Bavarian Highlights

Learn about Central Europe’s rich history and see its historical sites as you travel through the heart of Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. One of the highlights of this Central Europe tour is a drive along Germany’s Romantic Road with its charming villages, cobblestone streets, walled cities, and scenic countryside. You’ll stop in two of them: Nördlingen, a walled medieval town that sits in the valley created by a meteor, and picturesque Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its medieval character. Another highlight is a visit to Jasna Góra, the monastery near Czestochowa, an important pilgrimage spot. Its Black Madonna, a painting of the Virgin Mary, is a symbol of the country and venerated as the "Queen of Poland." While in Poland, you'll also stop in Auschwitz to visit what is left of the concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Sightseeing with a Local Guide—a local expert who knows the history, culture, and secrets of the city—is included in Berlin, Warsaw, Kraków, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. Sights you’ll see during your city tours include Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, dating to 1791; Budapest’s Heroes' Square, representing 1,000 years of Hungarian history, Prague’s Charles Bridge, dating to 1357 and one of Europe’s oldest stone bridges, and the Astronomical Clock, built in 1410; and the Imperial city center of Vienna, the city of the Hapsburgs. . In Kraków, Poland’s most beautiful city and cultural capital, see the charming Market Square, and Wawel Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Poland’s royalty. All of this,—plus stops in Weimar and Poznan and more —are included on this fabulous, value-minded Central Europe tour.

Spectacular scenery, medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, a fascinating history, and world-class beer…this is Germany! On this Germany tour, you'll see Germany's highlights and visit its most famous cities, as well as its medieval towns and scenic areas. Your holiday begins and ends in Frankfurt with overnights also in the Rhineland, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg, Munich, and the Black Forest area. Magnificent scenery awaits you on this value-minded Germany holiday. Enjoy a cruise on the Rhine River, passing castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, and pretty wine towns. In Bavaria, visit King Ludwig II's 19th-century Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled high in the Alps. Drive along the Romantic Road with its charming villages, cobblestone streets, walled cities, half-timbered houses, and scenic countryside, and stop in Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its medieval character. Finally, enjoy Germany's lush Black Forest region, named because the forest is so thick, people called it black. Among the tour highlights are: the famous gothic cathedral in Cologne—known for its twin-steepled towers—that was started in 1248 and completed in 1880; Lübeck, a Hanseatic city and UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century and Veste Coburg Castle, built in 1225 and one of Germany’s largest castle complexes. Today, the complex houses the former art collections of the dukes of Coburg. You’ll also enjoy sightseeing of the must-see sights in the cities, including Munich’s Marienplatz, the main square in the city that hosts the Oktoberfest beer festival. In Dresden, see the Zwinger Carillon Pavilion, where the 40 bells of the glockenspiel sound every quarter of an hour. From the beautiful scenery and exciting cities to the historic sights and fun experiences, this Germany tour has it all!

When you think of an escorted Eastern Europe holiday, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's visiting old churches and seeing historic sites that have been standing for many centuries. Perhaps you think of visiting cities bombed in World War II and restored to their former splendor. Or maybe you think of learning about the counties’ rich histories. If so, this Best of Eastern Europe guided tour includes all of that and more with overnights in Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. Your guided sightseeing in the capitals includes the must-see attractions. Visit Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, today a symbol of reconciliation; the medieval Old Quarter and the 14th-century Cathedral of St. John in Warsaw; St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna; the Hradčany Castle grounds and Astronomical Clock, built in 1410, in Prague; the Kazimierz Quarter and St Mary’s Church in Krakow; and Budapest’s 13th-century Matthias Coronation Church, coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. You'll also visit Jasna Góra, the monastery near Czestochowa, an important pilgrimage site. Its Black Madonna, a painting of the Virgin Mary, is a symbol of the country and venerated as the "Queen of Poland." You'll stop in Auschwitz to observe what is left of its concentration camp. You’ll also have special experiences in some of the smaller towns as well. You'll enjoy a special lunch in Telc, one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, and taste a Trdelnik rolled pastry in Prague. All of this and more—including a private Chopin concert in his hometown of Warsaw—are included on this fabulous Eastern Europe guided tour.