K906 ~ WARSAW TO VIENNA

The 700-year-old capital of Poland is a symbol of nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from grand Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, summer residence of the last king of Poland. See the Palace of Science and Culture (known as a “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Then a walking tour shows you Old Town, Old Market Square, and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free. You might want to attend an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)

Journey to Czestochowa, known for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the Yasna Gora Monastery, popularly called the "Black Madonna." This afternoon tour haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious World War II concentration camp. It is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. End the day in Krakow. (B, D)

Your sightseeing tour today starts with a visit to Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, where you will see the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary's Church. The afternoon is free for a stroll around the city, shopping, or maybe sample some bigos or pierogi in a little café. (B)

Drive across the unspoiled Polish countryside, then on over the borders of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. End the day in Prague, with its Baroque churches, promenades, parks, and ancient city walls. (B, D)

Prague has a long and colorful history, from its early days as a bishopric, to becoming the residence of the Bohemian kings, and later the capital of both Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. Built across seven hills on both banks of the Vltava River more than 1000 years ago, it is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Your sightseeing starts with panoramic drive to famous Wenceslas Square, Strahov Stadium, and Castle Square. Then, on a walking tour, visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany with the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. Cross the Charles Bridge and walk through the old quarter of Prague to view the Jewish Ghetto, Town Hall and world-famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to attend an optional cultural performance. (B)

Travel into Austria and on to Vienna, the "City of Waltz." Your time is free to begin exploring or perhaps savor a Viennese pastry or two. (B)

On a morning sightseeing tour, visit Hofburg Palace, once the center of the Habsburg monarchy, and see Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, the UN Buildings, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and other remnants of the city's imperial history. The afternoon is free for last-minute shopping. Celebrate tonight with a Farwell Dinner at a popular restaurant. (B, D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Vienna’s airport for your flight home. (B)