Cultural heritage of East-Central Europe
Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Bratislava and Krakow are the centers of culture for east central Europe. Once ruled as one entity by the house of Habsurg, these cities, now located in five distinct countries, four of which continue to recover from the domination of communism, have recently entered the European Union. All five cities, famous for the unique architecture, culture and fabulous atmosphere, yearly attract millions of tourists. These cities are a certain high light to this part of Europe. Brimming with charm, fascinating history and undergoing contemporary change they are certainly worth a visit so as to complete one's cultural enlightenment by a few essential elements.
1st day Prague
Flight into Prague, transfer and hotel check-in. Dinner followed by time for one's own activities.
2nd day Prague
morning Sightseeing of Prague, including Hradcany and castle, Saint Vita cathedral, famous Golden Street and colorful district of Small Strana including the church of St. Nicholas and Karol's bridge
afternoon Continuation of sightseeing Prague, old town market place, Josefov Jewish district, Celetna street and Waclaw Place the center of to-day's Prague.
evening Dinner at an old town restaurant complimented with the best Czech beer.
3rd day Prague
morning Further sightseeing of Prague, Karlstein castle one of the most colorful medieval castles in Europe.
afternoon Time for one's own activities in Prague.
evening Cruise on the Vitava, dinner on board the ship, accompanied by traditional Czech music.
4th day Imperial Vienna
morning Departure from Prague, destination Vienna, with a stop in Telc, the city famous for its baroque architecture, designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
afternoon Crossing of Austrian border followed by a stop in one of the vineyards of Grinzing, dinner and wine tasting.
evening Arrival in Vienna, hotel check-in, first night in Vienna.
5th day Vienna
morning Sightseeing of Vienna including Ring the most representative street in the city, Hofburg imperial palace, Opera, baroque Joseph square, the symbol of Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral.
afternoon Free time for one's own activities.
evening Night out on the Prater, the famous entertainment district, with an optional concert of Strauss or Mozart at the Kursalon, second night in Vienna.
6th day Bratislava - Danube's Beauty
morning Touring the Schoenbrunn palace the imperial summer residence.
afternoon Arrival in Bratislava the capital of the Slovak republic, hotel check-in.
evening A casual stroll through the streets of the old town, dinner at one of its restaurants, first night in Bratislava.
7th day Budapest
morning Departure from Bratislava, arrival in Budapest and hotel check-in.
afternoon Sightseeing of Budapest, view of the city from Gellerta hill and castle hill including St. Martin's church, Rybacka bulwark with old town buildings, Parliament and Hero's square
evening Dinner in a traditional Budapest restaurant an evening with music and Hungarian vine.
8th day Budapest
morning Continued sightseeing with a visit to the famous Budapest thermal pools.
afternoon Free time for one's own activities in Budapest
evening Travel to Szentendre - a colorful hungarian-serb town of artists and museums on the Danube river. Evening stroll through the town, dinner and return to Budapest.
Second night in Budapest.
9th day Krakow - Florence of the north
morning Departure from Budapest, crossing of the Hungarian and Slovak border at Shachach, dinner break in Banska Bystrica. Short sight seeing tour of the city, famous for being the center of metal smelting during the medieval period.
afternoon Continued travel to Krakow, crossing of the Polish and Slovak border at Chyzne, arrival in Krakow and hotel check-in, dinner.
evening Free time for one's own activities, first night in Krakow.
10th day Krakow
morning Sightseeing of Krakow, former capital of Poland, including the castle Wawel, Jagiellonski university, town square, St. Mary's church and back streets of the old town.
afternoon Travel to Wieliczka to visit a one of a kind historic artifact of medieval industrialization, a still functioning salt mine with countless underground passages, caves, lakes, halls and a unique chapel, all adorned with figures, statues and chandeliers, all carved from crystal salt.
evening Return to Krakow and free leisure time for one's own activities.
11th day Auschwitz - remembering the extermination
morning Travel to Auschwitz, visit to the museum and grounds of the former concentration camp, where during World War II, the Nazis murdered over one million people, mostly Jews.
afternoon Return to Krakow, free time for one's own activities.
12th day Farewell to Krakow
morning Departure from Krakow, crossing of the Polish Czech border at Cieszyn. Dinner break at Olomuc, historic capital of Morrow. Sightseeing of the city famous for the baroque columns of Morrow a UNESCO world heritage sight. Continued travel to Prague and hotel check-in. Dinner followed by free time for one's own activities.
13th day
Departure from Prague airport.
