Overview
Make your journey unique when you choose to visit the House of Terror Museum to learn about Hungarian history or indulge in the famous Thermal Baths of Budapest, one of the largest spa baths in Europe. Discover Krakow on a walking tour through the Old Town. Step into history at Auschwitz during a poignant visit. This is a land where past and present coincide – embrace history, culture and endless beauty in Central and Eastern Europe.
Itinerary
Arrive in Germany's capital city of Berlin, a blend of deep-rooted history, modern flare and multi-cultural influences.
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Arcotel John F. Hotel (2 Nights)
This morning, head out with your local guide and get to know Berlin's rich history by visiting the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfürstendamm, and the Reichstag Building. Finish your morning city tour by meeting with a Berliner to learn about life in communist East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Later, enjoy some free time for lunch on your own in one of the neighborhood's many restaurants.
This afternoon, end your Berlin guided tour by visiting an area once known as “Checkpoint Charlie” where you will see the remains of the Berlin Wall and West Berlin. The rest of the day is yours to discover and explore at leisure. (B)
Depart for Prague this morning, the “City of a Thousand Spires.” En route, make a stop in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. Meet a local guide for a tour highlighting its' baroque splendor and architectural treasures such as Frauenkirche, the Cathedral of our Lady and the Royal Palace. Enjoy time on your own to explore this lovely town on the banks of the River Elbe. After arriving in Prague, enjoy your evening savoring classic Czech cuisine in a local restaurant. (B/D) Stay: Majestic Plaza Hotel (2 Nights)
Your introduction to this fairy-tale city opens with a visit to the remarkable Prague Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Home to kings and emperors, the complex at Prague Castle is one of the most important sites in the Czech Republic and is easily the highlight of the city. Enjoy some free time for lunch in the afternoon before continuing on a leisurely walking tour through the Old Town. Visit the unique Astronomical Clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Learn about the poignant history held in Prague's Jewish Quarter when you pass the Old Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy Prague during your free time. (B)
This morning, hop on a train and depart for your next adventure to Vienna, the “musical city.” Upon arrival in Vienna, enjoy a short orientation drive through the city followed by an afternoon at leisure.
Later, enjoy an evening in one of Vienna's most beloved restaurants, the Marchfelderhof – an iconic restaurant with rich Viennese tradition where dinner mixes with local cultural flavor to create an unforgettable night. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Erzherzog Rainer (2 Nights)
This morning, experience the city of Vienna on a tour highlighting some of its architectural marvels, including the lavish Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. Learn more about Vienna's sweet confectionary history when you visit a candy workshop where candies are still being made according to traditional recipes dating back over 150 years.
After time for lunch on your own in this beautiful city, join our Impact Moment at a Viennese coffee house. At this café, the baked goods are authentically made by real grandmas. This social enterprise aims to give local retirees a chance to connect with locals and travelers around the world. Finish your day by participating in one of Vienna's most treasured traditions during a Viennese Waltz lesson. (B)
Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque countryside enroute to Budapest. Make a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Get to know the city's 4,000-year-old history during a short walking tour before taking time to enjoy lunch on your own. Continue through the Hungarian countryside to the Village of Dunaalmas. Connect with the villagers and learn all about traditional Hungarian goulash soup and how to make a traditional strudel before joining a community-hosted dinner.
Continue on to lovely Budapest, a city divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite bank. (B/D) Stay: Up Hotel (3 Nights)
The beautiful city of Budapest is yours to discover. This morning a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill with a special stop at Heroes' Square, a unique monument to the many diverse leaders of Hungary. The rest of the afternoon is yours for free time.
This evening, perhaps you'll take in the essence of the region during an optional dinner followed by a cruise to view Budapest's stunning night skyline. (B)
This morning, it's your choice! Choose to visit the House of Terror Museum and Memorial and gain an important perspective of 20th-century Hungarian history -OR- indulge in the famous Thermal Baths of Budapest, one of the largest spa baths in Europe.
This afternoon is yours to uncover “the Queen of the Danube” however you wish. (B)
Take in the picturesque landscapes en route to Poland. Make a stop for lunch in Banska Bystrica, a historic town nestled on the banks of the Hron River with architecture dating back to the middle ages. Your home for the next three nights is the lively city of Krakow, a historic city offering old world charm.
This evening, get to know traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner featuring local cuisine. (B/L/D) Stay: Mercure Krakow Old Town (3 Nights)
Discover Krakow's historic Old Town on a city tour complete with stops at the Market Square, St. Mary's Church, and the university. You'll also view Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings.
This afternoon, embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to the camps of Auschwitz. A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp, where you will learn about the sobering history and resilience of the human spirit. The evening is yours to spend it as you wish. (B)
The morning is yours to enjoy the city on your own. Consider joining an optional walking tour to discover stories related to Jewish Krakow. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before tonight's farewell dinner. Toast to the end of this memorable trip as you sit down with your fellow travelers at a Jewish restaurant, feeling connected to the cultures and traditions of Central & Eastern Europe. (B/D)
Your tour comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Learn from a Berliner their experiences living in East Germany prior the fall of the Wall.
- Be whisked by train from Prague to “The City of Music” – Vienna, Austria.
- Take a poignant journey through history at the camps of Auschwitz.
- Discover the 2 sides of Hungary's capital, Buda and Pest, alongside a local expert.
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.
- Come to know the lively nature of Krakow's well-preserved Old Town.
- Explore the best of both, East and West Berlin.
- Join local residents for a community hosted dinner in Dunaalmas.
- Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionery during a candy-making demonstration.
- Dine at the famous Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with rich Viennese tradition.
- Experience a Viennese coffee house during an Impact Moment.
- Enjoy classic Czech cuisine in a local restaurant in Prague.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $271.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
- Location: Budapest. Cost: $133.
- Local culinary specialties await as you start a fantastic evening out in Budapest at one of the most popular local restaurants. Sit down to a dinner of creative Hungarian cuisine in a traditional Hungarian setting. After dinner, embark on a romantic evening cruise on the Danube. Discover the beauty of Budapest’s beautiful landmarks illuminated by the evening sky, sipping on a glass of wine as you glide down the river's beautiful waters. A selection of beverages is included on board. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
