17-Day Central and Eastern Europe Tour: Place de Constitution, Pont Adolphe, Porta Nigra, Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Charles Bridge

What you'll experience

Highlights

17 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — [Saturday] Paris - Reims - Luxembourg (420 km)

   The Red Line tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city's cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.
   History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxembourg, the world's only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg city, you'll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

   

   Place de la Constitution

   

   Pont Adolphe

   

   Our Lady of Reims Cathedral

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Luxembourg Sud ***
2. 2

   Day 2 — [Sunday] Luxembourg - Trier - Koblenz - Rudesheim am Rhein - Frankfurt (400 km)

   Today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany's oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You'll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum.
   Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier; here you can look around the city's impressive cathedral, where the celebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as "The Second Rome" (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is undoubtedly Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you'll get to see and photograph.
   After an exciting morning in Trier, you'll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water, then afterwards you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas.
   Back on dry land you'll drive through the wine-making town of Rüdesheim (depending on road and traffic conditions). Then it is on to Frankfurt am Main, where you'll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centrepiece.

   

   Rhine River

   

   Porta Nigra

   

   Karl Marx House

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH Frankfurt Airport West ****, Mercure Frankfurt Airport Langen ****, Frankfurt hotel Messe by Melia ****
3. 3

   Day 3 — [Monday] Frankfurt - Prague (530 km)

   After boarding the luxury coach in Frankfurt, sit back and enjoy a scenic ride through some classic German countryside en route to the Czech Republic. Prague, one of Europe's most ornate cities, is your first destination. You will arrive in the evening, ready to discover this charming capital city with its fairy-tale architecture, the following morning.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Express Prague ***
4. 4

   Day 4 — [Tuesday] Prague - Bratislava (330 km)

   Your Prague adventure begins with a spectacular walk along the Royal Route, following the traditional coronation path of the kings and queens of old Bohemia. You'll start from the top of Castle Hill in the Hradcany district, famous for its views over the red-roofed old city, and then tour Prague Castle. The castle has been the historic seat of Bohemia royalty since the 9th century, as well as home to the nation's presidents in recent times. Your exploration then heads off around the imposing gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and along Golden Lane, an ancient thoroughfare lined with some wonderful traditional buildings.
   Later you will stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, which arches gracefully over the Vltava, and on through the winding alleys to the Old Town Square, where you can see the City Hall and one of Prague's most well-known sights, the Astronomical Clock. After lunch in the square, you'll make the scenic transfer from Prague to the hotel in or near the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.

   

   Prague Castle

   

   St. Vitus Cathedral

   

   Golden Lane

   

   Charles Bridge

   

   Prague Old Town Square

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Vienna House Easy Bratislava ***
5. 5

   Day 5 — [Wednesday] Bratislava - Budapest (200 km)

   On Wednesday morning you will arrive in Hungary, the fourth country of the tour. Its capital, Budapest, is known as the Pearl of the Danube, and is essentially two different cities joined together: Buda is on the west of the river, Pest on the east, each with its own distinct characteristics. One of the best ways of seeing this unique location is by taking a river cruise, which many people choose to do. After a morning of activity, you'll relax over lunch at Buda Palace, and then have a chance to look at the exhibitions in the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery, or do a spot of souvenir shopping.
   Next you'll explore both sides of the city on a cultural and historic tour. Highlights on the Buda side of the Danube include the towered terrace of Fisherman's Bastion, the medieval Matthias Church and a walk up to the summit of Gellért Hill for panoramic views. While over in Pest the sights include the expansive Heroes'Square and Hungary's dramatic riverside Parliament Building. In the evening, you can choose to round off an eventful day with an optional dinner in the heart of Budapest, where you can sample traditional dishes such as goose liver, goulash, duck leg and local wine, accompanied by Hungarian folkdance and music.

   

   Heroes' Square

   

   Hungarian Parliament Building

   

   Fisherman's Bastion

   

   Elisabeth Bridge

   

   Matthias Church

   

   Danube River

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Budapest City West ***
6. 6

   Day 6 — [Thursday] Budapest - Lake Balaton - Zagreb (410 km)

   In the morning, you will have a wonderful drive to Balaton Lake, it's one of the best Resort in Hungary. Affectionately called “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is one of the largest lakes in central Europe. Lake Balaton and its region have become more popular because of its attractive scenery.
   Then you will have a wonderful drive to the Croatian capital Zagreb. This is a city which went through wars, but the buildings are still well preserved. The ancient city is full of beautiful Gothic architecture, decorations are exquisitely crafted. Together with Mediterranean cuisine and locally produced wines, as well as the friendly Croatian hospitality, Zagreb is sure to be a wonderful experience. You will visit the city's highlights such as the Zagreb Cathedral, the Ban Jelačić Square and the Church of St. Mark.

   

   Zagreb Cathedral

   

   St. Mark's Church

   

   Lake Balaton

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Diplomat ****, Hotel Phoenix ****
7. 7

   Day 7 — [Friday] Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes - Zadar (275 km)

   Today you will enjoy a guided tour into the Plitvice Lakes National Park, known as the Jiuzhaigou of Europe. It consists of 16 lakes joined by waterfalls, walkways and hiking trails. In the dense mountains, layers of travertine barriers make a natural dam, forming fairy tale lakes. The calcium carbonate rich water has a special silver colour, mirroring the trees on its surface and forming tiny crystals, the view is stunning. Surrounded by trees, the lakes have the perfect tranquil atmosphere.

   

   Plitvice Lake National Park

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Porto ***
8. 8

   Day 8 — [Saturday] Zadar - Split - Dubrovnik (322 km)

   After breakfast you enter the ancient city of Zadar. The city has a strong religious atmosphere, still retaining the narrow streets and buildings of the Middle Ages. It's like going back in time. Close to the waterfront, you can admire the modern Sea Organ and Sun Salutation, an amazing solar light display. Then you will head to Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The city has many ancient Roman style buildings, which date back to over 1,700 years. The most famous are the ruins of Diocletian's Palace, which was built in the fourth century AD.
   For the Brown Line there will be an extra charge for the accommodation in Dubrovnik (2 nights). This is due to a higher living standard in Dubrovnik.

   

   Zadar Old Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik ****, Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel ****, Hotel Lero Dubrovnik ****
9. 9

   Day 9 — [Sunday] Dubrovnik

   The Nobel Prize winning writer Bernard Shaw once said: "If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik". He wasn't exaggerating. Dubrovnik is a place where people can fall in love at first sight. You must not miss exploring this seaside city that inspired Miyazaki's masterpiece 'The Witch's Delivery Service', and is 'King's Landing' in Game of Thrones! You see the famous places: the old town, the city walls, the defensive tower, the Rector's Palace, and the Franciscan Monastery. You can take a cable car to go up in the mountain and admire the beauty of the city. Your day of heaven on earth ends with an overnight stay in Dubrovnik or city nearby.
   For the Brown Line there will be an extra charge for the accommodation in Dubrovnik (2 nights). This is due to a higher living standard in Dubrovnik.

   

   Dubrovnik Town

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Grand Hotel Park Dubrovnik ****, Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel ****, Hotel Lero Dubrovnik ****
10. 10

    Day 10 — [Monday] Dubrovnik - Blagaj - Mostar - Sarajevo (186 km)

    After breakfast we'll head directly to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, originally built by Constantine the Great in 324 AD, then reconstructed between 1506 and 1615 under the direction of several famous architects including Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo. You may also join the optional Sistine Chapel tour to view Michelangelo's famous frescoes. An optional guided tour of the Colosseum, built in 72 AD, comes highly recommended. Other highlights include the Arch of Constantine and the Pantheon. We'll make a wish at Trevi Fountain and take in the romantic vibe at the Spanish Steps. After our tour of Rome, we'll hop back on the bus and head to Florence for a good night's sleep.

    

    Blagaj Town

    

    莫斯塔尔小镇

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Sarajevo ****, Hotel Espana ****
11. 11

    Day 11 — [Tuesday] Sarajevo - Vinkovci (220 km)

    Sarajevo was once an important gateway to the East. This city, which combines different religions and cultures, has a very different European style. As if reborn after a fire, it was recently selected by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten travel destinations in the world. Its profound historical imprint, which includes the assassination at the Latin Bridge that caused the First World War, and the "Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures Line" on the ground, can still be found in the Old Town. The rebirth and transformation of Sarajevo is reflected in the modern architecture of the new city. After the visit, you cross the border into Croatia.
    According to the regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of people entering and exiting as a group must be consistent, so it is not possible to leave the group on the same day.

    

    Sarajevo Old Town

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Admiral ***
12. 12

    Day 12 — [Wednesday] Vinkovci - Pecs - Budapest (367 km)

    Departing in the morning and returning to Hungary – you visit Pecs. Located between the Danube and the Drava, it is one of the most attractive cities in Hungary, with a pleasant climate and long history. Pecs also features a magnificent museum and the best Turkish ruins in the country. Pecs is known for music, opera and ballet. Highlight is the Pécs Cathedral towering over central Szent István Square. You drive back to Budapest in the afternoon.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Budapest City West ***
13. 13

    Day 13 — [Thursday] Budapest - Vienna (250 km)

    Today starts with a short journey to another of Europe's grand capitals, Vienna, where you'll get to explore the Austrian city's resplendent palaces, striking churches and prestigious art museums. Your Vienna adventure begins at one of the city's most popular attractions, Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo-style summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of Europe and the Church for many decades. After lunch in this refined setting, you will take a driving tour past many grand, famous buildings, including the City Hall, the Austrian Parliament, Hofburg Palace and Heroes' Square.
    In the afternoon, you'll have some shopping time, before adding the Wiener Staatsoper (opera house) to your checklist of key Vienna buildings. Later, opt for dinner in the heart of the city or visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, before taking a stroll in Stadtpark, which is known for its range of sculptures, including the famous gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II.
    In the evening, we recommend the option of attending a Viennese waltz concert, which will allow you the unforgettable experience of hearing the music of Mozart and Strauss in the place where it was composed.

    

    Schönbrunn Palace

    

    Vienna State Opera

    

    Hofburg Palace

    

    Golden Hall

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Vienna Airport *** , LifeHotel Vienna Airport ***
14. 14

    Day 14 — [Friday] Vienna - Mondsee - Munich (440 km)

    From Vienna it's on to another Austrian gem, Mondsee. Mondsee is a town located on the shore of the Lake Mondsee. The town is home to the historic medieval Mondsee Abbey. The cloister church was used for the site of the wedding in The Sound of Music. After lunch you will continue to cross the German border to Munich. After arriving in Munich, you'll visit the Marienplatz and the New Town Hall. Marienplatz is a central square in the city centre of Munich since 1158. The New Town Hall is at the northern part of Marienplatz. It hosts the city government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration since 1874. Or you can enjoy a German beer in one of the beergardens before going to the hotel.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tulip Inn München Messe ***
15. 15

    Day 15 — [Saturday] Munich - Titlis - Lucerne (488 km)

    You'll leave the big cities behind today. Before you head for one of the world's most famous mountain ranges – the Swiss Alps – you will make a photo stop in one of the smallest countries in Europe – Liechtenstein. The small picturesque city Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein with little boutique shops and the famous Huber shop for all your fine jewellery and watches. The next destination is Engelberg, the stunning Swiss resort. From here you can opt to board a cable car that takes you to the summit of the impressive Mount Titlis. To reach the top of the permanently snow-covered Mt. Titlis you take three different gondolas.
    You'll ascend the last stage by the world's first revolving gondola, the Titlis Rotair, which delivers spectacular views of the valleys, glaciers, lakes and forests below, and 360˚ vistas of the surrounding mountains. At the summit the sun terrace is the perfect place to pause and appreciate the breath-taking panoramas. Other highlights include walking across Europe's highest suspension bridge for more phenomenal views from Mt. Titlis.
    Your next destination is Lucerne. Lucerne is a picturesque city of bridges and towers located in what many people believe to be the "true" Switzerland – picture-postcard mountains, lakes, cowbells, Alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss flowers. Here you will have time to wander through the charming streets, and see the famous Lion Monument, which Mark Twain once described as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world". This is a great place to get souvenirs like Swiss watches and fine chocolates, before travelling to the overnight stop of Zurich.

    

    Mount Titlis

    

    Lion Monument

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Arcade ***
16. 16

    Day 16 — [Sunday] Lucerne - Milan - Venice (400 km)

    Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city's iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo). You'll also see the planet's oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and have lunch in one of the refined cafes.
    After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.

    

    Duomo Square

    

    Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Campanile Venice-Mestre ***
17. 17

    Day 17 — [Monday] Venice - Rome (550 km)

    Spend the morning in the company of a knowledgeable local guide as you explore Venice, the most magical of cities. Begin with a waterbus ride to San Marco Island, a memorable crossing of the lagoon that gives you a real taste of the city's charm as you approach the dreamy spires and distinctive waterside buildings. Once on the island you'll be led around some of Venice's best-known locations, beginning in the Piazzo with the Basilica di San Marco, a stunning piece of Byzantine architecture.
    You'll also see the legendary Bridge of Sighs, which appears on many a postcard or picture of Venice and connects the old prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.
    Afterwards you'll have a chance to see some traditional Venetian craftwork at close quarters with a demonstration by Murano glassblowers; their exquisite creations make excellent souvenirs. Of course, the ultimate Venice activity is to ride through the warren of waterways on a gondola, and for most people this optional excursion is a must.  Step on board, relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterwards, you can wander through the ancient winding alleys, and visit nostalgic cafés or restaurants to enjoy a variety of delicious foods. Transfer to Rome in the afternoon.
    【Drop-off Location】: 21:00  Rome Group Hotel (outside Rome city)

    

    St. Mark's Square

    

    St. Mark's Basilica

    

    Bridge of Sighs (Venice)

    

    Grand Canal

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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