When you think of an Eastern Europe vacation, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's visiting old churches and seeing historical sites that have been standing for many centuries. Perhaps you think of visiting cities bombed in World War II and restored to their former splendor. Or maybe you think of learning about the counties’ rich histories. If so, this Best of Eastern Europe tour includes all of that and more with overnights in Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague.Your guided sightseeing in the capitals includes the must-see attractions. Visit Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, today a symbol of reconciliation; the medieval Old Quarter and the 14th-century Cathedral of St. John in Warsaw; St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna; Prague’s Hradčany Castle grounds and Astronomical Clock, built in 1410; the Kazimierz Quarter and St Mary’s Church in Krakow; and Budapest’s 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Visit Jasna Góra, the monastery near Czestochowa, an important pilgrimage site. Its Black Madonna, a painting of the Virgin Mary, is a symbol of the country and venerated as the "Queen of Poland." Stop in Auschwitz to visit what is left of the concentration camp. Plus, Globus has arranged some special experiences in some of the smaller towns. Enjoy a special lunch in Telc, one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, and taste a Trdelnik rolled pastry in Prague. All of this and more—including a private Chopin concert in his hometown of Warsaw—are included on this fabulous Eastern Europe tour.
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BERLIN | Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, take pictures of Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; farewell dinner at a local restaurant |
POZNAN | Stop in the historic city |
WARSAW | Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral of St. John; [LF] attend a private Chopin concert |
CZESTOCHOWA | Visit the Monastery of Jasna Góra and its Black Madonna |
AUSCHWITZ | Visit the site of the former concentration camp |
KRAKOW | Guided sightseeing, walking tour of the Kazimierz Quarter, see Wawel Castle, visit St. Mary’s Church |
DONOVALY | Stop in this picturesque ski resort |
BUDAPEST | Guided sightseeing, panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Matthias Coronation Church |
VIENNA | Guided sightseeing, visit Heldenplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral |
TELC | [LF] Enjoy an included lunch |
PRAGUE | Guided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradčany Castle grounds; [LF] taste a Trdelnik rolled pastry |
DRESDEN | Walking tour |
Headsets throughout the tour.Free Wi-Fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies.
Notes:- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Transportation:
Motorcoach.
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch in Telc; 5 three-course dinners, including a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Berlin
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BERLIN, GERMANY.
Welcome to Berlin! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel
DinnerDay 2 BERLIN.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the fabulous boulevard Unter den Linden with its historical buildings like the Berlin Cathedral and State Opera House. See Museum Island and make a picture stop at monumental Brandenburg Gate. See the restored Reichstag, the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park, Charlottenburg Palace, and the elegant Ku-Damm. Visit the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH with its bomb-damaged bell tower, have a picture stop at the Holocaust Memorial, and pass the former Allied Checkpoint Charlie. Why not join an optional excursion to historic Potsdam?
BreakfastDay 3 BERLIN–POZNAN, POLAND–WARSAW.
Cross the Polish border, enjoy vistas of rural life in the fertile central plains, and take a break in historic Poznan on your way to Warsaw, capital of Poland
Breakfast
DinnerDay 4 WARSAW.
Your Local Guide will tell you about the tormented, often tragic history of this important gateway city between East and West. See the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Quarter) with its market square and 14th-century CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN, the “wedding cake” Palace of Culture and Science, neoclassical Lazienki Palace, and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. Later, a special treat: [LF] attend a PRIVATE CHOPIN CONCERT
BreakfastDay 5 WARSAW–CZESTOCHOWA–AUSCHWITZ–KRAKOW.
A fascinating morning includes a visit to JASNA GÓRA, the monastery near Czestochowa. Admire its BLACK MADONNA, which is venerated as the “Queen of Poland,” and has become the country’s national symbol. In Auschwitz, visit what is left of the CONCENTRATION CAMP, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Krakow.
Today’s Distance: 217 mi / 350 km
Breakfast
DinnerDay 6 KRAKOW.
In the morning, an optional excursion to the Wieliczka salt mines is available. Later, guided sightseeing of ancient Krakow features a walking tour of the KAZIMIERZ QUARTER, with its cosy art cafes, antique shops, and galleries. Also, stop for pictures at the impressive Wawel Castle, and visit the 14th-century ST. MARY’S CHURCH with its uneven towers. Tonight, an optional Polish dinner and folklore show awaits
BreakfastDay 7 KRAKOW–DONOVALY, SLOVAKIA–BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Drive through the scenic heart of mountainous and densely wooded Slovakia, where brown bears still roam free, via Donovaly, a popular skiing resort in the Tatra Mountains, to Budapest, proud capital of Hungary. This evening, sign up for an optional private dinner cruise on the Danube River, the perfect introduction to this fascinating city.
Today’s Distance: 261 mi / 420 km
BreakfastDay 8 BUDAPEST.
Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city comes to life during your guided sightseeing. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Tonight, a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner is available
BreakfastDay 9 BUDAPEST–VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
Drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your sightseeing with vistas of Prater park with its giant Ferris wheel. Drive along the elegant Ringstrasse past the impressive State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi / 280 km
BreakfastDay 10 AT LEISURE IN VIENNA.
A whole day at leisure offers you the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, and a concert in one of Vienna’s concert halls, or alternatively stroll around the city at your own pace
BreakfastDay 11 VIENNA–TELC, CZECH REPUBLIC–PRAGUE.
Cross the Czech border and enter Moravia. Stop in one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, [LF] Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a light lunch with local specialties has been prepared. Enjoy views of the rich farmlands of Moravia and Bohemia on your way to Prague. Tonight is your chance to join an optional outing to explore Prague by night.
Today’s Distance: 205 mi / 330 km
BreakfastLunch
DinnerDay 12 PRAGUE.
Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the HRADČANY CASTLE GROUNDS, which afford lovely views of St. Vitus Cathedral and the castle’s walls and bastions. Originally laid out in the 16th-century, the grounds reached the present park-like form in the early 20th-century. Also see the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. And of course, you will [LF] taste a Trdelnik, the famous rolled pastry topped with a sugar and walnut mix. Balance of the day at leisure
BreakfastDay 13 PRAGUE–DRESDEN, GERMANY–BERLIN.
Re-enter Germany and stop in Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the city has since been restored to its baroque splendor. During your walking tour, admire the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera. Return to Berlin, where a farewell dinner awaits at a local restaurant.
Today’s Distance: 255 mi / 410 km
Breakfast
DinnerDay 14 BERLIN.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse
Superior First-Class
Friedrichstrasse 96 Berlin Germany
This contemporary styled 268 room hotel enjoys a prime location on the world-famous Friedrichstrasse, close to Berlin's best-known sights and shopping areas. Amenities include Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout, a small fitness room, a bright glass roof topped breakfast and International buffet restaurant and a Taste Bar serving everything from street food snacks to delicious haute cuisine and cocktails.
Mercure Warsaw Centrum
First-Class
Ul.Zlota 48/54 Warsaw Poland
The newly renovated in 2013 Mercure Warsaw Centrum is located in the city center, right next to the Golden Terraces, the largest shopping center in Warsaw.
INX Design
First-Class
Starowislna Str. 91 Krakow Poland
This unique 118-room hotel reflects the Art Deco style of the Kazimierz district in which it is located and offers Free Wi-Fi access throughout. Dishes from around the world are served in the Kitchen restaurant while drinks can be enjoyed in the informal atmosphere of the colorful bar, there is also a gym and Finnish sauna.
Art'Otel Budapest
Superior First-Class
Bem Rakpart 16-19 Budapest Hungary
A hip design hotel with prime metropolitan riverfront views located opposite the Hungarian parliament on the Danube river, Art'otel Budapest offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of travel, design and art in the city's historic centre. Almost 600 original works by Donald Sultan, a renowned contemporary artist, are displayed throughout the hotel. Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel free of charge and you enjoy free access to the sauna and the fitness facilities. Sip a coffe, enjoy a lounge-like atmosphere while having a cocktail, or fine dine at Art'bistrobar.
Arte Hotel Wien
First-Class
WURZBACHGASSE 17 Vienna Austria
This stylish hotel is only a stone's throw away from the Stadthalle, the city´s premier exhibition and concert hall with public transportation links and a shopping center close by. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout and there is a 24-hour front desk and bar. Bright, soundproof and air-conditioned rooms offer cable TV, a work desk, and minibar.
NH Prague
Superior First-Class
Mozartova 261/1 Praga Czech Republic
NH Prague City is situated in the modern buzzing district of Andel, bordering the historic city centre and right next to a large entertainment and shopping centre. The hotel consist of two separate buildings connected by a cable car, and offers panoramic views over the city of Prague. Free WiFi is available in both buildings free of charge. The entire hotel is non-smoking. Gastronomy services are provided by four restaurants and bars. The Costa Praga restaurant and the Red bar are situated in the main hotel building. The recently renovated Ristorante Il Giardino Toscano with a large outside terrace and the Sky Lounge bar overlooking the city of Prague are located in the second building. The in-house health centre features sauna and steam bath facilities, massage treatments (against a fee), and a fitness centre as well. A jogging path, tennis courts and a volleyball court are close by, on Mrazovka Hill.