Eastern Europe

Day 1

International flight to Krakow or Katowice. Transfer to the hotel.  
Overnight in Krakow.

Day 2

Morning: walking  tour of the Old Town of Krakow
We discover all the highlights: Main Market Square (the largest medieval square in Europe), splendid St. Mary’s Basilica (with the biggest medieval altar of Europe!), the Cloth Hall and the Wawel Hill with the magnificent Royal Castle and the Cathedral – the main Coronation church of the Polish kings

Afternoon: Wieliczka Salt Mine
We head to Wieliczka to see one of the oldest and the biggest Salt Mines in Europe (UNESCO). During the underground tour we discover the treasures of the mine: chambers, lakes, chapels, including famous St. Kinga’s Chapel with its magnificent decoration carved in salt. Return to Krakow. Overnight in Krakow

Day 3

Morning:  Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
We visit  Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, the symbol of Holocaust and the Nazi crime. We visit Auschwitz: the exhibition in the prisoners’ blocks, the crematorium and the gas chamber. Then we move to Birkenau to see the largest extermination camp built by the Nazis during World War II.

Afternoon: At leisure.
Overnight in Krakow

Day 4

Morning: Departure for Zakopane.
Tour of Zakopane the ski resort, known as the winter capital of Poland, It attracts visitors with its unique atmosphere, traditional wooden architecture and the folk culture of the local mountaineers. We see the traditional wooden church, the best example of the Zakopane style, a famous local market (time for souvenir hunters!), we go by the funicular to the top of Gubalowka Hill (1123 m ) to admire the panoramic view of the Tatras). We also stop in Chocholow – a traditional village with the old wooden cottage houses, that are more than 100 years old. Here part of ”Fanaa” film was made.

Afternoon: At leisure.
Overnight in Zakopane.

Day 5

Morning: Transfer to Budapest. (approx.5,5 h ride)
Afternoon: At leisure. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 6

Morning: sightseeing of Budapest
We visit the Buda Castle district with its numerous courtyards of the Royal Palace and a picturesque old town area. We also see St. Mathias Church and the famous Fishermen’s Bastion. Afterwards, we visit Pest – the famous Vaci Street, The Square of the Heroes and the Basilica of St. Istvan, the patron saint of Hungary.

Afternoon: trip to Szentendre
Szentendre is a town beautifully located at the bend of the Danube River, about 25 km from Budapest. It is a wonderful town of artists and craftsmen, founded in the 14th c by the refugees from the Balkans. Strolling around we look at the old orthodox churches, tiny streets with numerous boutiques and workshops of the local artists.

Day 7

Morning:   transfer to Vienna via Bratislava
We visit the capital of Slovakia – the short guided tour (2h) starts at the Bratislava castle with its magnificent view of the town and surrounding countryside. Than we continue the visit of the Old Town – with the St. Martin’s Cathedral, old Town Hall, Primate´s Palace, President´s Palace, Michael´s Tower and the National Theatre.

Arrival in Vienna. Afternoon: At leisure. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 8

Morning: sightseeing of Vienna.
We enjoy the sightseeing of Vienna. We go along the famous Ring Strasse lined up with the impressive monuments: the Parliament, Opera House, the Town Hall and the Museums Quartier. We walk around the Hofburg Palace quarter with its numerous courtyards and statues, following the imperial history of the capital. We also discover the highlights if the Old Town: the Main Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Afternoon: time at leisure
Overnight in Vienna.

Day 9

Morning: Legends and Vineyards tour (full day in Wachau Valley)
We tour around the beautiful Wachau valley famous for tiny picturesque towns, vineyards and old legends. We visit medieval towns of Krems, Durnstein and the magnificent monastery of Melk, one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Europe. Tour includes boat cruise on the Danube river from Splitz to Melk – enjoy panoramic views! Return to Vienna. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 10

Transfer to the airport.