Central Europe's Baroque and Medieval Charm

On the first day of your journey, you’ll arrive in the charming city of Prague. We will provide a transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy some leisure time. In the afternoon, do keep an eye on the hotel reception boards for important information regarding the start of your tour. Please be aware that as the tour progresses, different travellers may join or depart at various stages, though rest assured the group size will always remain within a comfortable limit. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Prague, exploring at your own pace until the evening. When the sun begins to set, we'll gather for an excursion to the lively Old Town Square, known for its bustling atmosphere. This is an ideal spot to savour dinner, with an array of international cuisines to choose from, including local Czech, Chinese, Indian, and Italian options. After enjoying your meal and the vibrant surroundings, we'll arrange your transfer back to the hotel, ensuring a comfortable end to your evening.

Today we delve into the enchanting city of Prague, renowned as a baroque treasure in Europe. Our exploration kicks off with a guided panoramic tour, offering insights into the city's captivating history and showcasing its magnificent landmarks. Our journey takes us to Prague Castle – entrance is included – where you can immerse yourself in its historical grandeur. Following this, we'll relax on a picturesque boat cruise along the Vltava River, presenting panoramic views of Prague's iconic skyline.As the afternoon unfolds, we depart Prague around 3:00 p.m., venturing towards Moravia. Our destination is Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, celebrated for its contemporary architecture and bustling cultural activities. Upon arrival, you're invited to wander through Brno’s vibrant city centre, where you’ll discover the majestic cathedral and the historic town hall.

We will leave Brno early in the morning and set off for Bratislava, the charming capital of Slovakia, nestled along the Danube River. Renowned for its well-preserved historic centre, you'll have the opportunity to wander through its picturesque streets and soak in its unique atmosphere. Our journey then continues to Trencin, a quaint medieval town in western Slovakia, famed for its striking castle and vibrant historic heart. Here, you'll have time to explore and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, our travels take us through stunning landscapes of forests and rolling hills as we make our way into Poland, arriving in Krakow by evening.

In the morning, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Krakow with a knowledgeable local guide. This captivating city, founded in the seventh century and the capital of Lesser Poland, is home to an Old Town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our visit, we'll wander through its enchanting medieval streets, explore the vast Market Square – one of the largest in Europe and the city's vibrant centre – and visit Wawel Hill, which houses the historic Wawel Castle that once served as the residence of Polish kings. In the afternoon, you will have time at leisure. You might consider an optional visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate carved galleries, subterranean chapels, and extensive network of tunnels spanning over 300 kilometres. We will conclude the day with a delightful traditional local meal.

Following breakfast, we will set off for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a picturesque town renowned for its monastery and chapel complex known as the "Calvary," which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage destination. Our journey continues with a brief visit to the charming wooden church in Barwald Dolny. We will then proceed to Wadowice, the hometown of Karol Wojtyła, better known as Pope John Paul II. Here, you can visit his childhood home, now a museum, or the basilica where he was baptised. There will be time to explore and enjoy lunch in the town. Next, we will visit Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp that stands as a solemn memorial and museum dedicated to the over one million individuals who perished during World War II. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will tour Birkenau, the site where trainloads of people were brought from across Europe. As we travel towards Katowice, we'll pause at the Nikiszowiec neighbourhood, an early 20th-century residential area originally built for mining families, noted for its distinct architecture and vibrant community atmosphere, and currently under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage status. In Katowice, a vibrant and modern city which serves as the capital of the Silesia region, you will have free time to discover its attractions at your own pace. Accommodation arrangements have been made for our stay here.

Today, we journey to the vibrant town of Opole, renowned for its rich musical heritage as the home of the National Festival of Polish Song. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee in its charming old town, known for its well-preserved architecture. Our exploration continues at the Village Museum (entry included), an open-air museum that vividly illustrates life in rural Poland during the late 19th century. Discover the fascinating collection of wooden structures, including mills, a church, and traditional farmhouses, which offer a glimpse into the past.Next, we travel to Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia and a city steeped in a diverse history influenced by Polish, Czech, Austrian, and German cultures. Founded in the 10th century, the city boasts an old town with one of the most stunning squares in Poland, painstakingly restored after World War II. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the sights at your leisure.In the afternoon, we embark on the final leg of our journey, crossing the border into the Czech Republic and arriving in Prague by evening.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes. Depart with a collection of wonderful memories to cherish. Safe travels!