Highlights of Eastern Europe (Small Groups, End Budapest, 14 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Budapest
Duration
14 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty abound. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of guided exploration and free time to discover the region at your own pace. From the vibrant cityscapes of Budapest, Warsaw, and Berlin to the breathtaking landscapes of Slovakia's Low Tatra Mountains, every day brings a new adventure. Experience the rich musical heritage of Budapest at the Liszt Academy of Music, delve into the poignant history of Auschwitz, and marvel at the architectural wonders of Prague and Vienna. Enjoy traditional meals, local beer tastings, and even a Viennese Waltz dance workshop. This tour is not just about visiting places; it's about immersing yourself in diverse cultures, meeting locals, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

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Included

13 night accommodation

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6 Dinner with Wine (DW)

13 Breakfast (B)

Budapest: Dine in elegance and savour Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially selected Hungarian wine during your dinner at Gundel.

Warsaw: Enjoy a demonstration of the traditional techniques of dumpling-making with an expert chef. Then enjoy a hearty Polish Highlight Dinner with a variety of local delicacies and drinks.

Ceske Budejovice: Tour a local brewery to discover the secrets of how the golden vintage of beer is made, followed by a sampling.

Cesky Krumlov: For your Dine-Around evening, choose your own style of ambience and cuisine from a fine selection of restaurants in the atmospheric centre.

Vienna: Your Imperial Viennese dinner is regal splendour on a plate. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal with drinks at a local restaurant, before a concert of classical music that pays homage to the genius of Strauss and Mozart.

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Prague: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Prague. Taste Trdelnik, a traditional Czech pastry.

Prague: Explore Prague with your local expert, walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. The city is then yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer, so be sure to try the local pilsners together with hearty Czech cuisine

Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte.

Vienna: Listen to the musical masterpiece of Mozart and learn the Viennese Waltz, in an inclusive workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Unique to Insight Guests, ‘Dancing without Barriers’ takes place in the dark, in a specially designed sensory studio, and will be a unique experience for all your senses. This specifically designed workshop focuses on inclusion and education around the topic of visual impairment. Through their foundation the organisation supports children from disadvantaged family and children with a visual impairment. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Budapest: Enjoy a tour of the Liszt Music Academy with a student, followed by an enchanting recital. Producing incredible musical talent, the university was founded by piano virtuoso and composer Franz Liszt in 1875.

Budapest: Stroll through the alleys of the Old Town of Buda with a Local Expert.

Kraków: The medieval heart of Krakow is rich in legend, a kind of Polish Camelot. Join your Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of this historic Holy Grail. Cross the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Podgórze and see the Ghetto Square.

Kraków: Visit the cathedral atop Wawel Hill, see the castle and look for the iconic dragon, accompanied by your Local Expert.

Kraków: Visit the 14th-century St. Mary's Basilica, the most important church in the city.

Auschwitz: Experience a powerful and moving visit with a Local Expert. See the Auschwitz memorial and museum, which bears witness to the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.

Berlin: You Local Expert provides a tour of this vibrant city. Drive along the Ku'Damm, passing the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and through Tiergarten to the Reichstag building. See the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and visit Alexanderplatz.

Cesky Krumlov: Visit the fairytale castle considered to be the finest in the land. Let a Local Expert lead you through a medieval labyrinth of private chambers, courtyards, kitchens and dungeons of the castle, so rich in history.

Vienna: A private, guided exploration of Schönbrunn Palace will have all your senses tingling. Stand beneath frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gilded Rococo frames where Mozart performed as a child prodigy.

Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Dresden: During your orientation with your Travel Director, take a moment to admire the 'Procession of the Princes' mosaic on the Saxon wall of the castle. You'll also see Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace and the opera house, Semperoper.

Cesky Krumlov: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of the city as you explore the medieval streets of this fairy-tale town.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Český Krumlov - town in Czech Republicokres Český Krumlov
Oświęcim - city in PolandOświęcim
Warsaw - city in PolandWarsaw
Budapest - city in HungaryBudapest
Krakow - city in PolandKrakow
Częstochowa - city in PolandCzęstochowa
Church Heiliger Franz of Assisi at Mexikoplatz, Vienna, Austria.Vienna
Photo of scenic summer view of the Old Town architecture with Elbe river embankment in Dresden, Saxony, Germany.Dresden
Berlin cityscape with Berlin cathedral and Television tower, Germany.Berlin
okres České Budějovice - city in Czech RepublicČeské Budějovice
Praha -  in CzechiaPrague
Donovaly

Map

Attractions

photo of view of Burg Perchtoldsdorf, Gemeinde Perchtoldsdorf, Austria.Burg Perchtoldsdorf
Photo of St. Matthias Church in Budapest. The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle
Photo of famous Zwinger palace (Der Dresdner Zwinger) Art Gallery of Dresden, Saxrony, Germany.Zwinger
Chinese Garden, Ujazdów, Śródmieście, Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, PolandChinese Garden
Reichstag BuildingReichstag Building
photo of view of The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin at sunrise, GermanyBrandenburg Gate
Saint Mary's Basilica located on Main Square in Cracow, Poland.St. Mary's Basilica
photo of view of The view of Hundertwasser house in Vienna, Austria.Hundertwasser House
Český Krumlov Castle Tower, Český Krumlov, okres Český Krumlov, Jihočeský kraj, Southwest, CzechiaČeský Krumlov Castle Tower
Photo of old town square in Warsaw in a summer day, Poland.Old Town Market Square
Photo of Fisherman's bastion in Budapest, Hungary. Fisherman's Bastion
Photo of detail of the colorful Moorish facade of the Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue because of its location on Jerusalem Street in Prague, Czech Republic.Jerusalem Synagogue
Krakowskie Przedmiescie street at night, part of the Royal Route in the city of Warsaw, Poland.Royal Route
Austrian Gallery Belvedere, KG Landstraße, Landstraße, Vienna, AustriaAustrian Gallery Belvedere
Mosorny Groń dolna stacja, Zawoja, gmina Zawoja, Sucha County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, PolandMosorny Groń dolna stacja
Visiting Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow Poland.Wieliczka Salt Mine
Photo of aerial view Palace of Culture and Science and downtown business skyscrapers, city center of Warsaw, Poland.Palace of Culture and Science
Photo of famous church of Our Lady during the sunrise in Dresden city, Germany.Frauenkirche Dresden
Photo of aerial view of Schonbrunn Palace is a major tourist attraction in Vienna, Austria.Schönbrunn Palace
Bergkirche, Eisenstadt, Burgenland, AustriaBergkirche
Photo of famous St. Vitus Cathedral Prague, Czech Republic on a Sunny evening.St. Vitus Cathedral
Photo of aerial view of Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral under clear Blue sunny sky ,Czech.Prague Castle
Museum island in autumn, Berlin, GermanyMuseum Island
Photo of Wawel cathedral on Wawel Hill in Krakow, Poland.Wawel Cathedral
photo of view of Burgruine Mödling, Gemeinde Mödling, Austria.Burgruine Mödling

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Budapest

  • Budapest - Arrival day
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Your Eastern European adventure begins in the vibrant city of Budapest. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor mouthwatering Hungarian specialties and fine wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Budapest

  • Budapest
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  • The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle
  • Fisherman's Bastion
  • Kovács Margit Ceramic Museum
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Today, you'll visit the renowned Liszt Academy of Music for a guided tour and enchanting recital. Wander through the charming alleys of Buda's Old Town with a local expert, admiring the facade of Matthias Church and the stunning views from Fisherman's Bastion. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a fairy-tale cruise along the Danube, complete with a meal of Hungarian specialties.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Kraków via Slovakia

  • Budapest
  • Donovaly
  • Krakow
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  • Mosorny Groń dolna stacja
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Enjoy a scenic drive into Slovakia, taking in the breathtaking views of the Low Tatra Mountains. Stop at the picturesque village of Donovaly before heading north to the charming Oravský Hrad Castle. Cross into Poland and continue to the historic city of Kraków, where you'll spend the night.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Kraków

  • Krakow
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  • St. Mary's Basilica
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Wawel Cathedral
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Join a Local Expert for a tour of Kraków, starting with a visit to the cathedral on Wawel Hill. Stroll through the Old Town to Europe's largest town square, admire the medieval Sukiennice Cloth Hall, and visit the 14th-century St. Mary's Basilica. Keep an eye out for the trumpeter in the tower! You may choose to join an Optional Experience to the 600-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mines, a unique subterranean world of salt sculptures and sunken lakes. Alternatively, enjoy some leisure time to explore the city on your own.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: From Kraków to Warsaw via Auschwitz

  • Częstochowa
  • Krakow
  • Oświęcim
  • Warsaw
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  • Memorial and Museum Auschwitz I
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Today, you'll visit Oświęcim, better known by its German name, Auschwitz. Join a Local Expert for a reflective tour of the remains of the concentration camp and memorials to those who died. Continue across the Polish plains to Warsaw, the country's capital. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling demonstration and a delightful dinner of this Eastern European tradition.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Warsaw

  • Warsaw
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  • Chinese Garden
  • Old Town Market Square
  • Royal Route
  • Palace of Culture and Science
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Join a Local Expert for a tour of Warsaw, visiting the Old Town, Royal Castle, and Palace of Culture. Pay your respects at the Chopin Memorial in Łazienki Park and the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. You might choose to attend a Chopin recital or delve deeper into Warsaw's inspiring past.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Journey to Berlin

  • Berlin
  • Warsaw
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Today, your route takes you westward across the rolling farmlands of central Poland, over the Oder River, and into Germany. Your destination is the vibrant capital of Berlin, where you'll have the chance to sample traditional Berliner cuisine.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Discovering Berlin

  • Berlin
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  • Tiergarten
  • Reichstag Building
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Museum Island
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Get ready to embrace the spirit of Berlin. Join a Local Expert for a drive through the leafy Tiergarten to the refurbished Reichstag building and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. On the eastern side of the city, take a stroll down Unter den Linden to Museum Island.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: From Berlin to Prague via Dresden

  • Dresden
  • Prague
  • Berlin
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  • Zwinger
  • Frauenkirche Dresden
  • The Grand Garden Palace
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Journey south to Dresden, a city that has risen from the ashes of World War II. See the reconstructed Frauenkirche and walk past the colossal 'Procession of the Princes' on the wall of the Royal Palace. Explore the area around the Catholic cathedral to view the tiered facades of the opera house and the Baroque Zwinger Palace. After some free time for lunch, head for the Czech border and continue to the capital city of Prague.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Prague

  • Prague
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  • Jerusalem Synagogue
  • St. Vitus Cathedral
  • Prague Castle
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Today, you have the choice of exploring Prague's courtyards and visiting the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral or joining your Local Expert for a walk through the Jewish Quarter. Taste Trdelník, a traditional Czech pastry, and learn about a different side of Prague's history. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps walk along the Royal Route or try the local pilsners and Czech cuisine.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: From Prague to Český Krumlov via České Budějovice

  • Prague
  • České Budějovice
  • okres Český Krumlov
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  • Český Krumlov Castle Tower
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Travel through the green Bohemian countryside to České Budějovice. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery and sample the beer. Continue to Český Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town nestled on the banks of the Vltava. Walk the narrow cobbled streets and visit the fairy-tale castle with a Castle Guide. After the day trippers have left, soak up the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy a traditional Czech Highlight Dinner.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Journey to Vienna

  • Vienna
  • okres Český Krumlov
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Cross the border into Austria for a delightful journey to Vienna. The afternoon is free for you to explore this stately capital. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a traditional Austrian meal at a country mansion.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Discovering Vienna

  • Vienna
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  • Viennese Giant Ferris Wheel
  • Schönbrunn Palace
  • Burgruine Mödling
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Vienna owes much of its charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs. Join your Local Expert for a private visit to Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and its formal gardens. Take some great photos on a circuit of the famous Ring Road, showcasing many of the capital's architectural masterpieces. Choose between a visit to a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialties or a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Austrian fare with drinks at a local restaurant, followed by an extraordinary concert of Viennese classical music.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Vienna to Budapest

  • Budapest
  • Vienna - Departure day
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Your Eastern European adventure comes to an end today. A transfer will take you to Budapest airport in the early afternoon. For those extending their stay, a stop is also made at the Kempinski Hotel Budapest (or similar).

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