Eastern European Experience

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Munich.

Welcome to Munich! The first day of the tour is our arrivals day. Meet your fellow travellers, and, depending on what time you arrive, head into Munich and see the sights ahead of the start of your tour. A city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and cosiness, Munich’s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern high-powered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, you’ll find a wealth of cultural hotspots in Munich. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. Tonight, we’ll take you to a traditional German beer hall to get a taste of German culture. Prost!

Dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau & Innsbruck.

Today, we’re off to Innsbruck, stopping first at the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. With turrets soaring high above the surrounding woodland, this is a castle that will bring all those familiar fairy tales to mind. We’ll take a tour, allowing you to get up close and personal to this outstanding European landmark. Following that, we’ll head to Oberammergau for a comfort stop. This town is famous for its passion play, which is re-enacted every 10 years in commemoration of the vow made by the town’s citizens in 1634. Next, we’ll make our way to Innsbruck in nearby Austria. This is one of the few places in the world that really can lay claim to having something for everyone. It’s not everywhere that offers extreme sports (thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps), fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), and vibrant modern attractions, too. Once we arrive in the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore this fascinating Austrian city.

Breakfast and dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 3: Visit Salzburg & Vienna.

From Innsbruck, we head for the grandeur of Vienna, stopping on the way for a comfort stop in Salzburg. On arrival in Vienna, we’ll take a driving tour of the city – which ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Few cities can show off such cultural and historical splendour and maintain a profile as an exciting, modern city, but Vienna does it well. Along with a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, and artworks by masters like Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka, Vienna has a buzzing modern culinary scene, cheerful, bustling pubs and bars, and a host of clubs and music venues in which to dance the night away.

Breakfast and dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Visit Budapest.

Today, we’re off to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Blessed with natural beauty (it straddles the Danube River) as well as baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture, this is a city to behold. Get a good overview of it all with our Budapest driving tour when you arrive. Starting on the Pest side of the Danube, head across the river and stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and the river below. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city. This afternoon is yours to enjoy the city as you please.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 5: Visit Bratislava & Prague.

Today, we’re off to Prague, stopping on the way in Bratislava for a comfort stop. On arrival in Prague, we’ll take a walking tour of this incredible city, which, since freeing itself from communism, has joined other European jewels like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam to take its place as one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. Famous for its art, architecture, cobbled lanes and ancient chapels, this is also home to some of Europe’s finest beer. The Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square is a ‘must-see’ – the intricate puppetry and show that is performed on the hour draws hundreds of people throughout the day and night. For dinner, experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague.

Breakfast and dinner. Overnight accommodation.

Day 6: Free day in Prague.

The day is yours to treat yourself to the fairy tale magic of Prague – often aptly described as the “Jewel in the Crown” of central Europe, and maybe revisit some of the places you saw on yesterday’s walking tour. The majestic Prague Castle, the famous Charles Bridge (you need to also see the views from the bridge at night – simply stunning), the old town and the Jewish Quarter are all worth seeing. There is also a ‘Secret Garden’ that leads to a man-made grotto – see if you can find it! Prague’s dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the architecture of churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks. There are numerous beer halls in which to sample a local brew, and for those who wish to put your stamp on the city, why not visit legendary Lennon wall – a tribute to John Lennon and words of peace, which is added to on a daily basis by the thousands of visitors to the city. Did we mention ‘fairy tale’ city earlier? Maybe it is worth noting that Prague is the home of the “green fairy”, which is better known as absinthe.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 7: Visit Nuremberg & Munich.

On our way back to Munich, we’ll stop at Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city. Famous for its dark beer and frenetic energy, you’ll have a chance to look around before we make our way to Dachau Concentration Camp. In operation from 1933 to 1945, Dachau was a Nazi concentration camp that was responsible for the imprisonment of around 200 000 people. We’ll gain more of an understanding of this dark side of German history, and then finally make our way back to Munich. Tonight is your last night on tour, so be sure to make the most of it!

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 8: Free day in Munich.

Spend your day shopping around Mariahilf street or one of the major department stores. If you are after bargains head to Ingolstadt Village Outlet mall with more than 110 brand stores with savings of up to 60% off the regular prices. Alternatively you can also take one of our optional tours and spend your day exploring Munich and its vicinity.

Breakfast. Overnight accommodation.

Day 9: Depart from Munich.

After breakfast get ready for your private transfer to Munich airport for your flight back home. In case your departure time is in the afternoon or evening you can continue shopping or take one of our half day optional tours before heading to the airport.

Breakfast. Airport transfer.

What’s Included

• 8 night’s accommodation in twin rooms. Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room.
• 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
• 11 Included Experiences, (including guided walks, orientation walks, driving tours of certain regions).
• Free Wi-Fi in hotels.
• Modern air conditioned coach with reclining seats, TV for showing DVDs, and toilet.
• Return private airport transfer on the first and the last day.
• Services of your tour leader from day one till day seven who will be on hand with advice and tips and ensure that you get the most from your trip.
• All taxes and fees
• Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days and arrival and departure days).
• A complimentary memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip.

Accommodation

Please see file section below.

Files

• HAPPY TOURS – Eastern European Experience – 9 days
• HAPPY TOURS – Eastern European Experience – Travel Information