Introducing a 9-Day Escorted tour exploring the capital cities of Vienna, Budapest, Krakow & Warsaw 

Imperial Landmarks of Europe

Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw

• The cities included in this tour played significant roles in European history, serving as capitals or major centers for various empires and kingdoms
• They are all renowned for their vibrant cultural scenes, with a strong emphasis on arts, music, and history. Vienna is particularly famous for its classical music heritage, having been home to composers like Mozart and Beethoven
• Besides, all thes cities feature a great mix of historical architecture and are known for their beautiful natural surroundings

Day-By-Day Program:
 

Day 1   Tue          Arrive Vienna

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink (WD)

Day 2  Wed          Vienna, Sightseeing 

We begin the day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace.
We will then proceed to view the impressive Belvedere Palace, the vibrant Prater Amusement Park, and the renowned UN Buildings.
The afternoon is free to explore this imperial city at your own pace. In the evening enjoy a classical concert of Strauss and Mozart music (B)

Day 3   Thu          Vienna -to- Budapest  
After breakfast we leave Vienna for Budapest, the capital of hospitable Hungary. En route we drive through Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and then via the hungarian town of Esztergom (B,D)

Day 4   Fri          In Budapest, sightseeing

Today you will be introduced to the energetic & lively Budapest, often called the “Pearl of the Danube”. 
UNESCO ranks Budapest as one of the world’s most beautiful cities on the World Heritage list. 
After Vienna, Budapest was the second main city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Location of the city is quite unique: Budapest straddles a gentle curve on the Danube River: one third on the western bank is hilly Buda, and two thirds on the eastern bank is flat Pest. The two halves of the city are linked by the famous Chain Bridge (since 1849). 

Your sightseeing today features panoramic views of the city’s key attractions including the Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square and the breathtaking view of the city from Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is free to explore this exciting city on your own. 
Stroll along the banks of the Danube, shop along Vaci Utca, visit the historic Great Market Hall with its endless variety of delicious foods and wines or head to one of the city's famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip.
Or just indulge in a delicious slice of apple strudel in a street cafe. Overnight at hotel (B)

Day 5   Sat            To Krakow

Our journey today takes us through the scenic hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the majestic Tatras Mountains, and into the picturesque rolling plains of Poland. Overnight at hotel (B)

Day 6   Sun          In Krakow, sightseeing
Our morning sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, The Royal Castle and The Royal Cathedral.
Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town, the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church. The afternoon is free for you to go for a stroll, browse through shops, sample local delicacies (such as sernik or szarlotka), or simply relax (B)

Note: Due to narrow and cobbled streets, walking is the primary way of getting around. Please make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes

Day 7   Mon          Krakow-to-Warsaw
In the morning, join a tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the infamous concentration camp from World War II and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 
In late afternoon arrive in Warsaw, the stately capital of Poland (B,D)

Day 8   Tue          Explore Warsaw
As a symbol of Polish nationhood and resilience, Warsaw’s 700-year-old history holds great significance. The sightseeing tour includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace – the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture – known as The Wedding Cake. See the Saxon Gardens, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument of the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Continue with a walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, a stroll through the city, relaxing in one of the many parks or gardens, or perhaps an optional late afternoon Chopin concert (B)

Day 9   Wed          Depart Warsaw

After breakfast your tour ends. You will be transferred to Warsaw airport for your flight home (B)