Majestic Cities of Central & Eastern Europe
Overview
Experience the best of Central and Eastern Europe where history meets fairy-tale charm. Enjoy multi-night stays, immerse yourself in local culture, and savor authentic traditional flavors in Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Krakow. Explore the highlights of the region, such as the Schönbrunn Palace, the House of Terror Museum, and the Thermal Baths of Budapest. Discover Krakow's Old Town and visit Auschwitz for a poignant reminder of the past. Come and embrace the history, culture, and beauty of Central and Eastern Europe.
Collette
You're not just going on tour; you’re having a travel experience!
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across hundreds of destinations across the world.
Family owned Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you must do is enjoy the adventure!
Why choose Collette Tours?
- When Collette says guaranteed, we mean a guaranteed departure.
- 24/7 Emergency Services
- Be immersed with fewer one-night stays and more 2 – 3 – 4 night stays.
- 5-Star Touring with 4-Star Plus Accommodation
- Includes both the must-sees and unique local experiences - not one or the other.
- Culinary Immersion dining at local restaurants unique to each region
- Location, Quality & Uniqueness of Accommodation staying in a grand castle, picturesque villa, glass igloo, private yacht, safari lodge, French chateau and more.
*Advertised price based on 31 March 2025 departure, correct as of 18 October 2024.
Inclusions
Your Tour Includes
- 12-night fully guided tour with Collette
- 19 Meals,12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners
- Visit the House of Terror Museum to learn about Hungarian history -OR- indulge in the famous Thermal Baths of Budapest, one of the largest spa baths in Europe.
Must-See Inclusions
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.
- Come to know the lively nature of Krakow’s well-preserved Old Town.
- Explore the best of both, East and West Berlin.
Cultural Experiences
- Learn from a Berliner their experiences living in East Germany prior the fall of the Wall.
- Be whisked by train from Prague to “The City of Music” – Vienna, Austria.
- Take a poignant journey through history at the camps of Auschwitz.
- Discover the 2 sides of Hungary’s capital, Buda and Pest, alongside a local expert.
Culinary Inclusions
- Join local residents for a community hosted dinner in Dunaalmas.
- Learn the secrets of Viennese confectionery during a candy-making demonstration.
- Dine at the famous Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with rich Viennese tradition.
- Choose from a selection of different venues in Prague for Diner’s Choice.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Berlin, Germany - Tour Begins
Arrive in Germany’s capital city of Berlin, a blend of deep-rooted history, modern flare and multi-cultural influences. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner
Day 2 - Berlin
This morning, meet with a Berliner to learn about life in communist East Germany before the fall of Berlin Wall. Later, see many of the sights discussed when you explore with your local guide. Come to know Berlin’s rich history through the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfürstendamm and the Reichstag Building. Finish your city tour by walking through the area that was once “Checkpoint Charlie” and see what remains of the Berlin Wall. This afternoon complete your Berlin guided tour by visiting West Berlin.
Breakfast
Day 3 - Berlin - Dresden - Prague, Czech Republic
Depart for Prague this morning, the “City of a Thousand Spires.” En route, make a stop in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. Meet a local guide for a tour highlighting its’ baroque splendour and architectural treasures such as Frauenkirche, the Cathedral of our Lady and the Royal Palace. Enjoy time on your own to explore this lovely town on the banks of the River Elbe. After arriving in Prague, personalise your evening with Diner’s Choice, choosing from a selection of different venues. Perhaps you’ll enjoy traditional cuisine at a folklore show, discover the city through its craft beer and food scene, or opt for classic Czech cuisine in a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 - Prague
Your introduction to this fairy-tale city opens with a visit to the remarkable Prague Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue with a leisurely walking tour through the Old Town, showcasing the Golden Lane, the unique Astronomical Clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Learn about the poignant history held in Prague’s Jewish Quarter when you pass the Old Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue. The afternoon is yours to enjoy Prague as you wish!
Breakfast
Day 5 - Prague - Vienna, Austria
This morning, hop on a train and depart for your next adventure to Vienna, the “musical city.” After a short orientation drive through the city, your afternoon is at leisure. Later, enjoy an evening in one of Vienna's most beloved restaurants, the Marchfelderhof, an iconic restaurant with rich Viennese tradition where dinner mixes with local cultural flavour to create an unforgettable night.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 - Vienna
This morning, experience the city of Vienna on a tour highlighting some of its architectural marvels, including the lavish Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. Learn more about Vienna’s sweet confectionary history when you visit a candy workshop where candies are still being made according to traditional recipes dating back over 150 years. After time for lunch on your own in this beautiful city, participate in one of its most treasured traditions during a Viennese Waltz lesson before sampling coffee and cake in a Viennese café.
Breakfast
Day 7 - Vienna - Bratislava, Slovakia - Budapest, Hungary
Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque countryside enroute to Budapest. Make a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Get to know the city’s 4,000-year-old history during a short walking tour before taking time to enjoy lunch on your own. Continue through the Hungarian countryside to the Village of Dunaalmas. Connect with the villagers and learn how to make a traditional strudel before joining a community-hosted dinner. Continue on to lovely Budapest, a city divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite bank.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8 - Budapest
The beautiful city of Budapest is yours to discover. This morning a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill with a special stop at Heroes' Square, a unique monument to the many diverse leaders of Hungary. This evening, perhaps you’ll take in the essence of the region during an optional dinner followed by a cruise to view Budapest’s stunning night skyline.
Breakfast
Day 9 - Budapest
This morning, it’s your choice! Choose to visit the House of Terror Museum and Memorial and gain an important perspective of 20th-century Hungarian history -OR- indulge in the famous Thermal Baths of Budapest,* one of the largest spa baths in Europe. This afternoon is yours to uncover “the Queen of the Danube” however you wish.
Breakfast
Day 10 - Budapest - Banská Bystrica, Slovakia - Krakow, Poland
Take in the picturesque landscapes en route to Poland. Make a stop for lunch in Banska Bystrica, a historic town nestled on the banks of the Hron River with architecture dating back to the middle ages. Your home for the next three nights is the lively city of Krakow, a historic city offering old world charm. This evening, get to know traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner featuring local cuisine.
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 - Krakow - Auschwitz - Krakow
Discover Krakow’s historic Old Town on a city tour complete with stops at the Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the university. You’ll also view Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. This afternoon, embark on a poignant journey through history as you travel to the camps of Auschwitz.** A local expert guides you through the former concentration camp, where you will learn about the sobering history and resilience of the human spirit. The evening is yours to spend it as you wish.
Breakfast
Day 12 - Krakow
The morning is yours to enjoy the city on your own. Consider joining an optional excursion to the Jewish district of Kazimierz. Tonight, toast to the end of this memorable trip as you sit down for your farewell dinner at a Jewish restaurant, feeling connected to the cultures and traditions of Central & Eastern Europe.
Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 - Krakow - Tour Ends
Breakfast
Your tour comes to a close today.
Optional Extras
Pre Night Stay
Hotel-Arcotel John F
$155.00 per person
Budapest by Night
Day 8 | Budapest
$133.00 per person
Discover Jewish Krakow
Day 12 | Krakow
$70.00 per person
