Highlights of Eastern Europe (Small Groups, End Vienna, 14 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. From the vibrant streets of Budapest to the imperial grandeur of Vienna, this multi-day tour offers a captivating exploration of iconic cities and hidden gems. Discover the musical heritage of Budapest, the poignant history of Auschwitz, and the architectural splendor of Prague. Traverse the scenic landscapes of Slovakia and Poland, and savor the rich flavors of traditional cuisines. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Join us for an immersive journey that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of Eastern Europe's diverse heritage.
Included
13 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels
6 Dinner (D)
13 Breakfast (B)
Budapest: Dine in elegance and savour Hungarian delicacies accompanied with specially selected Hungarian wine during your dinner.
Cesky Krumlov: Tour a local brewery to discover the secrets of how the golden vintage of beer is made, followed by a sampling.
Cesky Krumlov: Experience South Bohemian flavours and hospitality when you choose from a selection of regional specialities in a local restaurant in the town 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.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialities of coffee and Sachertorte.
Vienna: Learn the Viennese Waltz in an inclusive workshop designed to support the visually impaired community. Unique to Insight Vacations guests, ‘Dancing without Barriers’ takes place in a specially designed sensory studio, promising a unique experience for all your senses. This workshop focuses on inclusion and education around the topic of visual impairment. Through their foundation, the organisation supports children from disadvantaged families and children with a visual impairment. This experience advances United Nations 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.
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
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: Join your Local Expert for a city tour that reveals both the renowned sights and hidden gems of Vienna's historic core. Travel along 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.
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.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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Begin your Eastern European adventure in the vibrant city of Budapest. As the sun sets, gather with your fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine. This evening sets the tone for an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 2 – Day 2: Budapest
- Budapest
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- Csabdi church
- Fisherman's Bastion
- Kovács Margit Ceramic Museum
- Ferris Wheel of Budapest
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Immerse yourself in Budapest's rich musical heritage with a guided tour of the Liszt Academy of Music, followed by a captivating recital. Wander through the charming alleys of Buda's Old Town, where you'll admire the stunning Matthias Church and enjoy panoramic views from the Fisherman's Bastion. In the evening, consider a magical cruise along the Danube, complete with a traditional Hungarian meal.
Day 3 – Day 3: Budapest to Kraków
- Donovaly
- Budapest
- Krakow
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- Orava Castle
- Low Tatras National Park
- PARK SNOW Donovaly
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Embark on a scenic drive through Slovakia's Low Tatra Mountains, pausing at the picturesque village of Donovaly. Continue north to explore the enchanting Oravský Hrad Castle, where traditional wooden houses still stand. Cross into Poland and journey to the historic city of Kraków, where your day concludes with a comfortable stay at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 4 – Day 4: Kraków
- Krakow
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- Sukiennice
- St. Mary's Basilica
- Wawel Cathedral
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Discover the historical treasures of Kraków with a guided ascent of Wawel Hill to visit the cathedral. Stroll through the Old Town, passing the former residence of Pope John Paul II, and marvel at the grandeur of Europe's largest town square. Visit the iconic Sukiennice Cloth Hall and the magnificent St. Mary's Basilica. In the afternoon, consider an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a subterranean wonderland of salt sculptures and underground lakes.
Day 5 – Day 5: Kraków to Warsaw
- Częstochowa
- Krakow
- Warsaw
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- Memorial and Museum Auschwitz I
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Reflect on the poignant history of Auschwitz with a visit to the concentration camp and its memorials. Spend time contemplating the past before continuing your journey across the Polish plains to the vibrant capital of Warsaw. Settle into your hotel (or similar) for a restful evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Warsaw
- Warsaw
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- Chomicz Park
- Monument of Adam Mickiewicz
- Royal Route
- Palace of Culture and Science
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Explore the cultural and historical landmarks of Warsaw with a guided tour of the Old Town, Royal Castle, and the iconic Palace of Culture. Visit the Chopin Memorial in Łazienki Park and pay homage at the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon to discover Warsaw's vibrant atmosphere at your own pace, perhaps attending a Chopin recital or delving into the city's inspiring history.
Day 7 – Day 7: Warsaw to Berlin
- Poznań
- Warsaw
- Berlin
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Travel westward across Poland's central plains, crossing the Oder River into Germany. Arrive in Berlin, a city pulsating with energy and history. Settle into your hotel (or similar) and savor the flavors of traditional Berliner cuisine as you prepare for the adventures that await in this dynamic capital.
Day 8 – Day 8: Berlin
- Berlin
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- Großer Tiergarten
- Reichstag
- Brandenburg Gate
- Museum Island
- Jungfernheide Public Park
- Schlosspark Sanssouci
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Experience the vibrant spirit of Berlin with a guided tour through the lush Tiergarten to the iconic Reichstag Building and Brandenburg Gate. Explore the historic Unter den Linden boulevard, passing the State Opera House, and delve into the cultural treasures of Museum Island. Embrace the city's dynamic blend of history and modernity as you explore at your leisure.
Day 9 – Day 9: Berlin to Prague via Dresden
- Dresden
- Prague
- Berlin
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- Zwinger
- Meissen Cathedral
- Barockschloss Rammenau
- Frauenkirche, Dresden
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Travel south to the city of Dresden, a testament to resilience and renewal. Witness the stunning reconstruction of the Frauenkirche and admire the intricate 'Procession of the Princes' mural. Explore the Royal Palace and the Baroque splendor of the Zwinger Palace. After a leisurely lunch, continue your journey through the Ore Mountains to the enchanting city of Prague, where you'll stay at a local hotel (or similar).
Day 10 – Day 10: Prague
- Prague
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- St. Vitus Cathedral
- Prague Castle
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Uncover the magic of Prague with a guided exploration of the castle courtyards and the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, whether you choose to cruise along the Vltava River or follow the historic Royal Route. Don't miss the chance to sample the renowned Czech pilsners and savor the hearty local cuisine.
Day 11 – Day 11: Prague to Český Krumlov
- Prague
- Český Krumlov
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- Kláštery Český Krumlov
- Český Krumlov Castle Tower
- Museum of Historical Vehicles
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Journey to the medieval town of Český Krumlov, where you'll wander its narrow cobbled streets and explore the centuries-old castle. Visit a historic brewery to taste the local beer and learn the secrets of its brewing process. As the day trippers depart, relish the unique ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a traditional Czech dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12 – Day 12: Český Krumlov to Vienna
- Vienna
- Český Krumlov
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Cross the border into Austria and enjoy a scenic drive to the elegant city of Vienna. The afternoon is yours to explore this majestic capital at your leisure. In the evening, consider indulging in a delightful Austrian meal, perhaps at a charming country mansion, as you soak in the city's regal atmosphere.
Day 13 – Day 13: Vienna
- Vienna
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- Burg Perchtoldsdorf
- Hundertwasserhaus
- Austrian Gallery Belvedere
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Bergkirche
- Burgruine Mödling
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Delve into Vienna's imperial past with a private tour of the opulent Schönbrunn Palace and its exquisite gardens. Capture stunning photos along the famous Ring Road, showcasing the city's architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, Hofburg Imperial Residence, and Austrian Parliament Building. Choose between savoring Viennese coffee and Sachertorte at a traditional café or participating in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop. Conclude your day with a sumptuous Austrian meal and a captivating concert of classical music.
Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Vienna
- Vienna - Departure day
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As your remarkable journey through Eastern Europe concludes, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences and memories you've gathered. Depart from Vienna with a heart full of cherished moments and a newfound appreciation for the diverse cultures and histories of this captivating region.
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