Explore Central Europe – Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic

Arrival in Warsaw, capital city of Poland. Enjoy a half day panoramic sightseeing of Poland’s capital city. Pass by the Ghetto Memorial,  the Monument of the Warsaw Uprising,  the  Grand Theatre, Chopin’s monument, and the Belvedere Palace. Continue with a  walking tour around the Old Town including Castle Square, King Sigismund’s Column, St. John’s Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican.  Overnight Warsaw, Poland.

Head south along the “Royal Route” to Poland’s stunning former capital, Krakow.  Enjoy a sightseeing tour around the historic centre  including a visit to Wawel Cathedral and the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, see the medieval walls and Barbakan gate and the majestic medieval Cloth Hall in the enormous main market square Rynek Glowny.   There is also the opportunity to visit the Jewish Quarter and Oskar Schindler’s factory and the amazing Wieliczka Salt Mine with its fascinating underground chambers.  Overnight in Krakow, Poland.

Head out of Poland this morning crossing the beautiful Tatra Mountains into Slovakia to visit medieval Banska Stiavnica with time to stroll around this little town rich in history. Continue across another border into Hungary and its capital Budapest.  Option to enjoy an evening folklore show showcasing  Hungarian tradition. Overnight Budapest, Hungary.

After breakfast, join your sightseeing tour of Budapest’s many highlights including elegant Andrassy Avenue, Heroes’ Square, across the mighty Danube and up to Castle Hill.  The medieval cobblestone streets are a joy to wander through and you witness the spectacular panorama from the Fisherman’s Bastion over the mighty Danube to the splendid Parliament building, one of the largest in Europe. Continue to Rose Hill where you will be able to visit Gul Baba’s Tomb, the northernmost Islamic holy place in Europe. Free time to go around the fascinating  Central Market Hall and perhaps visit the Darussalam Masjid, the most prominent mosque in the city. Overnight Budapest, Hungary.

Leave Budapest this morning across the undulating plains of the Danube Valley to Esztergom to visit the awe inspiring Basilica here and make an afternoon stop in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, where there’s time to visit the imposing castle high on its rocky outcrop. Continue west into Austria and the erstwhile home of the great Hapsburg Emperors, Vienna for 3 nights.  The plethora of fine buildings in the city’s centre will amaze you and the evening is a great time to see them illuminated in all their glory. Overnight Vienna, Austria.

This morning’s panoramic sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital will take you around the famous Ringstrasse boulevard, to see  the City Hall (Rathaus), the Parliament Building, the State Opera House and the stunning Hofburg Palace. Then explore the city’s imperial past as you  tread in Empress Sisi’s footsteps at  Schönbrunn Palace which used to be her summer residence. Take a wander around the palace’s Baroque gardens and get lost in the 17^th century maze.  A visit to one or more of the many mosques in the city can be incorporated in your itinerary.  Overnight Vienna, Austria.

Travel west through Austria passing the enormous Baroque Abbey of Melk and into “Sound of Music Country” with a visit to the charming city of Salzburg where much of that famous film was shot. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart and you can visit the building containing his historic instruments, documents, memorabilia and some of the portraits painted during his lifetime. Free time this afternoon to explore the delightful city centre, enjoy some fine shopping and stroll through the famous Mirabell Gardens or climb up to the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress for fabulous views of the city and surrounding mountains.  Overnight Salzburg, Austria.

Turn north today heading into the Czech Republic for a stop at one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Cesky Krumlov still maintains its medieval charm as it earns its UNESCO World Heritage title. Visit the Castle which towers over the town and walk through its cobblestone streets leading into the old town. Continue to Prague,  “City of a Hundred Spires” – said to be one of the most romantic cities in the world.  Overnight Prague, Czech Republic.

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Prague starting in the Castle District with a visit to St. Vitus’ Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace, the former residence of the Bohemian kings. See the Golden Lane lined with small shops, medieval museums and little houses where famous writers such as Franz Kafka and Jaroslav Seifert once lived. Continue down through the Lesser Town via the John Lennon Wall, filled with graffiti inspired by the artist and pieces of lyrics from  Beatles’ songs. Cross Charles Bridge into the Old Town where you can watch the moving figures of the Prague Astronomical Clock,  the oldest astronomical clock in the world still working. Free time at leisure to explore the Old Town or you may choose to visit the mosque and Islamic Center of Prague today. Overnight Prague, Czech Republic.

After breakfast cross back into Poland to visit Wroclaw the historic capital of the Silesia region – its extensive heritage combining almost all the religions and cultures of Europe.  After time for lunch and a stroll through the delightful  Old Town and a short panoramic sightseeing including the Sky Tower – Poland’s tallest building, and modernist Centennial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – return to Warsaw this evening.   Overnight Warsaw, Poland.

Flight time permitting enjoy some of the excellent shopping opportunities in Warsaw before heading to the airport for your homeward flight.