Historic Cities of Central Europe

Fly overnight to Warsaw and transfer to your centrally located hotel upon arrival. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner at the hotel tonight. (D)

Largely destroyed by the Nazis during World War II, the historic center of Warsaw was carefully rebuilt in the years that followed, its churches and palaces restored to their original glory. With the fall of Communism, the city became a dynamic and progressive capital while retaining much of its distinct old world character. Delve into the Historic Center of Warsaw, now a World Heritage site, on a guided tour that includes the Old Town and its remarkable architecture, the Royal Castle, the Jewish Cemetery, and the evocative remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto. In the evening, enjoy a private classical piano recital. (B)

Travel south to Krakow, a thriving hub of Polish culture that served as the country’s royal capital for centuries. Its charming Old Town is a World Heritage site that illustrates the city’s tumultuous history of prosperity and calamity, and the Main Market Square is the largest medieval square in Europe. Explore St. Mary’s Church, famous for its hand-carved wooden altarpiece; the Royal Chambers of Wawel Castle, the seat of Poland’s monarchs for more than 500 years; and Wawel Cathedral, Poland’s national sanctuary. The remainder of the day is yours to discover this delightful city at your own pace. (B,D)

Trace some of history’s darkest moments on a visit to Auschwitz (Oswiecim in Polish) and Birkenau this morning. Tour the grounds of the concentration camps, where the original prison blocks have been converted to museum spaces that display poignant reminders of those who lived and were killed here. Return to Krakow in the late afternoon and explore the city on your own. (B,L)

Descend into the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a maze of 700-year old tunnels that stretch nearly 200 miles. Marvel at rock-salt wonders of this World Heritage site, which include statues of historical figures sculpted by miners and contemporary artists, as well as an immense chamber deep underground that houses the Chapel of Saint Kinga. Carved into the rock salt, the chapel boasts a salt chandelier and carving of The Last Supper. The afternoon is free for independent exploration in Krakow. (B)

Journey south today through the snowcapped Tatra Mountains into Slovakia, where you stop for lunch. Early this evening, reach our hotel in Budapest’s elegant Castle District located in the Buda side of the Danube River. Gather for dinner together this evening. (B,L,D)

Flanking both sides of the Danube, Budapest is a beautiful city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. On a tour of hilly Buda, explore the magnificent Matthias Church, scene of numerous Habsburg coronations, and stroll around the Fisherman’s Bastion for outstanding views across the Danube to Pest. Visit the Dohany Street Synagogue, where Franz Liszt and Camille Saint-Saëns once performed, and enjoy a curator-led tour of the prestigious Hungarian National Gallery. Tonight, savor a typical Hungarian dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Enjoy a full day to discover the “Paris of the east” at your leisure. You might wander amid the bustling stalls of the Central Market Hall and savor a traditional dish, or visit one of the thermal baths for which the city is famous. (B)

Travel through the lovely countryside of Western Transdanubia en route to Vienna and take in the scenic views of forested hills, medieval castles, and the meandering Danube. Stop to visit Szentendre, a charming small town with inviting artisan shops and galleries, and a museum displaying the work of acclaimed ceramicist Margit Kovacs. (B,L)

Follow the footsteps of imperial Habsburgs as you explore the ornate Vienna Opera House and majestic Schönbrunn Palace, which richly demonstrates the tastes and aspirations of Habsburg royalty. This evening, sample the flavors of Vienna with a traditional Wiener schnitzel, then enjoy a concert of classical music. (B,D)

Set out on an excursion to the Vienna Woods, once a royal hunting ground outside the city and now a UNESCO Biosphere that’s home to a rich diversity of birdlife and plants. Then visit the medieval abbey of Heiligenkreuz, one of the oldest continuously occupied Cistercian monasteries in the world, and continue to the spa town of Baden, once the summer residence of Habsburg monarchs. (B)

Depart for Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, and arrive in the late afternoon. Brimming with magnificent historic monuments, medieval architecture, and art, Prague has long been one of Europe’s capitals of culture. Take the rest of the day to get acquainted with this wondrous city on your own or join an informal walk with your tour director through the stunning Old Town, a World Heritage site. (B,L)

Spend the morning exploring the Hradcany castle district, home of the distinctive 9th-century Prague Castle, the seat of the Czech president, which towers above the Vltava River. Considered the biggest ancient castle in the world, Prague Castle proudly displays virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. Continue to St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that houses the tombs of many Bohemian kings; then enjoy a stroll along Golden Lane. The remainder of the day is yours to pursue your own interests in Prague. (B)

Step into history in Josefov, Prague’s Jewish ghetto, founded by 10th-century Jewish tradesmen. Visit the historic Old Jewish cemetery and several of the once-thriving synagogues that are now part of the Jewish Museum. Take a tour of the 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace, the only privately owned palace within Prague Castle, and browse its impressive collection of Bohemian and European art and artifacts. Tonight celebrate your Eastern European adventure during a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Following a very early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flights to the U.S. (B)