Day 01 BERLIN : All flights leads to Berlin.

Today you embark on your tour when you board your flight to Berlin. Our local reprentative will pick you outside the custom area and transfer to your hotel. As Germany's capital and cultural heart, Berlin not only bears witness to much of the 20th century's turbulent history but also symbolizes the much-welcomed reunification of Germany after the Cold War. This most-populous city in the European Union boasts countless world-class treasures and serves as the launching pad for our 5-country adventure in Eastern Europe. Overnight at Berlin. ( No Meal )

Day 2 BERLIN : Historic Walking Tour

A full but relaxed day of walking in Berlin introduces us to some of Germany's most iconic sights. Beginning near the hard-to-miss Berlin TV Tower in Alexanderplatz, our guided journey crosses the Spree River and meanders through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museum Island, displaying a wealth of art treasures in five different museums. Continuing our city walk, we enter the esteemed grounds of Humboldt University and cross Bebelplatz, the infamous site of the 1933 Nazi book burning. Continuing past the architectural wonders of the Gendarmenmarkt, with its impressive Konzerthaus flanked by the German and French Churches, our stroll brings us to Checkpoint Charlie, one of the Cold War's most notorious symbols. More reminders of the Iron Curtain era await us as we view remnants of the Berlin Wall on our way to a midday break near Potsdamer Platz, a bustling hub of activity and the site of Europe's first traffic light. After a break for lunch, we visit the famed Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century monument better known by most of us as a symbol of division turned to unity after the collapse of Communism. A short distance away is the equally well-known Reichstag building, the glass-domed meeting place of the Bundestag (Federal Assembly), the lower house of Germany's legislature. Following this rich introduction to Berlin, our walk concludes down the tree-lined boulevard of Unter den Linden, or you can finish your afternoon with a more relaxed and meandering stroll along the south bank of the Spree River. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the many accessible sights near our hotel, where many great dining opportunities await. Because of our busy day, full day tomorrow, and due to the linger effects of jetlag, dinner on your own this evening. Overnight in Berlin. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 3 DRESDEN : Berlin - Potsdam - Dresden

Departing Berlin this morning, our less direct route offers us the chance to enjoy a few more of the city's highlights by Van, including the East Side Gallery, a series of interesting murals painted on a nearly mile-long remnant of the Berlin Wall, and Kurfurstendamm, a celebrated broad avenue known for its exquisite shops. Approaching Potsdam via the Glienenke Bridge (made famous in the movie "Bridge of Spies"), we enter a pleasant landscape that has long been a favourite residence for kings of Prussia and German emperors through the ages. A very pleasant morning walk begins near the New Palace and takes us through the lush grounds and fountains of Sanssouci Park to its namesake palace built by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, in the mid-18th century. Following a lunch break in the nearby Dutch Quarter, the second half of our Potsdam walk explores the New Garden and historically significant Cecilienhof, a chateau where in 1945 the leaders of World War II's three main Allies (Churchill, Truman, and Stalin) met to discuss the reorganization of Europe. Driving south from Potsdam, our mid-afternoon focuses on Martin Luther and the significant impact of the Protestant Reformation that got its start in the little town of Wittenberg. A relatively short and relaxing walking tour here will connect us with a few sites closely connected to Luther's life, including his home and Schlosskirche (Castle Church), where Luther is said to have lodged his protest by nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the door in 1517. We wrap up our full day of exploring in the heart of Dresden. Overnight in Dresden. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4 DRESDEN : Guided Walking Tour

Beautifully set along the River Elbe, Dresden is the capital city of the German state of Saxony. While the city was decimated by Allied bombing toward the end of World War II, its former glory has been restored, and our guided walk this morning will introduce us to many of its architectural and historical treasures. Known as the "Jewel Box" for its baroque and rococo themes, Dresden is home of the Frauenkirche, Germany's most important Protestant church. After the infamous bombing, some of the charred bricks from the rubble were used in the rebuilding of the church and can be clearly seen on the exterior. Our stroll also takes in such lovely sights as Bruhlsche Terrace and Royal Castle, as well as the melodic chimes of the bell tower at Dresdner Zwinger, a rococo style palace. Following free time to explore more delights in Dresden, we depart the city center by van for the nearby town of Meissen, the home of one of the most famous porcelain manufacturers in the world. A special lunch(own expeness) on this fine china will be followed by a fascinating tour of the factory, giving you an immense appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision that goes into this age-old process. Our return to Dresden gives you an evening free to enjoy dinner and to explore more of this charming city. Overnight in Dresden. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5 PRAGUE : Dresden, Germany - Prague, Czech Republic

This morning takes us into a more rural and natural experience amongst the emerald forests and strange sandstone formations of the Elbe Mountains, a region also known as Saxon Switzerland. This fascinating landscape near the border of Germany and the Czech Republic gives us a chance to soak up some stellar views of the Elbe River on a short but satisfying downhill hike to the quaint little village of Rathen, where we board a ferry and meet our van on the other side of the river. Following a lunch break in the pleasant little town of Pirna, Germany, we venture south, crossing the border into the Czech Republic and make our way to Prague, one of Europe's most incredible cities. Our mid-afternoon arrival into this picturesque Bohemian destination gives us time to check in to our hotel and perhaps enjoy a brief orientation walk. Overnight in Prague. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6 PRAGUE : Prague Walking Tour & Cruise

Occupying both banks of the Vltava River, Prague is an absolute gem of a town, and today's full-day walk experience aims to show you several sparkling facets, starting with Hradcany, the largest ancient castle in the world. Home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels, this impressive complex also contains the towering St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, and the colourful houses of Golden Lane. Descending from the lofty Hradcany, our journey continues through a set of lovely terraces and into the unexpected surprise of the Valdstenjnska Gardens. Arriving at the city's iconic Charles Bridge, you'll have bit of free time to explore this medieval statue-lined span before we board our boat for a relaxing lunch cruise on the Vltava, where you can kick up your feet for a while and enjoy the moving postcard scenes. More Prague delights await us in the afternoon, as our walk continues through the heart of the Jewish Quarter and into the bustling wonders of Town Hall Square, one of Europe's prettiest and home to the oldest astronomical clock still in operation, dating back to 1410. Continuing on to Wenceslas Square, we encounter not only a site named for "Good King Wenceslas" of Christmas carol fame, but also the square where the Prague Spring and Velvet Revolution took place in 1968 as a protest to oppressive Communist control. Our walk concludes with one more crossing of the Vltava and a funicular ride up Petrin Hill, where wonderful park paths and grand city views await us. Overnight in Prague. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7 CESKY KRUMLOV : Prague - Cesky Krumlov

Bidding farewell to Prague this morning, we board our van and journey south through beautiful Bohemia, arriving around noon at the gorgeous medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, nestled on a U-shaped bend in the Vltava River. This special place looks like it's been ripped from the pages of a fairy tale! Our walk in this charming city will include a stop along the way to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch as we ascend to the manicured gardens near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cesky Krumlov Castle. Stunning vistas await us from this lofty vantage point, showing off a sea of red-tile roofs and a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Winding our way through the rest of the town should give you a wonderful overview of this compact but captivating place and give you plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon and evening doing some personalized exploring. Overnight in Cesky Krumlov. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8 VIENNA : Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic - Vienna, Austria

Bidding a fond farewell to the Czech Republic this morning, we cross the border into Austria, our third country of the adventure. The inviting Danube River serves as a backdrop for a gentle and easy morning stroll between the towns of Schonbuhel and Spielberg, which is followed by a brief visit to Melk Abbey, a Benedictine behemoth located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. The cute little town nestled at the base of the abbey serves as a great place to enjoy a quick lunch on your own before we continue downstream past more wonderful Austrian scenes. In the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, a gorgeous stretch of the Danube that is full of castles, vineyards, and monasteries, we savour a brief stop at Durnstein before completing our journey for the day in Vienna, Austria's dynamic and dazzling capital city. Overnight in Vienna. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9 VIENNA : Vienna Walk & Schonbrunn Palace

Vienna was once the heart of the Habsburg Dynasty and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but its light still shines brightly today, offering many outstanding venues to discover. Vienna's wonderful Old Town is a feast for the eyes and is best explored on foot. Our morning route will include several highlights, including the world-renowned State Opera House, Parliament, Hofburg Palace, Burgtheatre, and the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, just to name a few. After a lunch break, we depart the city center, bound for the regal and resplendent Schonbrunn Palace, former home of the Habsburg rulers such as Franz Joseph and Maria Theresa. One of Europe's largest palaces, the 1,441-rooms in this immense Rococo dwelling are impressive enough, but the gardens of Schonbrunn are equally admirable. Enjoy the manicured beauty of these royal grounds on a walk up to the Gloriette, one of the best places to enjoy a picture of this unforgettable place. Vienna is also known as the "City of Music" thanks to its rich musical heritage and for the fact that legendary composers such as Beethoven and Mozart called this city home. It may be possible for us to arrange an optional classical concert this evening if you'd like to experience a sampling of this stellar musical legacy. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at a nice selection of nearby restaurants. Overnight in Vienna. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10 TRENCIN : Vienna, Austria - Trencin, Slovakia

Our fourth country awaits this morning as we transition from Austria to the landlocked but lovely country of Slovakia, formerly connected to the Czech Republic until the two countries split in 1993. The capital of Bratislava (formerly known as Pressburg) boasts a really charming and compact Old Town, which we explore on foot this morning, taking in highlights such as St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, Main Square, Old Town Hall, the Slovak National Theatre and Bratislava Castle, an imposing rectangular landmark with outstanding views of the Danube below. Following lunch in Bratislava, we leave Slovakia's urban center in search of quaint and quieter corners of the country, arriving mid-afternoon in Trencin, an ancient town that dates back to the 11th century. A strategic crossroads near three mountain passes in the Carpathians, this historic commercial trading post is dominated by Trencin Castle, the third largest in Slovakia, which we will visit before descending the stairs and winding side streets to witness the main square and large baroque church. Overnight in Trencin. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 11 ZDIAR : Trencin - Zdiar

Today we increase the elevation a bit and experience a couple of high points for our adventure, both literally and metaphorically, as we drive up to the Tatras, the highest and westernmost range of the Carpathian Mountains. While we won't be bringing our skis today, the area we are walking in is quite popular for skiing in the winter. At just under a mile high, our gentle stroll around picture perfect Strbske Pleso won't leave you too out of breath due to the mostly flat path we travel. The fresh mountain air here will provide us a great setting for a lunch break. In the afternoon, a metaphorical high point awaits us at lower elevations as we journey to the pleasant and petite village of Zdiar, home to indigenous highlanders known as Gorals. Once settled in to our hotel, our gentle 30-minute walk to the fun little town museum brings us face to face with the rich traditions and music of the region and provides us a deeper understanding of this distinct and colourful community. Many cultural surprises await us this evening as we return to our hotel by horse and carriage . Overnight in Zdiar. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 12 KRAKOW : Zdiar, Slovakia - Wieliczka, Poland - Krakow

Before we depart from the idyllic serenity of Zdiar, we have one last morning treat for you as we ascend by chairlift and soak up the Tatras views, followed by a short leg-stretcher of a hike down to a little pond. If the weather is clear, the views should be fantastic! After a short drive, we cross the border from Slovakia into Poland, our final country of the adventure. Our plan is to arrive at Wieliczka for a lunch break before an afternoon guided tour of the mind-boggling and UNESCO-listed Salt Mines which share a name with the city. Salt, while still very important in modern life, was once so precious that it was traded as currency. The people of Wieliczka have been excavating sodium chloride here since the 13th century, and the amazing array of caverns and support structures they've created must be seen to be believed! You'll want to be ready for a very active tour, as it involves at least 2-3 km of walking and about 800 stairs throughout the experience. But it is worth every step! You'll witness countless salt-carved sculptures and a few chapels (including salt chandeliers) among other unforgettable highlights. We finish our day in the storied city of Krakow, on the edge of Old Town. Overnight in Krakow. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 13 KRAKOW : Historic Krakow Walk

While Warsaw is Poland's capital, it is Krakow that has traditionally been the cultural, religious, and historical heart of the country. It is a very underrated European destination! Our guided walk begins near Wawel Hill, where the city's roots go all the way back to the 7th century, and where Polish royalty once resided. Also in this regal complex is the Wawel Cathedral, where a young Karol Wojtyla (later to become Pope John Paul II) gave his first Mass after being ordained into the priesthood. Descending to the Main Square of Krakow, we gaze in wonder at Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval town square in Europe, in the center of which is the Cloth Hall, once a major center of international trade. Other highlights of our morning walk include the pleasant pedestrian paths of Planty Park and the bell tower of St. Mary's Basilica, where an hourly trumpet call reminds listeners of a 13th century Mongol attack on the city. A special lunch is in store for us today in Kazimierz, a district in Krakow with a rich and thriving Jewish community that was decimated during World War II. In addition to very tasty and traditional foods, you will enjoy the melodic sounds of klezmer music, which draws upon the traditions of Ashkenazi Judaism and Eastern European folk traditions. After this memorable meal, the second half of our walk today focuses on the somber history of the Holocaust and its impact on the Jews of Krakow. Strolling the streets of Kazmierz and interacting with the stories of Remuh Synagogue and the Temple Synagogue makes your heart ache for what was lost in this community. Just a short distance away, across the Vistula River, lies the Schindler Factory Museum, a testament to one man's attempt to make a positive difference in the face of this inhumanity. If time allows, you can consider visiting this very moving museum on an optional basis. Overnight in Krakow. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 14 WARSAW : Krakow - Auschwitz - Czestochowa - Warsaw

One of the most powerful reasons for travelling is the chance to be touched by history and to learn vital lessons. Today's morning visit to Auschwitz provides just such a critical reminder. This most prolific of the Nazi death camps was chosen as a location due to its close proximity to Krakow, where Germany's General Government in Poland was established after the invasion. Often called "the saddest place on earth," Auschwitz is well worth exploring because it so powerfully reminds us of the horrors that humans have been capable of and sharpens our resolve in never allowing this to happen again. After a lunch break, our journey takes us north to Warsaw for our final two-night stay of the tour. Along the way, we stop briefly at Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, a very important pilgrimage site for Polish Catholics, as it houses a famous and purported miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary, known as Black Madonna. Overnight in Warsaw. Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 15 Warsaw: Historic Walking Tour

Warsaw is an inspirational city that speaks highly of the strong character of the Polish people and their resilience after the devastation of World War II and the Communist era. Today's guided walk provides a wonderful overview, starting in the gorgeous green space of Lazienki Park, with its beautifully situated Water Palace as one of many endearing features. Passing by the National Museum of Warsaw, we enter the pedestrian-friendly area of Nowy Swiat, where a tempting pastry shop may lure you away from the group if you're not careful! Monuments to a couple of Warsaw's favorite sons, Nicolas Copernicus and Frederic Chopin, greet us on our way to Pilsudski Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After passing the Presidential Palace, where the Warsaw Pact was signed in 1955, we arrive at Old Town for a chance to enjoy a lunch break. Consider finding a good pierogi restaurant! After lunch, our walk continues past the Sigismund Column through the rebuilt splendors of Old Town. What makes this colourful district all the more impressive is that it was painstakingly and accurately rebuilt after being leveled by the Germans in World War II, a true phoenix rising from the ashes! Strolling through the Old Town Square and the Barbicon leads us to the conclusion of this historic walk at separate memorials to both the Jewish Ghetto Uprising of 1943 and the wider Warsaw Uprising of 1944, both testaments to the unbreakable spirit of the people who were oppressed here. After a short van ride back to our hotel, we take a brief rest and prepare for a farewell dinner together and a special Chopin-themed concert at a nearby salon. Overnight in Warsaw. Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 Fly back home Your memorable Holiday ends.

Today it’s time to fly back home. Say goodbye to the wonderful new friends you have made on the tour. Check out with pleasant memories of your European trip which you will cherish for a lifetime. (Breakfast)