XEEU Walking The Wonders Of Eastern Europe TOUR

Day 1 Arrival in Berlin
Welcome to Berlin!

As Germany's capital and cultural heart, Berlin not only bears witness to much of the 20th century's turbulent history but also symbolizes the much-welcomed reunification of Germany after the Cold War. This most-populous city in the European Union boasts countless world-class treasures and serves as the launching pad for our 5-country adventure in Eastern Europe.

Overnight in Berlin.
Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Berlin: Historic Walking Tour
A full but relaxed day of walking in Berlin introduces us to some of Germany's most iconic sights. Beginning near the hard-to-miss Berlin TV Tower in Alexanderplatz, our guided journey crosses the Spree River and meanders through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Museum Island, displaying a wealth of art treasures in five different museums. Continuing our city walk, we enter the esteemed grounds of Humboldt University and cross Bebelplatz, the infamous site of the 1933 Nazi book burning. Continuing past the architectural wonders of the Gendarmenmarkt, with its impressive Konzerthaus flanked by the German and French Churches, our stroll brings us to Checkpoint Charlie, one of the Cold War's most notorious symbols. More reminders of the Iron Curtain era await us as we view remnants of the Berlin Wall on our way to a midday break near Potsdamer Platz, a bustling hub of activity and the site of Europe's first traffic light.

After a break for lunch, we visit the famed Brandenburg Gate, an 18th-century monument better known by most of us as a symbol of division turned to unity after the collapse of Communism. A short distance away is the equally well-known Reichstag building, the glass-domed meeting place of the Bundestag (Federal Assembly), the lower house of Germany's legislature. Following this rich introduction to Berlin, our walk concludes down the tree-lined boulevard of Unter den Linden, or you can finish your afternoon with a more relaxed and meandering stroll along the south bank of the Spree River. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the many accessible sights near our hotel, where many great dining opportunities await. Because of our busy day, full day tomorrow, and due to the linger effects of jetlag, dinner on your own this evening.

Walk summary: 4-5 hours of relaxed city walking with several breaks; distance of 10-11 km (6-7 mi) for the day; terrain is flat and walk is mostly on sidewalks.

Overnight in Berlin.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 3 Berlin - Potsdam - Dresden
Departing Berlin this morning, our less direct route offers us the chance to enjoy a few more of the city's highlights by bus, including the East Side Gallery, a series of interesting murals painted on a nearly mile-long remnant of the Berlin Wall, and Kurfurstendamm, a celebrated broad avenue known for its exquisite shops. Approaching Potsdam via the Glienenke Bridge (made famous in the movie "Bridge of Spies"), we enter a pleasant landscape that has long been a favourite residence for kings of Prussia and German emperors through the ages. A very pleasant morning walk begins near the New Palace and takes us through the lush grounds and fountains of Sanssouci Park to its namesake palace built by Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, in the mid-18th century.

Following a lunch break in the nearby Dutch Quarter, the second half of our Potsdam walk explores the New Garden and historically significant Cecilienhof, a chateau where in 1945 the leaders of World War II's three main Allies (Churchill, Truman, and Stalin) met to discuss the reorganization of Europe. Driving south from Potsdam, our mid-afternoon focuses on Martin Luther and the significant impact of the Protestant Reformation that got its start in the little town of Wittenberg. A relatively short and relaxing walking tour here will connect us with a few sites closely connected to Luther's life, including his home and Schlosskirche (Castle Church), where Luther is said to have lodged his protest by nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the door in 1517. We wrap up our full day of exploring in the heart of Dresden.

Walk Summary: About 4 hours of relaxed walking, mostly in park-like settings and small towns; distance of about 8 km (5 mi) for the day; terrain is flat and walk is mostly on sidewalks, with a bit of cobblestone and just a few stairs.

Overnight in Dresden.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 Dresden: Guided Walking Tour
Beautifully set along the River Elbe, Dresden is the capital city of the German state of Saxony. While the city was decimated by Allied bombing toward the end of World War II, its former glory has been restored, and our guided walk this morning will introduce us to many of its architectural and historical treasures. Known as the "Jewel Box" for its baroque and rococo themes, Dresden is home of the Frauenkirche, Germany's most important Protestant church. After the infamous bombing, some of the charred bricks from the rubble were used in the rebuilding of the church and can be clearly seen on the exterior. Our stroll also takes in such lovely sights as Bruhlsche Terrace and Royal Castle, as well as the melodic chimes of the bell tower at Dresdner Zwinger, a rococo style palace.

Following free time to explore more delights in Dresden, we depart the city center by bus for the nearby town of Meissen, the home of one of the most famous porcelain manufacturers in the world. A special lunch on this fine china will be followed by a fascinating tour of the factory, giving you an immense appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision that goes into this age-old process. Our return to Dresden gives you an evening free to enjoy dinner and to explore more of this charming city.

Walk Summary: About 2-3 hours of relatively flat, easy city walking; distance of about 3-4 km (2-2.5 mi) for the day with option for additional 2 km walking in the afternoon; terrain is mostly on sidewalks with occasional cobblestone and very few stairs.

Overnight in Dresden.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 Dresden, Germany - Prague, Czech Republic
This morning takes us into a more rural and natural experience amongst the emerald forests and strange sandstone formations of the Elbe Mountains, a region also known as Saxon Switzerland. This fascinating landscape near the border of Germany and the Czech Republic gives us a chance to soak up some stellar views of the Elbe River on a short but satisfying downhill hike to the quaint little village of Rathen, where we board a ferry and meet our bus on the other side of the river.

Following a lunch break in the pleasant little town of Pirna, Germany, we venture south, crossing the border into the Czech Republic and make our way to Prague, one of Europe's most incredible cities. Our mid-afternoon arrival into this picturesque Bohemian destination gives us time to check in to our hotel and perhaps enjoy a brief orientation walk before savouring a dinner together.

Walk Summary: About 1-1.5 hours of walking in the morning that is mostly downhill but includes nearly 275 meters (900 ft) of elevation loss involving many stairs, and perhaps 1 hour of easy walking in Prague on orientation walk; distance of about 3-4 km (2-2.5 mi) in the morning with additional 1-2 km possible on afternoon orientation walk in Prague; terrain in the morning is mostly on paved and natural surfaces with stone and wooden stairs, while Prague orientation walk is mostly on paved sidewalk with a few stairs.

Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6 Prague Walking Tour & Cruise
Occupying both banks of the Vltava River, Prague is an absolute gem of a town, and today's full-day walk experience aims to show you several sparkling facets, starting with Hradcany, the largest ancient castle in the world. Home to the Bohemian Crown Jewels, this impressive complex also contains the towering St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace, and the colourful houses of Golden Lane. Descending from the lofty Hradcany, our journey continues through a set of lovely terraces and into the unexpected surprise of the Valdstenjnska Gardens. Arriving at the city's iconic Charles Bridge, you'll have bit of free time to explore this medieval statue-lined span before we board our boat for a relaxing lunch cruise on the Vltava, where you can kick up your feet for a while and enjoy the moving postcard scenes.

More Prague delights await us in the afternoon, as our walk continues through the heart of the Jewish Quarter and into the bustling wonders of Town Hall Square, one of Europe's prettiest and home to the oldest astronomical clock still in operation, dating back to 1410. Continuing on to Wenceslas Square, we encounter not only a site named for "Good King Wenceslas" of Christmas carol fame, but also the square where the Prague Spring and Velvet Revolution took place in 1968 as a protest to oppressive Communist control. Our walk concludes with one more crossing of the Vltava and a funicular ride up Petrin Hill, where wonderful park paths and grand city views await us.

Walk Summary: About 6 hours of relaxed city walking with about 100 meters (300 ft) of elevation gain/loss throughout the day; distance of about 9-10 km (5-6 mi) throughout the day; terrain is mostly paved sidewalk and cobblestone, with occasional stairs.

Overnight in Prague.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 Prague - Cesky Krumlov
Bidding farewell to Prague this morning, we board our bus and journey south through beautiful Bohemia, arriving around noon at the gorgeous medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, nestled on a U-shaped bend in the Vltava River. This special place looks like it's been ripped from the pages of a fairy tale! Our walk in this charming city will include a stop along the way to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch as we ascend to the manicured gardens near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cesky Krumlov Castle. Stunning vistas await us from this lofty vantage point, showing off a sea of red-tile roofs and a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Winding our way through the rest of the town should give you a wonderful overview of this compact but captivating place and give you plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon and evening doing some personalized exploring.

Walk Summary: 2-3 hours of relatively easy small town walking with about 100 meters (300 ft) of elevation gain/loss throughout the walk; distance of about 5 km (3 mi) for the walk; terrain is a mix of paved sidewalk, some cobblestone and several stairs.

Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8 Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic - Vienna, Austria
Bidding a fond farewell to the Czech Republic this morning, we cross the border into Austria, our third country of the adventure. The inviting Danube River serves as a backdrop for a gentle and easy morning stroll between the towns of Schonbuhel and Spielberg, which is followed by a brief visit to Melk Abbey, a Benedictine behemoth located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. The cute little town nestled at the base of the abbey serves as a great place to enjoy a quick lunch on your own before we continue downstream past more wonderful Austrian scenes. In the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley, a gorgeous stretch of the Danube that is full of castles, vineyards, and monasteries, we savour a brief stop at Durnstein before completing our journey for the day in Vienna, Austria's dynamic and dazzling capital city.

Walk Summary: 2-3 hours of mostly flat walking with about 30 meters (100 ft) elevation gain/loss in Melk; distance of about 5-7 km (3-4 mi) for the day; terrain is a mix of paved sidewalks with some cobblestone and a few stairs.

Overnight in Vienna.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9 Vienna Walk & Schonbrunn Palace
Vienna was once the heart of the Habsburg Dynasty and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but its light still shines brightly today, offering many outstanding venues to discover. Vienna's wonderful Old Town is a feast for the eyes and is best explored on foot. Our morning route will include several highlights, including the world-renowned State Opera House, Parliament, Hofburg Palace, Burgtheatre, and the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral, just to name a few.

After a lunch break, we depart the city center, bound for the regal and resplendent Schonbrunn Palace, former home of the Habsburg rulers such as Franz Joseph and Maria Theresa. One of Europe's largest palaces, the 1,441-rooms in this immense Rococo dwelling are impressive enough, but the gardens of Schonbrunn are equally admirable. Enjoy the manicured beauty of these royal grounds on a walk up to the Gloriette, one of the best places to enjoy a picture of this unforgettable place.

Vienna is also known as the "City of Music" thanks to its rich musical heritage and for the fact that legendary composers such as Beethoven and Mozart called this city home. It may be possible for us to arrange an optional classical concert this evening if you'd like to experience a sampling of this stellar musical legacy. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at a nice selection of nearby restaurants.

Walk Summary: About 4 hours of easy and relatively flat city walking along with about 60m (200 feet) of elevation gain/loss at Schonbrunn; distance of about 6-8 km (4-5 mi) for the day; terrain is mostly paved sidewalk with some cobblestone and occasional stairs.

Overnight in Vienna.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10 Vienna, Austria - Trencin, Slovakia
Our fourth country awaits this morning as we transition from Austria to the landlocked but lovely country of Slovakia, formerly connected to the Czech Republic until the two countries split in 1993. The capital of Bratislava (formerly known as Pressburg) boasts a really charming and compact Old Town, which we explore on foot this morning, taking in highlights such as St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, Main Square, Old Town Hall, the Slovak National Theatre and Bratislava Castle, an imposing rectangular landmark with outstanding views of the Danube below.

Following lunch in Bratislava, we leave Slovakia's urban center in search of quaint and quieter corners of the country, arriving mid-afternoon in Trencin, an ancient town that dates back to the 11th century. A strategic crossroads near three mountain passes in the Carpathians, this historic commercial trading post is dominated by Trencin Castle, the third largest in Slovakia, which we will visit before descending the stairs and winding side streets to witness the main square and large baroque church. This evening's dinner will be near the rock upon which the castle resides!

Walk Summary: About 2-2.5 hours of city walking in Bratislava with about 70m (230 ft) of elevation gain/loss. About 1-2 hours of walking in Trencin, with about 70 meters elevation gain/loss up to the castle and back; distance of about 6-8 km (4-5 mi) for the day; terrain is mostly paved sidewalk, cobblestone and some stairs.

Overnight in Trencin.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11 Trencin - Zdiar
Today we increase the elevation a bit and experience a couple of high points for our adventure, both literally and metaphorically, as we drive up to the Tatras, the highest and westernmost range of the Carpathian Mountains. While we won't be bringing our skis today, the area we are walking in is quite popular for skiing in the winter. At just under a mile high, our gentle stroll around picture perfect Strbske Pleso won't leave you too out of breath due to the mostly flat path we travel. The fresh mountain air here will provide us a great setting for a lunch break.

In the afternoon, a metaphorical high point awaits us at lower elevations as we journey to the pleasant and petite village of Zdiar, home to indigenous highlanders known as Gorals. Once settled in to our hotel, our gentle 30-minute walk to the fun little town museum brings us face to face with the rich traditions and music of the region and provides us a deeper understanding of this distinct and colourful community. Many cultural surprises await us this evening as we return to our hotel by horse and carriage for a memorable meal amidst the mountain views.

Walk Summary: About 1-1.5 hours of relaxed alpine walking at higher altitudes (1300 meters / 4,000 ft above sea level) in Strbske Pleso and 30 minutes of walking gently downhill to the Zdiar Museum on pavement; distance of about 6-7 km (3-4 mi) for the day; terrain is mostly paved sidewalk and dedicated paved hiking paths with some natural surfaces.

Overnight in Zdiar.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12 Zdiar, Slovakia - Wieliczka, Poland - Krakow
Before we depart from the idyllic serenity of Zdiar, we have one last morning treat for you as we ascend by chairlift and soak up the Tatras views, followed by a short leg-stretcher of a hike down to a little pond. If the weather is clear, the views should be fantastic! After a short drive, we cross the border from Slovakia into Poland, our final country of the adventure.

Our plan is to arrive at Wieliczka for a lunch break before an afternoon guided tour of the mind-boggling and UNESCO-listed Salt Mines which share a name with the city. Salt, while still very important in modern life, was once so precious that it was traded as currency. The people of Wieliczka have been excavating sodium chloride here since the 13th century, and the amazing array of caverns and support structures they've created must be seen to be believed! You'll want to be ready for a very active tour, as it involves at least 2-3 km of walking and about 800 stairs throughout the experience. But it is worth every step! You'll witness countless salt-carved sculptures and a few chapels (including salt chandeliers) among other unforgettable highlights. We finish our day in the storied city of Krakow, on the edge of Old Town.

Walk Summary: About 1 hour of relaxed alpine walking in Zdiar that is mostly downhill and about 2.5 hours of walking inside the salt mines with many flat paths but nearly 800 stairs throughout; distance of about 6-7 km (3-4 mi) for the day; terrain is mostly natural path and grass in Zdiar and salt-paved paths and stairs in Wieliczka.

Overnight in Krakow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13 Historic Krakow Walk
While Warsaw is Poland's capital, it is Krakow that has traditionally been the cultural, religious, and historical heart of the country. It is a very underrated European destination! Our guided walk begins near Wawel Hill, where the city's roots go all the way back to the 7th century, and where Polish royalty once resided. Also in this regal complex is the Wawel Cathedral, where a young Karol Wojtyla (later to become Pope John Paul II) gave his first Mass after being ordained into the priesthood. Descending to the Main Square of Krakow, we gaze in wonder at Rynek Glowny, the largest medieval town square in Europe, in the center of which is the Cloth Hall, once a major center of international trade. Other highlights of our morning walk include the pleasant pedestrian paths of Planty Park and the bell tower of St. Mary's Basilica, where an hourly trumpet call reminds listeners of a 13th century Mongol attack on the city.

A special lunch is in store for us today in Kazimierz, a district in Krakow with a rich and thriving Jewish community that was decimated during World War II. In addition to very tasty and traditional foods, you will enjoy the melodic sounds of klezmer music, which draws upon the traditions of Ashkenazi Judaism and Eastern European folk traditions. After this memorable meal, the second half of our walk today focuses on the somber history of the Holocaust and its impact on the Jews of Krakow. Strolling the streets of Kazmierz and interacting with the stories of Remuh Synagogue and the Temple Synagogue makes your heart ache for what was lost in this community. Just a short distance away, across the Vistula River, lies the Schindler Factory Museum, a testament to one man's attempt to make a positive difference in the face of this inhumanity. If time allows, you can consider visiting this very moving museum on an optional basis. Our walk concludes at our Old Town hotel where the remainder of the afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy, with many restaurants close by.

Walk Summary: About 5-6 hours of relaxed city walking that is mostly flat with a short ascent and descent at Wawel Hill; distance of about 10-11 km (6-7 mi) for the day; terrain is almost exclusively paved sidewalk with some cobblestone and a few stairs.

Overnight in Krakow.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 14 Krakow - Auschwitz - Czestochowa - Warsaw
One of the most powerful reasons for travelling is the chance to be touched by history and to learn vital lessons. Today's morning visit to Auschwitz provides just such a critical reminder. This most prolific of the Nazi death camps was chosen as a location due to its close proximity to Krakow, where Germany's General Government in Poland was established after the invasion. Often called "the saddest place on earth," Auschwitz is well worth exploring because it so powerfully reminds us of the horrors that humans have been capable of and sharpens our resolve in never allowing this to happen again.

After a lunch break, our journey takes us north to Warsaw for our final two-night stay of the tour. Along the way, we stop briefly at Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, a very important pilgrimage site for Polish Catholics, as it houses a famous and purported miraculous painting of the Virgin Mary, known as Black Madonna.

Walk Summary: A very light walking day with only about 1-2 hours of relatively flat walking at Auschwitz and Czestochowa; distance of about 2-4 km for the day; terrain is almost exclusively paved sidewalk with some natural paths and a few stairs.

Overnight in Warsaw.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 15 Warsaw: Historic Walking Tour
Warsaw is an inspirational city that speaks highly of the strong character of the Polish people and their resilience after the devastation of World War II and the Communist era. Today's guided walk provides a wonderful overview, starting in the gorgeous green space of Lazienki Park, with its beautifully situated Water Palace as one of many endearing features. Passing by the National Museum of Warsaw, we enter the pedestrian-friendly area of Nowy Swiat, where a tempting pastry shop may lure you away from the group if you're not careful! Monuments to a couple of Warsaw's favorite sons, Nicolas Copernicus and Frederic Chopin, greet us on our way to Pilsudski Square and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After passing the Presidential Palace, where the Warsaw Pact was signed in 1955, we arrive at Old Town for a chance to enjoy a lunch break. Consider finding a good pierogi restaurant!

After lunch, our walk continues past the Sigismund Column through the rebuilt splendors of Old Town. What makes this colourful district all the more impressive is that it was painstakingly and accurately rebuilt after being leveled by the Germans in World War II, a true phoenix rising from the ashes! Strolling through the Old Town Square and the Barbicon leads us to the conclusion of this historic walk at separate memorials to both the Jewish Ghetto Uprising of 1943 and the wider Warsaw Uprising of 1944, both testaments to the unbreakable spirit of the people who were oppressed here. After a short bus ride back to our hotel, we take a brief rest and prepare for a farewell dinner together and a special Chopin-themed concert at a nearby salon.

Walk Summary: About 4-5 hours of relaxed city walking that is mostly flat with just a few stairs here and there; distance of about 9-10 km (5-6 mi) for the day; terrain is almost exclusively paved sidewalk with some cobblestone and a few stairs.

Overnight in Warsaw.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16 Departure
Departure from Warsaw.

BON VOYAGE!!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast