Description

Discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world – a generous overview of five distinctly different and fascinating nations of Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland.

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This journey spans five countries and weaves together the area’s deep history with the monumental events of the 20th century. This remarkable region offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment.

Tour the Habsburg legacy of Vienna. Visit Vienna’s majestic Schönbrunn Palace and have access to one of the greatest and most condensed cultural offerings in the world, the Museum Quartier. In a day you can gaze on masterpieces by Rubens, Klimt, and Schiele before listening to a Mozart symphony.

Pass through Slovakia en route to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Discover the beauty of Budapest,. The mighty Magyar capital straddling the Danube is divided in two parts: hilly, historic Buda and flat, urban Pest. Upon the Castle Hill, see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and enjoy a great view of the iconic bridge over the Danube.

Explore Poland’s historic capital, still its cultural and intellectual capital, Kracow. Take a walk in the Main Market Square, one of Europe’s best squares and St. Mary’s Church with Viet Stoss altarpiece. Giant yellow Cloth Hall houses souvenir stands, 19th-century Polish art upstairs, and excavations underground. Pay our respects at the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camp memorial sites.
Conclude our journey in Warsaw, Poland’s capital city bombed flat in WWII, now rebuilt and becoming a super-modern metropolis.

View Stalin’s monstrous Palace of Culture and Science. Tour the reconstructed Old Town with Royal Palace, mermaid statue, great Synagogue, the second-biggest on earth, with museum and Tree of Life monument.

Enjoy a piano concert in Chopin’s hometown.

ITINERARY

May 15, 2018 Prague, Czech Republic
Upon arrival, you are transferred from Airport to your hotel in the centre of town.
Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago, Prague today is a wonder to behold, with beautiful architecture, lush green hills, and graceful bridges spanning the Vltava River.

Prague: Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag or similar

May 16, 2018 Prague (B/D)
We spend the morning exploring the Hradcany (castle) district, home of the distinctive castle towering above the Vltava River. Dating to the 9th century, the castle today is the seat of the president of the Czech Republic. Among the highlights of our tour: a visit to Gothic St. Vitus’ Cathedral and a stroll along Golden Lane, with its picturesque artisans’ cottages. The remainder of the day is free to continue exploring this enchanting city as we wish. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner.

May 17, 2018 Prague (B) 
This morning’s visit to Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish ghetto, includes the Old Jewish Cemetery with its centuries-old headstones and generations buried atop one another, as well as several of the once-thriving synagogues now part of the Jewish Museum of Prague. Then the remainder of the day is at leisure, perhaps to stroll through Old Town Square or visit Wenceslas Square, site of the demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution. Try some refreshing Czech beers and dinner on our own.

May 18, 2018 Prague – Cesky Krumlov  – Prague (B) 
Full day excursion to visit the Cesky Krumlov, known as ‘the Pearl of the Renaissance’ and one of the most important historic sites in Central Europe. You’ll travel from Prague through the beautiful south Bohemian countryside passing picturesque villages and ponds. The whole town of Cesky Krumlov is on the UNESCO Heritage list, comprising 300 historic houses, the castle and chateau.

May 19, 2018 Prague – Vienna, Austria (B/D)
Following breakfast, make your own way to Prague’s railway station and travel by train to Vienna. Relax in your seat and absorb the views over the Czech and Austrian countryside as your train speeds through central Europe. On arrival, take a subway to your hotel in Vienna center. The balance of the day is at leisure to discover Vienna at your own pace and tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Vienna: Hilton Vienna or similar

May 20, 2018 Vienna (B)
On a morning sightseeing tour, visit the Hofburg Palace, once the home of the Habsberg emperors, and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other reminders of the city’s imperial past.
The afternoon, soak up Austrian culture and cuisine with optional tour including an audio tour, 3-course dinner and a classical concert at Schönbrunn Palace. Begin by exploring the palace’s ornate staterooms and guest apartments with an audio guide. Then, settle into a delicious, candlelit dinner of local cuisine at the Ehrenhof restaurant, adjacent to the palace.
Top off the evening with a concert at the Orangery Schonbrunn, where you’ll enjoy live classical works from Mozart and Bach.

May 21, 2018 Vienna – Budapest (B/D)
Journey east and cross the border into Hungary. Continue through the Transdanubian region, reaching Budapest with time to freshen up before dinner.

Budapest: Radisson Blu Beke or Continental 

May 22, 2018 Budapest (B)
In 1873, the twin cities of Buda and Pest joined with ancient Obuda to form a new, unified city, Budapest. Charming and beautiful, the city was declared a World Heritage site in 1987. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of all the main attractions: The Parliament, Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own.

May 23, 2018 Budapest to Krakow (B/D)
The road to Krakow winds through the hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the Tatras Mountains, and into the rolling plains of Poland. You’ll arrive in time for a relaxing dinner.

Krakow: Holiday Inn City Center or  Doubletree by Hilton 

May 24, 2018 Krakow (B)
A major center of Polish culture and education, Krakow survived World War II intact, leaving it with more historic buildings and monuments than anywhere else in the country. Its authentic Old Town is a UNESCO cultural site, and the Main Market Square the largest medieval square in Europe.

A morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town where you will see the Main Market Square and Renaissance Cloth Hall, and visit St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free to go for a stroll, browse through the shops, sample some sernik or szarlotka, or simply relax.

May 25, 2018 Krakow to Warsaw (B/D)
This morning join on a tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious concentration camp from World War II and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin Mary, popularly called the“Black Madonna.” In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland’s capital city, Warsaw.

Warsaw: Radisson Blu Centrum (DLX) or similar

May 26, 2018 Warsaw (B)
Virtually destroyed during World War II, Warsaw was rebuilt in the decades that followed. With the fall of Communism, the city has become more dynamic and progressive while retaining much of its distinct character.  Our sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and Barbican. Continue with a walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, a stroll through the city, relaxing in one of the many parks or gardens, or perhaps attend an optional late afternoon Chopin concert.

May 27, 2018 Warsaw Departure (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flights.

Call 1-888-887-1688 or email info@tripconnoisseurs.com
to arrange the international flights for this journey from your home city.