Educational Tours CENTRAL EUROPE AND WYD 2016 16 days Austria Hungary Poland Czech Republic
Central Europe and WYD 2016 INCLUDED ON TOUR Round-trip flights on major carriers; Full-time Tour Director; Air-conditioned motorcoaches and internal transportation; Superior tourist-class hotels with private bathrooms; Select meals with a mix of local cuisine; Connect to your travel experiences with weshare, our project-based online educational tool. Guided Sightseeings: Vienna; Budapest; Krakow; Auschwitz; Prague Entrances: Schönbrunn Palace; Stephansdom Cathedral; Imperial Crypt; Matthias Church, Budapest; Budapest Basilica; Wawel Cathedral, Krakow; Plaszow Labor Camp; Golden Lane; St. Vitus Cathedral; St. George's Cathedral in Prague Castle; Sedlac Ossuary; Church of Our Lady Victorious Overnight stays: Vienna (2) Budapest (1) Bratislava (1) Krakow (7) Prague (3)./4 ).#,5$%$ ). 02/'2!- 02)#% Optional excursions; Insurance coverage; Beverages and lunches; Transportation to free-time activities; Customary gratuities (for your Tour Director, bus driver and local guide); Porterage; Adult supplement (if applicable); Weekend supplement; Shore excursions on cruises; Any applicable baggage-handing fee imposed by the airlines (see eftours.com/baggage for details); Expenses caused by airline rescheduling, cancellations or delays caused by the airlines, bad weather or events beyond EF s control; Passports, visa and reciprocity fees SIGN UP TODAY eftours.com/enroll
YOUR ITINERARY Day 1: Fly to Vienna Board your overnight flight to Vienna! Day 2: Vienna Arrive in Vienna Vienna has long played a central role in the changing face of Europe and has adapted many times to war, revolution, siege and the rise and fall of empire. The capital of Austria is also home to a strong music tradition as well as buildings of imposing elegance and beauty. Walking Tour of Vienna (time permitting) Your Tour Director accompanies you on a stroll through Vienna's pedestrian zone. Pass the city's world-famous Opera House and the 450-foot-high Gothic St. Stephan's Cathedral, a venerable symbol of the city. You'll also see the Sacher Hotel-the esteemed chocolate Sachertorte was invented here. Wiener Schnitzel Dinner Tonight, enjoy the authentic Austrian dish of wiener schnitzel, made with boneless meat thinned with a mallet (escalope-style preparation), coated in bread crumbs and fried. Day 3: Vienna Guided Sightseeing of Vienna The residence of the imperial court for six centuries, Vienna is marked with the seal of the Habsburgs, a family who once ruled over half of Europe. In-depth sightseeing takes you down the Ring, a series of wide boulevards commissioned by Emperor Franz Josef in 1857. Ride past the Parliament, the flower-adorned Rathaus (Town Hall), and the Hofburg, where the powerful Habsburg dynasty ruled until 1918. Visit the Schönbrunn Palace You'll also visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace, where Marie Antoinette (the most famous of Empress Maria Theresa's 16 children) spent her childhood. When the six-year-old Mozart played for the empress inside the palace, he told Marie Antoinette, I'll marry you when I'm grown up! After viewing the elegant interior, stroll through the palace's beautifully landscaped gardens. Visit Stephansdom Cathedral Visit one of the greatest Gothic structures in Europe; it is rich in woodcarvings including a carved wooden altarpiece, which dates from 1447, sculptures, and paintings. The cathedral was originally built in the 12th century on the site of a Romanesque sanctuary. It was replaced in the 14th century with a Gothic building and restored and reopened in 1948. Mourners attended Mozart's "pauper's funeral" here in 1791, and Napoleon posted his farewell edict on the door in 1805. You may wish to climb up the South Tower for a view of the Vienna Woods and a panoramic view of the city and the Danube. Visit the Imperial Crypt This crypt houses the tombs of many members of the Hofburg Family and other royalty. Day 4: Budapest Transfer to Budapest In 1873, a city was formed from the union of two towns either side of the Danube River. Traditionally, Buda has been the civic center of the city, with government buildings and palatial homes for the gentry. In Pest, one finds the city's industrial, business and commercial element. Budapest has long been known for its musical, theatrical and literary character, and attracts many tourists to its mineral springs and parks. Guided Sightseeing of Budapest Begin your tour at Heroes' Square, where you will see the Millenary Monument and statues of famous Hungarian personalities. Drive down Andrassy Boulevard, past the State Opera House to the Hungarian Parliament, modeled on London's Houses of Parliament. Journey up Castle Hill for a look at the Royal Palace, former home of the Hungarian monarchs. The castle has witnessed several invasions-the most recent occurred during WWII. Look for bullet holes in the outer walls, blasted by Russian tanks during the 1956 uprising. Visit the 13th-century Matthias Church, famous as the site of several coronations and for its colorful tiled roof. Your tour ends with a stop on Gellért Hill, from where you can take in some of the best views of the city. You will also visit the beautiful Budapest Basilica. Walking Tour of Budapest Your Tour Director introduces you to the city of Budapest. Walk past the Parliament and to the Fishermen's Bastion for a wonderful panoramic view of Hungary's capital. Day 5: Budapest Bratislava Transfer to Bratislava via the Tatra Mountains Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains, a popular haven for winter sports enthusiasts, as you travel across the border between Slovakia and Poland. These mountains represent the highest section of the Carpathian Mountain range. Tonight you will overnight in the Bratislava region. Day 6: Krakow Travel to Krakow Travel to Krakow, Poland's former capital and second largest city. Krakow is one of the oldest cities in Poland dating back to the 7th century. Guided Sightseeing of Krakow Set out on a guided tour of Krakow, the only major city in Poland to escape devastation during WWII. Visit Wawel Hill, perched high above the Vistula River, and Wawel Cathedral, where Polish Kings were crowned and the late Pope John Paul II once served as archbishop. Stroll through Glowny Square, passing beautiful Sukiennice Cloth Hall and the Jagiellonian University. Visit Wawel Cathedral After your guided tour of Krakow, you will return to Wawel to explore it a bit more thoroughly. Visit the Wawel Cathedral, where Polish kings were crowned and buried until the 18th century. Free Time in Krakow Spend some free time exploring the international city of Krakow. You may want to visit the Stare Miasto (Old Town), which is full of architectural gems. Its ancient cellars are packed with cafes and galleries. Perhaps stop at the Barbakan, the only remnant of the city's medieval fortifications. Days 7-12: Krakow World Youth Day Group Leader-Arranged Activities Over the next 6 days, your Group Leader will arrange activities for your group during World Youth Day. (Please note that any costs associated with this activity have not been included in your total Program Price. See your Group Leader for more details.) Dinner is not included these evenings
Day 13: Prague Transfer to Prague via a visit to the Plaszow Labor Camp What may seem as a standard suburb of Krakow today once served as a large-scale Nazi slave and Arbeitslager (labor camp) for Polish Jews, who supplied manpower to many armament factories and even one stone quarry. Many prisoners were worked to death, including women and children. Many others were put to death by firing squad - a characteristic that has made Plaszow's history so infamous, and perhaps led Steven Speilberg to portray its atrocities in his famous film, Schindler's List. Stop in Olomouc Spend some time in Olomouc, the Czech Republic's sixth largest city and the historical capital of Moravia. While the city has become a booming urban center in recent years, the city also has a strong connection to the ancient Roman empire. Arrive in Prague Encounter the legendary beauty of Prague, former capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Dubbed the City of One Hundred Spires, the city boasts an enchanting mix of diverse architecture, Bohemian culture, and storied history. Despite many recent changes, the undeniable charm of centuries past still permeates from the cobblestone streets and countless gothic spires piercing the skies. Day 14: Prague Guided Sightseeing of Prague Your tour begins at the celebrated Prague Castle (Hradcany). In the castle's courtyard, you'll visit the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, which took over 600 years to complete. If there is time, you will also be able to visit St. George's Basilica in the Prague Castle complex. On the nearby Golden Lane, royal alchemists once labored (unsuccessfully) to turn lead into gold. More recently, on the same street, Franz Kafka turned his angst into some of the century's finest fiction. You'll also stroll through the quaint, cobbled streets of the Mala Strana, the backdrop for Milos Forman's Amadeus. Cross the Charles Bridge, adorned with 30 beautiful baroque statues, to the 13th-century Old Town (Stare Mesto). Here you'll see Market Square, famous for its 15th-century astronomical clock. You'll also wander through Josefov, the traditional Jewish Quarter, home to the oldest synagogue in Europe (built in 1270). Walking Tour of Prague Follow the coronation route on your Tour Director-led walking tour. As you stroll through the City of One Hundred Spires, pass the concert hall in which Mozart himself conducted the premiere of Don Giovanni. Excursion to Kutna Hora Today, you will travel to the medieval town of Kutna Hora. Take some time to explore on your own. Then, walk down the road to visit the Ossuary, or bone church, in Sedlac. Inside you will find that this gothic church is completely decorated with human bones. Local monks decided on this unusual form of decorating after the church's expansion uncovered thousands of bones in mass graves from 14th-century plague and 15th-century Hussite Wars. Day 15: Prague Visit the Church of Our Lady Victorious (Infant Jesus of Prague) Stop and see this impressive church. Originally built in 1611, it is still a popular pilgrimage site. Free Time in Prague Enjoy free time to discover the wonders of Prague. Because of the compactness of the city, you may wander from the city's castle district, across a medieval bridge, and drink a leisurely coffee on Wencelas Square in under half an hour. Consider a visit to the birthplace of Franz Kafka, the National Gallery, or the Jewish Museum. Wander through the elegant Wallenstein Gardens or browse for locally made crystal and glassware. Day 16: Depart for Home Transfer to the Airport for Your Return Flight Your tour director assists with your transfer to the airport, where you'll check in for your return flight home. Itinerary is subject to change For complete financial and registration details, please refer to the Booking Conditions at www.eftours.com/bc.
The easiest ways to ENROLL TODAY As a parent I am very grateful that I was able to give this opportunity to my child. It was worth every penny to see her smiling face in the pictures on the trip. Encourage your child to embrace the moment; be open to new cultures, foods, and just a new way of life and looking at things. KATHLEEN, DAUGHTER TRAVELED APRIL 2013 Enroll on our website eftours.com/enroll THE WORLD LEADER IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION Enroll by phone 800-665-5364 Your teacher has partnered with EF because of our unmatched experience and worldwide presence, as well as our commitment to providing students with life-changing travel opportunities that are immersive and affordable. For nearly 50 years, we ve worked with educators across the globe to help millions of people become citizens of the world by breaking down barriers of language, culture and geography. We always offer the lowest prices guaranteed so more people can travel. We re fully accredited, just like your school, so you can earn credit while on tour. Mail your Enrollment Form to: EF Educational Tours One Education Street Cambridge, MA 02141 All of our educational itineraries feature experiential learning activities and visits to the best sites. We re completely committed to your safety. We have 450 schools and offices in over 50 countries around the world, so local EF staff members can react quickly and in person wherever you travel. Your full-time Tour Director is with your group every step of the way on tour, providing insight about your destinations as well as great local tips.