Central European Tour with John Gora
Aug 21 – Sep 1, 2016
Krakow – Zakopane – Budapest – Bratislava – Vienna – Cesky Krumlov – Prague
AUG 21 SUN
TRANSATLANTIC OVERNIGHT FLIGHT TO KRAKOW ( see your individual air itinerary )
AUG 22 MON
KRAKOW
( Welcome Dinner )
Arrive in Krakow and transfer to our hotel in Krakow. Time to relax before meeting the group for our
Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Krakow.
AUG 23 TUE
KRAKOW
( Breakfast, Lunch )
After breakfast we tour the medievel town of Krakow on foot. Our tour will take us to the Barbican,
St. Florian’s Gate, Royal Wawel Hill with the Royal Cathedral, and finally to the Old Town Market Square
with the Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the old town
square and then you are on your own for the rest of the day to enjoy Krakow at your own pace.
Overnight in Krakow.
Optional excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine: can be arranged this afternoon for those interested.
Cost will be approximately $ 50 US per person. Please advise at time of booking if you are interested.
Wieliczka is an amazing UNESCO Heritage Site. This salt mine has been operating since the 13th century and
is Poland’s most visited attraction with underground chambers, grottoes, and chapels all carved from salt.
AUG 24 WED
KRAKOW - ZAKOPANE
( Breakfast, Dinner )
After breakfast we leave Krakow and travel south towards Zakopane. In the early afternoon we arrive at the
picturesque resort town of Zakopane, nestled at the base of the Tatra mountains. Here you can still see the
Polish highlander culture in the day to day life as the villagers often pass by in traditional dress . There is a
very unique atmosphere here making Zakopane a memorable stop for all those who visit. After checking in
to the Aries hotel which is steps away from the main pedestrian street “Krupowki” we will take a walk to see
some of the interesting sites such as the Old Cemetary in Zakopane with its unique monuments and then if it
is a clear day we can take a ride by cable car (funicular) to the top of Mt. Gubalowka where you have a great
view of the Tatra mountains. Back at the bottom of the mountain is a market full of shops selling local
specialties such as wood carvings, sheepskins & local cheese. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
We are really fortunate that our stay in Zakopane coincides with the International Festival of Highlanders’
Folklore which is held each year in Zakopane. We will keep you posted on events that will be taking place
during our stay. Dinner at the hotel tonight. Overnight in Zakopane.
AUG 25 THU
ZAKOPANE
( Breakfast, Dinner )
After breakfast we are off to enjoy a ride through the Dunajec River Gorge on wooden rafts (subject to
weather conditions). After our scenic ride we return to Zakopane to relax or explore on your own.
Dinner tonight will be at a local inn with folklore. Overnight in Zakopane.
AUG 26 FRI
ZAKOPANE - BUDAPEST
( Breakfast, Dinner Cruise )
From Zakopane we travel south through the Slovak Republic, stopping at a local inn enroute where you can
purchase a light lunch. Continue to Budapest. Tonight a casual dinner cruise on the Danube will be a great
way to get your first introduction to Budapest. Overnight in Budapest.
AUG 27 SAT
BUDAPEST
( Breakfast , Dinner )
Half-day tour of Budapest will include: Heroes Square, Millenary Monument, Vajdahunyad Castle, Andrássy
Boulevard, State Opera House, Basilica, view from Gellért Hill, Castle district, Matthias Church-interior visit,
and Fishermen's Bastion. During our tour we will also visit the Great Market Hall of Budapest, named one of
the 5 best markets in Europe! The Market was built in the 18th century and after being badly damaged in
WWII was extensively restored in the mid 1990’s to become one of Budapest’s greatest attractions. Enjoy
strolling through the stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, as well as Hungarian arts and crafts - a great
place to pick up souvenirs to take back home! After our tour the rest of the afternoon is free.
Dinner tonight a local restaurant. Overnight in Budapest.
AUG 28 SUN
BUDAPEST – BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
( Breakfast, Dinner )
Morning departure from Budapest to Vienna. Enroute we stop in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic to
explore the charming, cobble-stone centre of the Old Town. Free time for lunch. Continue to Vienna.
Tonight we drive to the wine-growing hills on the outskirts of Vienna, to enjoy dinner at a typical “heuriger”
( local wine tavern) with local entertainment. Overnight in Vienna.
AUG 29 MON
VIENNA
(Breakfast, Lunch )
Today we discover the magical city of Vienna by bus and by foot . We will start with the magnificent
Schönbrunn Palace which was the summer residence of the Habsburg family. We then drive and see the
most important historical sights along the Ringstrasse, including the State Opera House, the National
Museum, the Imperial Palace, the Parliament, the City Hall and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Our tour today will
end with lunch at a typical Viennese Café. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, shopping along the
Kartner Strasse, the most famous pedestrian shopping street in center of Vienna, or visit one of the many
Museums. Overnight in Vienna.
AUG 30 TUE
VIENNA – CESKY KRUMLOV - PRAGUE
( Breakfast, Lunch )
After breakfast we depart Vienna and drive north to Cesky Krumlov in South Bohemia. Cesky Krumlov is
one of the most wonderful medieval cities in Central Europe. This UNESCO heritage site on the Vltava river is
perfect for strolling through the maze of cobble-stone streets . Lunch at a local restaurant and then we
continue to Prague. The evening is free to explore Prague on your own. Overnight in Prague.
AUG 31 WED
PRAGUE
( Breakfast, Farewll Dinner )
Today we start with a ride on a vintage Prague street car for a special tour that will take us past Republic
Square (Namesti Republiky), Wenceslas Square ( Vaclavske Namesti ), National Theatre, and on to Prague
Castle (UNESCO site). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Prague Castle is the largest
castle complex in the world. After visiting the Castle we will continue by foot to the Charles Bridge and across
to the Old Town Square with its famous landmarks such as the Church of Our Lady before Tyn, and the
unique Astronomical Clock from the year 1410. We will end our tour at the old town so that you can enjoy
the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant. Overnight in Prague.
SEP 01 THU
PRAGUE – END OF TOUR ( Breakfast )
After breakfast transfer to the airport. End of tour.
( itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, time or other unforeseen circumstances )
Cost of land tour starting in Krakow:
USD $ 2199 per person in double room, single supplement USD $ 550
CAD $ 2799 per person in double room, single supplement CAD $ 670
Cost of land tour includes:
 Airport transfers in Krakow and Prague
 10 nights accomodation in superior 4 star hotels
 English speaking tour escort assistance
 English speaking local guides
 Private air-conditioned motorcoach
 Meals as per itinerary ( breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 7 dinners )
 Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
 Hotel taxes
Not included:
 Airfare – please call us for best options from your gateway city
 Insurance – medical and trip cancellation insurance highly recommended
 Wine, liquors, soft drinks, coffee, tea or other beverages unless otherwise mentionned
 Items of personal nature such as: laundry, telephone calls, tips.
For further information or to reserve your space on this tour,
please call Wanda at 1-800-533-0369 or send email to wanda@chopintours.com
www.chopintours.com