Magnificent Cities of Central & Eastern Europe featuring Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow & Warsaw

Set out to experience the very best of Europe’s cultural capitals.

Arrive in Germany’s capital city of Berlin, a blend of deep-rooted history, modern flare and multi-cultural influences. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

This morning, it’s your choice! Choose a city tour that introduces you to Berlin’s rich history; see Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfuerstendam and the Reichstag Building -OR- join a “Cold War”-focused tour that includes a visit to the Berlin Wall Museum, followed by a walk through the area that was once “Checkpoint Charlie” and see what remains of the Berlin Wall. This afternoon you have the opportunity to join an optional excursion outside the city to visit Potsdam and the famous Cecilienhof Palace.

Depart Berlin for Prague, the “City of a Thousand Spires.” En route, make a stop in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. Enjoy time on your own to explore this lovely town on the banks of the River Elbe. After arriving in Prague, personalize your evening with Diner’s Choice, choosing from a selection of different venues. Perhaps you’ll enjoy traditional cuisine at a folklore show, discover the city through its craft beer and food scene, or opt for a more quiet dinner at the hotel.

Your introduction to this fairy-tale city opens with a visit to the remarkable Hradcany Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the Old Town, showcasing the Golden Lane, the unique Astronomical Clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is yours. Perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional excursion highlighting the poignant history held in Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter.

Leaving the Czech Republic, arrive in colorful and vibrant Vienna, the "musical city." After a short orientation drive through the city, your afternoon is at leisure. Later, enjoy an evening in one of Vienna's most beloved restaurants where dinner mixes with local cultural flavor to create an unforgettable night.

This morning, experience the city on a tour highlighting some of its architectural marvels, including the lavish Schönbrunn Palace and summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently. Perhaps you will visit one of the famous museums, sip a Viennese coffee at a local coffee house, or simply relax in this capital of Austria. Tonight you may choose to join an optional Mozart concert and dinner in the city.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque Hungarian countryside. Connect with the villagers of Dunaalmas and join local residents for a community-hosted lunch. Learn how to make a traditional strudel, a favorite in this region. Upon arrival in historic Budapest, a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill with a special stop at Heroes' Square, a unique monument to the many diverse leaders of Hungary.

The beautiful city of Budapest is often referred to as "the Queen of the Danube.” Today is yours to discover this city divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite bank. This evening, perhaps you’ll take in the essence of the region during an optional dinner followed by a cruise to view Budapest’s stunning night skyline.

Take in the picturesque landscapes en route to Poland. Make a stop in the hidden village of Donovaly, nestled in the Low Tatras mountain range of Slovakia. Your home for the next two nights is the lively city of Krakow, which still offers an old-world charm. This evening get to know traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner featuring local cuisine.

Discover Krakow’s historic Old Town on a city tour complete with stops at the Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the University. You’ll also view Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. The afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city on your own. Consider joining an optional excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mines for a peek into the local culture.

Embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to the camps of Auschwitz.* A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp, where you will learn about the terrors and the resilience of the human spirit. Tonight, reflect on the day during dinner at a Jewish restaurant, feeling connected to the cultures and traditions of this civilization.

Travel through the Polish countryside to Warsaw, the reconstructed and modern capital of this rejuvenated country. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore. Perhaps you will browse one of the city’s art galleries, wander through a museum, or simply relax at an outdoor café.

Choose how you explore Warsaw because it’s your choice! Embark on a classic city tour and embrace the city’s moving history as you discover the main sights and the Old Town -OR- gain a different perspective on Warsaw’s past with a tour that delves into the city’s communist history, stopping in a museum of staged homes along the way. Later, try your hand at making your own Polish pierogis at a local cooking school. Toast to the end of a memorable trip as you sit down for your farewell dinner while enjoying your hand-crafted meal.

Your tour comes to a close today.