YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating journey to Eastern Europe begins this evening with an overnight flight to Warsaw.

Day 2: Arrive Warsaw (Poland). Late morning arrival in Warsaw, Poland’s capital and cultural heart. You’ll be met and escorted to your centrally located deluxe hotel. This evening your Tour Director hosts a welcome dinner and briefing. Sofitel Victoria Hotel (D)

Day 3: Learn about Warsaw’s rich history on a morning tour. Visit both banks of the Vistula River as well as the Old Town with its colorful market square. Drive along the Royal Route lined with beautiful palaces, famous statues and historic churches. See historical sights including the Monument of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4: Warsaw/Auschwitz/Krakow. Drive southbound to Czestochowa where you’ll visit the magnificent 14th century monastery at Jasna Gora, known as the home of the Black Madonna icon. This afternoon, a somber visit to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, now a museum honoring the victims of the Holocaust. Later, arrive in ancient Krakow, former Royal capital. Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant. Novotel Centrum Hotel (B,D)

Day 5: Krakow, the residence of Polish kings for centuries, boasts finemedieval architecture, virtually untouched by war. On this morning’s tour, see the Royal Wawel Castle and visit St. Mary’s Church and splendid Market Square. Balance of the day is at leisure to explore this charming and colorful town on your own. (B)

Day 6: Krakow/Budapest (Hungary). Today enjoy a scenic drive through the wooded mountains of Slovakia, down the Danube River Valley to Budapest, the delightful Hungarian capital. Dinner tonight at your hotel, located in the heart of the city. NH Budapest Hotel (B,D)

Day 7: Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most lively cities. On your morning tour, your guide will introduce you to the history and sights of the city. Enjoy a panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion located on Castle Hill. You’ll also see the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church and the Citadel on Mount Gellert. Afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take a leisurely cruise on the romantic Danube River. (B)

Day 8: Danube Bend Excursion. Embark on a morning excursion to the scenic Hungarian countryside. Voyage to the charming artist’s town of Szentendre, a real gem at the gateway to the picturesque Danube Bend region. Free time to explore before returning to Budapest where you may revel in the fine arts and architecture at your own pace. (B)

Day 9: Budapest/Vienna (Austria). Cross the border into Austria and drive to splendid Vienna, the center of the Hapsburg Empire. Experience the city’s glorious past on a panoramic tour taking you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef’s Hofburg Palace and the ornate State Opera to a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Cathedral of St. Stephen's. Park Royal Palace Hotel (B)

Day 10: A full day at leisure to explore on your own and relax in a charming Viennese cafe. A must see is the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence built for the Hapsburgs. You may also head to the wine village of Grinzing for a lively dinner complete with local entertainment. (B)

Day 11: Vienna/Prague (Czech Republic). Journey across the Czech border through rich farmlands to Moravia. Visit the quaint towns of Duernstein and Telc en route to Prague, one of Europe’s most vibrant and colorful cities. Angelo Hotel (B)

Day 12: The beautiful city of Prague was built on seven hills and served as a former capital of the Roman Empire. On this morning’s tour, visit the impressive Hradcany Castle and the Old Royal Palace, former residence of Bohemian kings. See the 14th-century Charles Bridge and explore the charming Old Town. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 13: A day at leisure to relax at an outdoor cafe, shop the bustling markets or explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter on your own. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow travelers at a festive dinner. (B,D)

Day 14: Prague/Helsinki (Finland). After breakfast, bid farewell to the glorious cities of Eastern Europe and board a short flight to Helsinki, the charming capital of Finland, situated on the Baltic Sea. Orientation tour is included on arrival.
Scandic Hotel (B)

Day 15: Helsinki/New York. Enjoy your leisure morning in Helsinki to explore on your own or try a real Finnish sauna! Later, transfer to the airport for your non-stop flight back to the USA. Your exciting journey ends as you touch down in New York. (B)