Journey Through Central Europe's Gems

Welcome to your journey! Upon arrival in Prague, we will transfer you to your hotel, after which you'll have some leisure time to settle in or explore the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, make sure to check the information boards at the hotel reception for details about the start of your tour. 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.

On the second day, we begin our exploration of Prague, a city celebrated as one of the most beautiful in Europe. In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic city tour with a local guide. Our journey will take us past iconic landmarks including the majestic Prague Castle, the bustling Town Hall Square, and the enchanting Charles Bridge. Following this insightful tour, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the vibrant city centre at your own pace, where you can enjoy lunch and explore the local offerings.Come evening, at around 7:00 p.m., we will transport you back to the historic centre. Here, you will find a delightful array of traditional breweries, exceptional dining options, and a spirited nightlife. Take this time to savour the flavours and atmosphere of Prague as the city lights up after dark.

We embark on our journey early from Prague as we head towards the picturesque Moravia region, an area noted for its rich cultural heritage. Our first destination is Lednice, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will have the opportunity to explore its exquisite gardens and behold the stunning castle. After revelling in the beauty of Lednice, we continue our travels, crossing the peaceful landscapes of Slovakia before entering Hungary. Along the way, we pause in the charming city of Gyor, known as the city of four rivers, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch and wander through the historic streets. Our day concludes in Budapest, where we arrive by mid-afternoon. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to a vibrant pedestrian area bustling with traditional restaurants, many offering live music, creating a truly immersive Hungarian experience.

Our day begins in Budapest with a panoramic tour of this enchanting city, beautifully divided by the mighty Danube River. We will explore Buda, celebrated for its historic old town, and Pest, renowned for its bustling commercial areas. This morning offers an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and captivating history that define this magnificent city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, allowing you the freedom to further discover Budapest’s hidden gems, perhaps delving into its rich culinary scene or exploring its renowned landmarks.

On the fifth day, we set off early from Budapest and make our way through Slovakia, with a stop in Bratislava, the capital city positioned charmingly along the Danube River. Here, you’ll have time to wander through the historic centre, which sits beautifully at the base of the impressive castle. Our journey then leads us to Trencin, a delightful medieval town in western Slovakia, famed for its striking castle and lively historic area. There will be an opportunity to explore the town and enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our travels through stunning landscapes of lush forests and rolling hills as we head towards Poland. We arrive in Krakow by the end of the day.

On the sixth day of your journey, we begin with a panoramic tour of Krakow, the historic capital of Lesser Poland, established in the 7th century. This charming city, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its medieval allure. During our exploration, we'll wander through its delightful streets and visit the Main Market Square, one of Europe's largest and the vibrant heart of the city. We will also explore Wawel Castle Hill, once home to Polish royalty. After our morning in Krakow, we proceed to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, a small town known for its picturesque landscape and the revered monastery and chapel complex, also a World Heritage Site. A significant pilgrimage location, the "Calvary" is a fascinating spot to visit. Continuing our journey, we stop in Wadowice, the birthplace of Pope John Paul II. Here, there's time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll around the town. In the afternoon, we visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, the site of the tragic Nazi concentration and extermination camps from World War II, where over a million lives were lost. Our visit includes Birkenau (Camp II), where deportation trains once arrived from across Europe. As the day comes to a close, we make our way to Warsaw, arriving by evening.

Today, we begin with a panoramic tour of Warsaw, guided by a local expert. This dynamic city, home to nearly two million inhabitants, is a blend of contemporary architecture and carefully restored historic landmarks. We’ll wander through the charming old town, where cobbled streets and elegantly restored buildings, including the Royal Palace, echo the past despite their post-war reconstruction. Recognised as a World Heritage Site, this area stands as a testament to resilience. We’ll also visit the Palace of Culture, an iconic skyscraper gifted by the Soviet Union, and reflect on the history of the Jewish ghetto, once the largest in Europe. Our exploration includes a walk through Łazienki Park, where you’ll find the renowned Chopin Monument.In the afternoon, you’ll have the freedom to further explore Warsaw at your own pace. Consider visiting the city’s museums, such as the National Museum or the Warsaw Rising Museum, or enjoy the vibrant heart of the city, filled with shops and engaging activities.

After enjoying breakfast, we will head to northern Poland, with our first stop being Olsztynek. Here, we will explore the open-air Museum of Folk Architecture, which showcases traditional wooden houses, old mills, and an historic church, giving you a taste of Polish rural life. Admission to the museum is included. Our journey continues to the Elblag Canal, the longest navigable canal in Poland. We will visit a museum in this area where visitors can witness the unique method of hauling boats over land on rails to traverse elevation changes. Next, we will travel to Malbork to explore its grand castle, one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, it is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your entry to the castle is included, along with a guided visit along the green route. In the evening, we will arrive in Gdansk, a city that was formerly known as Danzig. With its stunning and lively historic centre, Gdansk offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for an evening stroll.

After a nourishing breakfast, we will visit the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk, a remarkable modern building that tells the story of the Solidarity movement, pivotal to the fall of the Soviet Union. Important highlights include the monument honouring fallen workers. Our exploration continues with the Museum of the Second World War, a poignant place that pays tribute to the millions who lost their lives in Poland during this devastating time. You'll then have a chance to explore the historic centre of Gdansk before we travel to Sopot, a delightful seaside resort known for its lively atmosphere, expansive sandy beaches, and Europe’s longest wooden pier with breathtaking sea views. In the evening, we'll embark on a modern ferry for our voyage to Sweden, departing at 7:30 p.m. You’ll enjoy cruise-style amenities with overnight accommodation in cabins, and a delightful breakfast included.

After an overnight journey, our ferry docks in Karlskrona in southern Sweden at around 6:30 a.m. We continue travelling north towards Stockholm, breaking the journey with a stop in Västervik. This charming seaside town boasts a picturesque historic centre, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. By the afternoon, we arrive in Stockholm, Sweden’s vibrant capital city spread over fourteen islands in the Baltic Sea archipelago. Known for its captivating mix of historic architecture and modern innovation, it offers plenty for you to explore. The afternoon is free to wander the historic centre, visit engaging museums, or relax in the city's beautiful parks.

Today, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Stockholm, a stunning capital spread across 14 interconnected islands. We'll explore Gamla Stan, the vibrant old quarter known as "the city between bridges." This area is home to numerous monumental buildings including the Nobel Prize Museum, located beside the main square, Stortorget, which honours Nobel Prize laureates. The impressive Cathedral and the Royal Palace are part of our itinerary as well. Whenever possible, we'll take in the breathtaking views from the Fjällgatan viewpoint. Following the tour, you will have leisure time to continue exploring on your own. We suggest visiting the city's various museums and parks or opting for visits to the City Hall and the Vasa Museum should you wish to delve deeper into Stockholm's rich history and culture.

We’ll begin our day by heading south to the lively coastal town of Helsingborg. After spending some time exploring, we'll take a ferry from Sweden to Helsingør in Denmark early in the afternoon. You’ll have the opportunity to discover Helsingør, famously known as Hamlet's hometown. The standout feature here is the impressive Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site attributed as the setting for Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet'. Later, we’ll continue our journey to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening.

In the morning, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Copenhagen, the Danish capital known for its outstanding quality of life, sustainable ethos, and vibrant cultural scene. We'll visit iconic sights including The Little Mermaid, the picturesque Nyhavn harbour with its colourful, historic buildings, and the exterior of Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family. We'll also explore Town Hall Square and the Tivoli Park area before heading south through Denmark. In Gedser, we'll board a ferry for a two-hour crossing to Germany. On arrival in Warnemünde, we'll continue our journey towards Berlin, reaching the city by the end of the day. Do note, if only a small number of passengers are travelling between Copenhagen and Berlin, we may utilise a regular passenger line to complete this stage, without altering the itinerary's content.

Today, embark on a captivating guided tour of Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany. We’ll delve into the rich cultural fabric of the city, exploring its historic centre and marvelling at the treasures of Museum Island. Witness the iconic Reichstag, stand in awe before the Brandenburg Gate, and wander down its bustling shopping streets while appreciating the tranquillity of its picturesque parks. Our exploration will also take us to poignant sites including the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Memorial Museum. Should you wish, there's the option to visit Potsdam, renowned for its stunning palaces and regal elegance. Enjoy the day as you soak up the history and dynamism of this remarkable city.

On our journey from Berlin, we will pass through scenic forests to reach Dresden, a city celebrated for its remarkable architecture and rich cultural heritage, making it one of Germany's top tourist spots. You will have time to enjoy lunch and explore the city's magnificent palaces at your own pace. Later in the day, we'll continue our journey by crossing into the Czech Republic, arriving in Prague by mid-afternoon to conclude our travels for the day.