Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1: Departure from U.S.A. -
EUROPE
The adventure begins
The day of departure has arrived. Keep your departure instructions
handy, for they will guide you through the check-in process of your
overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 2: GERMANY
Frankfurt - Eisenach
Upon arrival at Frankfurt Airport, meet your tour manager for the transfer
to your hotel in Eisenach, situated on the northwestern slopes of the
Thuringian Forest. Eisenach is best known as the site of Wartburg Castle,
where Luther hid upon his return from the Diet of Worms in 1521 and
completed his German translation of the New Testament. Adding to its
renown, it was also the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach. The 'Welcome/Get
Acquainted' dinner this evening will be at your hotel in Eisenach.
(Dinner)
DAY 3: GERMANY
Weimar - Leipzig - Berlin
After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the historic city of Weimar,
home to such German luminaries as Goethe and Schiller. Here kyou will
also see a monument to the 55,000 prisoners of the Buchenwald concentration
camp. Your next stop this morning is Leipzig, birthplace of Richard
Wagner and the home of Johann Sebastian Bach from 1723 until his death
in 1750. Following an independent lunch, you may wish to visit the
Thomaskirche, where Bach is buried. The New Town Hall, on the Burgplatz,
is the site of the old citadel where Martin Luther held a momentous
speech in 1519. Mid-afternoon, board the motor coach for the vibrant
German capital, Berlin, where you will arrive at your hotel in time
for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4: GERMANY
Berlin
Begin your day in Berlin with a sightseeing tour accompanied by a local
guide. The tour features such landmarks as the Reichstag Building,
the Olympic Stadium, Brandenburg Gate, Rathaus Schöneberg, and
the site of Checkpoint Charlie. The bombed tower ruin of the Kaiser
Wilhelm Memorial Church stands as a reminder of the war on the city's
famous Kurfürstendamm, affectionately called Ku'damm. Spend your
free time this afternoon shopping, visiting one of the outstanding
museums, or enjoying the 'Potsdam & Sanssouci
Palace' optional excursion. For your independent dinner, there
are many world-class restaurants from which to choose, or you may join
your tour manager for the optional 'Berlin
Dinner'. (Breakfast)
DAY 5: GERMANY - POLAND
Dresden - Legnica
Depart Berlin for Dresden on the River Elbe. Upon arrival, the city
sightseeing tour will introduce you to both Dresden's Old and New Towns,
including sights such as the Renaissance Royal Palace, the Cathedral,
and the Golden Horse statue of Augustus the Strong. During your free
time this afternoon take time to relax over lunch at a sidewalk café,
do some shopping, or visit one of the enthralling museums. Depart Dresden
in mid afternoon and continue across the border to Legnica, Poland
for dinner and an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 6: POLAND
Krakow
A morning drive brings you to Krakow, known as the leading scientific,
cultural, and artistic center of Poland. Upon arrival, you will be
met by a local guide for an informative city tour pointing out sites
such as the beautiful Market Square, the Jagiellonian University, and
Wawel Castle. Dinner this evening will be at your hotel in Krakow.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7: POLAND
Krakow
The entire day is yours to explore the city of Krakow, or accompany
your tour manager on a morning optional excursion to 'Auschwitz'.
Return to Krakow for independent lunch and free time. Dinner this evening
is independent, providing an opportunity to sample traditional Polish
cooking. Or, you may wish to join your tour manager for the optional 'Polish
Country Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 8: SLOVAKIA - HUNGARY
The Tatras - Banská Bystrica - Budapest
Today's drive is filled with more scenic beauty. Soon after crossing
into Slovakia, you will be in the High Tatras, one of the world's smallest
mountain ranges. Stop for an independent lunch in Banská Bystrica,
one of seven towns founded by German miners who mined copper and silver
from the nearby hills. Directly past the Slovak-Hungarian border, begin
to follow the Danube Bend to Hungary's capital, Budapest, sprawled
on two banks of the fabled river. Dinner is served at your hotel in
Budapest. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9: HUNGARY
Budapest
The day begins with sightseeing of both Buda, on the Danube's west
bank, and Pest on its east bank. In Buda, your local guide introduces
you to the Castle Hill, with its much-photographed Fisherman's Bastion.
In Belvaros, the inner city of Pest, your guide points out the romantic
concert hall, the Vigado, and Gresham Palace, a splendid example of
Art Nouveau. After the city tour, you may want to join the optional 'Parliament
Visit' excursion, or take the opportunity to explore Budapest on
your own. Your tour manager will offer an optional 'Danube
Dinner Cruise' this evening. (Breakfast)
DAY 10: HUNGARY - AUSTRIA
Györ - Vienna
Travel by motor coach to your first stop of the day, the ancient city
of Györ. This is a historic city which played a strategic role
against Turkey in the 13th century. From Györ it's on to Austria,
and its capital, Vienna. This afternoon features a guided tour of Vienna
with highlights such as St. Stephan's Cathedral and the Opera House,
one of Vienna's most beloved buildings. This evening the included dinner
will be at a restaurant near your Vienna hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11: AUSTRIA
Vienna
A full day in Vienna provides the opportunity to see more of the fascinating
landmarks the city has to offer. Take a leisurely stroll along the
Ringstrasse to see some of the city's magnificent edifices, or stroll
through one of the museums in the new, highly-touted Museumsquartier
(MQ). Otherwise, for exploration of Vienna's surroundings, come along
on the full-day 'Melk
Abbey & Dürnstein' optional excursion. For your independent
dinner this evening, be adventurous in sampling the Austrian cuisine,
or choose the optional 'Vienna
Woods & Heuriger' excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 12: SLOVAKIA - CZECH REPUBLIC
Bratislava - Brno - Prague
From Vienna it is less than a two-hour drive to Bratislava, capital
of Slovakia. Your independent time in Bratislava can be spent exploring
the old town (Staré Mesto) or visiting Bratislava's hilltop
castle. Continue across the border into the Czech Republic, where you
will stop in Brno for an independent lunch. A good spot is a restaurant
on námesti Svobody, the main square. If you have time afterward,
you may want to admire the Peter and Paul Cathedral of Brno. Another
short drive takes you to Prague, where you will arrive in time for
dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13: CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague
This morning, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of beautiful
Staromestské námesti, probably the most photographed
square in the city; the Old Town Hall; and the Church of St. Nicholas
in the Little Quarter (Malá Strana). During free time, consider
taking a stroll near the Vltava (Moldau) River and the spectacular
Charles Bridge. From higher banks across the river, the enormous Prague
Castle overlooks the city, contributing to the mysterious atmosphere
that is inescapable in Prague. Dinner tonight is on your own. The food
in Prague's restaurants is good and plentiful. Or, you may wish to
join your tour manager for the evening optional 'Czech
Folklore Show & Dinner'. (Breakfast)
DAY 14: CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague
Enjoy a full free day in Prague, or join your tour manager this morning
for the half day otional 'Terezin' excursion.
The afternoon is yours to relax and further explore the beautfil city
of Prague. This evening, you may wish to take in a traditional 'Black
Light Theatre' performance which has a rich history in Czech culture.
Perhaps you prefer to catch a performance at the Prague State Opera
or enjoy the evening at a Prague restaurant, conversing with the locals.
Whatever you choose, you're sure to enjoy this vibrant city. (Breakfast)
DAY 15: CZECH Republic
Karlovy Vary - Northern Bavaria - Frankfurt Airport
Board the motor coach this morning for a stop in the famous spa resort
known in Czech as Karlovy Vary; also known by the name of Carlsbad.
After crossing the border into Germany, make a lunch stop in one of
the characteristic villages of northern Bavaria. This evening, reminisce
about the amazing experiences and sights of your Central European tour
with your fellow tour participants over dinner in your Frankfurt Airport
hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 16: Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.
This morning, transfer to Frankfurt Airport for the return flight home.
(Breakfast).
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