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Days:
11 Days
11 Days
Code: EEXC
Style: Group Tour
US$1,839
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From
US$ 1,287
+ Local Payment of €180.00
View Tour Notes
A turbulant past, a captivating present and a continuously changing future, we visit countries that were once hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Learn about the Holocaust at Auschwitz, visit Vienna, one of the most musical cities in the, indulge in the hot baths of Budapest and explore the capital city of Slovakia.
About this tour
- Type of Travel: Public Transport
- Group Size: Normally 4-19. Average 10.
- Recommended Age: 18-65
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Physical Rating:
- Country: Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Itinerary
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Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Warsaw
Welcome to Poland! Warsaw, Poland's capital, has been revitalised as a tourist destination. The city was almost entirely destroyed in World War II but a lot of effort has gone into its rebuilding. Since the fall of communism many old buildings have given way to modern skyscrapers, the dilapidated old town has been brightened up, and entertainment and services transformed to match that of other western capitals.
We recommend booking pre tour accommodation or arriving on an early flight so that you can fully enjoy Warsaw and all the city has to offer.
There will be a pre departure meeting held in your hotel at 6pm tonight. Please check reception for details.
Optional Excursions
Warsaw Uprising Museum – 25 PLN • Palace of Culture and Science Observation Deck - 20 PLN • Museum of the History of Polish Jews - 25 PLN • Lazienki Park and Palace - 40 PLN • Royal Castle Tour - 30 PLN • Walking Tour - Free • Wilanow Palace - 20 PLN
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at HIT Hotel or similar 
Day 2 to 2 - Kraków
This morning we depart Warsaw and hop on a local train to Kraków. Poland's more famous and cultural city, Kraków has managed to preserve centuries of amazing architecture and artistic traditions as most of the historic buildings and monuments emerged unscathed from World War II.
Kraków was the royal capital for 500 years so a must-see is the royal Wawel Castle, a beautiful renaissance palace which now houses a museum. During the evening the cosmopolitan city offers a wild nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, music clubs and bars to explore.
Approximate Travel Times: 2.5 hours by train.
Please Note: If you wish to visit Oskar Schindler's Factory, pre-booking tickets in advance is essential.
Optional Excursions
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour – 175 PLN • Oskar Schindler's Factory – 25 PLN • Saint Mary’s Basilica – 10 PLN • Galicia Jewish Museum – 16 PLN • Wawel Royal Castle – 25 PLN • Walking Tour – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 3 to 3 - Kraków
Kraków is our base to visit the UNESCO listed Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, a sobering tribute to the people that perished there during the Holocaust. The camp was originally designed for Polish political prisoners but became the most notorious camp of World War II because an estimated 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities, including 1.1 million Jews, 150,000 Poles and 23,000 Roma were killed by the Nazis.
You will be collected for your guided tour this morning and return to Kraków mid afternoon to enjoy the remainder of the day.
Included Excursions
Guided Tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Optional Excursions
Oskar Schindler's Factory – 25 PLN • Saint Mary’s Basilica – 10 PLN • Galicia Jewish Museum – 16 PLN • Wawel Royal Castle – 25 PLN • Walking Tour – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 4 to 4 - Krakow. Overnight train to Prague
We will take the overnight train to Prague later in the evening, so today is free for you to tick off any last must see sights of Kraków.
We highly recommend taking a guided tour of the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. The mine produced salt until 2007, making it one of the world's oldest operating salt mines. With underground churches, chandeliers and beautifully made statues (all from salt!) the mine is something special to experience and a highlight of any trip to Kraków.
Please Note: The salt mine requires pre-booking. Please advise your tour leader as soon as possible if you wish to take part in this.
Approximate Travel Times: 8 hours by overnight sleeper train.
Optional Excursions
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour – 175 PLN • Oskar Schindler's Factory – 25 PLN • Saint Mary’s Basilica – 10 PLN • Galicia Jewish Museum – 16 PLN • Wawel Royal Castle – 25 PLN • Walking Tour – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains 
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 5 to 5 - Prague
We will arrive to Prague in time for breakfast with a full day of exploring ahead. Also known as the City of a Thousand Spires, Prague is one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. Stroll the largest castle complex in Europe, admire the gothic church of St Vitus and watch as the unique Astronomical Clock strikes on the hour.
Spend the rest of your day exploring the beautiful city, not forgetting to try one of Prague's tastiest pastries known as 'Trdelnik', a sweet rolled dough in the shape of a cone that is filled with anything from ice-cream to warm chocolate sauce.
Prague is a town that loves to party so you may also want to experience the nightlife as there are many great bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of night clubs to enjoy. Czechs have been brewing beer since the 9th century and invented the world's first Pilsner, so Prague offers a great opportunity to sample some of the world's finest beers.
Optional Excursions
Kutna Hora Day Trip – 700 CZK • Brewery Tour – 1200 CZK • Beer Tasting – 590 CZK • Hradcany Castle – 350 CZK • Jewish Museum – 330 CZK • Town Hall Clock Tower – 250 CZK • River Cruise – 12 EUR • Mucha Museum – 240 CZK • City of Prague Museum – 120 CZK • Karlstejn Castle – 320 CZK • Astronomical Clock – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 6 to 6 - Prague
You have a full day to enjoy Prague. For something a little unique, take the train to Kutna Hora where you can experience the "Bone Church" otherwise known as Sedlec Ossuary. The small Roman Catholic chapel is believed to contain between 40,000 to 70,000 bones which have been arranged in various artistic ways to decorate the chapel. The centrepiece is the huge chandelier of bones that hangs in the middle.
Prague is one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, and because of this you can easily pass hours just wandering the narrow streets and checking out the local establishments. The Old Town is bursting with museums, restaurants and ancient architecture.
Optional Excursions
Kutna Hora Day Trip – 700 CZK • Brewery Tour – 1200 CZK • Beer Tasting – 590 CZK • Hradcany Castle – 350 CZK • Jewish Museum – 330 CZK • Town Hall Clock Tower – 250 CZK • River Cruise – 12 EUR • Mucha Museum – 240 CZK • City of Prague Museum – 120 CZK • Karlstejn Castle – 320 CZK • Astronomical Clock – Free
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 7 to 7 - Vienna
Welcome to Austria!
Arriving early afternoon, you will have the rest of the day to start appreciating the city. Vienna is a city worlds away from any other found in Europe. The city's grandeur can be instantly felt as you wander through the centre, admiring the mixture of architecture from Baroque to Roman and Gothic to Art Nouveau.
Birthplace of some of the greatest classical musical compositions, Vienna charms with its cultural history and opulent beauty. Known as the city of music, many composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss were born or worked here and you can learn all about their works in places such as Haus der Musik and Mozarthaus, Mozart's main apartment in Vienna which holds an insight into his celebrated life.
Highlights include the Museum quarter, where you can find the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as the renowned Leopold Museum. The complex of the Hofburg Palace is a must see and an experience in itself! This grand building is the former palace of the Habsburg dynasty and today serves as the workplace of the President of Austria. This is where you will also find the world famous Spanish Riding School, where you can opt to book a ticket for tomorrow mornings training session.
Approximate Travel Times: 4 hours by train.
Optional Excursions
Albertina Museum – 16 EUR • Schoenbrunn Palace – 14 EUR • Spanish Riding School Morning Exercise – 15 EUR • Belvedere Palace – 22 EUR • Sigmund Freud Museum – 9 EUR • City Bike Tour – 35 EUR • Vienna Mozart Concert – from 49 EUR • Hop on Hop off Bus – From 28 EUR • City Walking Tour – 17 EUR
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kolbeck or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 8 to 8 - Vienna
Today you have the full day to soak up the sights of Vienna. Perhaps you would like to catch a jaw-dropping orchestra performance at the Vienna Philharmonic, or watch a ballet or opera performance at the Wiener Staatsoper? You may also choose to visit the Schloss Schonbrunn, the palace of the Habsburg family, and discover the Baroque grandeur of the Austrian dynasty.
Once you have delighted in the culture and beauty of Vienna, there are a host of lively restaurants, cafes and bars to soak up as you watch the world go by in this vibrant city.
Optional Excursions
Albertina Museum – 16 EUR • Schoenbrunn Palace – 14 EUR • Spanish Riding School Morning Exercise – 15 EUR • Belvedere Palace – 22 EUR • Sigmund Freud Museum – 9 EUR • City Bike Tour – 35 EUR • Vienna Mozart Concert – from 49 EUR • Hop on Hop off Bus – From 28 EUR • City Walking Tour – 17 EUR
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Kolbeck or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 9 to 9 - Bratislava
Departing Austria this morning we take a short ferry ride along the Danube to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bursting with culture and an urban atmosphere, Slovakia has a modern feel that still manages to captivate the avid traveller through its post-socialist architecture such as the famous 1,400ft UFO Tower and bridge. You will have the day to explore the city, not forgetting to wander along the Danube River and the classic Old Town.
Approximate Travel Times: 1.5 hours by river cruiseliner.
Optional Excursions
Bratislava Castle – 7 EUR • Devin Castle – From 5 EUR • The Blue Church – Free • Walking Tour – Free • UFO Bridge Observation Deck – 7.40 EUR
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Tatra or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 10 to 10 - Budapest
After a short train journey we arrive in Budapest, Hungary's stylish capital. It is known as the 'City of Spas' for its abundance of natural thermal springs. To fully explore the city why not book a few extra nights in the city to enjoy some of its sights?
Straddling the Danube River, the city is comprised of two very different historic cities, Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. Highlights here include Castle Hill, Matthius Church, Fisherman's Bastion, the Liberation Monument, the fabulous St Stephen's Basilica and the much photographed Parliament Building.
Terror Haza (Terror House) is a popular museum recounting stories of espionage and atrocities committed during World War II and during the communist period. During your optional visit you can view very moving testimonial footage from survivors and visit old jail cells, torture chambers and interrogation rooms.
The Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe and features stunning decorations. You can also wander around Central Market Hall and enjoy the intoxicating sights and smells of'Budapest's pantry' and get an idea of Hungary's food culture - you can even buy chocolates by the kilo!
The perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing is in a traditional bath. The Szechenyi Medicinal Baths are one of the city's more famous Neo Baroque-style baths with indoor and outdoor pools, thermal pools, saunas and massages in a beautiful setting. After a nice soak you can visit numerous restaurants and bars to visit on Liszt Ferenc for an enjoyable evening's entertainment.
Approximate Travel Times: 2.5 hours by train.
Optional Excursions
Budapest Parliament Tour – 5200 HUF • Szechenyi Thermal Baths – 6000 HUF • House of Terror – 3000 HUF • Great Synagogue – 4000 HUF • Danube Cruise – 4200 HUF • Hungarian National Museum – 1600 HUF • Memento Park – 1500 HUF • Buda Castle – Free • Fisherman's Bastion – 1000 HUF • Walking Tour – Free • Hop on Hop off Bus – from 6000 HUF
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Flamenco or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 11 to 11 - Depart Budapest
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
What you need to know
- We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
- Public transport in and between European cities is comfortable and efficient. The majority of our Europe tours are run on local transport such as trains and buses. Within each city, we might be hopping on metros, trams, local buses, taxis or using our own two feet between the stations and hotels. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage at every point, so pack light!
- The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. You will meet your Tucan Travel rep at 18.00 for the pre-departure meeting. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre-tour accommodation.
- This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
- Hotel rooms in Europe are generally smaller by US standards and double beds can often be two single beds pushed together.
What's Included
Excursions & Activities
- Guided Tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Accommodation
9 night(s) in hotels, 1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains
Transportation
Overnight Train, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Foot, Tram, Metro
Meals
10 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Other
Tucan Travel Tour Leader
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
Select Dates & Book
2020
Thu 02 Apr
Sun 12 Apr
US$1,839
30% off
From
US$1,287
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 16 Apr
Sun 26 Apr
US$1,839
25% off
From
US$1,379
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 30 Apr
Sun 10 May
US$1,869
25% off
From
US$1,402
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 14 May
Sun 24 May
US$1,869
25% off
From
US$1,402
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 28 May
Sun 07 Jun
US$1,899
25% off
From
US$1,424
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 11 Jun
Sun 21 Jun
US$1,899
25% off
From
US$1,424
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 25 Jun
Sun 05 Jul
US$1,899
25% off
From
US$1,424
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 09 Jul
Sun 19 Jul
US$1,899
25% off
From
US$1,424
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 23 Jul
Sun 02 Aug
US$1,899
25% off
From
US$1,424
+ Local Payment of €180
Thu 06 Aug
Sun 16 Aug
US$1,899
25% off
From
US$1,424
+ Local Payment of €180
Extra Services
Budapest Departure Transfer per vehicle (max 3 persons) From US$48.00
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) Arrival Transfer per vehicle (max 3 persons) From US$61.00
Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) Arrival Transfer per vehicle (max 3 persons) From US$91.00
I'd Like My Own Room From US$499.00
Single Room (pre tour) From US$89.00
Twin Room (pre tour per person) From US$54.00
Double Room (pre tour per person) From US$54.00
Single Room (post tour) From US$222.00
Twin Room (post tour per person) From US$111.00
Double Room (post tour per person) From US$111.00
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