Highlights of Eastern & Central Europe (4 Star Hotels)

Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.

After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it's time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.

Today's the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle). Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in... Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piata Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.

Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula's House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.

We start our day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu's legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.

Are you ready to say goodbye to Romania and fly to Budapest, Hungary’s capital city, known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city’s famous landmarks at your own leisure

After breakfast, join your tour leader for an orientation walk around Budapest. This stunning city is known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and rich cultural history. Explore the Castle District, take a dip in one of the thermal baths, and check out the local Christmas markets, where you can find everything from traditional Hungarian crafts to mulled wine and sweet treats.

Today, you'll travel to three different cities: Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Explore the charming streets of Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, and then continue on to Vienna, Austria's capital. Take a walking tour with your tour leader to see some of Vienna's most famous landmarks, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. In the evening, visit the Christmas markets, where you can sample local delicacies and buy unique gifts.

Spend the day exploring Vienna's many attractions, such as the Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Schonbrunn Palace. In the evening, head to one of the city's many Christmas markets, where you can enjoy festive treats and shop for unique gifts, including handmade crafts and traditional sweets.

Embark on a scenic journey from Vienna to Salzburg, a captivating city cradled amidst the breathtaking Austrian Alps. Take a guided tour through the highlights of Salzburg and acquaint yourself with the city's myriad attractions. Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where classical beauty converges with manicured landscapes. Venture to the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval stronghold perched majestically on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine panorama. Visit the awe-inspiring Salzburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Delve into the Mozart Residence, the former home of the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to gain insight into his life and musical genius. Later, we proceed towards the capital of Bavaria, Munich.

We begin the day with an introductory stroll led by your group leader to discover key attractions like Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Viktualienmarkt. Marvel at the iconic Marienplatz, the city's vibrant central square, adorned with historical landmarks and surrounded by picturesque architecture. Explore the awe-inspiring Frauenkirche, a symbol of Munich's rich history and a testament to its resilience. For the rest of the day, enjoy free time at your own pace, or choose to engage in the optional excursion to the enchanting Linderhof Palace, a fairytale creation commissioned by the eccentric King Ludwig II, and Oberammergau, renowned for its celebrated passion play. At night, don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional Bavarian beer in one of Munich's beer halls.

Embark on a picturesque morning journey from Munich to the charming city of Regensburg in Germany. Take your time to leisurely explore the enchanting delights of Regensburg, situated along the scenic Danube River. Renowned as one of Germany's largest and impeccably preserved medieval cities, Regensburg holds the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Allow yourself to be captivated by the architectural marvels, including stunning churches and the one-of-a-kind medieval stone bridge that gracefully spans the majestic River Danube. Later on, ride to Prague and take a moment's rest to fuel up for a full day in Prague packed with popular sights.

Embark on a captivating day in Prague with a guided walking tour leading you through the picturesque Lesser Town (Malá Strana), also known as the charming Little Quarter. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of this historic area, characterized by ancient burgher houses and winding quaint side streets. As you traverse the iconic Charles Bridge, Europe's venerable stone bridge, marvel at the breathtaking views that unfold before you, leading you to the heart of Prague's medieval center, the Old Town. Delve into the medieval charm of Old Town as you explore its cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Old Town Square. Continue your journey into the Jewish Quarter, once the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe, where you'll encounter the elegant white stucco St. Nicholas Church, the renowned Astronomical Clock, and the historic Town Hall. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to the hilltop Prague Castle complex, the former regal residence of Bohemian kings. Discover the magnificence of St. Vitus Cathedral, the hallowed space where kings were crowned, and be treated to spectacular vistas offering panoramic views of the entire city below. This comprehensive exploration promises to unveil the rich tapestry of Prague's history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Today, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your unforgettable Central Europe tour comes to an end. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers and the magnificent Europe until next time!