Splendours of Central Europe, Balkans and Greece

Greetings to Berlin, the capital city of Germany, a beautiful city, considered as one of the greenest in Europe. As you arrive, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby at 6pm. Later on, you can get to know your fellow travellers in the optional group dinner. You can then immerse yourself in the lively nocturnal atmosphere of Berlin at your own pace.

Embark on a captivating morning exploration with a guided tour of Berlin, starting with a visit to the historic Reichstag building, which has housed the German Parliament since its construction in 1894. Proceed to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol once emblematic of the city’s division during the Cold War era. Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the gate has transformed into a powerful symbol of German unity, alongside the controversial Checkpoint Charlie.

As you traverse the city, cruise along the elegant Unter den Linden Boulevard and Kurfurstendamm, a renowned avenue that has long been one of Berlin’s most iconic thoroughfares. Pass by notable landmarks such as the German State Opera House and the Baroque Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral), a magnificent structure dating back to the 1700s.

After a hearty breakfast, travel from Berlin to Dresden, renowned for its impressive artistic masterpieces and Baroque architectural wonders. Although significant portions of this city fell victim to wartime destruction, meticulous restoration efforts have restored its former splendor, notably showcased in landmarks such as the Royal Palace and its museum housing treasures dating back to the 1720s. Your guided walking tour will lead you to iconic sites such as the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera, and the unmistakable Dresden Frauenkirche, the Church of Our Lady, meticulously reconstructed from rubble.

As the day comes to a close, travel on to the diverse Prague and check in to your hotel.

Delve into the medieval charm of Old Town as you explore its cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Old Town Square. Embark on a guided tour to the hilltop Prague Castle complex, the former regal residence of Bohemian kings. Discover the magnificence of St. Vitus Cathedral from outside, the hallowed space where kings were crowned, and be treated to spectacular vistas offering panoramic views of the entire city below. This comprehensive exploration promises to unveil the rich tapestry of Prague’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Later on you will traverse the iconic Charles Bridge, Europe’s venerable stone bridge, marvel at the breathtaking views that unfold before you, leading you to the heart of Prague’s medieval center, the Old Town. In the evening, you can join the optional Medieval Dinner Show in cave for a unique experience.

Embark on a picturesque morning journey from Prague to the charming city of Regensburg in Germany. Take your time to leisurely explore the enchanting delights of Regensburg, situated along the scenic Danube River. Renowned as one of Germany’s largest and impeccably preserved medieval cities, Regensburg holds the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Allow yourself to be captivated by the architectural marvels, including stunning churches and the one-of-a-kind medieval stone bridge that gracefully spans the majestic River Danube. Later on, we proceed towards the capital of Bavaria, Munich, and take a moment’s rest to fuel up for a full day in Munich packed with popular sights.

We begin the day with an introductory stroll led by your group leader to discover key attractions like Marienplatz, Frauenkirche, and Viktualienmarkt. Marvel at the iconic Marienplatz, the city’s vibrant central square, adorned with historical landmarks and surrounded by picturesque architecture. Explore the awe-inspiring Frauenkirche, a symbol of Munich’s rich history and a testament to its resilience. For the rest of the day, enjoy free time at your own pace, or choose to engage in the optional excursion to the enchanting Nymphenburg Palace. In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity to savor traditional Bavarian food with the optional Hofbrauhaus – Bavarian Night Dinner.

Embark on a scenic journey from Munich to Salzburg, a captivating city cradled amidst the breathtaking Austrian Alps. Take a guided tour through the highlights of Salzburg and acquaint yourself with the city’s myriad attractions. Visit Mirabell Palace and Gardens, where classical beauty converges with manicured landscapes. Venture to the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress, a medieval stronghold perched majestically on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine panorama. Visit the awe-inspiring Salzburg Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Delve into the Mozart Residence, the former home of the renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to gain insight into his life and musical genius. Later, we proceed towards the capital of Austria, Vienna.

Embark on a captivating sightseeing odyssey today, beginning with a scenic drive along the renowned Ringstrasse, where landmarks such as the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, and Parliament grace your path. Stroll through the Hofburg courtyards, tracing the footsteps of history, until you reach the State Opera House. Marvel at the architectural magnificence that punctuates this iconic cityscape before we make it to the Castle of Belvedere’s garden where we will have some free time.

Later on, you can take an optional tour that unveils the grandeur of Schonbrunn Palace, once the opulent summer abode of the Habsburg emperors. Immerse yourself in the rich historical tapestry as you traverse through the ornate halls and lush gardens of this imperial residence.

Embark on a multifaceted journey today as you traverse through three cities: Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Begin your adventure by immersing yourself in the quaint streets of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, discovering its charm and distinctive character. Your exploration continues as you make your way to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Nestled on both banks of the majestic Danube River, this enchanting city seamlessly blends a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural splendor.

Later on, you can immerse yourself in the lively nocturnal atmosphere of Budapest at your own pace. Embark on an evening filled with exploration, delving into the city’s vibrant nightlife, and savoring the delights of authentic Hungarian cuisine.

After breakfast, embark on your morning exploration in Pest, where you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Parliament, Royal Palace, Heroes’ Square, St Stephen’s Basilica and the historic Great Market Hall. Ascend Castle Hill to witness the historic Matthias Coronation Church dating back to the 13th century. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city from Fisherman’s Bastion.

Later on, we will have a panoramic tour where the Budapest Opera House & the Great Dohany Synagogue will be seen from outside. Great Dohany Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe. The afternoon is yours to discover this beautiful city. In the evening, you might consider selecting the optional Danube Cruise.

Are you ready to say goodbye to Hungary and fly to Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city’s famous landmarks at your own leisure.

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the “King’s Landing”, the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night’s rest.

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.

Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where you can explore the shopping streets and the nightlife as you wish.

Are you ready to say goodbye to Bulgaria and fly to Mykonos, the gorgeous Aegean island. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to explore the city’s famous landmarks at your own leisure.

The day is yours to soak up the sunshine, swim in the sea or chew through your memory card taking pics of cute windmills and quaint streets. Or discover the birthplace of Apollo by taking an optional tour to Delos Island. Tonight, hit the bars and restaurants and dance the night away!

Next up: Santorini! After our ferry ride, we will wander through the town of Fira to get our bearings. See why the blue door houses, white church domes make Santorini the iconic postcard town of Greece. Santorini is formed from volcanic activity, and from the caldera witness the most epic sunset and breath-taking views.

We’ve got a free day today. Relax on the red or black sand beaches, wander the streets and browse through the shops of the main town or take an optional quad biking tour. Explore the island’s volcano and check out an active crater and hot springs in our optional volcano tour. The choices are endless!

Today we are taking to the seas, and heading towards to Ios. Get orientated on a tour around Ios and see its golden beaches and characteristic Aegean houses which are set on the hilltop. Tonight get amongst it, as we hit up the renowned party night life in the evening!

Feeling a little under the weather from last nights antics? Nothing a gyros and a dip in the sea can’t fix! It’s a free day today so laze on the beach, roam the streets of the beautiful town of Chora or swoon over those awesome views.

Raise the anchor, today we are departing by ferry for our final stop, Athens. Tick off any last minute sightseeing and soak up all that Greece has to offer.

Our trip will end here (11:00am) in Athens. Fill up on your last breakfast with the Travel Talk crew and say goodbye to your new friends.