Duration: 17 Days
Shine a spotlight on Prague's colorful medieval streets and good times with a local Hungarian family at their winery. On this exciting eastern Europe trip you’ll get to know all the highlights and hidden gems of eight spellbinding countries. Day 1
Welcome to Vienna Stays With Stories
Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launch pad to a grand adventure through the highlights of Eastern Europe. Check in to your Stays With Stories accommodation, the Hilton Danube Waterfront, a renovated grain silo built in 1916. Then join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing walking tour of Old Town Vienna, revealing insights into the Habsburg dynasty, once one of the most influential royal houses of Europe. Admire the Hofburg Palace, Imperial Boulevards and the beloved St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its colorful tiled roof. This evening, we join our Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception to kick off our exciting holiday.
Day 2
Journey to Lake Bled
We cross the Loibl Pass in the Karawanken Mountains and into the lush green hills of Slovenia. Arrive later at Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. During your free time, you could consider taking a boat trip on its crystal clear waters to admire the castle, which clings dramatically to a cliff rising up from the lake's edge. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Day 3
Lake Bled Your Way
Spend the day at your leisure and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of this alpine lake setting. Perhaps take a boat ride along the lake's tranquil waters, or consider joining an Optional Experience to the extensive maze of underground caves at Postojna.
Day 4
Continue to Ljubljana and Zagreb
We leave the emerald waters of Bled behind and arrive in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, where we will join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see its Opera House, Cathedral, Three Bridges Square and Castle. We cross into Croatia and travel to its capital, Zagreb – our home for the next two nights. You'll have a free evening to spend as you wish. Consider heading to Tkalčićeva Street to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.
Day 5
Discover Historic Zagreb
Explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb's scenic cityscape, to this day lit by gas lamps in the Upper Town. Join a Local Specialist who will share the landmarks of the city's Lower and Upper Town, including the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Opera House and St. Mark's Church, with its exquisitely colored roof. Spend the rest of the day on your own, paying homage to the patron saint of Zagreb at its Stone Gate, or enjoying the city views from Strossmartre.
Day 6
Onwards to Lake Balaton and Budapest
Crossing the border into Hungary, we enjoy a photo stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and affectionately known by locals as the 'Hungarian Sea'. We continue to the romantic capital of Budapest – our home for the next two nights. Perhaps, sail along the Danube on a scenic river cruise, enjoy a dinner of traditional Hungarian dishes and breath-taking views, or relax in the healing waters of the Szecheyni Spa Bath as the sun sets.
Day 7
Explore Architectural Budapest
Today, we join a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the Castle district to admire picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman's Bastion. Cross the Danube to continue your sightseeing in Pest, seeing the imposing Parliament and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. This evening we meet a local family of winemakers, who pride themselves on their organic production. Enjoy their home smoked Mangalica ham and hear their unique family story at our BMG Experience.
Day 8
Off to Slovakia and on to Kraków
The exquisite natural landscape of Slovakia provides a scenic backdrop for our journey to Poland, past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We arrive in the enchanting city of Kraków. Consider an evening of lively Polish entertainment with dinner, or perhaps visit a traditional Polish Wódka Bar.
Day 9
Admire Kraków’s Charms
A leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków today with our Local Specialist will include such highlights as the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. We continue through the Old Town to hear the bugle warning from St. Mary's Church and view of the Cloth Hall. Spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own or consider visiting a traditional milk bar. Enjoy a slice of Polish sernik babci in the Old Town Square or join an Optional Experience to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where underground chambers are hewn out of rock salt. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
Day 10
On to Auschwitz and Warsaw Stays With Stories
Our journey this morning takes us to the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust. This evening, we arrive in the elegant Polish capital of Warsaw, where we will dine at our hotel.
Day 11
See the Sights of Warsaw
Connect with the youthful energy of Warsaw, a city that has triumphed over the tragedy of war and the shackles of communism. This morning, we join a Local Specialist visiting the Old Town, which the Nazis destroyed to retaliate against the Warsaw Uprising. You'll also see the site of the Warsaw Ghetto, immortalized in the Roman Polanski film – 'The Pianist'. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights on your own, or celebrate the talents of Chopin during a private recital of Chopin's works.
Day 12
Journey to Bustling Berlin
Journey across Poland's patchwork countryside along the Autostrada Wolności (Motorway of Freedom) which was first initiated by Nazi Germany to connect Berlin with Poland and left unfinished for decades after World War II. Continue west into Germany and arrive in Berlin, a capital city with an enviable youthful verve and charisma. Here you’ll enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the city your way, or join us for a truly memorable optional evening in former West Berlin.
Day 13
Uncover Berlin’s Secrets
This morning, witness spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. Then join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through the city's great landmarks, including the Neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building, lovingly restored after it fell into disuse after World War II. Spend the afternoon people-watching on Friederichstrasse with an Fassbrause or join an Optional Experience to discover Berlin’s turbulent past.
Day 14
Onwards to Dresden and Prague
Travel through the Spreewald Forest to Dresden - its iconic domes and spires almost entirely rebuilt after the Allied Forces left their deep scars on the city during World War II. Hear about its restoration during your orientation tour as you stroll through its streets to see the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. We leave Germany behind and travel to the Czech Republic, arriving later in glorious Prague, straddling the mighty Vltava. Spend your evening savoring hearty Czech flavors during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15
Discover Colorful Prague
Explore exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades as you ramble through the ancient streets of Prague with your Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's centuries-old history. Marvel at Prague Castle and the Cathedral of St Vitus, then pass the Old New Synagogue on our way to the Old Town Square. Don't miss the hourly walk of the Apostles at the famous Astronomical Clock during your free time exploring. Perhaps indulge in some delicious sweet pastry Trdelník in the Old Town Square, admire the view from Petřín Hill or consider a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.
Day 16
Through Southern Bohemia to Vienna
Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of southern Bohemia, stopping in Tábor, once a Hussite stronghold. Later, we travel to the imperial city of Vienna, where we'll enjoy a final Farewell Dinner together with our fellow travelers and Travel Director.
Day 17
Farewell Vienna
Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic adventure together through eastern Europe. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 16 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Dinner (D)
- Budapest: Join the Schieszl family for a hearty Hungarian Be My Guest dinner and the story of their winery.
- Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
- Lake Bled: Take the day to enjoy the forests and mountains of Lake Bled.
- Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Specialist. See the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St. Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
- Zagreb: Take in the scenic landscapes of Zagreb.
- Lake Balaton: Take in the views of the largest lake in Central Europe - Lake Balaton.
- Budapest: Spend the day basking in the iconic views of Budapest.
- Kraków: Walk around the beautiful town square, Rynek Glówny. See the famous Sukiennice Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica and the many historic townhouses, palaces and churches.
- Auschwitz: Discover the history of the Holocaust at Auschwitz.
- Warsaw: See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
- Berlin: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.
- Berlin: During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.
- Dresden: Stroll through the historic center of Dresden and learn about the city's reconstruction.
- Prague: Led by your Local Specialist, explore the delightful Old Town Square and see the detailed Astronomical Clock that attracts onlookers each hour.
- Tábor: Enjoy a brief stroll through Tábor and perhaps visit Žižkovo Square to admire the Gothic and Renaissance details of the town.
- : Explore Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Kraków, Warsaw, Berlin and Prague with a Local Specialist
- : Discover Dresden
- : Visit Lake Bled in Slovenia, Castle Hill District in Budapest, Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków, the former concentration camp at Auschwitz, Berlin TV Tower, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Town Square of Prague and Tábor
- : View Lake Balaton, the Archbishop's Palace and the Opera House in Zagreb, Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
- Vienna: Step into this unique establishment on the banks of the Danube and discover a building that has undergone a makeover from its previous life as a grain silo since the early 1900s.
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Start Date: 2023-09-29
End Date: 2023-10-15
twin
Adult Price: $6125
Child Price: $5555
twinShare
Adult Price: $6125
Child Price: $4780
triple
Adult Price: $6115
Child Price: $5545
single
Adult Price: $6965
