Baltics Adventure

Day 1:Arrive Tallinn
Welcome to Tallinn! You are free to arrive at your leisure. We highly recommend booking pre tour accommodation or arriving on an early flight so that you can fully explore this beautiful city.Famous for its enchanting historic centre, the city is a popular holiday destination on the Gulf of Finland. Roam the cobbled streets and explore scenic ruins or climb the hill of Toompea, which is filled with medieval buildings, 14th century churches, turrets, spires and enticing alleyways.Estonia has a long and fascinating history, having been inhabited since at least 9000 B.C. It has been ruled by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians, with the more distinctive Estonian identity coming to light in the late 19th century. During World War II, Estonia was ultimately incorporated into the Soviet Union after years of contest, which lead to years of communist rule. On August 20th, 1991, Estonia gained its independence.Modern day Estonia is progressive and traditional all in one. In 2005, they became the first country to hold elections over the internet, and in 2014 the first country to make e-residency possible. The city of Tallinn has been listed as one of the most digitally advanced in the world, with the likes of Skype emerging from the small city. Nevertheless, the old quarter of Tallinn is one of the most charming and other wordly corners of Europe!
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Economy Hotel or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.

Day 2:Riga
Saying goodbye to Tallinn we make our way to the next Baltic city, Riga. Riga is more than 800 years old and its clever blend of medieval centre and modern city infrastructure will enchant you. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town has its own particular charm, while the city is also famous for its fascinating Art Nouveau architectural heritage which you can discover as you wander the streets of this 'Paris of the East'.Arriving just after lunchtime, we will take a short orientation of the city before you have free time to start enjoying the sights. Start by exploring the Old Town and its many hidden alleys, looking out for the historical buildings and quaint churches.Come evening, find a local medieval style basement restaurant and enjoy the atmosphere as you dig into a hearty stew.Approximate Travel Times: 4 hours by local bus (the buses are equipped with toilets, WIFI, coffee machines and media screens)
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Irina or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 3:Riga
Spend today soaking up the sights in Riga. A must-do is a visit to Riga's most famous Gothic church, St Peter's, thought to be about 800 years old. Its famous spire has been rebuilt three times in the same form since 1667, with its latest rebuild completed in 1973. Climb the spire (or take the lift!) and enjoy spectacular views over the city.You could also take a walking tour of the unique Art Nouveau district, enjoy a kayaking or boat tour along the river or check out the biggest market in the city - The Riga Central Market. Watch the world go by as you enjoy a beetroot soup, or maybe even a traditional black balsam!
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Irina or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 4:Vilnius
The adventure continues as we pack our bags and head for the next Baltic city! The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius boasts an attractive baroque Old Town ,which is the largest in Eastern Europe and is praised as the 'New Prague'. Located on the edge of the Neris River, with its pine covered hills, friendly people, and blend of old and new, this is a picturesque city well worth exploring. You will have time to explore the main sights of the city including Gediminas Castle on the top of Gediminas Hill and Cathedral Square at the base of the hill, which is dominated by Vilnius Cathedral and its 57 metre-tall belfry.While you're exploring the square between the cathedral and the tower you should hunt for the secret stebuklas (miracle) tile. The tile marks the southern end of the 2 million person, 650 kilometre long human chain between Tallinn and Vilnius, which was formed in protest against Soviet occupation in 1989. Local legend has it that if you find the pretty mosaic-covered tile you should stand on it and turn around three times clockwise while making a wish, which shall then be granted.Approximate Travel Times: 4 hours by local bus (the buses are equipped with toilets, WIFI, coffee machines and media screens)
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Panorama or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 5:Vilnius
You have a full free day to enjoy Vilnius. We highly recommend taking the train to the nearby attraction of Trakai Castle, a fairytale building with surrounding mote. The castle is steeped in history and you can opt to take a guided tour or wander the grounds by yourself.Constructed in the 14th century, Trakai held a strategic position and was one of the main centres of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Panorama or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 6:KGB Museum Tour & Warsaw
This morning we have an included excursion to the Vilnius Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights. More informally known as the KGB Museum, it is housed in the former KGB headquarters. Further learn about soviet occupation and the genocide victims of Lithuania on this haunting yet educational tour.After some free time for lunch, we then head to Warsaw, Poland's capital. Warsaw is the heart of Poland, the business and intellectual centre and a city bursting with culture and history. After being left in 85% rubble from the war, the Old Town has risen from the ashes and showcases beautiful, coloured buildings and traditional restaurants. Whether you are interested in art, music or history, Warsaw is bound to entice you.Approximate Travel Times: 8 hours by local bus (the buses are equipped with toilets, WIFI, coffee machines and media screens)
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at HIT Hotel or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 7:Warsaw
Today you are free to enjoy Warsaw. You could learn about the fight against Nazi occupation at the interactive Warsaw Uprising Museum, a touching tribute to those who died while fighting for independence. There are various other museums to explore including the Marie Curie Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Museum of Modern Art of the National Museum in Warsaw. We recommend taking a walking tour of the Old Town, to learn about the history of Warsaw, events of the war and the rebuilding of the city. The Old Town was rebuilt between 1949 and 1963 in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Old Town was even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. You can also visit the Historical Museum of Warsaw and Royal Castle at nearby Old Town Square.Another highlight is the Science and Culture Observation Deck, where you can experience some of the best views of Warsaw. Be sure to sit down for some pierogis after all your exploring!
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at HIT Hotel or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 8:Kraków
This morning we depart Warsaw and hop on a local train to Kraków. Poland's more famous and cultural city, Kraków has managed to preserve centuries of amazing architecture and artistic traditions as most of the historic buildings and monuments emerged unscathed from World War II.Kraków was the royal capital for 500 years so a must-see is the royal Wawel Castle, a beautiful renaissance palace which now houses a museum. During the evening the cosmopolitan city offers a wild nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, music clubs and bars to explore.Approximate Travel Times: 2.5 hours by train.Please Note: If you wish to visit Oskar Schindler's Factory, pre-booking tickets in advance is essential.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 9:Kraków
Kraków is our base to visit the UNESCO listed Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, a sobering tribute to the people that perished there during the Holocaust. The camp was originally designed for Polish political prisoners but became the most notorious camp of World War II because an estimated 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities, including 1.1 million Jews, 150,000 Poles and 23,000 Roma were killed by the Nazis.You will be collected for your guided tour this morning and return to Kraków mid afternoon to enjoy the remainder of the day.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 10:Krakow. Overnight train to Prague
We will take the overnight train to Prague later in the evening, so today is free for you to tick off any last must see sights of Kraków.We highly recommend taking a guided tour of the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine produced salt until 2007, making it one of the world's oldest operating salt mines. With underground churches, chandeliers and beautifully made statues (all from salt!) the mine is something special to experience and a highlight of any trip to Kraków.Please Note: The salt mine requires pre-booking. Please advise your tour leader as soon as possible if you wish to take part in this.Approximate Travel Times: 8 hours by overnight sleeper train.
Accommodation:1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains . No single room upgrade available.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 11:Prague
We will arrive to Prague in time for breakfast with a full day of exploring ahead. Also known as the City of a Thousand Spires, Prague is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. Stroll the largest castle complex in Europe, admire the gothic church of St Vitus and watch as the unique Astronomical Clock strikes on the hour.Spend the rest of your day exploring the beautiful city, not forgetting to try one of Prague's tastiest pastries known as 'Trdelnik', a sweet rolled dough in the shape of a cone that is filled with anything from ice-cream to warm chocolate sauce.Prague is a town that loves to party so you may also want to experience the nightlife as there are many great bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of night clubs to enjoy. Czechs have been brewing beer since the 9th century and invented the world's first Pilsner, so Prague offers a great opportunity to sample some of the world's finest beers.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 12:Prague
You have a full day to enjoy Prague. For something a little unique, take the train to Kutna Hora where you can experience the "Bone Church" otherwise known as Sedlec Ossuary. The small Roman Catholic chapel is believed to contain between 40,000 to 70,000 bones which have been arranged in various artistic ways to decorate the chapel. The centrepiece is the huge chandelier of bones that hangs in the middle.Prague is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, and because of this you can easily pass hours just wandering the narrow streets and checking out the local establishments. The Old Town is bursting with museums, restaurants and ancient architecture.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 13:Vienna
Welcome to Austria!Arriving early afternoon, you will have the rest of the day to start appreciating the city. Vienna is a city worlds away from any other found in Europe. The city's grandeur can be instantly felt as you wander through the centre, admiring the mixture of architecture from Baroque to Roman and Gothic to Art Nouveau.Birthplace of some of the greatest classical musical compositions, Vienna charms with its cultural history and opulent beauty. Known as the city of music, many composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss were born or worked here and you can learn all about their works in places such as Haus der Musik and Mozarthaus, Mozart's main apartment in Vienna which holds an insight into his celebrated life.Highlights include the Museum quarter, where you can find the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the renowned Leopold Museum. The complex of the Hofburg Palace is a must see and an experience in itself! This grand building is the former palace of the Habsburg dynasty and today serves as the workplace of the President of Austria. This is where you will also find the world famous Spanish Riding School, where you can opt to book a ticket for tomorrow mornings training session.Approximate Travel Times: 4 hours by train.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kolbeck or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 14:Vienna
Today you have the full day to soak up the sights of Vienna. Perhaps you would like to catch a jaw-dropping orchestra performance at the Vienna Philharmonic, or watch a ballet or opera performance at the Wiener Staatsoper? You may also choose to visit the Schloss Schonbrunn, the palace of the Habsburg family, and discover the Baroque grandeur of the Austrian dynasty.Once you have delighted in the culture and beauty of Vienna, there are a host of lively restaurants, cafes and bars to soak up as you watch the world go by in this vibrant city.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kolbeck or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 15:Bratislava
Departing Austria this morning we take a short ferry ride along the Danube to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bursting with culture and an urban atmosphere, Slovakia has a modern feel that still manages to captivate the avid traveller through its post-socialist architecture such as the famous 1,400ft UFO Tower and bridge. You will have the day to explore the city, not forgetting to wander along the Danube River and the classic Old Town.Approximate Travel Times: 1.5 hours by river cruiseliner.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Tatra or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 16:Budapest
After a short train journey we arrive in Budapest, Hungary's stylish capital. It is known as the 'City of Spas' for its abundance of natural thermal springs. To fully explore the city why not book a few extra nights in the city to enjoy some of its sights?Straddling the Danube River, the city is comprised of two very different historic cities, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Highlights here include Castle Hill, Matthius Church, Fisherman's Bastion, the Liberation Monument, the fabulous St Stephen's Basilica and the much photographed Parliament Building.Terror Haza (Terror House) is a popular museum recounting stories of espionage and atrocities committed during World War II and during the communist period. During your optional visit you can view very moving testimonial footage from survivors and visit old jail cells, torture chambers and interrogation rooms.The Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and features stunning decorations. You can also wander around Central Market Hall and enjoy the intoxicating sights and smells of'Budapest's pantry' and get an idea of Hungary's food culture - you can even buy chocolates by the kilo!The perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing is in a traditional bath. The Szechenyi Medicinal Baths are one of the city's more famous Neo Baroque-style baths with indoor and outdoor pools, thermal pools, saunas and massages in a beautiful setting. After a nice soak you can visit numerous restaurants and bars to visit on Liszt Ferenc for an enjoyable evening's entertainment.Approximate Travel Times: 2.5 hours by train.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Flamenco or similar . Upgrade to your own room here.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)

Day 17:Depart Budapest
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals:1 Buffet Breakfast(s)