DAY 2 Budapest

Budapest is actually two cities separated by the Danube. The old city of Buda and the imposing Royal Palace, dominates the city with stunning views across the Danube to the commercial heart of Pest. Our panoramic city tour by coach includes the Castle District, St. Mathias Church and Fishermen’s Bastion. We will also visit the Parliament with an audio-guided tour and have a private tour of the Opera House with drinks reception.

After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure – stroll along the banks of the Danube or perhaps head to one of the city’s famous thermal baths for a rejuvenating dip.

DAY 4 Krakow

Once a royal capital with an extraordinary history, and now a lively university town with fashionable bars and restaurants, Krakow is a fascinating city with beautiful monuments and an exuberant atmosphere.

This morning the train makes a scheduled stop at Oswiecim, the station for Auschwitz-Birkenau where we will make a 2-hour visit to the location of the evocative concentration camp and museum. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site we embark upon a deeply moving guided tour which stands as a stark reminder of the horrors that took place here. Today, Auschwitz-Birkenau is preserved as a museum allowing visitors to reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust and learn of the camp’s history. (For ticketing purposes please advise at the time of booking if you wish to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau)

From here we will continue by coach into the centre of stunning Krakow, where we will enjoy lunch in the Old Town.

Also today we will visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a unique venue full of chambers excavated and sculpted in rock salt. Descend the 360 steps in to the mines and be amazed at the devotion of the miners who carved the incredible Chapel of Salt, a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

For guests not wishing to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau or Wielicza Salt Mine, a guided walking tour of Krakow’s Old Town including Wawel Royal Castle and the Jewish Quarter will be offered.

DAY 6 MALBORK & GDANSK

This morning we visit Malbork whose castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the seat of the Teutonic State from 1280. Teutonic Knights originally built a fortified monastery here, later known as the Upper Castle. In the 13^th century a huge brick fortress was completed and stands overlooking the River Nogat. The museum houses valuable collections of artistic amber wares, old weapons, and military equipment.

We return to the train for lunch and continue our journey through Poland towards Gdansk. The coastal region of Poland has an important place in Polish consciousness as a key location at the start of World War Two in September 1939. This is also where the famous Solidarity independent trade union movement started in 1980 for the protection of worker’s rights, which later became the symbol of resistance against the government and where the fall of Communism in Central Europe began.

We spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront shipbuilding city of Gdansk. Our visit will include a tour of the remarkable European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk, which presents the 20th century history of the political changes leading to the collapse of communism and the Soviet Union. We also enjoy a beautiful organ concert at Oliwa Cathedral and a visit to Dlugi Targ (Long Market), one of the most beautiful streets of old Gdansk.

DAY 8 Dresden & Prague

This morning we arrive in the city of Dresden, located in the region of Saxony. Following its destruction in World War Two and stagnation behind the Iron Curtain, Dresden has now been restored to its former enchanting glory, with baroque architecture, rococo palaces and an amazing array of Renaissance art. As part of our morning city tour, we delve into the 700-year history of the iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), a symbol of Dresden’s remarkable rebirth. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to resilience, its stunning Baroque design meticulously restored to its former glory.

Our journey through Dresden’s rich heritage continues with a visit to the magnificent Dresden Castle, an extraordinary landmark steeped in history and grandeur. For those who wish, there will also be an opportunity to pause for a refreshment at the elegant Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden, where a warm beverage can be savoured in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication.

We return to the train for a late lunch as we head to the Czech Republic for a late afternoon arrival in Prague.

Prague is one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. It spans the Vltava River and is dominated by the 9th century Prague Castle, a stunning sight that can be seen almost anywhere in the city. Our tour takes in the Old Town Square with its many historic buildings and Astronomical Clock, the historic 14th century Charles Bridge and the Jewish Quarter.

Early evening, we will visit the stunning art nouveau Municipal House where there will be chance to experience a spectacular opera performance followed by a sumptuous dinner in the restaurant.

DAY 10 Salzburg

Today we explore Salzburg, starting at Mirabell Palace located in the heart of the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the baroque 17th century palace is easily one of the most stunning landmarks in the city and made famous in more modern times as a location used in The Sound of Music.

A short distance from the palace on Market Square (Marketplatz) we will see the former Mozart Residence, now a museum. From here we will cross the Makartsteg bridge into the Old Town and walk along the Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s most famous street which is renowned for its wrought-iron trade signs and the birthplace of Mozart.

For more than 400 years Hellbrunn Palace has enchanted its visitors with its ‘trick’ fountains. The idyllic location in the south of Salzburg served as a summer retreat for the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. Its baroque exterior conceals an exuberant interior made for entertaining, though the real draws are the whimsical trick fountains (Wasserspiele) in the gardens, which spew water from unexpected places.

DAY 12 Vienna

Following breakfast on the final morning you will be transferred to the airport for onward flight departures. There is also an option to extend your stay in Vienna for additional nights to explore more of this fascinating city.