Eastern Europe Explorer

Your journey begins in the glorious city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic that only until 1989 was behind the Iron Curtain. The city is home to one of Europe’s best preserved city centres, with its architecture dating to the 14th century, and despite the number being closer to 1,000 its nickname ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ remains today.    Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxurious hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink.

Discover one of Europe’s most magical cities during a guided tour this morning. You will pass the Jewish Quarter and Jan Palach Square, considered one of Prague’s most striking. Cross the medieval stone arch Charles Bridge and visit the Old Town Square, where you will see the famous Astronomical Clock. Legend has it that the designer of this masterpiece was blinded on completion so he could never make another piece as beautiful.   You will have some free time to wander the city and enjoy lunch before your choice of Scenic Freechoice this afternoon.   Freechoice: Make your choice from this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities: Communist Walk of Prague: Join an expert local guide for a walking tour of Prague, take in the city’s most famous sites and hidden gems and learn how everyday life was under Communism. During the tour your local guide will take you to a local brewery  where you’ll taste local beers that have been produced here for generations, like pilsner larger and wheat beer. Prague Castle tour: Explore the seat of Czech rulers at Prague Castle, a vast complex covering more than 70,000 square metres, considered the largest castle in the world. The castle has its roots in the 9th century, though there are buildings dating from every period of history spread throughout the grounds. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the Czech Republic, as well as the Old Royal palace, the former residence of Bohemian Royalty and the picturesque Golden Lane. Join your fellow guests for a traditional Czech dinner in a local restaurant in the heart of the city. 

This morning, you’ll depart for Dresden, known as Florence on the Elbe. Considered one of the greenest cities in Germany, with open-air parks, gardens and surrounding forest, as well as charming riverside promenades, the city is also famed for its music and culture and is home to Germany’s oldest Christmas Market.   Today you will enjoy an orientation tour to see the Frauenkirche Church, which was reduced to rubble after the Second World War and took 60 years to rebuild, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House, and Zwinger Courtyard in the heart of the Old Town. Afterwards you will continue your journey through the picturesque Spreewald Forest to Germany’s capital, Berlin, where you will stay for three nights in one of the city’s most opulent hotels.

Berlin is a city of contrasts, possessing both beauty and grit, historic architecture and cutting-edge design, and a vibrant youthful vibe with a tumultuous history never far from mind. Your introduction to this fascinating city begins with a guided tour. You will see the 18th century neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, which was a symbol of division during the war but is now one of unity, and the traditional State Opera House. You will then drive along the famous ‘Unter den Linden’, a boulevard that runs from Brandenburg Gate to the City Palace and visit Checkpoint Charlie, the former border crossing between east and west Berlin. Enrich This afternoon’s Scenic Enrich: Tea time at Reichstag with Historian: Visit the Reichstag parliament building with a local historian. Enjoy coffee and cake under the impressive Glass Dome while listening to enthralling tales of the city’s history. The Reichstag was burnt down in 1933, a month after Hitler came into power. Claiming Communists were planning a violent uprising, the government issued the Reichstag Fire Decree, which abolished several constitutional protections and paved the wave for Nazi dictatorship.  

Spend the day exploring the city of Berlin and learn about its Cold War history or venture to the nearby city of Potsdam. Freechoice: Explore your way with a choice from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions: Berlin Wall and Hackesche Hofe: Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, built to remember the Cold War that divided Berlin from 1961 to 1989, and see the only stretch of the infamous wall that remains. Learn about the history and relive some of the stories from this time in Germany’s history. Continue by subway to Hackesche Hofe, eight early 21st century courtyards comprising Art Nouveau buildings that are now used as shops and cafes, where you will have free time to explore. This tour combines walking with the use of historic train lines. Visit Potsdam and Cecilienhof Palace: Journey to Potsdam, a royal city created by Prussian kings 300 years ago, located a short drive from Berlin. Here, a local historian will share their insights on the town and its history, and you will see the Sanssouci Palace (Palace of Frederick the Great) and visit Cecilienhof Country House, where the Potsdam Agreement – to disarm and demilitarise Germany – was signed in 1945.

Cross the border into Poland, towards the city of Warsaw. You will stop along the way in the city of Poznan, known for its colourful narrow merchant houses that were built in the 16th century. Here you will have a tour of the Old Town and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Warsaw. The capital of Poland was completely rebuilt after it was razed during the Second World War, which is why it’s often referred to as the Phoenix City. Whole neighbourhoods have been revitalised and today it is rich in culture and has a thriving dining scene and nightlife.

Largely destroyed during World War II, Warsaw’s historic centre has been rebuilt and has attained World Heritage-listed status. Your local guide will take you through the city’s key sites including the Jewish Ghetto, where during the war some 380,000 Jews were appallingly sealed inside. You’ll also visit the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and Science. Freechoice: Today you have two vastly different yet equally fascinating tours to choose from with this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice: Pierogi Cooking Class: Learn to make Poland’s national dish, Pierogi – traditional dumplings that have been a favourite meal since the 13th century. After a fun-filled cooking class, you will have the opportunity to taste the finished product. Visit the Museum of the History of Polish Jews: Learn about the plight of the Jewish community during a visit to the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. This museum is a modern cultural institution showcasing the 1,000 years of Polish Jewish history throughout eight galleries exhibiting art, photographs, artefacts and virtual displays.

Travel to Krakow today, stopping enroute at Auschwitz, where you’ll visit the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. In operation from 1940 to 1945, more than one million Jews tragically died here. Take a poignant walk through the grounds, which are made up of original camp blocks, barracks and guard towers, and see the museum which houses personal possessions of the prisoners and the SS garrison, who were the perpetrators of the crimes committed here.   This afternoon you will continue to Krakow, arriving early this evening. Poland’s former royal capital until 1596, Krakow is the only major city that wasn’t reduced to rubble in the Second World War.

Today’s sightseeing of Krakow includes a walking tour of the well-preserved historic centre, a World Heritage-listed site with 13th century merchant houses lining its sprawling market square. You will also visit the splendid 14th century Wawel Castle and Cathedral, perched on a limestone outcrop that dominates the city. The museum collection here includes Flemish tapestries, Italian Renaissance paintings, armoury, royal jewels and a coronation sword.   This afternoon you’ll visit the nearby 800-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mines, which are made up of around 245 kilometres of corridors, underground chambers and salines lakes. You’ll see statues of historic and mythical figures, sculpted by miners out of rock salt and view old mining tools and machines.   Tonight, enjoy delicious Polish cuisine at a local restaurant.

Cross the border into Slovakia enroute to the Hungarian capital, Budapest, where you will enjoy a two-night stay.  Divided by the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other, this city became united in 1873 when a newly built bridge connected the two. The city is an architectural treasure trove comprising styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau and everything in between. It is also well known for its hot springs and thermal baths and has a vibrant nightlife scene. 

This morning, explore Budapest, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. You will cross the bridge between Buda and Pest, the two districts that are separated by the Danube that make up the city. Starting on the Pest side you will see Széchenyi square and Elizabeth square before crossing the Margaret Bridge to the Buda side.   This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Pack your swimsuit and make your way to one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths for a relaxing soak in the therapeutic waters. Szechenyi Baths are the largest, boasting 15 indoor baths and three vast outdoor pools. Or check out the Jewish Quarter’s famous ruin bars, which are housed in old and abandoned buildings that were left in decay after WWII.

Depart after breakfast. Budapest may be the end of your journey but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.