Central & Eastern Europe Explorer

Welcome to Munich and the first day of this adventure-filled Central & Eastern Europe coach tour! After heading to the hotel this morning and meeting up with your tour leader, embark on an orientation tour. Munich is quite a contradictory city, with luxury on one end and heartiness on the other, from industrial innovation and designer shopping to modern advancements and historic cultural sites. For an unforgettable immersion into the city's sights and culture, join today's optional excursion. See all the top attractions with an expert local guide and get an authentic taste of German food, beer and culture! Later, enjoy a welcome dinner in an authentic German beer hall!

Discover Munich on an orientation tour: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city. Munich is the capital of Bavaria, and is home to centuries-old buildings and modern culture. It’s also famous for being the home of Oktoberfest!

Welcome dinner in a German beer hall: Tonight, enjoy a visit to a traditional German beer hall. Sample excellent German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!

It's time for the journey to continue, but first, enjoy a stop at Neuschwanstein Castle - a 19th-century castle built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria, which inspired the famous Disneyland castle. Meet a local guide and explore this dreamy castle, plus use the available free time to snap some incredible pictures! Next, the coach crosses the border into Austria towards this evening's accommodation in Innsbruck. With the third-largest student population in Austria, Innsbruck offers a wide variety of bars and beer gardens to spend the night at. Or, tuck into authentic Austrian cuisine and enjoy traditional Tyrolean music and dance by joining tonight's optional excursion.

Neuschwanstein Castle: Enter the incredible Neuschwanstein Castle and enjoy a tour of this magical structure! This spectacular castle looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale - which incidentally isn't far from the truth. Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for the famous Disneyland castle!

Visit Innsbruck: Travel to Innsbruck and enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader. Look forward to free time to explore more this evening. This is where the modern urban environment meets the natural outdoors. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the town square and its famous Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof).

After breakfast, journey to today's first destination in the world's sixth-smallest country, Liechtenstein. Enjoy a stop in Vaduz, the country's capital, for a leisurely stroll and time to grab lunch. Then, hop back onto the coach for the journey into Switzerland! Upon arrival in Lucerne, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of the city's top sights, including the famous Chapel Bridge. Marvel at this beautiful city, its bridges, the brightly-coloured houses and lovely waterfronts before heading to Interlaken, where the tour touches down for the night. Sit down for an included Swiss dinner at the hotel before enjoying a free evening to settle in, see the sights or get some rest.

Visit Vaduz: Visit Liechtenstein, the smallest yet richest German-speaking country and the only one to lie entirely within the Alps. Admire the fabulous mountain views and enjoy a lunch stop in the capital Vaduz. There will be time to eat, shop and see the Vaduz Castle which overlooks the capital. The castle is a palace and official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

Orientation walk of Lucerne city centre: Your tour leader will walk with the group through the centre of Lucerne and point out some of the highlights, such as the Lion Monument, Church of St Leodegar and the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge).

Scenic mountain drive: Look forward to spectacular views as the tour drives through mountain passes and alongside lakes, breathtaking mountain vistas and scenic views of quaint Swiss towns.

Today, take full advantage of a free day in the stunning Swiss Alps, Europe’s widely popular mountain range! And what's more, you're guaranteed to see snow at the top of Jungfraujoch if you embark on today's optional excursion. Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest train station, and to get there, one must take the train through some of the most beautiful Swiss mountains and scenic landscapes. Not to mention the view from the top! Jungfraujoch's height promises snow year-round, so visitors can expect to see snow even in summer! This evening, once you're back on ground level, choose to join the Swiss Fondue Dinner optional excursion to get a taste of Swiss cuisine and warm up from within.

After breakfast this morning, it's time to leave the snowy Swiss Alps behind in exchange for Italy's spectacular Lake District with a stop at the famous Lake Como. This immense body of water is fabulously framed by scenic villages. One of which, Laglio, is home to George Clooney's luxury estate! Explore the Lake District at leisure this afternoon. Get immersed in the culture by tasting the local delights, walking the village streets, or simply soaking up the striking views. This is where La Dolce Vita lives! End the day back at the hotel with the group for a delicious included dinner.

Explore Lake Como: This is one of the most beautiful and glamorous destinations visited on the tour! This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore this area famous for its dramatic scenery and luxury resorts.

Spend a night in the Italian Lake District: Enjoy an overnight stay in the Italian Lake District – one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. Make sure the camera batteries are fully charged!

Get ready to sightsee today! First up is the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour to spot the city's must-see sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Ponte Vecchio! Sit down for an included local lunch before a leather and gold workshop. Next, travel to a world-renowned Italian icon - the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Get creative with your photos 'holding' the tower! Then, journey to a stunning spa town in Tuscany. Arrive in Montecatini and settle into the accommodation, or join the optional excursion to explore Montecatini Alto with your tour leader, take a return ride on the Montecatini Funicular and enjoy a 3-course dinner at a local restaurant.

See the Leaning Tower of Pisa: This is your chance to see the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or even take some iconic pictures of you ‘holding up’ the tower!

Orientation tour of Florence: Learn more about Florence on an orientation tour with your tour leader. See the main sights, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Della Signoria and more. 

Tuscan lunch in Florence: Sample authentic Tuscan cuisine with lunch at a local restaurant in Florence.

Fair Verona awaits today! Arrive in the setting of Shakespeare's star-crossed tale and head out on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Then, enjoy some free time to explore more of the city. Next up is Venice, a remarkable city which straddles 118 islands and offers visitors captivating canals, gorgeous Gondolas, Venetian masks, picturesque piazzas, astonishing art and time-old traditions! Tonight offers the perfect opportunity to see Venice from its charming canals by joining the optional An Evening in Venice excursion for a Gondola and water taxi ride followed by dinner at a local restaurant!

Visit Verona: Embark on an orientation tour and take a walk around the city which provided the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Absorb the ambience of the city, and even seek out Juliet’s balcony where Romeo reportedly wooed his lover!

Experience Venice: Look forward to a full free day in this 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!

Say goodbye to Venice after breakfast and enjoy the scenic road back to Munich! Soak up the incredible scenery as the coach drives through the Italian Dolomite Mountains located in the Dolomite National Park. Up next is a hidden Alpine gem of a monastery town called Andechs, which is an absolutely unique highlight of this tour! Why not tuck into a hearty lunch while admiring the Andechs countryside scenery? Next, return to Munich and settle into the hotel before spending the evening as you wish.

Scenic drive through the Dolomite National Park: During this magnificent drive through one of Europe's most beautiful Alpine landscapes, stop at Lago di Landro for a chance to really appreciate the surrounding countryside - and take a few photos!

Visit the Monastery Town of Andechs: Andechs monastery is the ideal place to stop for lunch. Here, take the opportunity to sample some hearty German fare such as eisbein (pork knuckle)!

After enjoying breakfast, it's time to discover why the Bavarian capital is one of the world's most dynamic destinations. Discover the rich history, admire the architectural attractions, and marvel at the modern innovations and industries! Munich is truly a melting pot of culture, design and innovation. This afternoon, take advantage of some free time to embark on a solo Munich tour at leisure. Alternatively, tour some of Munich's must-see locations and enjoy mouthwatering Bavarian cuisine on an optional guided tour. This evening, get a literal taste of German culture at a traditional German beer hall.

A new country is on the agenda after breakfast today! Say goodbye to Munich as the coach journeys to Austria. On the way to Vienna, stop in the lakeside town of Mondsee. This quaint little town is home to the Mondsee Abbey which can famously be seen in The Sound of Music! Up next is another captivating Austrian town, Melk. Take a tour of the spectacular Melk Abbey overlooking the famous Danube river and sit down for a delicious two-course included lunch. Later this afternoon, arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital, and enjoy a free evening to recharge. Or, treat yourself to a classical music concert featuring pieces from the greats, Mozart and Strauss, on this evening's optional excursion.

Visit Mondsee: Enjoy a comfort stop in this quaint town which sits on the shores of Lake Mondsee. Take some time to walk around, relax at a café or explore the famed Mondsee Abbey which can be seen in the beloved film The Sound of Music!

Tour Melk Abbey: Embark on a guided tour of the impressive Melk Abbey. The Benedictine abbey was first founded in 1089 while the 18th-century structure which stands today is an exceptional example of Baroque architecture. Learn all about the history of this region and admire the views of the Danube river from atop the rocky outcrop where the abbey sits!

This morning, embark on a driving and walking tour of the Austrian capital. Soak up the sheer expanse of Vienna's breathtaking architectural, musical and artistic history through the works of the greats, including Mozart, Beethoven and Klimt and marvel at the modern edge this world city also exudes. Spend free time here exploring and finding a lunch spot before the coach continues to Hungary. Upon arrival in Budapest, the Hungarian capital, head out on a guided driving tour to see the city's highlights, like the Hungarian Parliament and St. Stephen‘s Basilica. Tonight, join the unmissable optional excursion to dine on the Danube river! Tuck into a bountiful buffet while you marvel at the most magical views of Budapest by night.

Driving and walking guided tour of Vienna: On the drive into Vienna, Austria’s capital city, you will see Schönbrunn Palace before reaching the Inner City, and one of the best vistas from Belvedere Hill. 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, as your local guide on your walking tour will tell you. 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. 

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. This is a great way to learn more about Hungarian culture and language, and the city's fascinating history. Drink in incredible views from atop Gellert Hill and the Citadel, take 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. 

Tick two new countries off of your bucket list today! First up is the small but stunning capital of Slovakia, the city of Bratislava. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour to delve deeper into this vibrant city. Next, the journey continues to this evening's accommodation in Prague. Spend the afternoon exploring this magical city with an expert local guide. Marvel at the Gothic architecture, wander the cobbled streets and learn about this city's intriguing history, folklore and culture. This evening, head to a local restaurant with the group for an included dinner. Savour your first taste of delicious Czech cuisine, then settle in at the hotel for the evening.

Orientation tour of Bratislava: Visit Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, and join your tour leader for an orientation tour of the city where you will see the Old Town, Primatial Palace, Michael’s Gate, the Main Square, Old Town Hall, Slovak National Theatre and Reduta.

Guided tour of Prague: Discover this incredible city with a local guide. Since freeing itself from communism, Prague has joined other European jewels like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam to take its place as one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. Prague's dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the architecture of churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks.

Prague dinner: Experience authentic Czech cuisine at a local restaurant on your first night in Prague; the history of this restaurant dates back hundreds of years, and it is a favourite place for locals as well as our Expat Explore groups. You will also have the option to try famous Czech Beer!

Today, make the most of the opportunity to spend a full free day in the Czech Republic's fairytale capital! This magical city, often called the "City of a Hundred Spires", is an immensely popular travel destination. Discover why by joining our top-selling optional excursion. Prague+ includes a guided tour of the famous Prague Castle as well as a Prague river cruise! Otherwise, explore the city on your own at leisure and even stop by some of your favourite highlights from yesterday again. This evening, opt for a traditional Czech experience by joining the optional excursion, including a mouthwatering three-course dinner and Czechia’s top export - beer! Let loose and have some fun tonight.

While the time in Prague has come to an end, this Central & Eastern Europe tour is not over yet! En route back to Munich, enjoy a stop in Nuremberg, Germany to soak up its history. As the second-largest city in Bavaria, it is praised for its outstanding architecture which was damaged during WWII and successfully restored thereafter. Embark on an orientation tour to get to know more about the rich history of Nuremberg, then enjoy some free time to explore or grab lunch. This afternoon, the coach continues towards Munich. Spend the final evening on tour as you wish! It's the perfect opportunity for a group farewell.

Visit historic Nuremberg: Enjoy a visit to this historic and hugely popular Bavarian city. See the medieval castle, and get a chance to explore the walled Old Town. Did you know that Nuremberg was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire? It was also the preferred residence of many German kings throughout history!

After two full weeks of collecting lifelong memories across Central and Eastern Europe, the tour concludes after breakfast today. If you'd like to stay in touch with your newfound travel family, be sure to exchange contact details before you depart. Expat Explore wishes you a safe and fulfilling journey ahead. See you on the road again soon!