Imperial Capitals of the Eastern Europe (Prague and Krakow)

ARRIVAL

Arrival in Prague and private transfer to a 4* hotel located in the city center. Afternoon free for individual visit. Overnight stay

PRAGUE

Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide. Transfer to Prague Castle (one-way transfer).

Your walking tour will start at the Prague Castle (ticket to be purchased on the spot), we will visit the Courtyard of Honour and the Saint Vitus Cathedral, located inside the Prague Castle, and houses the relics of the first Czech saint: Wenceslas. We will have the opportunity to visit the interior of the Castle and the famous Golden Lane, a small street characterized by the presence of low colorful houses, dating back to the sixteenth century, which in the past have hosted artists, writers, poets and many other characters (entrance to Golden Lane to buy on the spot ca. 10 € per person). Continue towards Charles Bridge through the district of Mala Strana, the small town.

Free time for lunch. After lunch you will continue the guided tour with your guide.

You will cross the Charles Bridge connecting the Lesser Town (Lesser Town) and the Old Town. You will visit (from the outside) the symbols of the city of Prague: the Old Square, the Powder Tower and the Astronomical Clock, known by the Czech name of Staromestsky Orloj, is a scientific monument dating back to the medieval period.
With a walk in the district Nove Mesto (New Town), we will reach Wenceslas Square, symbol of the Prague Springs and the city itself.

Overnight stay.

PRAGUE

Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the guide in the lobby and visit of the Jewish Quarter of Prague.

You will walk through the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), the former Ghetto. Its name derives from Emperor Joseph II who in 1781 decided to eliminate the restrictive laws that restricted the lives of Czech Jews. Its architecture is a contrast between modernity and antiquity, as demonstrated by the six synagogues in Prague.
Optional: Entrance to the Old-New Synagogue (to be purchased on site approx. 10€ per person)
This synagogue is the oldest in Europe, built in 1270. It is one of the first Gothic buildings in Prague.

You will conclude the visit with a cruise on Moldova, to admire this beautiful city and its monuments from the river, to expect a rich lunch buffet.

Free time and overnight stay.

TO KRAKOW

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Meeting with the driver and transfer to the train station. Train transfer to Krakow (6 hours transfer).
Arrival in Krakow and private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in 4* hotel in the city center. Overnight stay.

KRAKOW

Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and walking tour of the city center.

During the morning you will discover the beauties of the old town and the Wawel Royal Castle with the cathedral and the courtyard of honor. We will visit the Market Square, the Collegium Maius ancient building of the Jagiellonski University, the Town Hall Tower, the large Sukiennice textile market and the Church of Santa Maria.

Free time for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit to the Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz.

The guide will tell you about the history of Krakow from the Middle Ages to the recent period of German occupation. Kazimierz is one of the largest and best-preserved Jewish neighborhoods in Europe. We will visit Plac Nowy with the famous market and the kiosks of Zapiekanka, Szeroka Street with the Old Synagogue, crossing the characteristic avenues of the neighborhood.

Overnight stay.

AUSCHWITZ

Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with driver and transfer to Auschwitz concentration camp.

The excursion begins with a documentary on the liberation of the camp in January 1945, to continue with the exploration of the then prison blocks, the gas chambers and the crematoria. After a short break the tour continues to Birkenau where you can still see the prison barracks, the main gate with the guard tower and the famous railway yard with the track where the SS officers and doctors selected the Jews.

Free time for lunch. Return to Krakow and overnight stay.

Optional, not included: Excursion to Wieliczka salt mines

With the guide you will discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. It starts with a descent down the stairs to a depth of 64 meters. You will be led through a number of chambers and see underground lakes, shrines, and monuments carved from salt. Pass thorugh through numerous drifts and galleries where evidence of mining activity has been preserved.
Wieliczka is also home to the world’s largest mining heritage museum, with a collection of unique pieces of mining equipment from the Middle Ages.

Return to Krakow and overnight stay.

DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out. Transfer to the airport 3 hours before your flight.