B – Breakfast | D – Dinner

Entrance fees are included where indicated in bold

Day 1 – arrive in Vienna, Wednesday

You will be met and transferred to your hotel. There’s time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 – in Vienna, Thursday

We start the day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace; then on to view Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, and the UN Buildings. Afternoon free. In the evening enjoy the classical Concert of Strauss’s & Mozart’s music. (B)

Day 3 – to Budapest, Friday

Today, we depart for Budapest. The sightseeing tour upon arrival includes views of all the main attractions: The Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Castle Hill area, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city. (B)

Day 4 – in Budapest, Saturday

The entire day is free to explore the “Paris of the East”, shop along the Vaci Utca, nibble a delicious slice of apple strudel, sip some Hungarian wine, or perhaps join the optional excursion. Dinner, overnight. (B, D)

Day 5 – to Krakow, Sunday

The road to Krakow winds through the hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the Tatras Mountains, and into the rolling plains of Poland. You’ll arrive in time for a relaxing dinner. (B, D)

Day 6 – in Krakow, Monday

A morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, a viewing of the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town where you will see the Main Market Square and Renaissance Cloth Hall, and visit St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free to go for a stroll, browse through the shops, sample some “sernik” or “szarlotka”, or simply relax. (B)

Day 7 – to Warsaw, Tuesday

This morning join on a tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration camp from World War II and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin Mary, popularly called the “Black Madonna.” In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland’s capital city, Warsaw. (B, D)

Day 8 – in Warsaw, Wednesday

This 700-year-old capital is a symbol of Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. Your sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and Barbican. Continue with a walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, a stroll through the city, relaxing in one of the many parks or gardens, or perhaps attending an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)

Day 9 – depart Warsaw, Thursday

Check out from your hotel. Departure transfer to Warsaw airport. (B)

Hotels:

• Vienna: Hotel Fleming’s Selection (F) or similar
• Budapest: Hotel Mercure Korona (F) or similar
• Krakow: Hotel Novotel Centrum (F) or similar
• Warsaw: Hotel Mercure Grand (F) or similar

Map

Escorted Tour Map