the neo-classical Graben, and admire the grand Hofburg Palace. Finish your city tour at the State Opera House, a hub of Viennese culture. Enjoy a coffee and cake at Vollpension, a local cafe that empowers older community members. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's art scene or visit the grand summer palace, Schoenbrunn.

Depart Vienna and cross the border into the Czech Republic to the charming town of Cesky Krumlov. This picturesque medieval town, nestled on a bend of the Vltava River, looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the town, starting in the main square. Wander through the Old Town, see the city's oldest pharmacy, and visit the stunning Cesky Krumlov Castle, offering panoramic views of the town below.

Today is yours to enjoy as you please in Cesky Krumlov. You might choose to take an optional guided castle tour, delve into the world of Austrian painter Egon Schiele at the Art Centrum, or embark on a canoe adventure on the Vltava River for a different perspective of the town.

Leave Cesky Krumlov behind and travel by bus to the vibrant city of Prague. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Spend your free afternoon and evening exploring the city's renowned jazz scene or wandering along the iconic Charles Bridge and Old Town Square for some magical photo opportunities.

Today is free to explore Prague at your own pace. You might choose to wander around the Jewish Quarter, pay your respects at the Gothic-inspired Old Jewish Cemetery, or visit the Museum of Communism to learn about the struggles of many European countries during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the evening, join your group for dinner and drinks in one of the city's renowned beer halls.

This morning, travel by train and private bus to Wroclaw, the cultural center of southwest Poland. On the way, stop in Swidnica, a town known for its intriguing Lutheran Church of Peace. Arrive in Wroclaw in the early afternoon and settle into your hotel. Follow your leader on an orientation walk around this city that feels like stepping back in time. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries.

Spend another day exploring Wroclaw at your leisure. You might choose to visit Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island), the Old Town Square, or the Four Denominations District, where the city's incredible architecture and history are on full display. Don't miss the chance to appreciate Wroclaw from the River Oder or experience the city's vibrant cultural scene.

Today, travel by train to Krakow, one of Poland's most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, join your group for an orientation walk. Discover the city's biggest and arguably most beautiful medieval square, explore the Wawel Royal Castle, and get a glimpse inside St Mary's Basilica. Don't miss the chance to visit Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest in Central Europe. In the evening, head to the Jewish Quarter for its laidback vibes and delicious food.

Today, visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a guided tour. In the afternoon, continue exploring Krakow at your own pace. If you're interested, head out to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a network of tunnels and chambers some 135 meters below the ground. In the evening, indulge in a plate of traditional pierogi and a few beers to celebrate another day of your journey.

Say goodbye to Krakow and travel by local bus through southern Poland to Slovakia. Your destination is Tatranska Lomnica, a small alpine resort at the base of the Vysoke Tatry (High Tatra) Mountains. The evening is free for you to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountainous region.

Today, embark on a hike in the High Tatra Mountains. The route includes gradual hill ascents and descents and walking on gravel and uneven rocky surfaces. In the afternoon, return to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day in this stunning location.

Today, you'll travel to Budapest, known for its grand architecture, boulevards, café culture, and interesting laneways. Upon arrival, take a brief walk around the neighborhood to get your bearings. In the evening, relax after a long day of traveling, perhaps visiting one of Budapest's many restaurants or eclectic 'ruin' bars in the Jewish Quarter.

Today, you have a full day to explore Budapest. Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is a great city to enjoy from the water. Perhaps take a boat trip along the river or catch a funicular up to Buda Castle for spectacular views. You could also head to Statue Park to see the communist monuments or soak in Budapest's hot thermal baths.

Enjoy a free day in the charming city of Budapest until your 6pm group meeting. This is a great opportunity to further explore the city, visit any attractions you may have missed, or simply relax and soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere.

This morning, travel by train to the beautifully preserved Baroque town of Eger. Visit the wine cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Women to sample some of the town's famous 'Bull's Blood' red wine. In your free time, explore Eger's 13th-century castle, which was the scene of a historic siege that thwarted the Ottoman Empire's advancement into Western Europe.

Travel to the pleasant town of Debrecen, where you'll have time to explore Deri Square and the golden Great Church. Continue by train and private vehicle into the Maramures region of Romania, a region where life has remained unchanged since medieval times. Upon arrival, settle into your room at a local family-run pension and enjoy a homecooked dinner.

Today, discover the rich tradition and folklore of Maramures, one of the last peasant cultures in Europe. Visit the unique Merry Cemetery in Sapanta, where the life stories of the deceased are displayed on colorful wooden crosses. You'll also explore traditional villages, including the village museum in Sighetu, showcasing beautiful local wooden architecture.

Travel to the medieval city of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved walled old town. Take a walk around the old town, explore the 64-meter-high clock tower, and learn about the city's most famous resident, Vlad the Impaler, whose name inspired Bram Stoker's iconic Count Dracula. In the evening, consider dining at Casa Dracula, a traditional Romanian restaurant.

Travel to the village of Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional wooden architecture and fortified church. Visit the church and learn about the Sock Project, which supports the local Roma community. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner prepared by a local family, sampling fresh produce, homemade wines, and schnapps.

Travel to Brasov, a city flanked by mountains and known for its medieval trading center. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the city's main attractions, including the gothic Black Church, pedestrianized Strada Republicii, and the nearby Rasnov Fortress. In the evening, consider checking out the city's vibrant nightlife.

Today, visit the famed Bran Castle, said to be the inspiration for the home of Bram Stoker's Dracula. After exploring the castle, return to Brasov and enjoy free time to further explore the city's attractions or simply relax and soak up the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Travel south to Bucharest, Romania's cosmopolitan capital. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walking tour around the city to help you get your bearings. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city's attractions, such as its art nouveau buildings, ancient churches and monasteries, lush parklands, and elegant boulevards.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Bucharest, please inquire about additional accommodation at the time of booking.