DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Poland
Depart on your flight to Warsaw, Poland

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Warsaw, Welcome Reception
Welcome to Warsaw, the sprawling cultural capital of Poland with its diverse architecture ranging from restored Gothic and neoclassical palaces to Soviet-era concrete and to modern glass and steel. You’ll be greeted by our representatives and transferred to your hotel situated in the very heart of the city. The rest of the day is yours. Tonight at approximately 6 pm, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception and dine à la carte at the hotel. A great beginning to the splendid journey in Central Europe that lies ahead. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Warsaw
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Warsaw‘s Old Town, Chopin Piano Recital
After virtual destruction at the end of WWII, Warsaw has survived and emerged as one of the major capitals in Europe. At the Lazienki Park complex, stand before the striking bronze monument of Frederic Chopin, the beloved Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era. Along the Royal Route, view historic monuments as we travel to the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto, home to the inspiring Memorial that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Walk through the Old Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ornate facades and cobbled streets. View the Gothic Cathedral of St. John, the Old Town Market Place, and the Royal Castle, lovingly restored after its destruction. Later, enjoy a wonderful piano recital of Chopin's most important works, performed in a setting fit for a king with champagne served during intermission
Overnight: Warsaw
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Train to Krakow, Old City of Kazimierz, Wawel Hill
At the Warsaw train station board a First Class coach on a high-speed train that whisks you to Krakow, named one of the world’s 12 greatest historic cities by UNESCO. Upon arrival, on to Kazimierz, the former Jewish Quarter with its labyrinthine streets and low standing houses. Visit the Remuh Synagogue and Ulica Szeroka, the heart of the old Jewish district. Kazimierz has undergone a major renaissance and is now a bustling, bohemian neighborhood packed with atmospheric cafes and art galleries. Free time for lunch on own.Then, on to historic 16th century Wawel Hill. Visit the Cathedral and courtyard at the Royal Castle. Time to relax at your hotel on the banks of the Vistula River reflecting the beauty of the surrounding area. Tonight, a private dinner with a folklore performance at a legendary restaurant serving favorite gastronomic delights of Old Krakow
Overnight: Krakow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Auschwitz Concentration Camp, Old Town and Market Square
A somber journey to the town of Oswiecim where the Nazis built Auschwitz, their largest concentration and death camp. The stories of those who were sent there and perished emphasize the scope of Hitler's extermination efforts. After an introductory film, walk through the museum with time to reflect. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour to Krakow’s lively Market Square, one of the largest in Europe. Stop at stately St. Mary's Church; view the celebrated Veit Stoss, the largest Gothic altarpiece in the World. At the 14th century Renaissance Cloth Hall, one of the first shopping malls in the world, stroll through the lanes crammed with merchant stalls selling amber, lace, and handcrafted gifts, as their predecessors did generations ago. Linger on your own for shopping, return to the hotel, or perhaps visit the new Underground Museum. On the evening at leisure, explore some of the city’s trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes in the Old Town
Overnight: Krakow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Orawka Wooden Church, Donovaly Ski Resort, Dinner Cruise in Budapest
On the drive towards Budapest, a stop at the unique Orawka wooden church in the Low Tatras mountain range. The interior of the church is considered one of the most beautiful in southern Poland with original polychrome paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries depicting scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist. In the ski resort of Donovaly, a break for lunch at a lovely restaurant surrounded by breathtaking views. Later, we arrive at our glamorous landmark hotel in Budapest, one of the grand gems of the Hungarian capital. Get ready for tonight’s wonderful dinner cruise on the storied Danube. Sip wine and savor a sumptuous Hungarian feast and relax on deck while the twinkling panorama of night lit Budapest passes by. See the city’s spectacular illuminations on both sides of the Danube and view the monumental Chain Bridge from the deck
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Tour of Buda, Castle Hill, Tour Great Dohany Synagogue, Dinner at Gundel
Spend the morning exploring Budapest, one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, named "The Paris of the East." Divided into two distinct sections – Buda and Pest, these independent cities on opposite banks of the Danube were joined in the 19th century with the opening of the Chain Bridge. Heading to the hilly Buda side of the city, we ascend to the Castle Hill area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, admire Fisherman's Bastion and the 13th century Matthias Church, coronation cathedral of Hungarian kings. We walk to the subterranean Hospital in the Rocks used during the WWII siege of Budapest; view the original medical equipment in this Cold War-era nuclear bunker. Later, tour stunning Great Dohany Synagogue, the second largest in the world, built between 1854-1859 in a Neo-Moorish style. Dinner is at the renowned Gundel Restaurant, which has hosted presidents, kings, and queens from all over the world
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Tour of Pest, Private Visit to Hungarian Parliament, Lunch at Central Market Hall
On the Pest side, a specially arranged private visit to the stunning Hungarian Parliament starts the day. Learn more about the spectacular main staircase, lavishly decorated rooms and the priceless Hungarian Coronation Jewels in the Dome Hall. The walking tour then takes us on the "Path of Freedom" to the statue of Imre Nagy, the beloved former Prime Minister instrumental in gaining Hungary's independence from the Soviet Union. Arrive at St. Stephen´s Basilica, a beautiful neoclassical building and the most important church in Hungary. Then, have fun at an authentic “Taste of Hungary” lunch at the Central Market Hall. Stay on your own to shop for Hungarian embroidery, fine porcelain, and the ever-popular Hungarian paprika. The rest of the day is yours to explore some of Budapest’s fine museums, or perhaps pamper yourself at one of Budapest’s spas and hot thermal baths
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Bratislava’s Old Town, Classical Viennese Concert
Our travels take us from Budapest to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, set on the Danube by the border of Austria and Hungary, surrounded by lush vineyards and the Little Carpathian Mountains. In the pedestrianized 18th century Old Town, a gem of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, leisure time to walk around this charming town and have lunch on your own. The day is highlighted by the first sight of Vienna, the glorious capital city of Austria. This sparkling city has captivated travelers for years with its world-class architecture, beautiful parks, gardens and stylish shops. Enjoy the elegant Viennese charm and superb personal service at our renowned hotel in one of the city’s finest locations. In the evening, experience a delightful classical Viennese concert at Auersperg Palace. Travel through time back to the days of Imperial Vienna as you listen to the masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Vienna’s Ringstrasse, Kunstkammer (Fine Arts) Museum
Circling the famous Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard, we view some of this majestic city’s historic sites including astonishing Baroque and Renaissance palaces, splendid parks and striking monuments. Pass the lavish Hofburg Palace (Imperial Palace), a former residence of Habsburg Emperors en route to the Kunstkammer Vienna (Fine Arts Museum). Here, you’ll be astounded by one of the world’s most important chambers of art with its more than 2,000 valuable objects collected by the Emperors and Archdukes of Habsburg over the centuries. We walk to the prestigious State Opera House and visit majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. An enchanting lunch follows at the celebrated Demel Café, Vienna’s 230-year-old confectionery. The rest of the day is yours in this endlessly fascinating city!
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Sunday - Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna Woods, Mayerling, Wine Tavern Dinner
Be prepared for the opulence of the grand 17th century Schonbrunn Palace, the "Versailles of Austria," former summer residence of the imperial family. One of Europe’s most impressive Baroque palace complexes, Schonbrunn is included on UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List. Before departing, we stop at the palace bakery to see a strudel making demonstration and you’ll have time to stroll through the lovely manicured gardens. Leisure time for lunch before the scenic afternoon drive to forested Vienna Woods. At the edge of the forest, we spot the 12th century Liechtenstein family-owned (Bright Stone) Castle. Continue to Heiligenkreuz Abbey, a center of religious study; see the striking vaulted hallways, tombs, and chapels. Next, to the Memorial Chapel at Mayerling with its intriguing history linked to the death of Crown Prince Rudolph, and the subsequent demise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In the evening, you’re invited for a rustic dinner, accented by warm hospitality, home cooked country food and fantastic local wines
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Drive to Prague, Explore the Old Town
From Vienna we drive to Prague, the Czech Republic’s magical city, known as the "City of A Hundred Spires" with is winding lanes, medieval ramparts and tiny romantic corners where the ancient and modern live side by side. A relaxing lunch upon arrival, followed by a walk to Old Town Square dominated by the Church of Our Lady of Týn and the historic old Town Hall. See the beautiful pastel-colored buildings of Romanesque or Gothic origin and view the medieval Astronomical Clock* that hourly announces the time. Enjoy a visit to Municipal House, with its splendorous decorations, a jewel of Prague architecture. You’ll be warmly welcomed at our boutique hotel, a 19th-century neoclassical palace
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Tuesday - Private Visit to Strahov Library, Prague Castle, Lunch at Lobkowicz Palace
Today, a private visit to the Baroque Library of the famed Strahov Monastery, a complex that combines exquisite architecture with treasures of immeasurable value. In this living place of learning and tranquility view astonishing frescoes and murals dedicated to the progress of mankind. We continue to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, where Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic all stake their claim. Enjoy, lunch at the aristocratic 16th century Lobkowicz Palace including a tour of the princely collections. Balance of the day is at leisure to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for beautiful Czech glass, or enjoy one of the many charming cafes and world-class restaurants
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14, Wednesday - Jewish Quarter, Farewell Dinner
At the Jewish Quarter, join a walking tour that traces the history of the largest Jewish quarter in Europe. The museum exhibits Central Europe’s largest collection of Judaica, including rare and precious objects. View Franz Kafka’s birthplace, the 13th century Alt Neu Synagogue and the Town Hall with its distinctive tower and clock with Hebrew letters. On the last night in Prague, an elegant Farewell Dinner has been arranged at the aristocratic restaurant. Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at tonight’s dinner that caps your experience in Central Europe
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Thursday - Depart the Czech Republic
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast