DAYS 1 – 4Sofia, Bulgaria Arrive in Sofia on Day 2. For thousands of years Sofia has been a melting pot of the world. The Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Turks all have left cultural monuments reflecting their civilization. In the courtyard of your hotel is one of the city’s most celebrated treasures — the 4th-century Roman Church of St. George. Visit the city’s renowned sites, including the gold-domed Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral to view its celebrated frescoes; the National Museum of History which displays ancient Thracian gold treasures; and the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the National Gallery enjoy a thrilling performance of the Cosmic Voices Choir.
Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan, Sofia
DAYS 5 & 6Bucharest, Romania Fly from Sofia in mid-afternoon on Day 5 and enjoy a late afternoon tour of Bucharest. Enjoy a walking tour of the oldest part of town with its famous Roman concert hall and a visit to the Parliament House, considered the second largest building in the world. The next day enjoy a day trip to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain resort and home to the Peles Castle, a unique gothic edifice built in the 17th century.
Athenee Palace Hilton, Bucharest
DAYS 7 & 8Warsaw, Poland Fly to Warsaw and on the evening of your arrival you will be welcomed to the city with a private Chopin piano recital in the Royal Lazienki Park. Highlights of your visit to Warsaw include a tour of the Royal Castle, the Warsaw Uprising Museum with monuments to Ghetto Heroes, a walking tour of Old Town with its Barbican Market, the Chopin Monument and Belvedere Palace.
La Regina Hotel, Warsaw
DAYS 9 & 10Krakow On the way to Krakow, visit the Monastery of Jasna Gora, the third-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Continue to Auschwitz-Birkenau and visit the State Museum. On Day 10, enjoy morning and afternoon tours of the city including Old Town and the Wieliczka Salt Mines, a fascinating subterranean world of labyrinthine passages, sculptures and underground lakes.
Sheraton Krakow Hotel, Krakow
DAYS 11 – 14Prague, Czech Republic Arrive in Prague and be treated to an evening tour of the city by private chartered historic tram. A glittering jewel of art and architecture, Prague has a fairytale ambiance of gothic splendor. During World War II, Prague remained remarkably unscathed, so its architectural treasures and lovely lantern-lined streets seem preserved in time. Highlights of your visit will include the Old Town Square with its decorative clock built in 1490; Charles Bridge lined with baroque statues; the Jewish Quarter and its renovated synagogues; Prague Castle, home to Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia; and Strahov Monastery, where you will enjoy a music recital. Depart Prague on Day 14.
Four Seasons Hotel, Prague
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“Eastern Europe is incredibly rich in history and culture. Also, its people are brave and tenacious, as well as delightful.”
- Ann & Jim Bailey