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Eastern Europe Discovery

Discover Eastern Europe

Discover how centuries of powerful empires have left their mark on the captivating countries of Eastern Europe, shaping the diverse cultures, languages, and religions we see today.

Highlights:

  • Enjoy riveting lectures and fascinating insights from our guest speaker – Major Gordon Corrigan MBE
  • Poignant visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a deeply moving experience
  • Private Chopin recital in a historical palace, Warsaw
  • Wine-tasting in the majestic surroundings of Wackerbarth Castle, Elbe Valley
  • Drive a VEB Trabant through the streets of East Berlin, a unique hands-on experience
Budapest Hungary

Day 1- Budapest

Arrive in Budapest and be greeted at the airport, train station, or river ship landing. Then, relax at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace for two nights.

Experience a warm welcome dinner in the elegant art nouveau setting with stunning views of the River Danube. Meet your fellow travelers and kick off this exciting journey together.

Meals: Dinner 

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Day 2- Budapest

Explore the captivating city of Budapest, divided by the majestic River Danube. Admire the historic Buda and its impressive Royal Palace overlooking Pest’s bustling hub. Our city tour highlights the Castle District, St. Mathias Church, and Fishermen’s Bastion. Discover iconic landmarks like the Parliament, Opera House, and Heroes Square.

Afterwards, immerse yourself in leisure activities; take a leisurely walk along the Danube, sample delicious foods at the Great Market Hall, or unwind at one of Budapest’s renowned thermal baths. Treat yourself to relaxation at the hotel spa with an infinity-edge pool or energize at the modern fitness center. Enjoy a perfect day in this enchanting city!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace

Budapest Hungary
Parliament Budapest Hungary

Day 3- Budapest

Spend your morning at leisure in Budapest before we gather for a drinks reception at the Nyugati station. Get ready to board the luxurious Golden Eagle Danube Express for our journey. Relax in your private en-suite cabin and delight in a Welcome Dinner as we head towards Poland on the train.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Day 4- Krakow

Today, explore the vibrant city of Krakow, once a royal capital and now a bustling university town. Visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau UNESCO World Heritage Site for a 2-hour guided tour, reflecting on the tragic history of the Holocaust. Then, journey into the heart of Krakow to savor lunch with a view of the charming Old Town Square. Discover the historic Wawel Royal Castle and take in the sights of the Kazimierz Jewish district on a panoramic tour. Explore beautiful monuments and enjoy an exuberant atmosphere in this captivating city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Krakow Main Square
Old Town Warsaw

Day 5- Warsaw

Experience the captivating transformation of Warsaw, once ravaged by war, as we explore its historic Old Town and modern skyline. Marvel at the blend of old and new architecture as skyscrapers tower over red rooftops. Our journey takes us through the charming Old Town, along the Royal Route, and into the former Warsaw Ghetto area. Admire colorful townhouses and immerse yourself in the rich history of Polish rulers at Royal Castle, Royal Lazienki, and Wilanów Palace. Indulge in a lunch at Belvedere Restaurant in Lazienki Royal Park before a private Chopin piano recital at a historical palace. Return to the train for dinner after a day filled with cultural delights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Day 6- Malbork & Gdansk

Explore the historic Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once home to the Teutonic State in 1280. Admire the impressive brick fortress overlooking the River Nogat. Discover valuable collections at the museum including artistic amber wares and old weapons.

After lunch on the train, journey through Poland towards Gdansk. Delve into the significance of the coastal region, known for its role in World War Two and as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement in 1980.

In Gdansk, explore the waterfront city and visit the European Solidarity Centre to learn about 20th century political changes leading to communism’s collapse. Experience history come alive in this iconic city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Berlin on Bike

Day 7- Berlin

Join us for a day of exploration in Berlin, one of Europe’s most glamorous capital cities. Choose between a bike or bus tour to see the highlights of both East and West Berlin, including the iconic Reichstag building. Enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Brandenburg Gate before taking in more sights this afternoon, like the East Side Gallery Berlin Wall memorial and the option to drive an authentic East German vehicle. For those who prefer a more leisurely afternoon, explore fine museums or shop along Kurfürstendamm boulevard. Experience the once-divided city of Berlin firsthand!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Day 8- Dresden & The Elbe Valley

Embark on a journey to Dresden, in Saxony, where we will indulge in a visit to the historic Wackerbarth Castle in the scenic Elbe Valley. Experience the charm of 800-year-old winegrowing traditions with a vineyard tour and wine tasting of three estate wines. Later, we head to Prague for dinner in a local restaurant and an evening stroll through the enchanting Old Town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Day 9- Prague

Explore the enchanting city of Prague on our guided tour. Marvel at the majestic Prague Castle, stroll through Old Town Square, walk along the historic Charles Bridge, and discover the charm of the Jewish Quarter.

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view of the city’s iconic landmarks before boarding a vintage tram to Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Take in stunning views from the hillside before cruising down the Vltava River on a private boat with cocktails in hand. Experience the beauty and history of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ like never before.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Day 10- Salzburg

Discover the beauty of Salzburg with a visit to the historic Mirabell Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its baroque architecture and connection to The Sound of Music. Explore the former Mozart Residence turned museum on Market Square before strolling down Getreidegasse, known for its charming trade signs and as Mozart’s birthplace. Experience the magic of Hellbrunn Palace with its playful ‘trick’ fountains, providing entertainment for over 400 years in a stunning baroque setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Vienna, Austria

Day 11- Vienna

Embark on a journey from Salzburg to Vienna, passing through the stunning Semmering Pass. Explore the enchanting city of Vienna with its palaces, coffee houses, and classical music scene. End the day with a private concert by the prestigious Vienna Supreme Orchestra. Experience the magic of this magnificent metropolis firsthand.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Golden Eagle Danube Express

Day 12- Vienna

Following breakfast on the final morning you will be transferred to the airport for onward flight departures. Why not extend your stay in Vienna for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city?

Meals: Breakfast

Hofburg palace, Vienna

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