Central Europe: Poland, Slovakia & Hungary

Gdańsk

Tag 1: Welcome to Poland!

You will be met by a professional driver at Gdańsk airport for a private transfer directly to your hotel.

The rest of the day is for you to relax, and spend at your leisure to get ready for the adventure ahead! 

Gdańsk - Gdansk Westerplatte - Sopot

Tag 2: Gdansk: Home of the Solidarity Movement

Today, you'll go on a memorable tour where among many attractions, you will visit the historical port town of Gdansk - the birthplace and home of the Solidarity Movement.

You will also be visiting the Cathedral, the famous Fountain of Neptune, Artus Court, Zuraw Gdanski as well as all the main city gates: the Crane Gate, Green, Golden and High one. Accompanied by your personal guide, you'll also visit Zuraw Gdanski, the harbor and the charming townhouses of Long Market (Dlugi Targ).

The Prison Tower, the Motlawa river and the most famous landmark of the city - St Mary’s Basilica are also scheduled for today.

Gdańsk - Malbork - Warszawa

Tag 3: Enjoy the Stalwart Malbork Castle

On the way to Poland’s capital city - Warsaw, you will visit the town of Malbork to see a great castle located there - a medieval fortress of the Teutonic Knights.

It is the largest castle in Poland, a proud member of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Malbork was the former capital of the Teutonic State.

This huge brick castle on the river, surrounded by belts of defensive walls with gates and towers, is definitely one of the most imposing medieval structures in Europe. After a tour of the castle and break for lunch you will continue your journey to Warsaw.

In Warsaw, you'll have dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel.

Warszawa

Tag 4: The city that survived and rose anew

Today, you will visit the Old and New Town, walk down Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, see the City Centre, Royal Baths Park (Lazienki), National Football Stadium, Park of the Fountains and Jewish Ghetto, as well as the Wilanow Palace and Gardens.

On this tour you will combine the aristocratic, 18th-century history of Poland with more contemporary landmarks. You will learn a lot about the history and culture of Poland’s capital, accompanied by your private guide. During the tour you will also enjoy a ‘royal’ lunch break at one of the best Polish restaurants located in the Royal Baths Park.

The evening is for you to unwind and spend at your leisure.

Warszawa - Zelazowa Wola - Krakow

Tag 5: Visit the world’s finest art and Frederick Chopin’s birthplace

Your tour today includes Frédéric Chopin’s birthplace in Zelazowa Wola. You will also visit a museum today – an amazing place full of history and music, then gaze at a baroque Palace in Nieborow, which will get you closer to the 17th century Polish aristocratic life. 

A trip to Niepokalanow with the monastery devoted to St Maksymilian Kolbe who sacrificed his life to rescue another prisoner’s life in Auschwitz is also planned. On the way back you will see a beautiful English style Garden in the village of Arkadia.

You will then depart for Krakow and arrive at your hotel at nightfall.

Krakow - Krakow Podgorze

Tag 6: Explore the royal city of Kralow

Today, you will go on a fascinating exploration of the charm and beauty of Krakow. 

You will enter the town through the medieval St Florian’s Gate - the same one that Polish kings passed through. Standing in the largest Main Square, with the centrally located Cloth Hall and the majestic St Mary’s Church, you will listen to the famous Krakow trumpet call, played every hour from its highest tower.

Walking down the former Royal Route, passing dozens of medieval townhouses and churches you will reach the Wawel Hill - a dignified former residence of Polish kings with the Royal Castle and Cathedral. Later, visit the synagogues, the former main square of the Jewish Quarter and many other amazing places in a former Kazimierz Jewish District.

In the evening, you are invited to a traditional Krakow folk dinner at one of the best restaurants.

Krakow - Oswiecim - Wieliczka

Tag 7: Explore Auschwitz and the Salt Mines

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you will head off to see the largest of the former Nazi German concentration camps - Auschwitz Birkenau.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial is included in the package, where you can honor the past and pay respect to history.

After lunch, go on a tour of the Salt Mine in Wieliczka. The Mine was inscribed onto the First UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage List in 1978. Every year it is visited by over one million tourists. It reaches a depth of 327 meters and the mine passage is almost 300 km long.

Krakow - Tyniec - Nowa Huta

Tag 8: Travel into the past of Poland

You'll visit the famous Kosciuszko Mound with a marvelous view of Krakow and the remains of an old fortress from the 19th century today. It was constructed in the memory of Poland’s national hero - Tadeusz Kosciuszko - the leader of the first armed resistance against the partitioning powers.

Afterwards, you'll visit the oldest monastery in Poland, the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, picturesquely located on the hill overlooking the Vistula river. Afterwards you will visit the Camaldolese Monastery, which emerges from the Silver Mountain forest like a shooting star. 

After lunch you'll visit the Lenin Steelworks, and wrap the visit up up with a private guided tour of Nowa Huta and coffee at the only preserved, original socialist-realist style restaurant in the area - Stylowa Restaurant.

Krakow - Wadowice - Zakopane

Tag 9: Follow the footsteps of John Paul II

The tour begins with a visit to Wadowice, the home town of John Paul II. Visit his house, before moving on to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, where there is a monastery of Friars Minor Observants  and a basilica with a miraculous icon of Our Lady of Kalwaria. The town has been recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.

Continue on to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki and gaze at a modern, newly built sanctuary devoted to John Paul II. 

At the end of the tour you will head to the town of Zakopane. 

Zakopane - Niedzica - Szczawnica

Tag 10: Enjoy the Polish mountain side

Today you will visit a charming UNESCO List inscribed wooden church in Debno and Niedzica Castle, which is picturesquely located on a hill overlooking the Czorsztynskie Lake.

Then go on a rafting adventure among the towering cliffs and the limestone rock formations in the breathtaking Pieniny Mountains.

After a tour of the most famous landmarks in Zakopane, you can go shopping at the Highlander market.

Chocholow - Oravski Podzamok - Piestany

Tag 11: Welcome to spectacular Slovakia

Before crossing the border into Slovakia, visit a preserved 19th century wooden Highlander house, as well as a regional carpenter's workshop. 

Kick off your tour with a visit to Orawski Castle. The impressive complex of castles in Slovakia built between the 13th and 17th centuries is picturesquely located on a very top of the limestone rock overlooking the Orava River. Next up is Vlkolinec - situated in the centre of Slovakia- a remarkably intact settlement of 45 traditional log houses. It is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Finish the day by relaxing at Piestany Spa Resort.

Piestany - Bratislava - Budapest

Tag 12: The secret beauty of Bratislava

After breakfast and some more time at Piestany Spa Resort, you'll stop in Bratislava on the way to Budapest.

During your private tour with a local guide you will see Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the entire city, the gothic St Martin Cathedral, the Town Hall - being the oldest one in Slovakia - and other famous sculptures and palaces.

Walk down the charming streets, reminiscent of the past and take some time to yourselves before you leave for Budapest.

Budapest

Tag 13: Budapest and its scintillating glory

Budapest is a UNESCO listed city. The Danube separates Buda from Pest. Start your day on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, where you will ascend via funicular to Castle Hill.

In the dignified Royal Palace here you will visit the Budapest History Museum. Afterwards you will walk along Buda’s charming streets to reach the Matthias Church. Outside the church there is a Fisherman’s Bastion from where you can admire a fantastic panorama of the city.

Your guided tour also includes the famous Gellert Hill with a numbers of monuments located there. After a guided tour, you can have lunch and enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Budapest

Tag 14: Sailing down the blue Danube

A private English speaking guide will take you today on a fantastic tour of the second part of this magnificent city - Pest. You will visit, among many other places, the Heroes’ Square and the Basilica of St. Stephen.

You'll also see the extraordinary Neo-Gothic Parliament, located on the Danube riverside, the enormous Central Synagogue (the largest one in Europe) and all the highlights of the Old Town.

After lunch you can take a fantastic 1-hour Danube River Cruise, which lets you see Budapest and the gorgeous Danube in all their beauty.

Budapest

Tag 15: Say 'Goodbye' to Budapest!

A professional driver will take you to the Budapest airport for your flight back home. Cherish your memories of Poland, Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest.

We wish you a safe flight home and hope you'll visit again soon!