ABOUT CENTRAL EUROPE

Central Europe is a region forming the heart of Europe. It is a large and important region stretching from the Baltic and North Sea in the north to the Adriatic in the south. It includes the fabled mountain range of the Alps which acts a transition zone between the Latin, Germanic and Slavic cultures. Central European countries have their own unique points and specifics, be these in the field of architecture, art, religion, folklore and traditions or nature. They offer several unique UNESCO monuments, world famous spas, authentically preserved historical towns and places of natural beauty. Some of the Star cities in Central Europe are Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Dresden, Munich, Prague, Salzburg and Vienna. With Schengen breaking down many borders Central European cities offer an unforgettable travel experience introducing us the diverse cultural assets and making the vacation most memorable experience.

CLIMATE

Climate in Central Europe is of continental type. From April - June and mid August - October the temperatures reach about 20 - 25°C. July and August satisfy hot weather lovers, when temperatures reach up to 30 - 35°C. At this time, many people have their holidays and some places may be a bit crowded. In the mountain areas the weather is usually cooler. Winter months between October and April are chilly and often snowy. They are ideal times for the exploration of historical cities (Prague, Vienna, Krakow, Budapest and Bratislava); these places are busy and crowded all year round. September is the best time to visit the wine harvest celebrations.

Average Temperatures

Time Difference: Central Europe: 4½ hours behind IST

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive Vienna
Welcome to Vienna. On arrival you will be met by our local representative at the arrival terminal and transferred to the hotel for your check in. In the afternoon proceed for a visit to the amusement park for attractions and ride, as well as Vienna Eye view from a Ferro ring. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 02: Vienna City Tour
Today after breakfast at the hotel proceed for Vienna Historical City Tour with Schonbrunn Palace visit. The tour gives you a thorough overview of Vienna's most significant historical sites and focuses on the famous Schonbrunn Palace. You'll also see the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural History. The Hofburg is another highlight, the famous residence of Empress Elizabeth, affectionately known as Sisi to the Austrians. Plus you'll see a lot of other fine buildings, including the Parliament, City Hall, the Burgtheater, the University and the Votive Church, Maria Theresa, your tour ends by the Südtiroler Platz. Overnight in Vienna.

Day 03: Vienna - Bratislava - Budapest
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel as you proceed to travel to Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. On the way you will visit Bratislava some of the main attractions in Bratislava Presidential Palace, National Theatre, unique Art Nouveau church, Castle & Napoleon’s Hill, St. Michael´s Gate and St. Martin´s Cathedral Check into your hotel on arrival and later in the evening take an optional Danube river cruise or Folklore show Overnight in Budapest.

Day 04: Budapest City tour
Today after breakfast enjoy a half day Budapest city tour. The Grand City Sightseeing tour makes the perfect introduction for the first time visitor. Your travel will take you across the Danube on the Margaret Bridge, show you the House of Parliament, the Royal Castle, Fisherman's Bastion and much more. You will cross the Danube on the Margaret Bridge (Margaret Island) and drive to the Royal Castle on the Buda side. Here you will visit the Fishermen's Bastion (Promenade) and the Matthias Church (Interior visit. You will also climb the Gellert Hill for fantastic photo opportunities of the city before crossing Elizabeth Bridge and driving by the City Park towards Heroes' square (Promenade). Passing by the Opera and St. Stephen's Basilica you reach hotel. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 05: Budapest - Szentendre - Esztergom – Visegrád - Budapest
This morning after breakfast at the Hotel proceed for an excursion into Hungary’s history – we will take you to Visegrád, the former Royal Residence and to Esztergom (Center of the Catholic Church) after the interior visit of the Cathedral and having Leisure time or Hungarian restaurant, we will carry on to the Baroque Artists’ Village Szentendre (guided walk). Enter into the spirit of the countryside as it was at the end of the 19th century. Handicraft masters work in the houses and yards, sheep bleat in the detached farmstead, the water mill is crushing grain, and the delicious smell of strudel comes from the bakery…The buildings are arranged just like they were in the original villages, and you can get to know the daily lives of adults and children through the objects they used. You will visit the magnificent Caprice Hungarian Jewellery Center before returning to Budapest. Overnight in Budapest.

Day 06: Budapest – Zakopane
After breakfast, check out of your hotel as you proceed to travel to Zakopane- Poland. The journey is about 6 hours and on the way you will see natural beauty and panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. Zakopane is one of Poland’s prime tourist destinations. The town and its stunning scenic surroundings are located in the Tatrzanski National Park, at the heart of the magnificent Tatra Mountains, surrounding valleys and peaks. Zakopane is also well known for its unique wooden architecture, style of decoration and tasty regional dishes. The tour starts with a ride by the funicular railway to Gubalowka Mountain (1123 m above the sea level) from which you can admire panorama of the Tatras, later visit the market at the foot of Gubalowka, then walk around the town looking at the charming wooden architecture. Overnight in Zakopane.

Day 07: Zakopane - Krakow City Tour
Today after breakfast at the hotel, check-out, as you will travel to Krakow city. For over a thousand years, Krakow has been the center of science, culture and art in Poland. Come and see for yourself, boarding the Krakow City Sightseeing Tour. You’ll see the Wawel Castle and Cathedral, the Rynek Glowny (Main Market) Square and St Mary’s Church. It’s a fine introduction to this historic city! Your tour begins with a short walk along the streets of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. Next, Wawel Hill, crowned by Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral and the seat of royal power up until the 17th century. A walk up Grodzka street leads you to the heart of Krakow, the Rynek Glowny or the Main Market Square. The large Gothic Cloth Hall is the perfect place to shop for local souvenirs. The last sightseeing stop is the twin-spired St Mary’s Church with its famous medieval altar by Wit Stwosz and where every hour the brave trumpeter of Krakow still calls out his warning. Overnight in Krakow.

Day 08: Krakow Salt Mine tour
This morning after breakfast at the hotel enjoy a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow. Your guided tour takes you from 210 to 440 feet (64 to 135 meters) underground, passing through galleries and chambers on three levels. The guided walk consists of 20 monumental chambers joined. Entering the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you’ll descend a 380-step staircase to Level 1, this walk is not strenuous and can be undertaken in ordinary footwear. The last stop on your visit to the mine is the souvenir shop and snack bar. From there the lift carries you back to the surface. Overnight in Krakow.

Day 09: Krakow – Prague
Today after breakfast at the hotel, check-out as you proceed your travel to Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, on the way you will visit a Wine yard or Beer factory, located in the south. Overnight in Prague.

Day 10: Prague – City Tour
After breakfast at the hotel you proceed for the Prague Grand City Sightseeing tour which provides a superb introduction to this beautiful city. This sightseeing excursion is part by coach, part on foot (as many of the most interesting areas of Prague are pedestrianized). A 90 minute guided walk through the Prague Castle complex to discover the major sights within. Admire the grandeur of Saint Vitus Cathedral, the architecture of the Old Royal Palace, and enjoy stunning views over the whole of Prague. From Prague Castle we head for the river, for a stroll across Charles Bridge, and for more wonderful views of the city. We then continue our Prague tour with a walk through the Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square at its heart, Lesser Town (Mala Strana) the historic Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square. En-route, we learn the origins of one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world. Overnight in Prague.

Day 11 Prague – Karlovy Vary – Prague
This morning after breakfast at the hotel enjoy a full day sightseeing tour, departing at 08:45 to Karlovy Vary, the foremost spa town in the Czech Republic. From Prague hotel you drive for about two hours to reach Karlovy Vary, which is located near the German border. The spa town was built during the middle Ages after the discovery of hot mineral springs. Famous past visitors include the Russian tsar Peter the Great and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Both praised the healing effects of the mineral springs. 12 hot springs are currently in use. The best known spring is Vridlo, which belches its curative water to a height of 17m. Our walking tour of Karlovy Vary includes a taste of these waters. After lunch, you visit the Moser glass factory. The Czech Republic is well-known for its beautiful crystal and Moser glass is amongst the finest. Visit the workshops to observe the glassmaking process and maybe even try out some glass-blowing! Overnight in Prague.

Day 12: Depart Prague
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.