Summary
This 11-day Eastern Europe tour takes you on an unforgettable adventure through bucket-list destinations and hidden gems. Get ready for the world-famous canals of Venice and cruise along the waterways of Amsterdam. Discover the magic of fairytale cities like Prague, Vienna and Ljubljana. Bathe in geothermal springs in Budapest and soak up the vibrant, modern culture of Berlin. Indulge in delicious, authentic cuisines, uncover ancient history and experience new cultures and traditions. The best European trip packages combine action, intrigue and entertainment. This tour ticks all those boxes and more!
Highlights
- Enjoy free days to explore Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam
- Experience hidden gem destinations Ljubljana, Bratislava and Dresden
- Guided tours of Vienna, Prague, Budapest and Berlin
- Visit Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and Bruges, a medieval Belgian city
DAY 1: Start of tour in Rome – Venice
This morning, meet your Master DMC tour leader and other travellers for the start of the tour. Then, it’s time to leave the churches and basilicas of Rome behind and head to the canals of Venice! This floating city is home to top sights including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. This evening, join the Evening in Venice optional excursion and experience the lights of Venice from the canals! This excursion includes a water taxi cruise, gondola ride and dinner. This excursion will give you a completely different perspective and appreciation for the amazing structure of this one-of-a-kind city!
This tour includes no Rome hotel accommodation and forms the second half of the full-length Best of Europe 22-day tour, which starts and finishes in London – click here to see the full tour. There is an optional pre-tour add-on available on the Best of Eastern Europe tour which includes a 2-night pre-tour stay in Rome – please see the ‘Optional Excursions’ tab in our Help Section for more information.
Experiences
Explore Venice: Discover the magic of Venice, Italy’s unique floating city. Venice is full of iconic sights including St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Basilica, St Mark’s Museum, Campanile, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Market and Scuola Grande di San Rocco. For the ultimate Venice experience, join today’s optional excursions!
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Rome Add-on Pre-tour
Start the tour with two nights in Rome! Accommodation, breakfast, dinner, a walking tour of Rome and services of tour leader included.
€ 255
An Evening in Venice
Take a water taxi cruise and gondola ride of Venice’s iconic waterways. Soak up the romantic sights from the canals and enjoy an included dinner.
€ 120
DAY 2: Ljubljana – Zagreb
Today’s first destination is the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. Often thought of as a hidden gem of Europe, its castles, stunning architecture and natural beauty mean it packs a punch more powerful than its small size would suggest! Embark on an orientation tour through the city with your tour leader. Then, head to another capital city; Zagreb in Croatia! Arrive and join your tour leader on an orientation walk of this fascinating city. Next, enjoy free time to explore Zagreb’s unique mix of Hapsburg and Communist architecture, learn historical and cultural facts and get a glimpse of everyday life here. Check into the hotel and with time to freshen up before an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Ljubljana: Enjoy a visit to Slovenia’s capital city. Ljubljana is a compact destination filled with historic streets, impressive architecture, picturesque riverside neighbourhoods and a hilltop castle looking over it all. Embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader.
Orientation walk in Zagreb: Your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk of Croatia’s capital city. See the landmarks like the Museum of Contemporary Art, Maksimir Park, and the Mirogoj.
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BreakfastDinner
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DAY 3: Zagreb – Budapest
Today, cross the border into Hungary and stop at the scenic Lake Balaton before arriving in the capital city, Budapest! Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest straddles the historic Danube River and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as natural geo-thermal springs, drawing travellers from around the world. Enjoy a locally guided driving tour of the city followed by free time this evening to explore. Why not visit one of the city’s famous bathhouses, try the local food or simply stroll around the city admiring its magnificent architecture? Tonight, choose to see the city illuminated at twilight during the Danube Dinner Cruise optional excursion.
Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: Meet up with a local guide who will accompany us on a driving tour of the city and point out all the best-loved sights. Learn more about Hungarian culture and language and the city’s fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, make a stop at Heroes Square and get an eyeful of other must-see attractions like Budapest Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica, the State Opera, the castle district, and more.
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Breakfast
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On Tour Excursions
Danube Dinner Cruise
Indulge in a traditional Hungarian feast as you admire Budapest’s top sights from the water with a nighttime cruise along the Danube River.
€ 65
DAY 4: Bratislava – Vienna
This morning, travel to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava! Surrounded by mountains, vineyards, ski runs and wilderness, Bratislava is a stunning city. See if you can spot Bratislava Castle while embarking on an orientation tour of the city. Then, it’s on to Vienna! Arrive and join a local guide on a walking and driving tour of the Austrian capital. As a European centre for art and culture for centuries, Vienna was host to some of the world’s leading musical minds – including luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven. Along with its classical heritage, magnificent concert halls, palaces and museums, Vienna is also a modern city, with a vibrant nightlife culture. Taste authentic Viennese cuisine at a local restaurant tonight.
Experiences
Bratislava orientation tour: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour to see some of the landmarks and historic sights of the city, including a photo stop at Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the city.
Walking and driving tour of Vienna: Vienna is known as the ‘City of Music’ due to its classical heritage and the prodigies that worked there including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Brahms to name a few. The tour starts at the Golden Mile on the RingStrasse (Parliament, City Hall, Burgtheater). Then, discover the courtyards and passages around the Hofburg (Imperial Castle) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral which is Vienna’s geographic and historic centre.
Dinner in a Viennese wine cellar: Enjoy dinner in a special location tonight! Tuck into a delicious meal in a historic Viennese wine cellar.
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BreakfastDinner
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DAY 5: Vienna: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to explore Vienna! Awash with imperial splendour, Vienna was once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy, which dominated central Europe from the 16th-18th centuries. History fans should check out the incredible palaces of the era – Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere. Classical music lovers can opt to join today’s optional excursion to watch a concert by one of the greatest composers of the Viennese classical period, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!
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Breakfast
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On Tour Excursions
Imperial Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace & Viennese Café
Soak up Vienna’s imperial history with visits to Schönbrunn Palace, the artsy Mariahilf and Neubau districts, and a historic Viennese café.
€ 80
Vienna Classical Music Concert
Enjoy a classical concert held in a beautiful Viennese concert hall. The orchestra will play classics from the Strauss dynasty and Mozart.
€ 75
DAY 6: Vienna – Prague
Today the tour makes its way to the Czech Republic! Prague is a beautiful city, boasting elaborate Baroque, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, and rewarding those who explore it with quirky bars, cobbled lanes and secluded courtyards. Known for its brilliant beer and abundance of history, any exploration of Prague will be a rewarding one. Arrive and set off on a walking tour with a local guide. Look forward to must-see sights including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore more at your own pace. This evening, enjoy the option of a four-course dinner along with a traditional Czech folk music and dance show!
Experiences
Prague walking tour: A local guide will introduce you to the must-see sights of Prague including the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
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On Tour Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening
Enjoy a delicious three-course Czech dinner with unlimited drinks while delighting in a traditional folk show complete with Czech music and dancing!
€ 60
DAY 7: Dresden – Berlin
Today’s first stop is the city of Dresden in Germany. After WW2 bombing attacks ruined the city centre, the city was practically rebuilt from scratch to offer visitors the pristine and stylish Dresden of today. Enjoy an orientation walking tour of the city and try some of the local delights, such as Bratwurst. Next, journey to Berlin, Germany’s capital. Upon arrival, embark on a driving tour. See poignant attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Checkpoint Charlie.
Experiences
Explore the streets of Dresden: Enjoy a lunch stop in Dresden. During WW2 the city was almost completely destroyed by bombing attacks. Luckily, most of its treasures were removed beforehand and today, Dresden has been carefully rebuilt. It is full of beautiful and striking architecture and is home to amazing museums, arts and culture. Take a walk through the city centre and choose a local spot to enjoy lunch.
Guided driving tour of Berlin: Your local guide will explain the amazing history of this vibrant city and show you all the must-see sights, including Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Berlin Wall and Reichstag. Take a note of those you want to explore further on your free day tomorrow!
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BreakfastDinner
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DAY 8: Berlin: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to further explore the history of the German capital! The Berlin Wall stands as a sombre reminder of the controls imposed on Berlin during and after WW2, however, the bright street art that adorns it today seems to give it a peaceful purpose. Berlin also offers numerous free museums and galleries to visit, which all contribute to the understanding of this city’s modern history. A great optional which showcases the highlights of the city is the Berlin+ tour. Join to visit some of the city’s top attractions and gain a deeper insight into Berlin’s history as well as its modern culture today. Alternatively, taste your way through one of Berlin’s coolest neighbourhoods on the Berlin Food tour!
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On Tour Excursions
Berlin+
Discover Berlin’s fascinating history and vibrant modern culture. Visit the East Side Gallery, the Hackescher Markt, the Berlin TV Tower and more.
€ 70
Berlin Food Tour
Go on a walking food tour of Berlin’s vibrant Kreuzberg area and discover the delicious, varied cuisine and artistic sights of this neighbourhood.
€ 60
DAY 9: Berlin – Amsterdam
This morning, say auf Wiedersehen to Germany as the tour journeys on to the Netherlands. Watch as the landscape changes to windmills and waterways while approaching the capital city of Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy a twilight canal cruise, accompanied by interesting commentary about the city’s development and history. Afterwards, head for dinner at a local restaurant. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the bars and cafés or even visit the famous Red Light District!
Experiences
Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Sail along Amsterdam’s stunning canals at twilight. Cruise past famous landmarks and admire the scenery from the atmospheric canals.
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BreakfastDinner
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DAY 10: Amsterdam: Free Day
Enjoy a full free day to experience the delights of Amsterdam! There are numerous museums and art galleries to choose from – why not visit the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum? Alternatively, join the Dutch countryside optional excursion to see how local Dutch cheese and clogs are made and visit the quaint Dutch villages of Volendam and Zaanse Schans for sightings of the iconic Dutch windmills! As tonight is the last night of the tour, adding the optional Dutch Pancake Soiree to the itinerary is highly recommended! This is the perfect way to bid farewell to fellow travellers.
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Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Dutch Countryside Tour
Experience the Dutch countryside! Enjoy cheese and clog-making demonstrations, visit Volendam and see the windmills of Zaanse Schans.
€ 50
Dutch Pancake Soiree
Delight in one of the most delicious Dutch delicacies, Dutch pancakes, with a three-course dinner at a beautiful local restaurant in Amsterdam!
€ 40
DAY 11: Bruges – End of tour in London
After an Amsterdam adventure, there is one more stop before setting off for the UK. The Belgian city of Bruges is small but picturesque, with breathtaking architecture. Described as the ‘Venice of the North’, take some time to stretch your legs and indulge in a spot of sightseeing in beautiful Bruges. Don’t miss the opportunity to try an authentic Belgian waffle or beer while here! Afterwards, travel back to London, crossing the English Channel on the way. This is the perfect time to exchange contact details with new friends and travel buddies as you prepare to disembark in the capital. After 11 days of unforgettable travel highlights, this Eastern Europe tour comes to an end this evening in London.
Experiences
Visit Bruges: Stop in this beautiful medieval town and enjoy some free time to explore. Try the signature national dish of moules-frites, see or even climb the Belfry Tower, have a Belgian beer or waffle and buy some amazing Belgian chocolate to take home!
Meals
Breakfast
What’s Included
Accommodation
- 10 nights in 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 10 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
12 Experiences!
- Explore Venice, Italy’s floating city
- Discover Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, on an orientation tour
- Explore Zagreb, capital of Croatia
- See the best-loved sights in Budapest on a driving tour
- Visit Bratislava; Slovakia’s capital city
- Discover Vienna on a walking and driving tour
- Enjoy dinner in a Viennese wine cellar
- Prague walking tour
- Explore the historic streets of Dresden
- Guided driving tour of Berlin, capital of Germany
- Cruise the canals of Amsterdam while having dinner
- Visit the medieval Belgian city of Bruges
code:2025-1/520
