Eastern Europe Explorer

Your journey begins in the glorious city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic that until 1989 was behind the Iron Curtain. The city is home to one of Europe's best preserved city centres, with its architecture dating to the 14th century, and despite the number being closer to 1,000, its nickname ‘City of a Hundred Spires' remains today. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your luxurious hotel, the Prague Marriott Hotel or similar, for a two-night stay. This evening, join your fellow travellers and your expert Scenic Tour Director for a welcome drink.

Discover one of Europe's most magical cities during a guided tour this morning. You will pass the Jewish Quarter and Jan Palach Square, considered one of Prague's most striking. Cross the medieval stone arch of Charles Bridge and visit the Old Town Square, where you will see the famous Astronomical Clock. Legend has it that the designer of this masterpiece was blinded on completion so he could never make another piece as beautiful.

You will have some free time to wander the city and enjoy lunch before your choice of Scenic Freechoice this afternoon.

Scenic Freechoice: Make your choice from this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice activities:

• Tastes of Czechia: Join your local guide and learn about the culinary profile of Prague, known for hearty traditional comfort food. Today sample local favourites including pickles, cheeses and traditional cakes.
• Prague Castle tour: Known as the world's largest ancient castle complex, Prague Castle dates back to 880 AD and still serves today as the Czech Presidents office. Explore some of this majestic site visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic, as well as the Old Royal Palace, the former residence of Bohemian Royalty and the picturesque Golden Lane.

Tonight, join your fellow guests for a traditional Czech dinner in a local restaurant in the heart of the city.

This morning, you'll depart for Dresden, known as ‘Florence on the Elbe'. Considered one of the greenest cities in Germany, Dresden is famed for its music and culture.

Today, enjoy an orientation tour to see the Frauenkirche Church, which was reduced to rubble after the Second World War and took 60 years to rebuild, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House, and Zwinger Courtyard in the heart of the Old Town.

Afterwards, continue through the picturesque Spreewald Forest to Germany's capital, Berlin, for a three-night Scenic Special Stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin.

Berlin is a city of contrasts, possessing both beauty and grit, historic architecture and cutting-edge design, and a vibrant youthful vibe with a tumultuous history. On a guided tour, you'll see the 18th century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate and the traditional State Opera House. Drive the famous ‘Unter den Linden', a boulevard to the City Palace, and visit Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing between east and west Berlin.

This afternoon, join a local guide to discover Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin's most beautiful former royal summer residence, with its dazzling Porcelain Room, elegant palace chapel, extensive French-style gardens and the royal mausoleum.

Spend the day exploring the city of Berlin and learn about its Cold War history or venture to the nearby city of Potsdam.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Berlin Wall and Hackesche Hofe: Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, built to remember the Cold War that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989, and see the only stretch of the infamous wall that remains Continue by subway to Hackesche Hofe, wandering eight early 21st century courtyards comprising Art Nouveau buildings that are now used as shops and cafes.
• Visit New Palace & Potsdam: Journey to Potsdam, where a local historian will share insights into the town that was once founded by Prussian kings some 300 years ago. Delve into its history before a guided tour of the Baroque New Palace built in 1763.

Cross the border into Poland, towards the city of Warsaw. You will stop along the way in the city of Poznan, known for its colourful narrow merchant houses built in the 16th century.

The capital of Poland was completely rebuilt after it was razed during the Second World War, which is why it's often referred to as the Phoenix City. Whole neighbourhoods have been revitalised, and today it is rich in culture and has a thriving dining scene and nightlife.

Largely destroyed during World War II, Warsaw's historic centre has been resurrected and has attained World Heritage-listed status. Your local guide will take you through the city's key sites including the Jewish Ghetto, where some 380,000 Jews were sealed inside during the war. You'll also visit the monument to the ghetto heroes, and the Palace of Culture and Science.

Scenic Freechoice: Today you have two fascinating tours to choose from with this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice:

• Pierogi cooking class: Learn to make Poland's national dish, Pierogi – traditional dumplings that have been a favourite meal since the 13th century. After an immersive cooking class, you will have the opportunity to taste the finished product.
• Wilanów Palace: Step into Poland's royal past with a guided visit to the magnificent Wilanów Palace, often called the ‘Polish Versailles'. Wander through opulent Baroque halls filled with priceless artworks, admire richly decorated chambers that once hosted King Jan III Sobieski and hear the stories that shaped this grand estate.

Scenic Enrich:

• Tonight, enjoy an exclusive classical music concert inside a grand Polish manor house. Be immersed in the immortal music of Chopin followed by an elegant dinner.

Travel to Kraków today, stopping enroute at Auschwitz, where you'll visit the former German Nazi concentration camp. In operation from 1940 to 1945, more than one million Jews tragically died here. Take a poignant walk through the grounds, made up of original camp blocks, barracks and guard towers, and see the museum which houses personal possessions of the prisoners and the SS garrison who perpetrated the crimes committed here on a moving tour paying your respects to the atrocities that took place.

This afternoon continue to Krakow, arriving early this evening. Poland's former royal capital until 1596, Krakow is the only major Polish city that wasn't reduced to rubble in the Second World War.

Today's exploration of Kraków includes a walking tour of the well-preserved historic centre, a World Heritage-listed site with 13th century merchant houses lining its sprawling market square. You will also visit the splendid 14th century Wawel Castle and Cathedral, perched on a limestone outcrop that dominates the city.

This afternoon, travel to the 800 year old Wieliczka Salt Mines, which are made up of around 245 kilometres of corridors, underground chambers and saline lakes. Admire statues of historic and mythical figures, sculpted by miners out of rock salt and view old mining tools and machines. Tonight, enjoy delicious Polish cuisine at a local restaurant.

Cross the border into Slovakia and continue on into Hungary and its capital city, Budapest, where you will enjoy a two-night Scenic Special Stay.

Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene.

This morning, explore Budapest, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On a coach tour you will cross the bridge between Buda and Pest, the two districts that make up the city and are separated by the Danube. Starting on the Pest side you will see Széchenyi Square and Elizabeth Square before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Buda side.

This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Your journey concludes this morning. Depart taking with you many wonderful memories of Eastern Europe.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.