Central Europe (Croatia to Poland)EUCE

Today we explore Zagreb city, we walk through the Upper Town (Gornji Grad) - the oldest part of Zagreb which has a splendid labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and wonderful buildings. Here we see St. Mark's church with its multi-coloured tile roof bearing the coats of arms of Croatia, Croatian Parliament building- located within St Mark's square and next to the popular St Mark's church, the Baroque church of St. Catherine, and the Cathedral of St. Stephen - also known as Zagreb Cathedral and it is the tallest cathedral in Croatia, Later we take a stroll through Zagreb’s main open-air farmers’ market - Dolac Market, then we walk through the Lower Town (Donji Grad) - Zagreb’s busy city centre. Here we see, Statue of Ban Jelacic - the Ban of Croatia who is remembered for his military campaigns during the Revolutions of 1848, National Theatre- a theatre, opera and ballet house, and the University of Zagreb- one of Croatia’s oldest institutions. In the afternoon we proceed to Zadar – a city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, which is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins, also for the unique modern wonders. Upon arrival we visit Zadar’s incredible Sea Organ - an architectural sound art object which plays music by way of sea waves and Sun Salutation - It consists of a 22-meter diameter circle, with photovoltaic solar modules underneath.

Today we explore Zadar city, we see the Forum square - a municipal square from the Roman era, St Donatus Church - built in the 9th century, this church is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia, Port Marina- situated in the central part of the Adriatic coast and right in the centre of Zadar and Roman City Walls – These walls allowed the city to retain its independence and meant that it was never captured by the Turks. Later we proceed to Plitvice National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to 16 lakes connected by a series of waterfalls and surrounded by close-packed woodland. Upon arrival we enjoy the sight of thousands of sparkling water falls, clean pure air, the great Splashier and idyllically boat ride on Lake Kozjak. Later we take a walk on one of 18km marked trails.

Today we proceed to Ljubljana – capital of Slovenia, is known for being a ‘city of wine and vine’. Enroute we visit Postojna Caves - The caves were created by the Pivka River. It is an intricate network of tunnels decorated by stalagmites and other natural features which are shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years. Upon arrival we take a train to the magical underground world. Postojna Cave is the only karst cave with a railway, which was built more than 140 years ago.

Today we proceed to Bled - an alpine lake with the only island in Slovenia, also called as 'Alpine Pearl'. Upon arrival we visit the Bled Castle – a medieval castle built on a precipice above the city of Bled, overlooking Lake Bled. Later we enjoy a traditional wooden boat ride ‘Pletnas’ to visit the tiny island in the middle of Lake Bled. Here we visit the glorious 17th century Baroque Church of the Assumption- also known as The Church of Mary the Queen. Later we proceed to Ljubljana – capital of Slovenia, is one of the smallest European capitals. Upon arrival we enjoy walking tour of Ljubljana, we see Preseren square – the central square in Ljubljana, Triple Bridge – a group of three bridges across the Ljubljanica River, it connects the Ljubljana's historic old town on one bank and the modern city of Ljubljana, Central market – an open air market, Town hall - seat of the Municipality of Ljubljana, Cathedral of St. Nicholas – also known as Ljubljana Cathedral, built as a Gothic church in the early 18th century and later replaced by a Baroque church, Dragon Bridge – a road bridge, built across the Ljubljana River and adorned with dragon statues. In the afternoon we take the funicular ride and visit the 15th century Ljubljana castle – it houses a museum and exhibition on Slovenian history.

Today we proceed to Budapest - also called the 'Little Paris' of Europe. Upon arrival we enjoy Danube river cruise and admire the beauty of the Danube River - the magnificent scenic divider and connector of Buda and Pest. Later we explore Budapest city, we see Heroes' Square – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main squares in Budapest, stands in honour and memory of the great leaders in Hungary's history, Fishermen's Bastion - a fairy-tale castle on the Buda side of the city, is a lookout point which offers stunning panorama of Budapest, the historic Matthias Church – a Roman Catholic church, Gellert hill – a 235 m high hill overlooking the Danube River, Parliament house – a magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture, is the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary, Royal palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Buda Castle, is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings, the famous chain bridge on the Danube River - first permanent suspension bridge which connected Buda and Pest.

Today we proceed to Bratislava – The Capital of the Slovak Republic. Also referred to as the Beauty on the Danube. Upon arrival we explore Bratislava city, we see Old Town - an historic centre of Bratislava with cobbled streets, colourful pastel buildings and narrow pathways, St Martins Cathedral - Gothic church from the 15th century and the former coronation church, St Michael Tower- also known as Michael's Gate, is the only city gate that has been preserved of the medieval fortifications and ranks among the oldest town buildings. Later we drive through Most SNP - a road bridge over the river Danube. Commonly referred to as the UFO Bridge. In the afternoon, we visit Bratislava Castle – Visible from all over the city, the grand Renaissance palace dates back to the 16th century and now houses the Museum of History. Later we proceed to Vienna – Capital of Austria, is one of the most visited cities of Europe.

Today we visit Schonbrunn Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an 18th century Baroque palace was the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers and is one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historic monuments in the country. Later we explore Vienna city, we see Opera House - one of the finest Opera Houses in the world, Parliament Building - the monumental neoclassical building is the seat of the Austrian Parliament, City Hall – Neo-Gothic building that serves as the city's administrative centre, Hofburg Palace – serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of Austria, Heldenplatz - a public square and Ring Boulevard – also known as Ringstrasse. Further we proceed to Prague – also known as the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, is the capital of Czech Republic. Upon arrival we explore Prague city, we see Hradcany Castle - one of the biggest caste in the world. Built in 9th century and is the official office of the President of the Czech Republic, Cathedral of St. Vitus - a Roman Catholic metropolitan cathedral in Prague and is the seat of the Archbishop of Prague, Astronomical Clock - the most striking aspects of the clock are the moving 12 Apostles sculptures carved out of wood, Old Town Square - an historic square in the Old Town quarter of Prague, Charles Bridge - a stone Gothic bridge that crosses Vltava river and connects the Old Town and Lesser Town. In the evening we enjoy Cruise on the river Vltava and admire the spectacular view of Prague.

Today we proceed to Dresden - also called ‘Florence at the Elbe’. Upon arrival we explore Dresden city, we see Semper Opera- one of the most beautiful and prestigious opera houses in the world, Dresden cathedral- a symbol of the suffering of German civilians after its destruction in World War II bombing and now of reconciliation. Later we proceed to Berlin - the capital and the largest city of Germany, its former glory ended in 1945, but the city survived the destruction of World War II and was rebuilt to show amazing economic and cultural growth. Upon arrival we have free time for shopping in Berlin.

Today we explore Berlin city, we see magnificent Berlin Cathedral – the Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church with a striking main altar made of white marble and onyx, City Hall – the home to the governing mayor, Berlin Victory Column – an iconic sight built to commemorate the Prussian victories in the unification wars in 1864, Monument Brandenburg Gate – a former symbol of German - German divide during the Cold War, is now a national symbol of reunification, freedom, peace and unity, Unter den Linden – a boulevard that runs from the City Palace to Brandenburg Gate named after the linden trees that line the sidewalks, Check Point Charlie – the best-known border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War and is also a setting for many thrillers and spy novels of Ian Fleming’s James Bond stories, German State Opera House – the first freestanding theatre in Germany built in 1741 and Reichstag Building – an internationally recognisable symbol of democracy and the current home of the German Parliament. Later we visit Berlin Wall – An enduring symbol of the cold war, a 140 km long concrete barrier was built in 1961 to prevent access to East Berlin and East Germany people, eventually this wall was brought down in 1990 during German reunification, followed by a visit to Berlin Wall Museum – to know story of the Berlin Wall through the eyes of the people whose lives were directly affected by it and also hear about people who were given only a few hours’ notice to leave their homes when the Wall was built. In the afternoon we proceed to Potsdam - The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg which was a residence of the Prussian kings and the German Kaiser until 1918. Upon arrival we explore Potsdam city, we see Cecilienhof Palace - a palace in Potsdam, built in the layout of an English Tudor manor house and it is the site of the famous 1945 conference between the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom. Later we take a walk through City Palace - the second official residence of the margraves and electors of Brandenburg, later kings in Prussia and German emperors, St. Nicolas Church - one of the most significant examples of architecture of German classicism, Old town hall and Dutch quarter - built of red bricks in the Dutch style.

Today we proceed to Krakow – the city of salt mines, is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland.

Today we explore Krakow city, we see Royal Castle- also known as Wawel Castle. It was built in 14th century and then for centuries was the residence of the kings of Poland, St. Mary's Basilica – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a roman catholic church. Followed by a visit to Auschwitz concentration camp - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was a complex of over 40 concentration and extermination camps built and operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during World War II and the Holocaust. Later we visit the Salt mine of Wieliczka – a UNESCO world Heritage site, it dates back to medieval times and has a history of around 9 centuries of salt exploitation.

Today we proceed to Warsaw – capital of Poland, was the last residence of the Polish royalty and the place where the 1944 uprising happened. Upon arrival we visit the Baroque Wilanow Palace – also known as the ‘Polish Versailles’, was built as a home for king John III Sobieski during the late 17th century.

Today we explore Warsaw city, we see Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest part of Warsaw, with cobblestone alleys and medieval buildings reconstructed after WWII, Warsaw Ghetto – it was the largest of all the Jewish ghettos in German-occupied Europe during World War II, the sites evoked in Polanski's 'The Pianist', and the Palace of Culture and Science - a ‘gift of friendship’ from the Soviet Union, it was completed in 1955 and is, at 237m high, the tallest building in Poland.