Highlights of Eastern Europe

Welcome to Krakow, Poland's former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After settling into your hotel, join the group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore the city's historic architecture, including Saint Mary's Church, the Jagiellonian University, and Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Enjoy a taste of local cuisine at a nearby restaurant or bar, sampling local beers and vodkas.

Start your day with a short orientation walk around Krakow's Old Quarter. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Jewish Kazimierz district, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, or the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill. Another option is the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please note that there is only time to visit either Auschwitz or the salt mine today.

Today, we depart Krakow for an exciting inflatable rafting trip on the Dunajec River, located near the Polish border. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings as you navigate the river, and don't forget to bring a change of clothes! Later, we visit the impressive Spis Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing to Tatranska Lomnica in the High Tatra Mountains, one of Slovakia's most scenic regions.

Today, we embark on a full-day trek in the beautiful Tatra Mountains. Starting from Biela Voda, we hike uphill to the picturesque Green Lake. For those who wish to walk further, there's the option to continue to the Great White Lake before returning to Biela Voda. Alternatively, you can take a local train to Lake Strbske and enjoy a gentle walk around the lakeshore.

This morning, we travel by private bus to Banska Bystrica, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Vlkolinec village along the way. Upon arrival in Banska Bystrica, join an orientation walk of the city, exploring the main square and the city castle. While here, don't miss the chance to try the traditional folded potato pancakes and 'Tatratea' liqueur.

Today, we visit the unique Hronsek wooden church and the beautifully preserved medieval town of Banska Stiavnica. We also explore the 17th-century open-air mining museum, going 60 meters deep underground. Later, we visit Stará Hora, a small wine-making district, where you have the option to visit a local wine cellar. Our final destination for the day is Budapest.

Spend the day exploring Hungary's capital, Budapest. The morning is free for you to explore on your own. You might choose to relax in one of the famous thermal baths or take a boat cruise on the Danube. In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour to discover the city's major sites, including the Basilica of Saint Stephen, the Parliament buildings, the Chain Bridge, and the Castle District.

Today is a free day for you to further explore Budapest. You might choose to visit one of the city's famous thermal baths, take a boat cruise on the Danube, or visit Szentendre, an artist's town located on the river bank.

Today, we journey from Budapest to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the city's historical Old Town, passing by Michael's Gate, the Main Square, Primate's Palace, and the Cathedral of Saint Martin. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a bird's eye view from the city's most famous landmark, the UFO bridge.

This morning, we take a short train ride to Austria's capital, Vienna. Join a walking tour of the Old City with a local guide, visiting sites such as Karlsplatz, Heroes Square, Hofburg, the Imperial Treasury, the National Library, the Spanish Riding School, Saint Stephens Church, and the Opera. After the tour, you're free to explore Vienna at your leisure.

Today, we travel by train and bus to the beautiful town of Mikulov. En route, we stop at the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape and take a walk around the castle park of Chateau Lednice. In the afternoon, we visit the Jewish Cemetery in Mikulov before enjoying a wine tasting of the town's local produce.

Today, we travel by train to our final destination, Prague. Upon arrival, we embark on a guided city tour, visiting some of the city's main highlights including the Old Town Square and City Hall, the Astronomical Clock, the Powder Tower, the Prague Ghetto, the Jewish Cemetery and Synagogues, Charles Bridge, and the castle of the Bohemian Kings.

On your second day in Prague, you're free to explore the city at your leisure. You might choose to visit the 700-year-old Konopiste Castle, take a boat trip on the Vltava River, or visit the Bunker Museum. There are also many classical music concerts to be found in the city's old atmospheric churches.

The tour ends after breakfast at our hotel in Prague. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.