Day 1: Overnight Flight
Great sightseeing, traditional entertainment and a fabulous Hungarian
horse show highlight your amazing tour of these enchanting cities
of Central Europe.
Day 2: Arrive Prague, Czech Republic
Your tour begins today in the "Golden City" of Prague,
where your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join your fellow
travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Prague
Your introduction to this fairy tale city begins with a panoramic
tour as you drive through the city to the amazing Hradcany Castle.
Walk the famous Golden Lane and view St. Vitus Cathedral as well
as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure
to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian Crystal,
or visit one of the city's many outstanding museums. (B)
Day 4: Prague
*Today you visit Prague's Old Jewish Quarter. See its historic Jewish
Museum and Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, founded in
1478.* Continue to explore this fascinating area with a leisurely,
walking tour through the old town, showcasing the unique astronomical
clock. This evening, you are invited to a wonderful dinner of culinary
delights at one of Prague's historic restaurants. (B, D)
Day 5: Prague - Krakow, Poland
Depart the Czech Republic today and arrive in the beautiful country
of Poland. After crossing the border, drive along the Carpathian
Mountains in the southern region of this historic country. Krakow,
your home for the next four nights, still offers the feeling of
being in Old World Europe, with its century old churches and famous
Market Square. (B, D)
Day 6: Krakow - Wieliczka Salt Mine
*Take a tour of Krakow's historic Old Town, featuring Market Square,
St. Mary's Church, the University, and Wawel Castle, a former residence
of Polish kings.* Later, enjoy a visit to the amazing Wieliczka
Salt Mines. Operating since the 13th century, the salt mine is home
to many incredible salt sculptures and the famous salt chapel, still
used today for masses and weddings. A former salt mine worker will
guide you through this unique place and share with you their personal
experience of the mine. (B)
Day 7: Krakow - Auschwitz - Czestochowa
*Begin your day at the poignant museum and former concentration
camp of Auschwitz.* An expert local guide will walk you through
the officers' barracks, the various prison cells and the famous
entrance gate as they discuss the history of the prison and many
of the hardships that occurred within those walls. Next, travel
north to Czestochowa, the spiritual center of Poland and world-famous
pilgrimage centre. At Jasna Gora, one of the monastery's own clergy
conducts an enriching tour featuring the famous Black Madonna, a
sacred icon. (B)
Day 8: Krakow
Today is yours to explore the many highlights of Krakow. Your tour
manager will be on hand to offer suggestions on how to spend your
day. Or, you may choose to participate in an optional excursion
to Wadowice, birthplace of Pope John Paul II and the mountain village
of Zakopane, known as the winter capital of Poland. Tonight's dinner
is at one of Krakow's time honored local restaurants. (B, D)
Day 9: Krakow - Budapest, Hungary
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Low Tatra mountain range of Slovakia
en route to Hungary. Your journey continues to Budapest, the "Queen
of the Danube," and truly one of the world's most beautiful
cities. Buda sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the opposite
bank. (B, D)
Day 10: Budapest - Lajosmizse (Horse Show)
Travel to the picturesque Hungarian Great Plain countryside and
a typical Puszta horse farm. Learn the unique culture and history
of the Csikos, or Hungarian horsemen, with a spectacular horse show.
*Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian feast, including goulash
soup, in a typical setting against a backdrop of wonderful gypsy
music.* (B, L)
Day 11: Budapest - Szentendre - Visegrad - Budapest
An informative city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many
coronations of kings. Also visit the Fishermen's Bastion with its
white walls, towers and arcades for spectacular views. Continue
to historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament
and Heroes Square, dominated by the imposing Millennium Monument.
Later, visit the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre and travel
to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad to enjoy a magnificent
view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Travel back
in time with a visit to a 14th century castle where knights with
colourful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry.
*This evening, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner and re-enact
the days of medieval times.* Complete with wine and music, this
highlight will end your fascinating cultural journey. (B, D)
For more information contact Pascal Ryffel Poles Apart Travel (780) 387-5256 or Get A Quote...!.
