Itinerary for: Budapest Krakow and Berlin 2012 (LBKB)
Day 1 : ARRIVE BUDAPEST (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Budapest - one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Hungary stands at the gateway of both Central and Eastern Europe and its impact on European history has been formidable. The enchanting River Danube splits the capital, Budapest, which boasts a wealth of fine architecture, parks, museums and memorable nightlife! Meet later with your travelling companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and trip briefing. Enjoy an evening orientation drive which will highlight the sights that await you.(Welcome Reception)
Accommodation : Hilton West End (Superior First Class)
Day 2 : BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
Admire the city’s magnificent landmarks on your sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide, including the Great Synagogue and Fishermen’s Bastion, with wonderful views over the Danube and Parliament. Visit Heroes’ Square and wander through the streets of Old Buda. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own or shopping for souvenirs.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 3 : BUDAPEST - KRAKOW (3 NIGHTS)
Traverse the beautiful Hungarian landscape and cross the border with Slovakia, which along with Hungary, was part of the former Habsburg Empire. Slovakia is dominated to the north by the impressive Tatras Mountains, which form a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Although considerably smaller than the Alps, the Tatras peaks are the highest in the Carpathian Mountains and are very popular in the winter months as a ski destination. Poland is an interesting country with a turbulent and tragic history. Over the centuries it has lost and regained its independence a number of times, returning to democracy in the late 1980s. It is also a country of stark contrasts, where the increasing influence of the West rubs shoulders with remnants of the communist era and echoes of its medieval heritage. Arrive later at your hotel in the picturesque city of Krakow and consider a polka party this evening!(Buffet Breakfast)
Accommodation : Park Inn (First Class)
Day 4 : KRAKOW SIGHTSEEING WITH AFTERNOON EXCURSION TO AUSCHWITZ
Krakow is a beautiful city, with wonderful examples of medieval architecture. Your guided small group sightseeing tour of the city includes the UNESCO World Heritage listed historical . Hear the story of the Archbishop of Krakow who later became Pope John Paul II – the first ever Slavic Pope. Admire the Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill and visit the Cloth Hall and Mariacki Church. This afternoon, uncover recent history when you visit Auschwitz concentration camp - a sombre reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Arrive back in Krakow in the late afternoon with time to relax. This evening, join your companions for a traditional Polish Be My Guest dining experience.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 5 : KRAKOW AT LEISURE
Today you are free to see the sights of Krakow on your own. You might like to take an optional excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, your Local Expert will take you on a walking tour through Kazimierz, the Jewish District that turned into a ghetto during the Second World War, where you will hear stories of Oskar Schindler. Don’t forget to sample ‘pierogi’ – delicious Polish dumplings stuffed with various ingredients. Your Travel Director will be happy to give advice on specific sights of interest that you might like to visit.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 6 : KRAKOW - BERLIN (3 NIGHTS)
Travel across Poland and over the German Border. Germany has a long and rich cultural history. Over the centuries it has produced a wealth of thinkers and geniuses including Einstein, Beethoven, Goethe, Bach, Luther, Marx, Nietsche and Brecht. Your destination, Berlin, enjoys a unique place in German history. After the second world war the city was divided into East and West by a wall. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and German reunification in 1990, the city once again became a centre for science, media, politics and culture. Tonight, why not discover the city’s vibrant nightlife?(Buffet Breakfast)
Accommodation : Novotel Berlin am Tiergarten (First Class)
Day 7 : BERLIN - SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE
See all the major landmarks on your expert guided sightseeing tour this morning including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the German State Opera House. Visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Spend free time this afternoon shopping on the Kurfürstendamm or exploring the city’s museums and galleries.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day 8 : BERLIN AT LEISURE
An entire day to explore the city with your included hop-on hop-off sightseeing ticket - it's the perfect way to get around and see the city. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day 9 : DEPART BERLIN
After a hearty breakfast, say goodbye to your newfound friends as your enlightening trip draws to a close. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)