Best of Poland & Austria

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Warsaw

   Warsaw, the capital of Poland and its largest city, has bounced back from the devastation of World War II, reconstructing the historic center, and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in the process. This is a bustling metropolis with a charm that’s distinct from other cities in Poland. Here you’ll find art museums and theaters galore, with lively performances and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as frequent festivals of all sorts. The culinary scene here is top-notch, with several well-respected restaurants offering classics of Polish cuisine and modern masterpieces from European gastronomy. Warsaw has distinct neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot, but it’s also fun to get an appreciation for the size of the city by being chauffeured. You can explore different layers of Warsaw’s history, from World War II to its Jewish heritage and communist past. You’ll definitely want to sample the local cuisine while you explore the city, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so, from street stalls to fine dining. When you’re ready to go farther afield, the region surrounding Warsaw offers gorgeous lakes, castles and other notable cities and villages. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

   Welcome to Warsaw! We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the city center.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Warsaw

   

   Acquaint Yourself with the Polish Capital

   Explore Warsaw's history, culture, architecture, and more with an expert local guide, as they take you through the city's most important historical sites, from the Royal Castle and Old Town, to the Palace on the Isle and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Warsaw is sprawling, so you'll save plenty of time and energy by traveling abroad a communist-era minibus.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Traveling to Krakow by Train / Arrival in Krakow

   You'll be pleased you've chosen to visit Krakow after discovering this fascinating cultural and artistic city. There are frequent trains from Warsaw every day, so we can provide you with tickets based on your preferred departure time. We have included 2nd class train tickets in your package. The upgrade to 1st class is possible for additional fee. The journey is less than 3 hours. We'll also arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation to the train station. For a more comfortable journey, we can arrange a private door-to-door transfer for an additional fee. We can include a stop in Czestochowa, where you can visit the famous Jasna Gora Monastery.
   

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Krakow by Private Transfer with a Stop and Tour in Lodz

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

   Once you arrive at the Krakow train station, we'll have a driver waiting to take you to your accommodation.

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Krakow

   

   Exploring Krakow

   Krakow is a gem among Polish cities and there’s just so much to see, so we recommend you don’t waste any time. Today we propose a 3-hour private guided walking tour. You’ll have a local guide show you around to the most important monuments throughout the city. The past will come alive as you stroll the cobblestone streets and hear about the history that has made Krakow what it is.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

5. Day 5 Your Second Full Day in Krakow

   Krakow's Must-Do Day Trips

   Krakow has two must-visit sites we get asked about a lot: the Auschwitz concentration camp, and Wieliczka salt mine. They can both be visited over the course of a long day, but if possible, save them for separate days.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Auschwitz-Birkenau Group Tour with a Private Driver (Non-refundable)

   We invite you to visit one of the most expressive and symbolic locations in Poland. You'll explore the Auschwitz Museum and Birkenau Camp, a place that should be experienced and seen at least once in your lifetime. You'll have a private tour to the museum, where you'll join a group of about 30 people.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wieliczka Salt Mine Group Tour With a Private Driver

   Prepare to be amazed at the devotion that drove miners to carve figures, monuments and altar pieces into the walls of an 800-year-old salt mine. This underground world has earned a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. As you descend 360 of the tour's total 800 steps into the salt mine, you'll feel like you're entering a vast underground city complete with huge caverns and underground lakes, 135 meters beneath the surface. One of the most unique aspects is the largest underground chapel, devoted to Saint Kinga, a Hungarian princess who is said to have spurned a marriage proposal by the Polish king by tossing his engagement ring into a salt mine in Transylvania.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   Watch the video

6. Day 6 Traveling to Vienna by Bus / Arrival in Vienna

   Today you're saying farewell to Krakow very early in the morning and heading towards the grandeur and opulence of Vienna. We will first arrange a transfer to the bus station, where we will have reserved seats for you on the bus service that connects Vienna and Krakow. The journey takes 7 hours and you'll depart in the early afternoon and arrive to Budapest mid-evening. Bear in mind this isn't a luxury bus service so we advise taking snacks to keep you going and something to keep you entertained.

   
   

   We can also arrange a private transfer, for an additional fee. This is a quicker and more comfortable door-to-door option and gives you a lot more flexibility so you could make a stop along the way,
   

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Vienna by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Vienna is a timeless city of high culture, grand cafes, breathtaking architecture and more, all set on the banks of the majestic Danube River. The moment you set foot in the city you’ll see why Vienna’s center is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often regarded as the world capital of music, Vienna is the place where Beethoven and Mozart made history. Even today a visit to the opera or a classical music performance at one of the city’s sublime concert halls is an unforgettable experience. Stephansplatz, Vienna's main square, is dominated by the impressive eponymous gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Inside you’ll find a rich collection of artistic treasures, and the view from the tower is well worth the climb, offering amazing views over the city. But the cathedral is only one of the most visible attractions in Vienna. You won’t want to miss the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and the imperial Hofburg Palace. Explore the city on foot, in a car, or by bike: the choice is yours. If you’d like to go farther afield you can even take a river cruise to nearby Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, or a bike trip to local wineries. But you don’t have to leave Vienna to have a wonderful time. Simply strolling through the pedestrian zones in the city center and stopping for a coffee and a slice of cake make for a truly enjoyable vacation.

   You'll be met at the bus stop in Vienna and brought directly to your accommodation.

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Vienna

   

   Classic and Hidden Gems of Vienna

   Tour Vienna's Old Town and listen to captivating stories from one of our local guides on this special excursion. The tour includes a perfect blend of old and new, from historic buildings to modern architecture, and insider info on places to eat and drink. This private English-language walking tour not only offers a great introduction to the city, but also delves deep into the city's amazing history, from the darkest hours to the brightest moments.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

8. Day 8 Your Second Full Day in Vienna

   Highlights of the Wachau Valley

   If you love wines or are just looking to escape the big city for a day, we recommend heading upstream to the picturesque Wachau Valley. Known for producing many of Austria’s best wines (including some of Europe’s most famous dry whites), you can easily spend a day, walking, biking or driving between wineries and taverns, sampling your way down the valley.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wachau Winery Bike Group Tour

   Imagine sipping, swirling and slurping through Austria's most celebrated winery region, the Wachau Valley. Renowned for its quality wines, stunning villages, and breathtaking scenery, this stretch of the River Danube is the perfect place to enjoy a day away from the city. You'll enjoy the freedom of easy open-air cycling in magnificent vineyard surroundings. Sample wine at small, local wineries and explore many stunning villages up close. UNESCO World Heritage scenery guarantees no shortage of great photo opportunities along the way. This unique wine tasting bike tour prides itself on showing you the Wachau like no other!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Hidden Wachau Valley Private Day Trip

   This tour is designed for those seeking out culture, history and would like to learn about excellent wines. You'll tour the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region famous for its vineyards, visit scenic small towns and villages such as Dürnstein, Spitz or Krems. One of the highlights of your tour will be the Melk Abbey, a gargantuan Baroque monastery.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Wachau Valley Winery Small Group Tour

   Discover the breathtaking scenic Wachau Valley on a small group tour. Participate the engaging discovery of small towns of the UNESCO World Heritage area like Dürnstein or Krems. Taste the region's fantastic whites, learn about the collaboration of winemakers of the valley and treat yourself with tasty local snacks. Cruise on River Danube during the summer season (April 1 to October 31), embraced by vineyards, or visit Melk Abbey in the winter season. This day trip will be a jewel during your stay in Vienna.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

9. Day 9 Traveling to Salzburg by Train / Arrival in Salzburg

   

   A number of trains run daily between Vienna and Salzburg, so we'll arrange tickets with seat reservations on the train of your choice. A driver will also be provided to transfer you from your Vienna accommodation to the Vienna Westbahnhof railway station. We included a standard train ticket class but if you'd prefer, we can arrange an update for the 1st class for a small additional fee. The journey takes around 3 hours.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Salzburg by Private Transfer with a Stop in Hallstatt

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   With its perfectly preserved UNESCO-listed Old Town, Salzburg is internationally renowned for its baroque architecture. Add in the alpine backdrop and you’ve got a city that makes for an unforgettable vacation. The imposing Salzburg Cathedral and Hohensalzburg Fortress dominate the skyline, while in the center you’ll find plenty of grand cafes and fine restaurants. Salzburg’s two biggest claims to fame are that it was the birthplace of Mozart and the stage for the timeless musical The Sound of Music. But there’s more than just history here. Today the city is a vibrant destination for travelers looking for a mix of classic culture and modern flair. Strolling through Salzburg is one of the great pleasures of Europe. The local cuisine is hearty and there are more than enough restaurants, bars, and cafes to keep you busy. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss sampling a stein or two of delicious local brew at the Augustiner brewery. But there is so much to see in the surrounding region that no visit to the city is complete without a day trip or two. You could tour the pristine countryside and visit the stunning Hellbrunn Palace. History buffs will want to venture farther afield to visit Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest perched high in the German Alps in Berchtesgaden.

   Upon your arrival in Salzburg a driver will meet you at the train station and bring you to your hotel.

10. Day 10 Your First Full Day in Salzburg

    

    Discover the Northern Rome

    Discover the beauty of Mozart's hometown as an experienced guide leads you on a walk through the UNESCO-listed city of Salzburg. Your walk includes all the sightseeing highlights, such Mozart's Birth House, Mozart's Residence, Getreidegasse, the Cathedral, Residenz Palace, and Mirabell Palace with its splendid gardens. If you come across anywhere you'd like to spend more time and and go inside, your expert local guide will tailor the tour to your interests. This is the best way to discover the city.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 2 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 Your Second Full Day in Salzburg

    A World of (the Sound of) Music

    Researched by Salzburg University, the Sound of Music World's exhibition goes beyond the famous movie, to give the real-life story of the Trapp family, and 1930s Austria, as well as the Villa Trapp, and facts the musical gets wrong. Naturally, there are also props from the film itself. If you'd like to visit the places with a local expert tour guide, we recommend one of the following tours.

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Sound of Music Bicycle Group Tour

    Follow Maria's path in an active way, from the saddle of your own bike. Cruise through the Old Town to see sights from the famous movie before heading towards the surrounding hills. Sing along with your fellow travelers when reaching beautiful viewpoints. Your experienced guide will answer all your questions and you'll have fun cruising on two wheels in and around Salzburg.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

    

    Sound of Music Private Driving Tour

    Visit the land of the Sound of Music, and let the scenes and premises leave the screen and become real. You'll walk the same streets Maria did with the Captain's children, enter palaces, see the infamous lake Maria and the kids fell into, travel to the Salzkammergut Lake District, and visit the Church of Mondsee, the setting for the film's most cathartic moment. Your guide will tell you about historical and behind-the-scenes details of the Sound of Music and the land it features. Breathtaking architecture and nature will embrace you, and if you listen carefully, you might just hear the sound of music.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

12. Day 12 Departure Day

    Depending on your flight time, a driver will be arranged to pick you up at your accommodation and take you to Salzburg's airport. If you're considering flying out from Munich, please let us know so we can either arrange a transfer to the airport, or even a night in Munich, if you have an early flight.