Eastern Europe

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Flights Included Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
19 Days
 Trip Starts
Berlin
 Trip Finishes
Prague
19 Day Eastern Europe Itinerary (Bunnik Tours)
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
20
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BUN276

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Bunnik Tours 19 Day Eastern Europe. Through verdant forests and past rolling hills, we wind our way between the grand cities of Eastern Europe. From avant-garde Berlin, to charming Krakow and elegant Vienna, we’ll explore opulent palaces, visit fairytale-like villages and see moving reminders of the region's poignant history, before concluding in stunning Prague. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Welcome to Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city! Berlin is one of the most influential centres in European politics, culture and science. The rapidly evolving metropolis enjoys an international reputation for its festivals, contemporary architecture, nightlife and avant-garde arts. Being a major tourist centre and home to people from over 180 nations, Berlin is a focal point for individuals who are attracted by its liberal lifestyle, urban eclecticism and artistic freedom. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink this evening.

This morning we discover the sites of Berlin on a half day city tour, where we will be reminded of the city's turbulent 20th century history. We'll see the historic Reichstag building, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the remains of the Berlin Wall. End the morning at the top of the Berliner Fernsehturm, the highest building in the city with 360-degree breathtaking views! Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace before we meet this evening for a group welcome dinner. (B/D)

Situated in the heart of Europe, Poland has been both a bridge and a frontline between Eastern and Western Europe. Throughout the country's long history, Poland has experienced a great deal of turmoil. In the late 18th century, the country was divided up between Russia, Prussia and Austria. During the 19th century Poland began to progress quite considerably and in 1918 regained its independence.

Travelling east this morning, we cross the border and make our way to the historic Polish town of Poznań, known for its colourful buildings and old-world charm. Here we'll have a short stop walking through the Old Town that dates back to the Renaissance and enjoy some free time for lunch. This afternoon we'll sit back and take in the rolling hills and forests as we journey to Warsaw, the largest city and capital of Poland. Many of the citizens of Warsaw were Jewish and made up one of the largest communities outside of Israel. During World War II, most of Warsaw was destroyed by Nazi Germany, taking the lives of many of its citizens. Once the war was over, Poland began to rebuild and restore many of the historic museums, castles, streets and churches. It is now a multi-faceted country where old medieval towns are coddled by contemporary city amenities. (B)

On our morning sightseeing tour of Warsaw, we'll become acquainted with the history of Poland's capital. We begin in the Old Town, intricately reconstructed after World War II. The Old Town is an excellent example of a compromise between historic values and modern needs and is filled with art galleries, shops, restaurants, cafés, and workshops.

We'll learn more about the city at the Historical Museum of Warsaw, a branch of the National Museum that is divided between three houses in the Old Town Square. The museum is a collection of exhibits depicting the ups and downs of Warsaw throughout its long history. We then drive along part of the ‘Royal Route' with its beautiful palaces, aristocratic residences, famous statues and historic churches. We'll then see the Warsaw Ghetto Memorial, the Monument of the Warsaw Uprising and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Jewish Ghetto.

Our last stop for the day is at the Chopin Monument which stands in the upper part of Łazienki Park and Belvedere Palace, the residence of Polish Presidents. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Why not climb the 150 stone steps of the St Anne's Church Bell Tower? Then treat yourself by trying Poland's most famous dish - the Pierogi. A delicious dumpling prepared in many ways, with various fillings such as meat, potato, cheese, or spinach. (B)

This morning sit back and enjoy the passing scenery as we travel to charming Kraków, known as the medieval capital of Poland. Located on the Vistula River, Kraków is full of Gothic and Renaissance churches, monasteries and abbeys which give visitors the feeling they have stepped back in time. Here we take a walking tour of the city beginning at the Old Town which is surrounded by a series of public parks called 'The Planty'.

The greenbelt, as it is also known, was created in the early 19th century when the Austrian government who had taken over control of the city, decided to knock down the city walls to open the city and beautify it with gardens. Within the Old Town we'll see the old defence walls and the market square, Rynek Główny.

We'll visit St Mary's Church, which boasts a truly spectacular interior. Inside the church is the magnificent 15th century wooden altar, decorated with intricate carvings depicting medieval life. In the high tower of the church is a lone trumpeter that plays a unique tune to mark each hour. Our tour will also take us to see the Town Hall Tower, the only remaining part of the Town Hall. We will then visit Wierzynek Restaurant with its 14th century royal decor, the Burgher Houses and the Cloth Hall where merchants would meet to discuss the state of business. (B)

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine - one of the world's oldest operating mines, dating back to the 13th century. The mine continually produced table salt right up until 2007. Made up of approximately 300 kilometres of shafts throughout nine levels, the salt mine reaches a depth of 327 metres into the earth's surface. Throughout the levels, there are many galleries that show magnificent works of art, all carved out of salt. The most impressive of all is the St Kinga's Chapel, a place of worship since 1896. Its walls are decorated with carvings of scenes from the New Testament and chandeliers with crystals made from salt.

Next, we pay a moving visit to Auschwitz, where the most horrific crimes were committed under Nazi occupation during World War II. Today the preserved buildings house displays of photographs and articles that evoke the personal tragedy of individuals, as well as the grand scale of the horrors that occurred between 1940 and 1945, when an estimated 4 million people lost their lives in these camps. (B)

Today we make our way to the fascinating city of Budapest in Hungary. Situated on opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Both sides of the river are home to many grand historic buildings, regal bridges and tree-lined boulevards.

The city's elegant beauty and romantic atmosphere has given Budapest a Parisian status among many of the Eastern European countries. Budapest offers visitors the familiarity of European culture with a distinctly Hungarian flavour. This is evident in the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings, sidewalk cafés serving Magyar cuisine, Hungarian folk music, the cobblestone streets of medieval neighbourhoods and shady parks. Crossing through Slovakia on our way, we make a stop in the village of Oravský Podzámok, to visit Orava Castle.

Perched like an eagle's nest high on a rock overlooking the Orava River, the castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in northern Slovakia. Constructed to replace a small hillfort after the Tartar invasion in 1241, the extensive castle structure now has elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary architecture across its 154 rooms. After our tour of the castle, we continue our journey to Budapest. (B)

As Budapest was once two different cities, you'll find that its two districts still have their own character and style. The older and arguably more charming Buda comprises atmospheric streets, little coloured houses and a medieval, neo-Classical mixture of architecture set amongst the gentle hills of the west bank. Pest lies on a flat plain and forms the commercial core of the city. It bustles with fashionable shopping areas and has characteristically wide, leafy boulevards.

A history of numerous wars and invasions has led to repeated destruction and rebuilding, which has created the Budapest of today. It's very much an amalgamation of architectural styles, both European and Hungarian, created over time by a proud and resilient nation of people. This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this magnificent city. We'll see the outstanding Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area, and visit the famous Fisherman's Bastion.

Here we'll enjoy the best panoramic views in Budapest. We then visit Matthias Church, the Heroes' Square and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. Special Experience: A traditional fruit brandy, Pálinka is one of Hungary's favourite drinks. Enjoy a tasting and learn about its history at Budapest's Pálinka Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore at your own pace. (B)

We set our sights on Vienna today, the Austrian capital. Europe's bastion of imperial grandeur and culture, this glorious city will delight with its impressive palaces and wide boulevards. On the way we travel through the Hungarian countryside to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava has been strongly influenced by a variety of nations and religions throughout its history and was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary through the 1500s to 1700s. The old town is home to St Martin's Cathedral, Primatial Palace, St Michael's Gate and Bratislava Castle, the city's most dominant feature, sitting atop a rocky hill directly above the Danube. After some free time to explore, we board our boat and continue to Vienna. (B)

Our sightseeing in majestic Vienna includes a drive along the famed Ringstrasse. We will see the palaces of Hofburg and Belvedere, the Prater Amusement Park, Vienna State Opera, the Academy of Fine Arts, the Rathaus, St Stephen's Cathedral and more. We'll also visit the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn. With its adjacent buildings and vast gardens, it is among the most important baroque structures of its type in Europe.

Our tour includes the Residential Palace with its impressive furniture, fixtures and fittings reflecting the luxurious lifestyle of the Imperial Family. The beauty of Schönbrunn Palace lies in the fact that it has retained many of its original features that date back to the 18th century. The baroque layout of the gardens has also remained scarcely unchanged and is a joy to explore. Special Experience: Learn about the original Viennese strudel during a cooking demonstration at the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn and enjoy a piece of this sweet treat. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B)

The day is at leisure for you to enjoy the city at your own pace. Why not visit the Hofburg Palace, the winter residence of the Imperial Royal Family? Hofburg Palace was once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and currently serves as the official residence of the President of Austria. It was the Habsburg's principal winter residence, while Schönbrunn Palace was their preferred summer residence.

The Palace was also the birthplace of Marie Antoinette in 1755. The complex contains many important buildings including the Winter Hall, which you may be able to visit. Or you might choose to just take it easy and discover the city's buzzing café and restaurant scene, catch a ferry across town, or rent a Citybike and take a leisurely cycle past Vienna's endless sights. (B)

The Czech Republic is one of Europe's newest countries and is filled with medieval towns and fairytale castles. Český Krumlov is no exception, with this charming town looking like it would be right at home on the pages of a picture book. It's an all-round scenic day today as we drive through the Austrian countryside and travel to the wine-producing town of Dürnstein. On arrival we have some free time before we continue to Melk where we explore its baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey. We then cross the border into the Czech Republic, towards the southern bohemian town of Český Krumlov. (B)

Today we explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Český Krumlov. Construction of its castle began back in the late 13th century and the town started to form around it. The town became very popular as it was an important stop along the Vltava River and the trade routes in Bohemia. Surrounded by rolling hills, the cobblestone streets of Český Krumlov are dotted with over 300 protected medieval buildings and the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic.

In 1253 the Český Krumlov castle was completed and became the residence of the Lords of the Krumlov (members of the Rosenburg family for over 300 years). Throughout the next few hundred years many Emperors, Lords and Dukes added to the castle which gives it its charm today. Special Experience: Enjoy a tea or coffee at Café Hrádek in the Český Krumlov Castle Tower, a great location to sit back and take in the historic surroundings. This afternoon is at your leisure to wander the quaint streets and explore this beautiful city. (B)

Today we travel north to what many regard as Europe's most beautiful city, Prague. The capitals of many other European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, however, Prague survived intact. First, we visit the town of Kutná Hora in the heart of Bohemia. This town and its neighbour, Sedlec, are a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, protected for the 14th century St Barbara's Church, the Gothic Stone Haus which houses a silver museum and the Bone Church of Kutná Hora. We'll get to explore the fascinating Bone Church of Kutná Hora, where the bones of more than 40,000 people decorate the Sedlec Ossuary. After some free time for lunch, we'll continue north to Prague. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Why not visit Charles Bridge as the sun sets? (B)

This morning our sightseeing tour begins as we pass by the National Museum and the National Theatre that stand at the top of Wenceslas Square, before continuing to the area known as ‘Malá Strana' or the Lesser Town. We explore Hradčany, the castle district of Prague and visit Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world, dominating the city skyline. Dating back to the 9th century, the castle is where kings of Bohemia, Holy emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia once had their offices.

Prague Castle is also where the Crown Jewels of the Czech Republic are housed and where we'll see the world-famous St Vitus Cathedral – the largest church in Prague. While in the castle complex, we'll visit the Golden Lane, a small street of 11 historic houses that date back to the 15th century. Each house is painted in a different colour to represent their origin and showcases weapons, armoury and textiles. We then cross the river into the Jewish Quarter and continue to the famous Old Town Square, home to the Astronomical clock and imposing gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in this amazing city. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

Today marks the completion of our Eastern European adventure. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! (B)

Trip Inclusions

The contrasts of Berlin

  • Visit the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the remains of the Berlin Wall.
  • Enjoy 360° views from the top of the Berlin Fernsehturm

The charm and history of Poland

  • Stop in the historic town of Poznań
  • Explore the Old Town of Warsaw
  • Discover Kraków's Old Town on a walking tour
  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mines
  • Reflect on the horrors of war at the Auschwitz concentration camp

The treasures of Hungary

  • Enjoy an extensive tour of Budapest
  • Visit the Pálinka Museum

The magic of Slovakia

  • Stop in the village of Oravský Podzámok to visit Orava Castle
  • Stop to enjoy some free time in Bratislava

The splendour of Austria

  • Take a leisurely cruise from Bratislava to Vienna
  • Drive along Vienna's famed Ringstrasse
  • Visit opulent Schönbrunn Palace
  • Enjoy a strudel demonstration at Schönbrunn Palace
  • Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Vienna
  • Travel through the Danube Valley
  • Visit the baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey

The beauty of the Czech Republic

  • Tour the beautiful town of Český Krumlov
  • Enjoy a coffee or tea in Český Krumlov's Castle Tower
  • Be fascinated by the Bone Church of Kutná Hora in Bohemia
  • Explore Hradčany, Prague's castle district, and visit Prague Castle
  • Walk through Prague's Jewish Quarter and the magnificent Old Town Square

  • Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
  • All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Boat from Bratislava to Vienna
  • Tipping Made Easy, $280pp pre-paid

  • 15 nights in 3-4 star hotels
  • Leonardo Hotel Royal Berlin Alexanderplatz, Berlin
  • Hotel Radisson Collection, Warsaw
  • PURO Kraków Kazimierz, Krakow
  • Museum Hotel Budapest, Budapest
  • Parkhotel Schönbrunn, Vienna
  • Hotel Zlaty Andel, Cesky Krumlov
  • Hotel Adria, Prague

  • 15 breakfasts and group welcome and farewell dinners

  • English-speaking locally based tour director
  • English-speaking locally based guides

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Disruptions to itinerary may occur.
  • The single supplement you pay on our tours will provide you with sole use of a double room. We book the use of a double room on our European small group tours as typically the single rooms in this region are a lot smaller and in less favourable positions within the hotel themselves.
  • You will be required to show a form of identification on entry when visiting Auschwitz. Please ensure you have this with you at time of entry.
  • The visit to Auschwitz is quite an emotional and confronting experience for some people. Some of the pictures used in the exhibitions are quite graphic, but the aim is to create awareness of what happened and pay tribute to the lives that were taken.

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Eastern Europe' Reviews

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AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
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Great holiday in Eastern Europe! 11 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2017
I travelled through six countries in Eastern Europe recently with a really great guide and sixteen other Aussies. All aspects of the trip - itinerary and arrangements - allowed the right combination of organised activities and time to explore. We could spend the entirety of our free days in art museums, or we could walk or shop. The tour group size ...read more encouraged positive interaction and cohesion, often everyone chose to eat together in the evenings. People were helpful and considerate: no one was habitually late or antisocial.

All the hotels were comfortable, and well-positioned close to public transport in larger cities, and right on the main square in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, which allowed us easy access to the whole town. The guides were generally knowledgeable and informative, but particularly our own tour guide was quietly considerate, capable and someone whose knowledge and judgment I grew to value very much.

The main cities we visited - Berlin, Warsaw, Kracow, Budapest, Vienna, Prague - were sensational, especially Vienna, but the travel days also incorporated stopping places that caught the imagination, like the sight of the ruined castle on a hill above the Danube at Durnstein in which Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned on his way back from the Crusades. Like Durnstein, our stops at Bratislava, Melk Abbey, Kutna Hora and other places added to the layers of history and culture available to us. The stay in Cesky Krumlov was like a country weekend in a medieval town.

I loved the bus travel, which allowed me to see geographical changes: the rivers, especially the Danube and Moldau, the Great Plain of Hungary, the vision of the High Tatra mountains in the distance, then up close. Overall, the tour was a huge success for me - lots of fun, but also comprehensive in its offerings of new knowledge and experiences.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Bunnik Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Bunnik Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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