Day 1 : DAY 1: Arrive in Munich
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!
Day 2 : DAY 2: Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck
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.
Day 3 : DAY 3: Innsbruck - Vaduz - Lucerne - Swiss Alps
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.
Day 4 : DAY 4: Swiss Alps: Free Day
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.
Day 5 : DAY 5: Swiss Alps - Lake Como - Italian Lake District
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.
Day 6 : DAY 6: Italian Lake District - Pisa - Florence - Tuscany
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.
Day 7 : DAY 7: Tuscany - Verona - Venice
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!
Day 8 : DAY 8: Venice - Dolomites - Andechs Monastery - Munich
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.
Day 9 : DAY 9: Munich: Free Day
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.
Day 10 : DAY 10: Munich - Mondsee - Melk - Vienna
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.
Day 11 : DAY 11: Vienna - Budapest
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.
Day 12 : DAY 12: Budapest - Bratislava - Prague
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.
Day 13 : DAY 13: Prague: Free Day
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.
Day 14 : DAY 14: Prague - Nuremberg - Munich
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.
Day 15 : DAY 15: End of tour in Munich
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!