Bohemian Highlights - 13 Days
13 Days
Berlin
Prague
***
Trafalgar Tours
13-Day European Tour of Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic
A jam-packed Bohemian trip showcasing the stories of central Europe. Learn about its colourful folklore and the tragedies of war as you visit the heart of Old Town Kraków, slice through the Carpathians and see all the highlights of Prague, Budapest and Vienna...
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Berlin
Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 10:30, 13:30
Welcome: Meet your Travel Director at 16:30
Start your Central European adventure in Berlin. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers, spend time exploring this remarkable city before enjoying dinner.
Day 2: Explore Bustling Berlin
Start your day at the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, where you’ll hear stories of the city’s division and reunification. Then set off with a Local Specialist to explore key sites including the Reichstag, Tiergarten, Brandenburg Gate and the boulevard of Unter den Linden. Later, enjoy free time to explore Berlin your way. Perhaps discover the treasures of Museum Island or simply unwind in one of the city’s leafy parks or cafes.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Berlin's Secret Past Revealed - EUR 38 pp
Uncover secrets of Berlin’s past with your Local Specialist on a guided tour of the city. View the Holocaust Memorial, admire the murals on the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall, see the site of Checkpoint Charlie, and learn more about Berlin’s WWII and Cold War past.
Berlin by Twilight with Dinner - EUR 79 pp
Sit down to a traditional German meal with beer, wine and local music in a Berlin restaurant. Take a night-time drive through the city to see well-known sights lit up, offering a different view of Germany’s capital.
Traditional Lake District Dinner - EUR 78 pp
Admire the architecture of this vibrant city on a scenic drive to the rural outskirts, used as the Royal Hunting grounds in centuries past. Now an exclusive residential district, you’ll dine in a charming chalet-style restaurant and enjoy an atmospheric dinner of German specialities.
Day 3: Journey to Poznań and on to Warsaw
Travel through patchwork farmland to Poznań, then continue on to the vibrant Polish capital, Warsaw, your home for the next two nights. Discover the youthful verve of a city that has risen from repeated invasions and the constraints of communism. This evening, enjoy time at leisure to explore the sights independently, or join an Optional Experience delving into Warsaw’s past.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Warsaw Through the Looking Glass - EUR 38 pp
Step back in time to see the Warsaw of a bygone era, bear witness to its broken past, hear stories of survival, friendship and camaraderie that together helped her rise like a phoenix from the ashes to become one of Europe's most progressive and fashionable cities. Our journey through Warsaw's past, present and future features the famous ghetto bridge, seen in the movie The Zookeeper's Wife, government buildings used to smuggle people out of the ghetto, regentrified market halls, palaces, and institutions of learning. It truly is a Mermaid's Tale!
Day 4: Discover Historic Warsaw
Join a Local Specialist this morning to explore Warsaw's colourful historic centre, including the Old Town, which the Nazis destroyed in retaliation for the brave Warsaw Uprising. We'll also see the former Warsaw Ghetto, where hundreds of thousands of Polish Jews were imprisoned during the German occupation, tragically immortalised in the poignant Roman Polanski film 'The Pianist'. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's sights on your own. Consider a visit to the Wilanów Palace, a priceless testimony to the splendour of Poland's royal past, or treat yourself to a Chopin recital, before joining your travel companions this evening for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Wilanow Palace - EUR 55 pp
This splendid baroque palace was built in the late 17th century as a summer home for King Jan Sobieski III. On our visit, led by our Local Specialist, we’ll see the collection of royal furniture, portraits and china that forms part of the National Museum.
Chopin’s Warsaw - EUR 58 pp
Take your seat in one of Warsaw’s historic buildings for an evening of Chopin, performed by a Polish pianist. You’ll hear some of his best-loved pieces in a small concert setting and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.
Day 5: Onwards to Auschwitz and Kraków
Today, journey south from Warsaw to the Auschwitz Memorial Site of the former Concentration Camp, a poignant reminder of one of the greatest tragedies and crimes of human history. Your visit includes a guided tour of Auschwitz. Continue to the enchanting city of Kraków.
Day 6: See the Sights of Kraków
A leisurely walk through the beautiful streets of Kraków today with our Local Specialist will include such highlights as the Royal Castle and Cathedral on Wawel Hill, recognised as the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland. We continue through the Old Town to hear the bugle warning from St. Mary's Church and view of the Cloth Hall. The rest of the day is yours to explore the sights on your own. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, renowned as the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland and home to an entire chapel carved from rock salt, as well as dozens of sculptures. Enjoy a slice of Polish Sernik Babci on the Old Town Square or visit a traditional milk bar. This evening, perhaps join your fellow travel companions for delicious home cooked Polish food and a night of dance and music at the Farmhouse Dinner and Polka Party.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Wieliczka Salt Mine Exploration - EUR 78 pp
With our Local Specialist, we'll visit this amazing UNESCO World Heritage-listed site just outside Krakow and marvel at the unique sculptures and setting of this 800-year old salt mine. See chambers, chapels and even salt chandeliers as we follow our guide 135 m (440 ft) underground.
Farmhouse Dinner And Polka Party - EUR 86 pp
Tonight, you'll have a chance to enjoy the typical Polka music and traditional dance of Poland's rich culture, while savoring a delicious meal of Polish specialities and beverages at our specially-selected venue.
Day 7: Venture through Slovakia to Budapest
Today we travel through three countries from Poland, through Slovakia's Tatra mountains, and into Hungary as we arrive in beautiful Budapest later this afternoon. This evening, perhaps consider a scenic river cruise with dinner along the beautiful Danube.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Danube Cruise With Dinner - EUR 122 pp
The most leisurely way to discover this fairy-tale city is a private cruise on the Danube with a glass of fine Hungarian wine in hand. See Margaret Island, the Houses of Parliament, Castle Hill with its Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, the Citadel and the University. While cruising, enjoy a lavish, gourmet buffet meal of Hungarian specialities and drinks.
Day 8: Uncover the Treasures of Budapest
We join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own or consider a trip to Szentendre, a lively riverside town renowned for its art life. This evening, we Connect With Locals and join the Schieszl family for dinner and hear the story of their winery at our Be My Guest experience.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Szentendre and Light Lunch - EUR 77 pp
Explore more of Hungary and follow our Local Specialist out of bustling Budapest to the picturesque baroque town of Szentendre, set on the banks of the Danube and awash cobbled streets and beautiful vistas. Here we'll enjoy a Goulash cooking demonstration before sampling this essential Hungarian dish during lunch, which also includes cake and drinks. Afterwards, perhaps strike a bargain in the shops that sell beautiful Hungarian embroidery, ceramics and paprika.
Day 9: Off to Vienna
Leave Budapest behind and travel through the rolling hills of Transdanubia, where orchards and vineyards line the route west. On route to Austria, you’ll visit the herbal gardens and Fragrance Museum of Pannonhalma’s 1,000-year-old Benedictine Abbey for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience exploring its herbal gardens, fragrance museum and centuries-old monastic traditions. Arrive later in Vienna, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Guided Visit of the Hungarian Parliament and Danube Shoe Memorial - EUR 85 pp
Visit the magnificent Hungarian Parliament with a Local Specialist, exploring its grand halls and iconic dome. Afterwards, reflect at the Shoes on the Danube memorial, a moving tribute to the lives lost during WWII along the riverbank. A powerful experience that brings Budapest’s past into poignant focus.
Viennese Dinner with Musical Entertainment - EUR 79 pp
Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant, with drinks and traditional musical entertainment included. A unique experience in one of Europe’s most elegant cities.
Day 10: Admire Vibrant Vienna
Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche. Spend the rest of the day discovering the city at your own pace. Consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine and a musical performance.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens - EUR 71 pp
The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Habsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and to make the most of your time.
Viennese Concert - EUR 74 pp
You’ll enjoy a wonderful concert of Viennese classical music including some of the most famous works of Strauss and Mozart, performed by some of the most highly acclaimed soloists and dancers in Austria. You’ll receive 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the interval. Please note: on occasion a small gift will be offered in place of a glass of sparkling wine.
Dinner And Viennese Concert - EUR 134 pp
A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! Enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. With your 'A Class' tickets, you will experience works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed in a classic, sumptuous setting.
Day 11: Venture to Prague
Travel north to the Czech Republic and visit Tábor, once a Hussite stronghold. This afternoon, arrive in the remarkable city of Prague.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Prague Evening Panorama - EUR 58 pp
Join a Local Specialist for an evening introduction to the city of spires as you explore the streets and scenes on your private tram (streetcar). Gaze at the panoramic views of the city, stroll along magical Charles Bridge and pause to take in the beauty of this fairy-tale city.
Day 12: The Old Town and More in Prague
Join a Local Specialist this morning for an exploration of the city's labyrinthine lanes and beautiful squares. Visit the impressive St. Vitus Cathedral, set within the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, cross the Vltava to the Old Town Square and view the 15th-century Astronomical Clock. Celebrate the end of your Bohemian adventure over dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Scenic Vltava Cruise with Lunch - EUR 75 pp
Take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful River Vltava and we’ll tell you about the legends, myths, culture and hidden secrets of this enchanting city. During the cruise you’ll enjoy a lunch of local specialities.
Includes
- 12 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.