Willkommen in Berlin!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Historic Berlin
This morning, join your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Berlin featuring views of the State Opera House, Museum Island, the Reichstag, Tiergarten Park and the elegant Ku-Damm. Stop to take photos at the Brandenburg Gate, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the Holocaust Memorial. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS In 1961 East and West Berlin became physically divided by a concrete wall, leaving the Brandenburg Gate isolated in a restricted area. As the wall began to fall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate was once more reachable, and became considered a national symbol of peace and unity. Today it is Berlin's most famous landmark.
Polish Treasures
Depart Berlin for a drive that will take you across the border into Poland. En route to Warsaw, stop at the Poznan, one of Poland’s oldest cities and spend some free time exploring this pretty town with its colourful Old Market Square. (B,D) 364 mi / 585 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM The university town of Poznań sits on the Warta River with beautiful Renaissance-style buildings in its Old Market Square. Every day at noon, visitors are amused by the Town Hall clock, featuring mechanical goats who butt heads!
Classical Notes in Warsaw
Get acquainted with Warsaw as you follow your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour of Poland’s capital city featuring a visit to the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Town) and the Cathedral of St. John. Free time this afternoon to explore more of the city before attending a [LF] special Chopin concert. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE GREAT PERFORMANCES Enjoy a wonderful performance of passionate compositions by Frédéric Chopin in an elegant hall in Warsaw. Hear the moving music created by the legendary Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic period.
The Shining Mountain
Today, leave Warsaw and travel south. Arrive in Czestochowa, the most popular pilgrimage site in Poland, and visit the Monastery of Jasna Góra famous for its Black Madonna. After some free time for lunch continue to Auschwitz for a moving guided visit of the site of the former concentration camp. (B,D)273 mi / 440 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Founded in the 13th century, the city of Czestochowa merged with Jasna Góra (meaning “Shining Mountain”). Here, the beautiful Jasna Góra monastery is a global pilgrimage site, home to stunning frescs and the famed painting, Our Lady of Czestochowa – also known as the Black Madonna.
Eastern Gem
Enjoy a morning at leisure to start exploring the city of Krakow. Later, meet your Local Guide for the city sightseeing tour which comprises a walking tour of the Kazimierz, the Old Jewish Quarter, plus an orientation drive with a photo stop at Wawel Castle and a visit of St. Mary’s Church. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Since its beginnings in the 7th century, Krakow has been a vital cultural city. The whole of Krakow has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible history and its ancient architecture which has remained virtually unscathed before its liberation from World War II. Today, you’ll revel in its large market square, vibrant streets, historic sites, and restaurants.
Three countries today! From Poland, cross the border into Slovakia. Take a scenic drive to Donovaly, formerly an important player in the Slovak resistance, now a beautiful ski resort. Enjoy free time to browse and enjoy lunch before continuing into Hungary to reach Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” (B) 249 mi / 400 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTPHOTO OPP Admire the vistas of this alpine haven in the heart of Slovakia. Located near two National Parks, the lovely ski resort of Donovaly offers the perfect photo opportunity.
Spend your day your way in Budapest
Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring Hers Square and a panoramic view of Fishermen’s Bastion. Explore more of Budapest with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Hungarian Sips
Discover the story behind one of Hungary's most celebrated tastes: Unicum liqueur. Experience a unique local tradition, that can't be done anywhere else in the world! Visit the one and only House of Unicum and taste the traditional Unicum liqueur straight from the barrel!
Hot Springs Eternal
Budapest has been famous for its thermal springs since Roman times. Take a break from sightseeing and experience the Budapest "spa culture" with a dip in its thermal baths amid architectural grandeur. Soak and sauna to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate in ancient style.
Free time this evening. (B)
The City of Music
Cross the border into Austria to reach Vienna, the capital city. After some free time for lunch, join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour including a drive along the elegant Ringstrasse. Stop to take photos of the Hofburg Palace and Heldenplatz and visit the incredible St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time this evening to try some local specialities for dinner.(B) 177 mi / 285 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, the magnificent mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna. A sight to behold, the cathedral features the massive Romanesque “Giant's Door” – adorned with dragons, birds, lions, monks, and demons.
City of Dreams
Enjoy a free day in Vienna, absorb more art and culture in one of the many museums, browse the stores, or experience the Viennese coffee-house culture with a delicious kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) at one of the city’s elegant cafés. (B)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Fall in love with the Austrian city that has played an important role throughout history. It is easy to see how musical geniuses such as Mozart and Strauss were inspired by this captivating city.
Bohemian Beauties
Arrive in Telc, considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. Admire the triangular market square and sit down for a [LF] light lunch of local specialties. Later, continue with a scenic drive through Moravia and Bohemia to reach Prague, the “Golden City.” (B,L,D)186 mi / 300 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEM Discover the beauty of Telc, with the beautiful pastels and bold hues of its Renaissance and Baroque town homes. It is so special that its historic center is UNESCO-listed. Indulge in the local specialties served for lunch.
Spend your day your way in Prague
Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour to see the Astronomical Clock and visit the Hradčany Castle Grounds. Explore more of Prague with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Czech, please!
Indulge your palate in Prague on a guided culinary walk in the city center as your Local Guide shares stories and samples at three local eateries. Taste traditional Czech specialties, from savory to sweet. Top off your foodie experience with a delicious kolache, a traditional Czech pastry recipe passed down through generations.
Launch and Lunch
Savor the moment with a leisurely lunch cruise aboard a beautiful floating restaurant on the Vltava River, passing scenes of Prague's most beloved icons and monuments including Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, Petrin Tower, the National Theater, and more.
Free time this evening. (B)
Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin!
Return to Germany. En route to Berlin stop in Dresden, enjoy free time for lunch and an orientation walk that includes the courtyard of the Zwinger Palace, revered for its stunning Baroque architecture. Continue to Berlin, and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 224 mi / 360 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Although much of Dresden was destroyed during World War 2, the people did not give up. Once the war was over, they started to rebuild their cultural heritage, turning it back into one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Behind the beauty there is also a city of innovation, one of its most famous products is porcelain, but it also claims to have invented toothpaste tubes, beermats, and an early version of milk chocolate.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
