Head East
The countries usually considered to be Central and Eastern European include Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, and Switzerland, to name but a few. A coach tour through Central and Eastern Europe can take you to some of these truly fascinating destinations, places so magical and charming they will stay with you forever.
Start with Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria. This flourishing city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and fantastic art galleries and museums. Enjoy the rapturous atmosphere of a typical beer hall or garden and enjoy the culinary delights of Bavarian food which goes down exceptionally well with a traditional beer or two.
Viennese Whirl
A few hours over the border you will find the enchanting country of Austria. Who could resist the sheer wonder of Vienna, Austria’s capital and renowned for its grand Baroque beauty and imperial palaces. Take a guided tour and learn more about Vienna’s compelling musical and artistic heritage, be enthralled by a typical Viennese evening with spellbinding classical music, and indulge yourself with apple strudel and Sachertorte chocolate in a delightful coffee house.
From one beautiful capital to another, travel further down to South East Europe to arrive at Budapest, the breath taking capital of Hungary. This historic city, often referred to as the 'Pearl of the Danube', is made up of two very different halves sitting either side of the Danube River. The historic Buda side with its hilly terrain and medieval architecture contrasts sharply with the flat plains and more commercial centre of Pest on the other side.
After The Wall Came Down
You’ll feel like you’ve landed in a fairy-tale when you reach Prague. The captivating capital of the Czech Republic is a remarkable example of pure magic come to life. Prague’s extraordinary architecture and warm and friendly atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for the culturist and fun loving alike. To the west of the Czech Republic you will find Slovakia, both of which used to be Czechoslovakia. Take your coach journey to the charming capital, Bratislava, and wander the cobbled streets while being surrounded by entrancing beauty at every turn.
Slovakia should not be confused with Slovenia, another gem of a country which lies between Austria and Croatia and was once part of the old Yugoslavia! On a much smaller scale, Slovenia has stunning landscapes with Alpine peaks and contrasting Mediterranean beaches to compensate. Croatia was also once part of Yugoslavia, again being blessed with sun-kissed beaches and the clear blue Adriatic Sea. Travel to Dubrovnik, a gorgeous ancient walled city in southern Croatia, known for its distinctive Old Town. Walk around the magnificent city walls and take in the spectacular views, or for ‘Game of Thrones’ fans, join a guided tour and find out where and how this famous show is filmed.
For a real cultural experience you can’t go far wrong with a trip to Kraków, a beautiful city in southern Poland known for its Jewish quarter and well-preserved medieval buildings. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a must see, being both a compelling monument and an art gallery where you will find historical tunnels, chambers, chapels and sculptures carved from the salt rock walls.
From Kraków to Cuckoo
The Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps can be found 50 kilometres west of Kraków in the small town of Oswiecim - a chilling reminder of the Holocaust and a very humbling experience.
In the month of December, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are truly magical places to visit because of the many charming Christmas Markets in abundance at this time of year. As you can imagine, a trip to Switzerland when the lights are twinkling and the bells are ringing is hard to beat. Situated in the heart of Central Europe, this glorious country is home to alpine peaks and majestic glaciers, rolling valleys and shimmering lakes. Indulge yourself with the finest Swiss chocolate, sample their exquisite cheese fondue and take home an authentic Swiss watch as a parting gift.
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