Great Cities of Eastern Europe

Your extraordinary Great Cities of Eastern Europe Tour begins this evening with an overnight flight to Warsaw, Poland.

*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Warsaw on Day 2.

Land in Warsaw, Poland’s historic capital city. You’ll be met and escorted to our centrally located, deluxe hotel. This evening, your tour director will host a welcome dinner and briefing about your tour.

This morning, join your guide through a grand tour of Warsaw. Visit both banks of the Vistula River, Poland’s longest and largest river, and walk around Old Town and Market Square, a UNESCO World Heritage that blends old-world charm and modern culture. Then, drive along the Royal Route, lined with enchanting palaces, famous statues, and historic churches. See significant sights including the Monument of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The afternoon is at your leisure.

Today, we’ll drive you southbound to Częstochowa and the 14th-century Jasna Góra Monastery, known as the home of the Black Madonna, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. In the afternoon, pay a poignant visit to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, now a museum honoring the victims of the Holocaust. Later, travel to Kraków, Poland’s academic and cultural center and former royal capital. End the day with a lovely dinner at a local restaurant.

The residence of Polish kings for centuries, Kraków boasts fine medieval architecture, virtually untouched by war. On this morning’s tour, view the majestic Wawel Royal Castle, situated on a hilltop where people have lived since at least the Paleolithic Age. Visit St. Mary’s Church, a stunning example of Polish Gothic architecture, and wander the medieval Market Square. The balance of your day is at leisure to discover whatever piques your interest!

Today, delight in a scenic drive through the wooded mountains of Slovakia and down the Danube River Valley to Budapest, the captivating Hungarian capital. Later in the day, check into your hotel, located in the heart of the city. You will also have a delicious dinner at the hotel.

This morning, our guide will introduce us to Budapest’s fascinating history and sights. Enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view from the lookout terraces of the Fisherman’s Bastion, located on Castle Hill. We’ll also see the Citadel on Gellért Hill and Matthias Church, which was used for centuries for the coronations of Hungarian kings. In the afternoon, we'll set sail on a leisurely 1-hour cruise on the romantic Danube River to take in city views from the water.

Embark on a morning excursion to the scenic Hungarian countryside. We’ll journey to the artist’s town of Szentendre, a gem at the gateway to the picturesque Danube Bend river region. You’ll have free time to explore its cobblestoned streets and Baroque charms. Then, return to Budapest, where you can revel in its fine arts and architecture at your own pace.

Next, we bring you across the border into Austria and drive to Vienna for sightseeing in the heart of the Habsburg Empire. Tour along the Ring Boulevard, encircling the city center, past the Hofburg (official residence of the President of Austria), Vienna State Opera, and Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Finish your day with dinner at the hotel.

Today brings us to the Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn—with its 18th-century architecture, interiors, and vast gardens, it’s among the most impressive baroque structures in Europe. In the afternoon, Vienna is yours to explore with some free time.

Embrace all that Vienna has to offer with a full day of independent exploration—you can discover more popular attractions and even take in some of the culture with stops at cafes and shops along the way.

Today, take a leisurely scenic drive through rich farmlands to the rolling hills of Moravia. You’ll first visit the quaint town of Dürnstein before continuing over the Czech Republic border, stopping to see the charming buildings and beautiful surroundings of Telč along the way. Later in the day, we’ll reach Prague, one of Europe’s most vibrant and colorful cities.

Beautiful Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires,” once served as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire and is now the Czech Republic capital. This morning, tour the impressive Hradčany castle and the Old Royal Palace, one of the oldest parts of Prague Castle, dating from 1135. You’ll also see the 14th-century Charles Bridge, Old Town, and more. The afternoon is at leisure to explore more.

Enjoy a day of free time to unwind at an outdoor cafe, shop the bustling markets, or delve into more of Prague’s intriguing sights. You might also opt to book a tour of the fascinating Jewish Quarter. See Optional Tours for details. Tonight, celebrate this great trip with your fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, end this captivating European adventure with a transfer to the airport for your non-stop flight back to the U.S.

*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today in Prague.