K681 ~ VIENNA TO WARSAW

On a morning sightseeing tour, visit Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and view Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and other reminders of the city's history. Your afternoon is at leisure to discover more on your own, or perhaps enjoy a pastry. (B)

Travel east and cross the border into Hungary. Continue through the Trans Danubius region, reaching Budapest with time to relax before dinner. (B, D)

Situated on the opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of the Parliament, Royal Palace and Castle Hill area, Heroes' Square, and Gellert Hill with its Citadel, plus visit the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own. (B)

The road to Krakow winds through the hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the Tatras Mountains and into the great plains of Poland. Upon arrival in Krakow, the second largest city in Poland, relax over dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Your sightseeing tour starts at Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral.
Next, take a walking tour of the Old Town, to see the Main Market Square and Renaissance Cloth Hall, and visit St. Mary's Church. The afternoon is free to discover more, shop, or relax over a pierogi or coffee and cake. (B)

This morning join on a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a concentration camp from World War II and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the picture of the "Black Madonna." In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland's capital city, Warsaw. (B, D)

This 700-year-old capital is a symbol of Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route, from 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, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Continue with a walking tour of the Old Town, the Old Market Square, and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, relaxing, a stroll through the city, or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)