Best of Eastern Europe

Best of Eastern Europe

  • 12 Days / 10 Nights
  • CODE: RED
  • From: $3100

Discover some of the Central and Eastern European nations that, as part of the Soviet bloc, were out of bounds to travelers only a few decades ago. Newly vibrant and filled with a sense of optimism about the future, these fascinating lands offer up everything from well-preserved medieval architecture to resurgent cultural heritages. Join us on this unforgettable 12-day tour and visit buzzing Frankfurt and Munich; trace Germany’s wondrous Romantic Road; admire the Baroque jewel of Salzburg; and experience the lovely cities of Ljubljana, Budapest, Vienna and Prague.

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Itinerary at a glance:

DAY 1
USA - Frankfurt, Germany
DAY 2
Frankfurt
DAY 3
Frankfurt - Wurzburg - Munich
DAY 4
Munich - Fussen - Salzburg , Austria
DAY 5
Salzburg - Ljubljana ,Slovenia
DAY 6
Ljubljana - Postojna - Plitvice, Croatia
DAY 7
Plitvice National Park - Budapest, Hungary
DAY 8
Budapest - Vienna, Austria
DAY 9
Vienna - Prague, Czech Republic
DAY 10
Prague
DAY 11
Prague - Karlovy Vary - Frankfurt
DAY 12
Frankfurt - USA
Frankfurt (1 nt) Munich (1 nt) Salzburg (1 nt) Ljubljana (1 nt) Plitvice (1 nt) Budapest (1 nt) Vienna (1 nt) Prague (2 nts) Frankfurt (1 nt)
day
1

USA - Frankfurt, Germany

Board your trans-Atlantic flight to Germany to begin your journey around Eastern Europe.


day
2

Frankfurt

Welcome to Frankfurt, Germany’s most international city and the largest economic center in Europe. Upon arrival we meet our guide and embark on a brief city tour of Frankfurt, admiring the elegant Baroque architecture, vibrant squares and the Cathedral with its towering 19th-century spire, before checking in to our hotel.


day
3

Frankfurt - Wurzburg - Munich

After breakfast we depart for the Baroque town of Wurzburg, a gateway to the fabled Romantic Road. Admire this photogenic town including its rebuilt St. Kilian Cathedral, Old Main Bridge and City Hall, and snap photos of the restored Wurzburg Residenz, the castle overlooking its rooftops. Then, continue to the Bavarian capital of Munich, known for its imposing squares and monuments, and annual Oktoberfest beer festival. If time allows, take a city tour to see landmarks including the Old Town Hall at the Marienplatz and onion-domed Cathedral Church of Our Dear Lady. Tonight, enjoy a delicious German Dinner.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

day
4

Munich - Fussen - Salzburg , Austria

Today starts with a sightseeing tour of Munich if time prevented it yesterday, followed by a drive to the Romantic Road’s southernmost point, the town of Fussen. Soak in the views of hilltop Neuschwanstein Castle*, a fairytale-like ensemble of towers and spires set against the white-capped Alps. Built in the 19th century by “mad” King Ludwig II, the castle inspired Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Afterward, continue through gorgeous countryside to Austria and Mozart’s home town of Salzburg. Here, perhaps take our optional tour to the historic Bad Dürrnberg Salt Mines that brought wealth to Salzburg in medieval times. Ride a train into the salt tunnels, cruise on the salt lake, and learn about the trade before returning to Salzburg.


Included: Breakfast at hotel

day
5

Salzburg - Ljubljana ,Slovenia

Today, fall in love with Baroque Salzburg, Austria’s “Sound of Music” city. Visit the ornamental Mirabell Gardens, home to the staircase where Maria and the Von Trapp children sang “Do-Re-Mi!”, and admire the Mirabell Palace, both sights immortalized in the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Afterward, explore Salzburg’s charming Old Town. Enjoy free time to look round, perhaps enjoying the panoramic views from the Hohensalzburg Fortress or visiting the townhouse where Wolfgang Mozart was born, now a museum. Alternatively, perhaps join our optional excursion to St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang in Austria’s spectacular Lake district. Later, leave Salzburg and travel to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

day
6

Ljubljana - Postojna - Plitvice, Croatia

Sometimes known as the “Much Loved City,” olden Ljubljana never fails to delight. Flanked by snow-tipped mountains, the quaint city overflows with bridges, monuments and Baroque architecture. Enjoy an orientation tour to see highlights including medieval Ljubljana Castle, and the Old Town where you tour the City Hall, Robba Fountain, St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Main Square and the Tromostovje “Triple Bridge.” Then, continue to the Postojna Caves*, the world’s biggest known karst cave network. Descend underground into the chambers filled with stalagmites and stalactites, before returning to the surface and traveling to Croatia and spending the night at Plitvice.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

day
7

Plitvice National Park - Budapest, Hungary

Today, visit Plitvice National Park*, a UNESCO-listed reserve famed for its glorious, interlinked lakes, mountains, waterfalls and forests, all awash with flora and fauna. As you discover this glorious park, watch for some of the 126 species of wild birds that make it their home. Having explored here, continue to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, arriving in time to relax and savor a Traditional Hungarian Dinner accompanied by musical entertainment.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner and show

day
8

Budapest - Vienna, Austria

Budapest takes its name from two cities — Buda and Pest — each divided by the Danube River. Today, discover this magnificent city and its colorful culture on a sightseeing tour. View the fanciful turrets of the Fisherman’s Bastion*, and see Matthias Church*, the Parliament Building, and Royal Palace, otherwise known as Buda Castle. Afterward, join a Danube River Cruise* to glide along the famous river to Pest. Here, board a coach to see Heroes’ Square, with its vast monument to the Magyar chieftains who settled here in the 9th century. Then, continue to Vienna, and enjoy time free in Austria’s capital, known as the “City of Music”. Shop for souvenirs, relax at one of its grand coffee houses or explore St Stephen's Church. This evening, perhaps join us for an optional Vienna Johann Strauss Concert.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

accommodation:

Optional Tours & Extras

Vienna Johann Strauss Concert: $109 pp

day
9

Vienna - Prague, Czech Republic

Today, admire the architectural treasures of Vienna on a city tour. Visit the 18th-century Schonbrunn Palace*, once the summer residence of the Hapsburgs and see its gardens, statuary and Gloriette belvedere. Enjoy a drive around Vienna’s sights, including the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse Boulevard, City Hall, Parliament Building and Hofburg Palace before continuing to Prague, the Czech Republic capital.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

day
10

Prague

1,000-year-old Prague boasts a medley of historical buildings, churches, cobbled lanes and magnificent squares, all crowned by Prague Castle. Today, get acquainted with this beautiful city on a sightseeing tour around the palaces, churches and gardens of Prague Castle* including its Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral*. Cross statue-lined Charles Bridge to Old Town Square to see its splendid Astronomical Clock and explore the atmospheric Jewish Quarter, before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. Be sure to cap your sightseeing with an optional cruise on the Vltava River, seeing highlights such as Prague Castle and Charles Bridge from the different perspective of the water.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

accommodation:

day
11

Prague - Karlovy Vary - Frankfurt

Start today by traveling through West Bohemia to the spa town of Karlovy Vary. The ideal spot for winding down your adventure, this handsome town is named after Holy Roman Emperor Charles (Karl) IV, who reputedly discovered its springs in 1358. Enjoy a walking tour and learn how the springs’ much-vaulted healing powers have been used to treat ailments for centuries. Afterward, return to Frankfurt and reflect on your vacation with your fellow travelers at a Farewell Dinner this evening.


Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

accommodation:

day
12

Frankfurt - USA

Transfer to Frankfurt airport and cherish the memories of your tour on your US-bound return flight.


Included: Breakfast at hotel

x

What's included

All 4-star (except 3-star at Plitvice) hotel accommodations

10 hotel breakfasts, 1 restaurant lunch, 8 hotel or restaurant dinners including a German Pork Knuckle Dinner in Munich, Traditional Hungarian Dinner with Entertainment in Budapest, and Farewell Dinner at hotel in Frankfurt

Professional English-speaking Tour Director throughout

Sightseeing with specialist local guide in selected cities

Admission fees for sightseeing attractions as denoted by an asterisk* in tour itinerary:
Fussen - Neuschwanstein Castle
Postojna - Postojna Cave
Plitvice - National Park
Budapest - Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Danube Cruise
Vienna - Schonbrunn Palace
Prague - Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral

Private deluxe air-conditioned coach with the professional and experienced driver

Group airport transfers in Europe on arrival in Frankfurt and on departure in Frankfurt

Personal audio headset systems for an enhanced touring experience (on select larger groups)

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 15 guests

Front of coach seat upgrades

Treat yourself to the most sought-after seats on our coaches — those in the first two or three rows. We assign 10 seats in the front rows on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability. To pre-book these seats for less than $10 per day, select the front of coach seating option online in your Peony Tours account.

FROM $100 PP

Upgrade to Private Tour

Private tour for 10-14 Passengers: Additional $500 per person

Private tour for 15-19 Passengers: Additional $200 per person

Private tour for 20+ Passengers: No Additional cost. Please Contact US for booking

Frankfurt: Crowne Plaza Frankfurt Congress Hotel or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

The hotel is located in the district Niederrad, between Frankfurt International Airport, the fairground, and Deutsche Bank Park Arena. Thanks to its location, the hotel is easily accessible either by public transportation to train station Niederrad (700m) or by car (motorway 1km). The City Centre can easily be reached by public transport within two stops or 10 minutes drive.

Munich: Holiday Inn Munich -Unterhaching or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

Holiday Inn® Munich - Unterhaching hotel is in the Unterhaching business park, close to Taufkirchen S-Bahn station. At this hotel you can enjoy inclusive Wi-Fi, Our inviting Open Lobby has a Coffeeshop with Dallmayr coffee and All Day Dining at Restaurant Leonardo. Watch sports on TV at charming Bistro Bar Alex, spend sunny days on the mountain-view roof terrace or savour a Bavarian beer in the garden. 

Salzburg: Wyndham Grand Salzburg Conference Centre or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

Located in central Salzburg, you can take a dip in our heated indoor pool, unwind in our Finnish sauna, or work out in our Fitness Center. Free WiFi and our BarRoque bistro and bar serve up trendy takes on Austrian classics.

Ljubljana: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

For a sophisticated place to stay in the heart of the city's business and shopping district, look no further than the contemporary Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Ljubljana. With a convenient location and with easy access to the city center via public transport, you'll be well-placed to explore this historic, green city. Ljubljana was awarded the title of Green Capital of Europe in 2016.

Plitvice: Lyra Hotel Plitvice or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

Lyra, a brand new 4* design hotel with 58 rooms is located in the village of Ličko Petrovo Selo and directly on the border of the Plitvice National Park, just 16 km from the current entrance to the park. What makes Lyra special, is its unique location in the area that claims to have the smallest amount of light pollution in continental Europe.

Budapest: Ensana Thermal Margaret Island Health Spa Hotel or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

The location of the Thermal Margaret Island Health Spa is simply unique. Situated on beautiful Margaret Island, the quiet leisure paradise in the heart of thermal baths Budapest and a stone’s throw away from the bustling life of the Hungarian capital. The possibilities are endless in this up-and-coming metropolis and legendary spa destination.

Vienna: Renaissance Wien Hotel Vienna or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

Experience eminent style at Renaissance Wien Hotel. Set in the exciting city center of Vienna, Austria, our hotel features 305 spacious guest rooms with plush bedding and fashionable decor, high-speed Wi-Fi access and 24-hour room service. Dine at Wunderkammer Drinking & Dining restaurant where you'll discover global cuisine, a bountiful Sunday brunch buffet, evening cocktails and lively music. Let our staff make your visit to Vienna memorable with our 4-star service here at Renaissance Wien Hotel.

Prague: Hotel Royal Prague or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

Royal Prague Hotel strategically located hotel in the Prague district of Karlín, right in the middle of the Business City. It is close to all major Prague landmarks and Prague Castle. Elegant and luxurious interiors are the guarantee of maximum comfort during your stay.

Frankfurt: Movenpick Hotel Frankfurt City or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★

Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is ideally located next to the trade fairground with easy access to the charming old city of Frankfurt. So whether you are visiting for business or leisure Mövenpick Hotel Frankfurt City is a perfect choice.

Why not check out the optional excursions available on your tour and pre-book? Booking them in advance will save you money and hassle. Optional tours must be purchased 7 days prior to departure.

Special exchange rate: When you pre-book optional excursions in US Dollars you enjoy a discounted exchange rate, saving you money. Online prices are in USD for our European tours; on-site prices will be in Euros (EUR) or British Pounds (GBP) in the UK. 

Easy budgeting: Pre-booking your excursions makes budgeting for your vacation easy. You’ll find it easier to plan your spending money and you’ll need less cash during your vacation.

 

Online Purchase Window closes 7 days prior to departure 

Get in Touch

888-345-7489

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DATE & PRICES

Best of Eastern Europe (RED)

OPTION 1 Fixed Departures Choose from a selection of fixed dates
OPTION 2 Fixed Departures (Private) For groups of 19 or less

Fixed Departures

Choose from a selection of fixed dates