Arrival in Warsaw, where you'll be met by your guide and transported to out hotel in central Warsaw. Late afternoon or early evening walk in old town, and dinner (D).

Guided visit to Warsaw castle, then the afternoon is free to wander on your own (visit the Uprising Museum, tide the elevator to the top of the Palace of Science and Culture, explore the shops near the University) (B).

Today we travel from the modern capital
of Poland to the historic capital. After arrival we'll take an
orientation walk through the visit historic core, visit Poland's
oldest university, see one of the grandest carved altar pieces in
Europe and hear the warning call of a trumpeter cut short by a Tartar
arrow (B, D).

In the morning we'll tour Wawel castle,
the historic home of Polish kings, and visit Krakow cathedral, where
most of them are buried. Afternoon and evening free (B).

Today we'll visit the factory made famous
by Oskar Schindler, still standing just outside the Krakow city
center. Afterwards we'll drive to Auschwitz, site of one of the worst
atrocities of the Nazi regime, before returning to Krakow for the
evening (B).

Zakopane. In the morning we leave Krakow for a
short drive to Wielicka, one of the oldest salt mines in the world.
We'll tour the underground caverns, then head on to the little
mountain village of Zakopane (B, D).

Zakopane. Today we'll take a drive through one
of the most beautiful parts of Poland, where it's not unusual to see
horse-drawn plows, and farmers harvesting crops by hand. In the
Pieninski National Park we'll ride traditional wooden barges, hand
poled by Polish boatmen, through one of the most beautiful river
gorges in Europe. Afternoon free back in Zakopane (B)

From Poland we head south, through the
rugged mountains and forests of Slovakia en route to Budapest,
Hungary. After arrival we'll take a walk to see the Chain Bridge and
Castle Hill (B, D).

In the morning we'll tour Hungary's
grand neo-Gothic Parliament building and see some of the oldest crown
jewels in Europe. Afternoon free to explore on your own (B).

It's less than three hours from Budapest
to Vienna, the capital of a once mighty Empire. Here we'll take an
orientation walk of the always charming old town, including a visit to
the Nibble Market, an exotic riot of sights, sounds, smells and
tastes. The late afternoon is free to explore or shop on your own (B,
D).

In the morning we'll tour the Art History
Museum, one of Europe's greatest collections. Afternoon free to
explore more of old town, visit any of the dozens of museums, or just
enjoy the cafes and sounds of the city of music (B).

Danube. In the morning we'll head out of town,
stopping to tour Schoenbrunn, the Hapsburg's massive summer palace. In
the afternoon we continue on to Weissenkirchen. This little village is
in the Wachau, the best wine region in Austria, located on the banks
of the Danube River (B, D).

Danube. In the morning we'll take a boat ride on
the Danube River, tour the beautiful Baroque abbey at Melk, then
return to Weissenkirchen. Afternoon free to sample at the many
wineries, hike in the vineyards, rent a bike and cycle along the
Danube path, or just relax and enjoy the small town charm of
Weissenkirchen (B).

Today we travel to Prague, arriving in
the late afternoon. After arrival we'll take a walk through Old Town
and have dinner (B, D).

Today we'll tour the magnificent Castle
Hill, St. Vitus cathedral, the Golden Lane, Charles Bridge and Lesser
Town. Afternoon free for your own exploration and shopping (B, D).

Tour over after breakfast. Transportation to the
airport, or stay on your own in Prague (B).