VISIT 8 COUNTRIES IN STUNNING EASTERN EUROPE * Return flights from Australia to Vienna Guided touring around Eastern Europe on a spacious air-conditioned coach Home to airport transfers (Adelaide metro area only) 18 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L) & 9 dinners (D) Join the Schieszl family for some hearty Hungarian fare Gain priority access to the Berlin TV tower with panoramic views of the city City tour in Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw & Prague View Lake Baltaon Central Europe s largest lake Visit picturesque Lake Bled in Slovenia Take in the views from Fisherman s Bastion in Budapest Visit the concentration camp at Auschwitz Explore the city of Poznan in Poland Discover the Old Town Square in Prague and Tabor Visit the Jasna Gora Monastery
Cross the Loibl Pass in the Karawanken Mountains into the lush green hills of Slovenia, arriving later in Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. Leave the emerald waters of Bled behind and arrive in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. See its Opera House, Cathedral, National Museum, Three Bridges Square and Castle, enjoying magnificent views of the city. Cross into Croatia and arrive in its capital, Zagreb. Explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb's charming cobblestone lanes and squares, to this day lit by gas lamps. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Opera House and St. Mark's Church, with its exquisitely coloured roof. Stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe before arriving in Budapest. Explore the Castle district, admiring picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman's Bastion with its towers representing the seven Magyar tribes that formed the Hungarian nation. Then, travel past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains and into Poland. Discover Krakow s Wawel Hill, Poland s most historically and culturally significant site. Then, visit the concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust. Continue to the youthful city of Warsaw, a city that has triumphed over the tragedy of war and the shackles of communism. Join a guided walk around the Old Town with your Local Specialist. Explore Berlin, Germany s capital city. Ascend an icon of reunification and experience the spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Berlin TV tower. Then, join a city tour, visiting some of the city s great landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden Boulevard and the Reichstag Building. Travel through the picturesque Spreewald Forest to Dresden. Then, spend a day in Prague exploring exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque fascades. Marvel at Prague Castle, the 14 th century Charles Bridge and Old Town Square. Journey through the lush green and golden landscapes of Southern Bohemia, stopping in Tabor, once a Hussite stronghold. Later, travel to the imperial city of Vienna in Austria.
Your Eastern European adventure begins today with a flight from your homeport to the city of Vienna, Austria. Tune into the enchanting musical heritage of Vienna, your launchpad to a grand adventure through the highlights of Eastern Europe. After an arrival transfer and check-in, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing walking tour of Old Vienna, revealing fascinating insights into the Habsburg dynasty, once one of the most influential royal houses of Europe. Admire the Hofburg Palace, Imperial Boulevards, Am Hof Square and the beloved St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its colourful tiled roof. This evening we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception to kick off our exciting holiday. Hotel stay: Hilton Danube (1 night) We cross the Loibl Pass in the Karawanken Mountains into the lush green hills of Slovenia, arriving later in Lake Bled, an exquisite natural retreat set against the backdrop of forests and mountains. Admire its crystal clear waters from the comfort of a boat and gaze in wonder at the fairy-tale castle clinging dramatically to a cliff that rises up from the lake's edge. This evening, we dine at our hotel. Hotel stay: Park Hotel (2 nights) Spend the day at leisure soaking up the romantic atmosphere of this alpine lake setting. Perhaps visit the ruins on Bled Island, navigate the lake's tranquil waters from a canoe, or consider joining an Optional Experience to the extensive maze of underground caves at Postojna and Predjama Castle, said to be the largest cave castle in the world. 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, National Museum, Three Bridges Square and Castle, enjoying magnificent views of the city. Cross into Croatia and arrive in its capital, Zagreb - our home for the next two nights where we will spend the rest of the evening at leisure. Consider heading to Tkalčićeva Street to indulge in the flavours of traditional fruit brandy. Hotel stay: The Westin Zagreb (2 nights) Explore a tale of two hilltop settlements and Zagreb's charming cobblestone lanes and squares, to this day lit by gas lamps. 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 coloured roof. Spend the rest of the day at leisure paying homage to the patron saint of Zagreb at its Stone Gate, or enjoying the city views from Strossmatre.
Crossing the border into Hungary, we enjoy a photo stop on the shores of Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe and known affectionately by locals as the 'Hungarian Sea'. We continue to the romantic capital of Budapest - our home for the next two nights. Meander along the romantic Danube on a scenic river cruise, enjoy an evening of Hungarian wine tasting or relax in the healing waters of the Szecheyni Spa Bath as the sun sets. Hotel stay: Danubius Margitsziget Hotel (2 nights) We join a Local Specialist for a fascinating walking tour of the Castle district today, admiring picture-perfect views of the Danube and Fisherman's Bastion with its towers representing the seven Magyar tribes that formed the Hungarian nation. See the imposing Parliament and the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Later we join the Schieszl family for a traditional Be My Guest dinner and hear the story of their winery that once sheltered a Jewish friend who was fleeing Nazi persecution. The pristine natural landscape of Slovakia provides a picturesque backdrop for our journey to Poland, past the foothills of the Tatra Mountains. We arrive in the enchanting city of Kraków where we enjoy time at leisure. Consider an evening of lively Polish entertainment with dinner, or perhaps visit a traditional Polish Wodka Bar. Hotel stay: Qubus Hotel (2 nights) A leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków this morning with our Local Specialist showcases the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. We continue through the charming Old Town with a visit to the Renaissance Cloth Hall and the Mariacki Church. Spend the afternoon exploring the city 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 unique Wieliczka Salt Mine, where underground chambers are hewn out of rock salt. This evening, we dine at our hotel. Our journey this morning takes us to the concentration camp at Auschwitz, a poignant reminder of the horrors perpetrated during the Holocaust and more than a million lives lost. Travelling to Jasna Gora Monastery, we rub shoulders with Catholic pilgrims who have journeyed to the famous shrine to the Virgin Mary for centuries to see the iconic Black Madonna of Czestochowa. This evening, we arrive in the elegant Polish capital of Warsaw where we will dine tonight at our hotel. Hotel stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel (2 nights)
Soak up 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 brave Warsaw Uprising, and the site of the Warsaw Ghetto, immortalised in the Roman Polanski film - The Pianist. Spend the rest of the day seeing the sights - visit the 14th century Royal Castle or celebrate the talents of Chopin and perhaps enjoy a private recital of Chopin's works. Cross Poland's patchwork countryside to the charming city of Poznań - its Old Town Square a riot of colourful façades rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. View the Renaissance town hall and see the city's impressive Gothic churches. Continue west into Germany and arrive in the capital Berlin, a capital city with enviable youthful verve and charisma. Hotel stay: Hampton by Hilton City Centre Alexanderplatz (2 nights) Ascend an icon of reunification this morning as you enjoy a Cultural Insight experience with spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Berlin TV Tower. 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 Ebbelwei or join an Optional Experience to discover the turbulent past of this magnificent city. Travel through the picturesque 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 amble through its charming streets to see the Semper Opera, Zwinger Palace and fully reconstructed Frauenkirche. Leave Germany behind and travel to the Czech Republic, arriving later in the glorious fairy-tale city of Prague, straddling the mighty Vltava. Spend your first evening savouring hearty Czech flavours during a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Hotel stay: Andels by Vienna House (2 nights) Explore exquisite Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque façades as you ramble through the cobblestone streets of Prague with your Local Specialist who will share insights into the city's fascinating history. Marvel at Prague Castle, the 14th century Charles Bridge and Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock and hourly Walk of the Apostles. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, then enjoy the rest of the day free to explore or relax. Perhaps indulge in the delicious chocolate flavours of Trdelník in the Old Town Square, admiring the picturesque cityscape from Petrin Hill or consider a relaxing cruise on the Vltava.
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 travellers and Travel Director. Hotel stay: Andels by Vienna House (2 nights) Say a fond farewell to your newfound friends and an epic adventure together through Eastern Europe. A transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport in time for your flight home. Arrive back in Australia today. Apr: 19 $6,650 pp twin share May: 3, 10, 17, 24 $6,720 pp twin share Jun: 7, 14 $7,120 pp twin share Jul: 5 $7,540 pp twin share Jul: 12 $7,090 pp twin share Aug: 2, 16 $7,090 pp twin share Discover more of Vienna & Austria by extending your holiday by a few more nights to your holiday. Discover more of Vienna s iconic attractions or travel further to the city of Salzburg or to the Austrian Alps. Contact us for more details. Sep: 13, 20 $6,720 pp twin share From $1,150 per person The above prices include an earlybird saving of up to $890 per couple.