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A
JOURNEY OF CLASSICAL EASTERN EUROPE
Countries
visited: Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany & Czech Republic |
 |
Eastern
Europe offers a distinct and varied picture of Europe - one
of magnificent castles, majestic palaces, beautiful mountains,
rivers, lakes, gardens in addition to a unique variety of
distinct cultures and friendly people. This tour covering
six World Heritage Sites provides one with an enriched understanding
of the people, architecture, delicious cuisines and rich
medieval and post medieval history in Eastern Europe.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
North America |
|
02
|
Arrive Vienna |
| 03 |
Vienna |
|
04
|
Vienna / Budapest |
|
05
|
Budapest |
|
06
|
Budapest / Krakow |
|
07
|
Krakow |
|
08
|
Krakow / Warsaw |
|
09
|
Warsaw |
|
10
|
Warsaw / Berlin |
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11
|
Berlin |
|
12
|
Berlin / Prague |
|
13
|
Prague |
| 14 |
Depart Prague |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| Austria |
|
|
Historic center of Vienna (2001) |
Vienna developed from early Celtic and Roman
settlements into a Medieval and Baroque city, the capital of
the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It played an essential role as
a leading European music centre, from the great age of Viennese
Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. The
historic centre of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles,
including Baroque castles and gardens, as well as the late-19th-century
Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks. |
| Hungary |
|
| Budapest,
banks of Danube & Buda
Castle (1987, 2002) |
This site has the remains of monuments such as
the Roman city of Aquincum and the Gothic castle of Buda, which
have had a considerable influence on the architecture of various
periods. It is one of the world's outstanding urban landscapes
and illustrates the great periods in the history of the Hungarian
capital. |
| Poland |
|
| Historic
center of Krakow (1978) |
The historic centre of Cracow, the former capital of Poland,
is situated at the foot of the Royal Wawel Castle. The 13th-century
merchants' town has Europe's largest market square and numerous
historical houses, palaces and churches with their magnificent
interiors. Further evidence of the town's fascinating history
is provided by the remnants of the 14th-century fortifications
and the medieval site of Kazimierz with its ancient synagogues
in the southern part of town, Jagellonian University and the
Gothic cathedral where the kings of Poland were buried. |
| Auschwitz (1979) |
The fortified walls, barbed wire, platforms,
barracks, gallows, gas chambers and cremation ovens show the
conditions within which the Nazi genocide took place in the
former concentration and extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau,
the largest in the Third Reich. According to historical investigations,
1.5 million people, among them a great number of Jews, were
systematically starved, tortured and murdered in this camp,
the symbol of humanity's cruelty to its fellow human beings
in the 20th century. |
| Historic
center of Warsaw (1980) |
During
the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944, more than 85% of Warsaw's
historic centre was destroyed by Nazi troops. After the war,
a five-year reconstruction campaign by its citizens resulted
in today's meticulous restoration of the Old Town, with its
churches, palaces and market-place. It is an outstanding
example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history
covering the 13th to the 20th century. |
| Czech
Republic |
|
| Historic
center of Prague (1992) |
Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Old Town,
the Lesser Town and the New Town speak of the great architectural
and cultural influence enjoyed by this city since the Middle
Ages. The many magnificent monuments, such as Hradcani Castle,
St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and numerous churches and
palaces, built mostly in the 14th century under the Holy Roman
Emperor, Charles IV. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Fri: Depart North America
We begin our classical journey as we hope aboard on our flights
from gateway cities heading off to the European capital of
Vienna.
Day 02 Sat: Arrive Vienna
Welcome to Vienna - the “City of Waltz”. We are warmly received and
transferred to our hotel. Plenty of time to relax before meeting our fellow travelers
and the Tour Director at the welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Renaissance, Vienna (2 nights) (D)
Day 03 Sun: Vienna
On our morning sightseeing tour, we will visit the Hofburg Palace, once the seat
of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater amusement
park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral and other vivid reminders of
the city's imperial history. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 04 Mon: Vienna / Budapest
Today, travel east and cross the border to Hungary. Continue through the Transdanubian
region, reaching Budapest just in time to relax before dinner.
Overnight: Mercure Korona, Budapest (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05 Tue: Budapest
Situated on the opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda
and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Our morning sightseeing
tour includes views of the outstanding Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Castle
Hill area, the Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, the Heroes' Square and Gellert
Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting
city on your own. (B)
Day 06 Wed: Budapest / Krakow
The road to Krakow winds through the lovely hills and countryside of Slovakia,
past the Tatras Mountains and into the great plains of Poland. A relaxing dinner
in Krakow is planned upon arrival.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson SAS or Holiday Inn (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 07 Thu: Krakow
Our sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal
Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town
where you will visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary's
Church. The afternoon is free for a stroll around the city. (B)
Day 08 Fri: Krakow / Warsaw
This morning we have an option to join a trip to one of the most somber memorials
of the past, Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Later, journey to Czestochowa and
visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin
Mary popularly called the "Black Madonna". In the late afternoon, arrive
in Poland's capital city, Warsaw.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson SAS / Holiday Inn, Warsaw (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 09 Sat: Warsaw
The 700 years old capital is a symbol of the Polish nationhood and the will
to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along
the
famous Royal Route from the magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace,
the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science
and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto
and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, the Old Market
Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for relaxing,
shopping, and a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin
concert. (B)
Day10 Sun: Warsaw / Berlin
Stop in Poznan for an orientation tour, and then continue to Berlin, today's
final destination.
Overnight: Hotel Berlin or Excelsior, Berlin (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 11 Mon: Berlin
Our morning sightseeing tour features the Reichstag, the Renaissance building
that once housed Germany's Parliament, and the lovely Schloss Charlottenburg.
The tour continues through the city to view famous sights such as the Opera,
the Schiller Theater and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The afternoon is
free to explore this once divided city on your own. (B)
Day 12 Tue: Berlin / Prague
This morning, continue our journey via Dresden, the beautiful Saxony Baroque
city. On your orientation tour, view Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House. Afterwards,
continue to Prague, the Capital of Czech Republic.
Overnight: Hotel Diplomat, Prague (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 13 Wed: Prague
Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago and spread over both banks of the
river Vltava, Prague is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Your city
tour starts with a panoramic drive to the famous Wenceslas Square, the Strahov
Stadium and the Castle Square. On a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany,
St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Loretto Church. Cross the Charles Bridge
and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Ghetto, the Town
Hall and the world famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free. An
optional visit to a cultural performance will be available. (B)
Day 14 Thu: Depart Prague
After an interesting journey through Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany & Czech
Republic we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our departure.
(B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
|
2008
May 18
& 30,
Jun 13 & 27*, Jul 11* *
25*, Aug 08*& 22*, Sep 05*
& 19 & Oct 03
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
3675 |
775 |
*
High season surcharge add $155
** For West Coast departures add $155 on the
low season and high season surcharge, if applicable.
Note:
If you are doing your own international air, please deduct
$930 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- International air from Eastern USA/Canadian gateway
cities
- Accommodation as mentioned or similar
- Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast,
D=Dinner)
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Services of local English speaking guides
- Entrance fees at sites
|
- Departure
airport taxes
- Visa
fee (if any) and insurance
- Tips
/ Gratuities
|
| Estimated
International Airfare( INCLUDED in tour price ) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 20
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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