A JOURNEY OF CLASSICAL EASTERN EUROPE
A cultural tour of Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany & Czech Republic

Eastern Europe offers a distinct and varied picture of Europe - one of magnificent castles, majestic palaces, beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, gardens in addition to a unique variety of distinct cultures and friendly people. This tour covering six World Heritage Sites provides one with an enriched understanding of the people, architecture, delicious cuisines and rich medieval and post medieval history in Eastern Europe.

Day 01 Fri: Depart North America
We begin our classical journey as we hope aboard on our flights from gateway cities heading off to the European capital of Vienna.

Day 02 Sat: Arrive Vienna
Welcome to Vienna - the “City of Waltz”. We are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Plenty of time to relax before meeting our fellow travelers and the Tour Director at the welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Renaissance, Vienna (2 nights) (D)

Day 03 Sun: Vienna
On our morning sightseeing tour, we will visit the Hofburg Palace, once the seat of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and view the Belvedere Palace, Prater amusement park, the UN buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral and other vivid reminders of the city's imperial history. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 04 Mon: Vienna / Budapest
Today, travel east and cross the border to Hungary. Continue through the Transdanubian region, reaching Budapest just in time to relax before dinner.
Overnight: Mercure Korona, Budapest (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05 Tue: Budapest
Situated on the opposite banks of the Danube River, the former cities of Buda and Pest are linked by a series of graceful bridges. Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of the outstanding Parliament, the Royal Palace and the Castle Hill area, the Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church, the Heroes' Square and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own. (B)

Day 06 Wed: Budapest / Krakow
The road to Krakow winds through the lovely hills and countryside of Slovakia, past the Tatras Mountains and into the great plains of Poland. A relaxing dinner in Krakow is planned upon arrival.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson SAS or Holiday Inn (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07 Thu: Krakow
Our sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town where you will visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. The afternoon is free for a stroll around the city. (B)

Day 08 Fri: Krakow / Warsaw
This morning we have an option to join a trip to one of the most somber memorials of the past, Auschwitz Concentration Camp. Later, journey to Czestochowa and visit the Yasna Gora Monastery, known for the blackened picture of the Virgin Mary popularly called the "Black Madonna". In the late afternoon, arrive in Poland's capital city, Warsaw.
Overnight: Hotel Radisson SAS / Holiday Inn, Warsaw (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09 Sat: Warsaw
The 700 years old capital is a symbol of the Polish nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from the magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as the “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, the Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, shopping, and a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)

Day10 Sun: Warsaw / Berlin
Stop in Poznan for an orientation tour, and then continue to Berlin, today's final destination.
Overnight: Hotel Berlin or Excelsior, Berlin (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 11 Mon: Berlin
Our morning sightseeing tour features the Reichstag, the Renaissance building that once housed Germany's Parliament, and the lovely Schloss Charlottenburg. The tour continues through the city to view famous sights such as the Opera, the Schiller Theater and the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The afternoon is free to explore this once divided city on your own. (B)

Day 12 Tue: Berlin / Prague
This morning, continue our journey via Dresden, the beautiful Saxony Baroque city. On your orientation tour, view Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera House. Afterwards, continue to Prague, the Capital of Czech Republic.
Overnight: Hotel Diplomat, Prague (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13 Wed: Prague
Built on seven hills more than 1000 years ago and spread over both banks of the river Vltava, Prague is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Your city tour starts with a panoramic drive to the famous Wenceslas Square, the Strahov Stadium and the Castle Square. On a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Loretto Church. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Ghetto, the Town Hall and the world famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is free. An optional visit to a cultural performance will be available. (B)

Day 14 Thu: Depart Prague
After an interesting journey through Austria, Hungary, Poland, Germany & Czech Republic we bid farewell as we are transferred to the airport for our departure. (B)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures May 18 & 30, Jun 13 & 27*, Jul 11* & 25*, Aug 08* & 22*, Sep 05* & 19 & Oct 03

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International air from Eastern USA/Canadian gateway cities Airport taxes Accommodation as mentioned or similar Visa fees & Insurance Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Tips & Gratuities All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary   Services of local English speaking guides   Entrance fees to sites

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2008 US $ 3675 • CA $ 3675 US $ 775 • CA $ 775 If you are doing your own international air, please deduct $930. * High season surcharge add $155. ** For West Coast departures add $150 on the low season and high season surcharge, if applicable.

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour

Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast N/A Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast N/A

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and maximum averages of 20 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.