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2017 Central Europe 16 Days

Germany - Poland - Slovakia - Hungary - Austria - Czech Republic

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our journey begins this evening with a departure for the west coast. Once the preliminary flight schedule is ready it will be displayed online at doldworldjourneys.com under the journey's page.

Day 2 Via Newark, New Jersey to Berlin, Germany.

To avoid long layovers, after our brief stop on the west coast we continue to the east coast for another comfortable break. Then it is a non-stop flight to Berlin, Germany.

Day 3 Arrival in Berlin, Germany.

Our arrival is in the early morning. After clearing customs formalities, we are met by our specially chosen European Tour Director, and transfer to the NH Berlin-Mitte Hotel, where we spend the next two nights. Our rooms will be ready for us to freshen up and rejuvenate. In the afternoon, all are welcomed to wander with Alex to help us acclimate. Tonight celebrate the start of our journey with a welcome dinner at our hotel. (D)

Day 4 Discovering Berlin.

Our guided sightseeing in this once-divided metropolis includes the Ku’damm, the restored Reichstag, a picture stop at monumental Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, Charlottenburg Palace, and the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park. We will also visit the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, drive along Unter den Linden Boulevard, and pass the German State Opera House and end our day at the famous Checkpoint Charlie.

This afternoon drive out to Potsdam for a stroll in the stunning gardens of Sanssouci Palace. This historical building was used by the allied heads of state US President Truman, the Soviet leader Stalin and British Prime ministers Churchill and Attlee in the summer of 1945 to discuss peace treaties and post-war-order. (B)

Day 5 Via Poznan, Poland to Warsaw.

After breakfast our coach takes us across the Polish border. Enjoy vistas of rural life in the fertile central plains and take a break in historic Poznan, with its charming City Hall and Gothic Churches. We continue to Warsaw where we spend the next two nights at the Sofitel Victoria. (B), (D)

Day 6 Exploring Warsaw.

Our Local Guide will explain to us about the tormented, often tragic history of this important gateway city between East and West. We'll see the medieval Stare Miasto (Old Quarter) with its market square and 14th-century Cathedral of St. John, the “wedding cake” Palace of Culture and Science, neoclassical Lazienki Palace, and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. As a special treat we attend a private Chopin Concert. (B)

Day 7 Via Czestochowa and Auschwitz to Krakow.

A fascinating morning is in store for us as we visit the beautiful Jasna Gora, a Paulite Monastery near Czestochowa, and admire its portrait of Our Lady The Black Madonna. Supposedly the painting is done by St. Luke, the evangelist. Venerated as the “Queen of Poland,” this painting has become the country’s national symbol.

In contrast we step back into a dark history with a stop in Auschwitz to visit what is left of the Concentration Camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Krakow for our two night stay at the Best Western Plus Q. (B), (D)

Day 8 Experiencing Krakow.

Our morning guided sightseeing in ancient Krakow features a visit to St. Mary's Church. Take pictures of the impressive Wawel Royal Castle, and drive past the Oskar Schindler Factory. Then enjoy a walking tour of Kazimierz Quarter where we visit the area where scenes of the movie Schindler’s List were filmed, the Remuh Synagogue, and the Jewish cemetery.

In the afternoon, we explore Europe's oldest salt mine and considered to be one of the world's wonders. The Wieliczka Salt Mine's attractions include dozens of impressive statues and an entire chapel that has been hand carved out of the rock by the miners. Tonight we savor a delicious Polish dinner and folklore show. (B), (D)

Day 9 Via Donovaly, Slovakia to Budapest, Hungry.

Today a scenic drive through the heart of mountainous and densely wooded Slovakia, where brown bears still roam free, brings us to Donovaly, a popular ski-resort in the Tatra Mountains. Here lunch has been specially prepared for us. Continue to the twin towns of Buda and Pest, proud capital of Hungary. This evening, we may wish to join an optional private dinner cruise on the Danube River, the perfect introduction to this fascinating city. Two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott City Center. (B), (L)

Day 10 Savoring Budapest.

Our Local Guide takes us through Central Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. View the elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Later we visit the 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church and Heroes’ Square. The rest of the day is at leisure. Alex and our Tour Director will be available to make the best of our stay. Tonight, we savor a delectable Hungarian specialty dinner. (B), (D)

Day 11 To Vienna, Austria.

Today we drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet our local guide and start our sightseeing with vistas of Prater park with its giant Ferris wheel. Then, drive along the elegant Ringstrasse. Pass the impressive State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz, and visit awesome St. Stephen's Cathedral. Our next two nights are at the Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen. (B)

Day 12 Excursion to Bratislava, Slovakia.

After breakfast we drive to Bratislava, the economic and political center of the Slovakian Republic. Here we enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the castle while strolling with our local expert through the streets of the medieval Old Town. Visit the gothic St. Martin's Cathedral or the Primate's Palace and shop on the main square. In the afternoon we return to Vienna with time to experience a Mozart and Strauss concert and/or venture out with Alex. (B)

Day 13 Via Telc, Czech Republic to Prague.

Our coach crosses the Czech border and enters Moravia. We stop in one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, Telc, where a special lunch with local specialties awaits us. In the afternoon, continue through the rich farmlands of Moravia and Bohemia to Prague and Andel's By Vienna House, our home for the next two nights. Tonight is our chance to join an optional outing to explore Prague by night. (B), (L), (D)

Day 14 Discovering Prague.

Our guided sightseeing in this golden university city includes a visit to Hradcany Castle Grounds. Also view St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe. The balance of our day is free to do as we please. Alex and our Tour Director will have some suggestions. (B)

Day 15 Via Dresden, Germany to Berlin.

We re-enter Germany and stop in Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Often referred to as the "Florence on the Elbe," this city was badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945 and has since been restored to its baroque splendor. During our walking tour, admire the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera. Next, return to Berlin, where we savor a special farewell at a local restaurant including wine and good company. NH Berlin-Mitte. (B), (D)

Day 16 To Honolulu.

Vivid memories of a historical European experience are with us as we basically retrace our original flight schedule to return home. Our flight arrives in Honolulu in the late evening. (B)