Capitals of Eastern Europe 2024

10 Day Tour: July 8-17, 2024

Pricing

Tour Highlights

• HIGHLIGHTS
• Prague
• Bratislava
• Budapest
• Cesky Krumlov
• Devin Castle
• Troja Chateau
• Zagreb
• Plitvice Lakes
• Split

• Roundtrip airfare from Chicago
• First Class Hotel Accommodations
• Daily Breakfast
• 5 Dinners
• Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation
• Admissions to all listed Attractions
• Roundtrip airport transfers in the Chicagoland area
• Guided by Bill Ball
• Baggage Handling
• All Gratuities

Tour Itinerary

Day One   We fly to Prague today to start an adventure that will take us across some of the newest European Union members. This is one of the most historic and scenic regions of Europe.

Day Two We tour the capital of the Czech Republic today—Prague.  This city has been called the most beautiful in all of Europe.  Its gothic architecture, Jewish Cemetery, impressive city squares and imposing castle makes this the quintessential European city.  St. Vitus Cathedral containing the tomb of King Wenceslas recalls the Christmas song and very special time in Czech history.

Day Three  We venture outside the city to visit the impressive Troja Chateau.  More that just an incredible villa with its botanical gardens, Troja takes us to an era of the landed gentry with its frescos and paintings.  A free afternoon in Prague allows museum visits, shopping excursions or just strolling around the streets and alleys of this world class city.

Day Four We head south to Cesky Krumlov a UNESCO village that appears almost unchanged since the 18th century.  The ridge above town is dominated by its 13th century castle and 18th century chateaus.  This is one of the premiere architectural cities in Europe.  We end the day at the capital of Slovakia—Bratislava.

Day Five  We tour Bratislava today including its hillside fortress, quaint streets and magnificent bridge spanning the Danube River.  We proceed just outside town to Devin Castle—romantic gothic ruin at the intersection of the Danube and Morava Rivers.  This castle dates back to the Roman Empire and was the centerpiece of the Great Moravian Empire of the 9th century.  We end the day in Hungary’s capital—Budapest, but only after a Bill surprise stop that will give you another perspective of Hungary.

Day Six  Budapest is really 3 cities in one with Pest on one side of the Danube and Budu and Obudu on the other.  This is the Paris of Eastern Europe with its easy going feel, museums and scenic  boulevards.  One of the most impressive buildings in  the world is here—the parliament; Budu is chock full of medieval buildings and fortresses.  Bill will unlock the secrets that make this one of the great cities of the world .  There is a free afternoon to allow you to experience your part of the city in depth.  Bill will help orient you for maximum use of your time.

Day Seven  We head to Zagreb, capital of what many Europeans regard as the most beautiful sea-based country.  This city combines elegant 19th century buildings with magnificent churches and impressive government  edifices and awe-inspiring museums.  You will fall in love with this new ancient capital city.

Day Eight  We explore one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Europe today —Plitvice Lakes National Park.  This string of 16 lakes is joined by a series of waterfalls and cataracts that makes this one of the most scenic waterways in the world.  Add that the huge amount of water birds, wild boars and even wolves and bear and you have one of the great national parks of Europe.

Day Nine This morning we move on to Split.  This is one of the most unusual cities in the world and a UNESCO site as well.  When the great Roman Emperor Diocletian retired, he built the largest home that ever existed.  The frame of that house and some of the rooms remain but here is the remarkable part—the house was so large the city is inside of it.  This is one of the greatest ancient wonders.

Day Ten We fly home today filled with history, amazing architecture and the beauty of the Capitals of Eastern Europe.