CENTRAL EUROPE

Germany, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic

ITINERARY:

1 FRANKFURT AREA, GERMANY.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

2 FRANKFURT - WEIMAR - BERLIN.
Northwest today using the autobahn for a stop in Weimar, one-time intellectual heart of Germany and host to such luminaries as Luther, Cranach, Bach, Liszt, Schiller, and, of course, Goethe himself. It was at one time rightly known as the "Athens of Germany." Journey past Jena, home to the world-famous Zeiss Optics Factory. Over the River Elbe for a few more miles into Germany's capital city, Berlin. (B)

3 BERLIN.
No longer divided but every bit as fascinating. Once the city of contrasts with its West and East side separating two different worlds, since the wall came down, Berlin has developed into a harmonious blend of old and new, preserving the old building such as the State Opera House and the Brandenburg Gate; its neoclassic-style boulevards such as the Kurfurstendamm and the "Unter den Linden"; as well as creating brand new buildings in the most daring up-to-date architectural styles. It is now once again Germany's capital and one of the most lively and interesting cities, from a cultural point of view. In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to historic Potsdam. (B)

4 BERLIN - WARSAW, POLAND.
Drive east to Poznan, one of Poland's oldest trading centres and now an international marketplace during its industrial fairs. See more of the Polish countryside on the way to Warsaw. (B,D)

5 WARSAW.
The included sightseeing tour is an excellent introduction to Warsaw, magnificently reconstructed after wartime destruction. Today its wide avenues contrast strikingly with the narrow lanes of the old section. (B)

6 WARSAW - KRAKOW.
Two encounters with history on your southbound journey today. First, Jasna Gora near Czestochowa, the monastery which withstood the repeated onslaught of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then, its Black Madonna is venerated as the "Queen of Poland" and has become the country's national symbol. In the afternoon visit what is left of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Krakow. (B,D)

7 KRAKOW.
This is, they say, Poland's most beautiful city. For almost 500 years it was the country's capital, and today it is without a doubt its cultural capital. Optional morning sightseeing in ancient Krakow, for centuries the residence of Polish kings. See the Market Square, the 14th-century Jagiellonian University, St. Mary's Church, and Wawel Cathedral. Free time later to explore this interesting town at your own pace and mingle with the locals. Tonight's optional folklore dinner might be the way to round off your stay in this city. (B)

8 KRAKOW - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
A comfortable drive through three countries. First, south to the Tatra Mountains of Poland, then through a scenic part of Slovakia, and finally into Hungary. Your destination is Budapest, the most lively of Eastern European capitals. (B,D)

9 BUDAPEST.
Included sightseeing features Buda Castle, which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Also see Heroes' Square, which typifies the modern capital, as well as the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fishermen's Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (B)

10 BUDAPEST - VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
Head for the Austrian border by way of Gyor. You'll be in Vienna in time to enjoy your first afternoon and evening in this lively capital. Enjoy the included sightseeing tour with Local Guide: the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes' Square to view the Hofburg and an inside visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral. (B)

11 VIENNA - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
Morning optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace. This afternoon, cross the Czech border into Moravia, then through the rich farmlands of Bohemia to Prague. (B,D)

12 PRAGUE.
The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. Your Tour Director may suggest an evening optional excursion with traditional Czech music and spectacular entertainment. (B)

13 PRAGUE - ROMANTIC ROAD - MUNICH, GERMANY.
Into the landscape of the Bohemian Forest before reaching the Czech-German border. The highlight today is undoubtedly the Romantic Road, which runs north to south as far as the Alps. First to lovely edieval Nordlingen, then Rothenburg with its ramparts and towers, cobbled streets, and 16th-century houses before heading towards the Munich area. (B)

14 MUNICH - FRANKFURT AREA.
After an orientation dirve in Munich leave for the Frankfurt Area. (B,D)

15 FRANKFURT AREA.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)