Our Eastern Europe vacation begins as we board our trans-Atlantic flight for Frankfurt, the financial center of Germany.

Welcome to Frankfurt, Germany’s most international city and the largest economic center in Europe. Upon arrival we meet our guide and embark on a brief city tour. Afterwards, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to relax or explore Frankfurt on our own. We may choose to take an optional cruise along the Rhine River.

This morning we drive to Wurzburg, one of the loveliest baroque cities in the country and the starting point of the Romantic Road. Upon arrival, we take a city tour which highlights the brilliant St. Kilian Dom, Old Bridge, City Hall, and a photo stop at the Residenz. Continue on to Munich, where we enjoy the local delicacies of a German Pork Knuckle dinner. (B, D)

Known worldwide for its Okoberfest, Europe’s most prosperous city is a place where age-old traditions coexist with designer shopping and high-powered industry. Our city tour takes us to the Old Town Hall, the 15th century Cathedral Church of Our Lady, and Marienplatz. Drive by the 1972 Olympic Park, head to Neuschwanstein Castle. Created by King Ludwig II, this extravagant castle rests high atop a rock amid a fairetale alpine setting. Board our coach and drive to Salzburg, a beautiful town most famous as the birthplace of Mozart. (B, D)

Our city tour begins at Mirabell Gardens. The world-famous gardens of Mirabell Palace were featured in The Sound of Music and are adorned with reflecting pools, marble statues and a natural theater. After strolling through the gardens, cross the Salzach River and enter the Old Town, which we can explore at our leisure. Perhaps visit Mozart’s birthplace, or take a “Sound of Music” tour to St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang. Later on, depart Salzburg for Bled, Slovenia’s most popular alpine resort. (B, D)

Depart Bled and drive southwest to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital city. The charming city whose name means “beloved” is known for its relaxed atmosphere, natural beauty and its cultural treasures. We begin our city orientation tour with a view of the medieval Ljubljana Castle. Continue on to Old Town to tour the City Hall, Robba Fountain, Main Square, Triple Bridge and St. Nicholas Cathedral. Drive to Postojna to visit the famous Postojna Caves, one of the world largest karst cave systems. Later, we transit to Plitvice, where we stay overnight. (B, L, D)

Today we visit Plitvice National Park, which is acclaimed as Croatia’s greatest natural wonder. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its sixteen crystal-clear lakes. The majestic lakes are surrounded by dense forests, soaring rock formations, flowering meadows and are home to several animal species. After touring this unforgettable site, depart to Budapest, where we enjoy a traditional Hungarian Dinner complete with musical entertainment. (B, D)

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, which takes us to Matthias Church, the Parliament Building, the Roya Palace of Buda, then enjoy a cruise along the Danube River to the Pest District. Venture to the end of the World Heritage Boulvard and visit the majestic Heroes’ Square. In the afternoon, travel northwest to Vienna, where we have some free time to do some shopping or visit St. Stephen’s Church. Today, we have the chance to attend an optional Mozart Concert. (B, D)

Few cities capture the past and present as effortlessly as Vienna. We begin our half-day city tour with a visit to Schonbrunn Palace. This palace is the former residence of Archduchess Maria Theresa and Empress Sisi, and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. After touring the labyrinth of rooms and the enchanting gardens, drive past historic landmarks: the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse Boulevard, City Hall, Parliament Building and the Hofburg, the former imperial residence. Later in the day we continue on our journey to the alluring city of Prague. (B, D)

This city of a Thousand Spires is blessed with a unique blend of architectural styles which creates one of Europe’s most romantic skylines. We begin our exploration of this unique city with a visit to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Continue on to tour the St. Vitus Cathedral, located inside Prague Castle, Old Town Square and the romantic Charles Bridge, Prague’s most celebrated structure. After visiting the medieval Astronomical Clock and the Jewish Quarter, we can spend the day free at leisure. (B, D)

Arrive in Karlovy Vary, the most popular spa resort in the country. Located in the green valley of the River Tepla, this elegant town is renowned for its mineral springs and has been visited by Beethoven, Mozart and Casanova. Later on, we proceed to Frankfurt and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Our tour ends as we are transferred to the airport for homebound flight back to the USA. (B)

AB=American Breakfast ★ B=Breakfast ★ L=Lunch ★ D=Dinner ★ DP=Dinner Party ★ DH=Dinner at Hotel ★| DS=Dinner and Show