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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
The contrasts of Berlin
The charm and history of Poland
The treasures of Hungary
The magic of Slovakia
The splendour of Austria
The beauty of the Czech Republic
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.
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