First is Warsaw, where sightseeing includes the faithfully rebuilt Old Town and moving visits to the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. Traveling on to historic Krakow, tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO site. Explore Budapest, the “Paris of the East.” After stops along the scenic Danube Bend, reach grand Vienna for a classical music performance and visits to the storied Opera House and majestic Schönbrunn Palace. Finally, enjoy exploration of elegant Prague. Experience cosmopolitan Berlin with an optional 4-day/3-night post-tour extension.
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Warsaw, Poland
Day 2: Arrive in Warsaw
- Arrive in Warsaw
- Free time to explore
- Welcome dinner at the hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Warsaw
- Tour Warsaw
- Visit the rebuilt Old Town
- Royal Castle
- Tour the former Jewish Ghetto
- Jewish Cemetery
- Afternoon is free for independent exploration
- Dinner on your own
- Private classical piano recital
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Warsaw / Krakow
- Krakow – Old Town and the
- Main Market Square
- Lunch on your own
- Tour of the city’s historic area
- St. Mary’s Church
- Royal Chambers of Wawel Castle
- Wawel Cathedral, the national church
- Dine together tonight at the hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Auschwitz
- City of Oswiecim – Auschwitz
- Tour Auschwitz I
- Camp at Birkenau (and Auschwitz II)
- Return to Krakow
- Remainder of the day is free for independent exploration
- Dinner is on your own
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Krakow
- Tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Chapel of Saint Kinga
- Return to Krakow
- Free time for independent exploration
- Lunch and dinner on your own
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Krakow / Slovakia / Budapest
- Travel by bus from Poland to Hungary via Slovakia
- Stop for lunch
- Reach Budapest in the early evening and hotel
- Dinner together tonight at the hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Budapest
- Half-day tour of Budapest
- Visit to Matthias Church
- Stroll around Fisherman’s Bastion
- Cross the Chain Bridge into Pest
- Tour Dohany Synagogue
- Afternoon at leisure
- Hungarian dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Budapest
- Free to discover Budapest on your own today
- Suggested: Guided tour of the Opera House, or even enjoy an evening performance there (the season runs from September through June).
- Or visit the Thermal Bath at the Hotel Gellert
- Or the Museum of Fine Arts
- Outdoor experience, trail walk in the Buda Hills or take a leisurely stroll on Margaret Island
- Lunch and dinner are on your own
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Budapest / Danube Bend / Vienna
- Travel by coach to Vienna
- En route, visit Szentendre
- Village of Neszmely for lunch
- Reach Vienna late in the afternoon
- Dinner is on your own
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Vienna
- Half-day tour of the Habsburg Empire
- Visit to the Vienna Opera House
- Schönbrunn Palace
- Afternoon is at leisure
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Attend a concert of classical music
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Vienna Woods
- Tour of the Vienna Woods
- Visit the medieval abbey of Heiligenkreuz
- Town of Baden-Baden
- Return to Vienna
- Remainder of the day is at leisure
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Vienna / Prague
- Leave for Prague
- Arrive in the afternoon
- Informal walk through Old Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Prague
- Hradcany (castle) district
- Visit Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral
- Stroll along Golden Lane
- Remainder of the day is at leisure
- Lunch and dinner on your own
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Prague
- Visit to Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish ghetto
- Old Jewish Cemetery
- Jewish Museum of Prague
- Remainder of the day is at leisure
- Suggestions: stroll through Old Town Square or visit Wenceslas Square site
- Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16: Depart for U.S.
- Transfer early in the morning to the airport
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This trip involves considerable walking up hills or stairs, and on uneven or cobblestone streets. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
