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Scenic Tours – 12 Day Eastern Europe Explorer Prague to Budapest

From $5300 per Person Twin Share

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Prague

You will be met at Prague International airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. This Bohemian metropolitan city situated on the banks of the River Vltava offers a blend of both old and new world’s which is sure to entice your appetite. Meet up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Three Night Special Stay: Prague
Day 2: Prague (FB,HD)

This morning we will discover one of the truly magical cities of Europe – Prague. With our local guide we will walk around Hradcany Castle, visit St Vitus Church and the Mala Strana and walk across the Charles Bridge. One of the most familiar sights in Prague, the Charles Bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV after the Judith Bridge was destroyed by floods and provides the connection between the Old Town and Little Quarter. We then explore the Old Town Square, see the monument to the Protestant Reformer Jan Huss and witness the Astronomical clock strike the hour. With so much to offer enjoy free time this afternoon to explore this bustling city at leisure. Perhaps treat yourself to a coffee and pastry in one of Prague’s famous coffee houses or simply marvel at the diverse range of architectural designs featured throughout the city, highly recognised for its red roofed buildings. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner of hearty Czech cuisine.
Day 3: Prague (FB)

SCENIC FREECHOICE  choose from: (1) a bohemian glass tour to learn more about the customs of the world famous glassware. Rückl crystal is linked to a 300 year long tradition in glass making as a family and today manufactures an extensive range of cut 24% leaded crystal in a wide variety of decorations; or (2) a walking tour of Prague’s Communist era buildings and events. Step back in time to 1948 and re-live the history of these dark controlling years; or (3) a visit to the 13th century Gothic-style Jewish synagogue and its amazing cemetery. Built around 1270 this is the oldest synagogue in Europe. The cemetery has over 12,000 headstones dating back to 1478.
Day 4: Prague – Berlin (FB,D)

We depart Prague for Dresden, perhaps the greenest city in Germany. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. On our tour we see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House and visit the courtyards of the Zwinger. We continue our journey through the Spreewald forest to Germany’s capital, Berlin our home for the next two nights.
Two Night Special Stay: Berlin
Day 5: Berlin (FB,HD)

This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, SCENICENRICH where our local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as we visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam we return back to Berlin. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENICENRICH We have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After our tour, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war.
Day 6: Berlin – Warsaw (FB,D)

This morning we are taken to the main train station for our journey to Warsaw aboard our first class rail carriage. Time en-route to relax and watch the rural scenery change from the evergreen forests and rolling hills of Germany to the broad agricultural farmland of western Poland. We arrive this evening into Warsaw. Poland’s cultural, entertainment and financial capital was believed to be founded in the late 13th Century, when the Duke Boleshaw built a castle here overlooking the Vistula river.
Two Night Stay: Warsaw
Day 7: Warsaw (FB,HD)

Warsaw was largely destroyed in World War II, however the historic centre has been rebuilt and has attained UNESCO World Heritage status. We visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide this morning for a striking reminder of the suffering endured in WWII. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) an excursion to Wilanow Palace – known as Poland’s Versailles; or (2) a magical tour exploring the mythical founders of Warsaw. SCENICENRICH This evening an exclusive piano concert of Chopin music in Lazienki Palace, stunningly located on an island in a lake, is followed by dinner in one of Warsaw’s finest establishments.
Day 8: Warsaw – Krakow (FB,D)

We travel to Czestochowa and admire the portrait of the ‘Black Madonna’, said to have been painted by St Luke and located in the beautiful 14th century Jasna Gora Paulite Monastery. We continue to Auschwitz and visit the former concentration camp and its museum, for chilling reminders of the Holocaust in World War II. Early this evening we arrive in the city of Krakow. Poland’s former capital for nearly six centuries and largest city was one of the few Polish cities scarcely damaged in World War II allowing us to enjoy it in original glory.
Two Night Stay: Krakow
Day 9: Krakow (FB,HD)

Sightseeing of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes a guided walking tour of the old town where we visit St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill. This afternoon we visit the nearby 800 year old Wieliczka Salt Mines. Our tour includes statues of historic and mythical figures, all sculpted by miners out of rock salt. This evening we will soak up the atmosphere of a Polish folklore show with dinner.
Day 10: Krakow – Budapest (FB)

After breakfast we depart Krakow and cross the border into Slovakia, passing the 13th century Castle of Oravsky Hrad en-route to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Be impressed by this majestic city on the banks of the mighty Danube with its powerful Parliament building and towering castle overlooking the hill. Witness by night the transformation of the city as it illuminates under the night sky.
Two Night Stay: Budapest
Day 11: Budapest (FB,HD)

Your morning tour will visit both towns of Buda and Pest, linked by the famous Chain Bridge. Guarded by two lion statues on both bridgeheads, the suspension bridge offers one of the cities most beautiful views. Enjoy visiting Heroes’square, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner at a Hungary restaurant. Away from the noise of the modern world you can enjoy traditional Hungarian hospitality and cuisine whilst reminiscing about the adventures you have experienced with new found friends.
Day 12: Budapest (FB)

After breakfast, transfer* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.

 
Departure Dates:

Departure Date

 Return Date

Price

10 Jul 2010

21 Jul 2010

5300.00*

14 Aug 2010

25 Aug 2010

5300.00*

18 Sep 2010

29 Sep 2010

5300.00*

* Price is per passenger based on twin share.

 Scenic Highlights

• Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at your centrally located Prague hotel
• Take a guided walk over the Charles Bridge from Hradcany Castle
• Visit the Old Town Square, St. Vitus Church and the Astronomical clock on your guided tour of Prague
• Be enthralled by a typical Czech Highlight Dinner and Entertainment
• Tour Dresden and see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House and visit the courtyards of the Zwinger
• Enjoy a guided tour of Berlin seeing the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz
• Visit Checkpoint Charlie and drive ‘Unter den Linden’ in Berlin
• Enjoy a dinner of German delicacies at a fine restaurant in Potsdammer Platz
• See the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial on your guided tour of Warsaw
• Visit the Paulite Monastery at Jasna Gora and see the painting of the Black Madonna
• Take a guided tour of Auschwitz including a visit to its museum
• Enjoy a guided tour of Krakow including visits to the Wawel Royal Castle and Cathedral, St Mary’s Church and the old Cloth Hall
• Visit the underground Wieliczka Salt Mines near Krakow for a guided tour
• Enjoy a Polish folklore show with dinner at a fine restaurant in Krakow
• Explore Budapest including a visit to the Parliament building
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at a Hungarian restaurant in Budapest