MILITARY MONUMENTS & BATTLEFIELDS

After a restful night’s sleep, meet a local expert for a guided excursion devoted to the former ghetto area of Warsaw with visits to its main sites. We will see remnants of the ghetto wall and the Umschlagplatz memorial. Also included is a visit to the new Museum of the History of Polish Jews and a visit to Treblinka in the afternoon. (BB, D)

Today we drive south to medieval Krakow, full of architectural wonder and legend. Visit the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to ‘Old Podgórze’, to see Ghetto Square, and the remains of the Ghetto Wall. We then explore Oskar Schindler’s Factory Museum to gain a fascinating insight into the Nazi occupation of Poland and the fate of Schindler’s Jewish workforce. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (BB, D)

This morning we make a pilgrimage to Oswiecim, better known by its German name of ‘Auschwitz’. Our visit includes the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Memorial, bearing witness to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust. Return to Krakow to spend some time in Europe’s largest and most beautiful medieval town square. At its centre stands the huge Cloth Hall, surrounded by historic townhouses, palaces and churches. Listen out for the trumpeter’s call from the Gothic tower of St. Mary’s. A packed lunch will be provided today. (BB, PL)

After breakfast, journey into Slovakia and through the breathtaking Tatra Mountains, where villagers still live in traditional wooden houses. See the picturesque Oravsky Hrad Castle before crossing into Hungary en route to Budapest. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (BB, D)

With our local expert guide, we will learn about the history of the Jewish settlements in Budapest. Admire the incredible interior decoration of Matthias Church and take in the view from the Fisherman’s Bastion. We will visit the Great Synagogue and cemetery, as well as the Holocaust memorial dedicated to the man who saved thousands of Jews from the Nazis, Raoul Wallenberg. We will also have the opportunity to see the memorial of Shoes on the River Danube’s Promenade. Later, enjoy time in the Central Market Hall, its three floors packed with aromatic food stalls, offering Hungarian salamis, spicy papriska and sweet Tokaji wines. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (BB)

Today we depart for the Austrian Capital, Vienna. With our local guide, we will visit Leopoldstadt and the Judenplatz in the Jewish quarter, the Jewish Museum and the City Temple. We will also visit the Augarten Flakturm, a huge tower built as a platform for German anti-aircraft defences. The Austrian capital offers a variety of culinary highlights and this evening you have the chance to choose between a variety of restaurants. (BB, DA)

Join your local expert today to visit a range of Vienna’s highlights, including the Imperial Palace and Treasuries, the Schonbrunn Palace, the Imperial Burial Vault, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Kohlmarkt. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (BB)

Today we drive to Ceský Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town nestled on the banks of the Vltava. With a local expert, walk the narrow cobbled streets and arch-covered footpaths, past colourful townhouses and centuries-old inns. Enjoy a guided visit to the fairytale red-roofed castle, considered by many to be the finest in the land. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (BB, D)

After breakfast, we head to the capital city of Prague. Alongside a local expert, we’ll visit the amazing St Vitus’ Cathedral, which is set inside the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle. Later, cross the Charles Bridge to explore the vast cobblestoned expanse of the Old Town Square, and see Prague’s famous Astronomical Clock. Tonight we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (BB, D)

Our day starts with a visit to the ancient Jewish Quarter (Josefov), dating back to the 13th Century. We will then visit the Maisel, Spanish, Pinkas, and Klausen synagogues, Jewish Cemetery, and Ceremonial Hall. Enjoy the evening at your leisure at a local restaurant where you may want to sample tasty Czech cuisine and local beer. (BB)

Today our journey takes us to Nuremberg where an expert guide will lead the way for us to explore the ruins of the Nazi Party rally grounds. Our trip includes the Zeppelin Field, Congress Hall and the Palace of Justice, which is where the post-war Nuremberg trials took place. We then continue to Munich for an introductory orientation of the Olympic Stadium, university, Victory Arch and the Marienplatz, where crowds famously gather round the Town Hall to watch the antics of the Glockenspiel. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Hofbrauhaus, one of Munich’s famous “Bier Kellers”. (BB, D)

A scenic drive into the Bavarian Alps brings us to Berchtesgaden within sight of Hitler’s former mountain hideaway. With our expert guide we will drive up to the ruins of Obersalzberg and explore the tunnels that were built into the mountain for air-raid protection. Transfer onto special coaches, especially adapted to handle the mountain terrain, for a ride to Hitler’s notorious “Eagles Nest”. Take in the spectacular views of snowcapped peaks through the arches, up to the ‘Hohen Goll’. This evening, enjoy a Celebration Dinner with drinks at a cosy restaurant. (BB, CD)

After breakfast, it’s time to say good bye and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.