Journey Through Central Europe

This is our most comprehensive tour of Central Europe. It features in-depth private cultural touring of the most interesting cities and sites in Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic, as well as accommodation in the region’s finest luxury hotels. The tour also includes visits to select local markets and shops, a performance at the Vienna State Opera, a cruise on the Danube River, private behind-the-scenes tours, and other special experiences that showcase the best of this fascinating and diverse region.

Begin in Warsaw, an energetic capital city filled with beautiful parks and a unique architectural legacy. Enjoy flexible private touring of the charming Old Town, which rose phoenix-like from near total destruction during World War II. See monuments of Poland’s Communist era and the renovated palaces of the embassy district. Visit the Palace on the Water, surrounded by the beautiful English gardens of Lazienki Park. Tour the sites associated with Warsaw’s once-large Jewish population, including the atmospheric Jewish cemetery. Walk along the Royal Way, stopping in upscale boutiques and food shops in the reconstructed townhouses lining the boulevard, and perhaps see the unique memorial to Frederic Chopin, a local hero.

Next, transfer by private car through farmland and forests to Krakow, Poland’s well-preserved cultural capital. Stop en route in Auschwitz to see one of the most notorious sites of Nazi Germany’s genocidal program. If desired, also stop in Czestochowa to visit a stunning Baroque monastery that is a major pilgrimage site and the spiritual heart of Catholic Poland.

In Krakow, tour the Old Town, including the Wawel, the hilltop royal castle and cathedral. Visit churches decorated with stunning Art Nouveau interiors, see da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine at the Czartoryski Museum, explore the best boutiques around Florianska Street, and relax in the outdoor cafes in the vast Market Square. Also, tour Kazimierz, the old Jewish district, to see historic synagogues with beautiful stained glass and decorated interiors as well as the old Jewish cemetery and quiet backstreets.

One day, take an excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine. A unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mine has been in use for 700 years and is filled with sculptures, friezes and chapels that miners carved from salt.

Transfer by private car through the Tatra Mountains to Budapest. Tour the city with one of Hungary’s most knowledgeable guides, and experience our favorite places and activities. Browse local food and antique markets. Drive through hidden backstreets to see Budapest’s most beautiful buildings and learn the role they played in the city’s history. Explore the Castle District and take a tour of Buda’s most exclusive residential districts. Experience the local bathing culture, and see indoor and outdoor baths that remain central to daily life. Tour museums according to your interests, such as decorative arts, Jewish history or music. Take an exclusive private tour of Parliament, a fascinating building crucial to the city’s identity. Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history and tour important synagogues, including one designed by Otto Wagner. One day, take an excursion to the Roman ruins in Aquincum and the craft shops and folk art museums in the pretty artist village of Szentendre. One evening, take a romantic cruise on the Danube River. Also, enjoy reservations at the city’s leading restaurants—an excellent opportunity to experience Hungary’s superb wines. Stay at one of Europe’s most luxurious and beautiful hotels, and enjoy the spa and views over the Danube River from your room.

Continue by private car to Vienna. During private touring, your expert local guide will take you to the most interesting neighborhoods, upscale shops and food markets, and help you navigate the overwhelming wealth of spectacular art, architecture and history in this former imperial capital. Visit the Spanish Riding School to see the Lipizzaner Stallions during a training session. See the highlights of world-renowned palaces and museums such as the Kunsthistorisches, Albertina and Freud Museum, and the many spaces in the MuseumsQuartier. Tour architectural monuments that exemplify the best in Vienna’s Gothic, Baroque and Secessionist styles. Visit our favorite shops selling exquisite linens, crystal, chocolates, gourmet foods and antiques. Visit up-and-coming neighborhoods known for their designers and chefs. Taste local culinary specialties at our favorite stalls in the enormous Naschmarkt food market. We’ll also ensure you have daily opportunities to visit Vienna’s leading coffee houses. One evening, enjoy premium tickets to a performance at the Vienna State Opera House. Also, enjoy a memorable afternoon drive through residential districts in the hills surrounding Vienna. Tour local vineyards and enjoy a pre-dinner drink and snacks at an atmospheric heuriger (wine tavern).

Continue by car to Prague, one of the most romantic cities in Europe. With your expert local guide, tour the cultural highlights of the City of a Hundred Spires, stopping in interesting markets and shops along the way. Explore the grand architecture of the hilltop Castle District. Stroll through the beautiful squares in the Old Town and the atmospheric backstreets in the Lesser Town. See historic towers and townhouses, as well as Art Nouveau and contemporary architecture. Learn about the sculpture adorning the Charles Bridge as you walk across the Vltava River. Tour the Jewish Quarter, including the ancient Jewish cemetery and synagogue, and see the sights of the New Town. Enjoy exclusive experiences such as private access to the stunning Baroque interiors of the Strahov Library. And visit select shops to find the city’s best crystal, china, wooden toys, antiques, jewelry, painted eggs, marionettes, and spa products.

This tour can be fully customized according to your interests and schedule.