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Day 1
Arrive Budapest
Day 1
Arrive Budapest
To Be Determined:
Private Budapest Airport Pickup
Mid-Day/Afternoon:
Hungarian Parliament & Nearby
Late Afternoon/Early Evening:
Central Market & Váci Street
Day 2
Budapest
Day 3
Budapest to Vienna
Café Gerbeaud
Highlight of Central PestEnjoy a leisurely coffee and cake in one of Budapest's most storied cafes.
Over 160 years old, with a grand, high-ceilinged dining room, the cafe is deservedly one of Budapest's most popular attractions. It serves coffee, mouthwatering Hungarian pastries, and traditional bistro dishes. It retains the elegance and sophistication of its 19th century origins, and the terrace sits on the lively Vörösmarty Square.
Gresham Palace
Highlight of Central PestTake a peak at this pearl of art nouveau architecture, which now houses a Four Seasons Hotel.
The hotel doesn't mind tourists exploring the lavish arcade on the first floor, as it is lined by shops and a café. Be sure to note the organic themes of the façade and the beautiful wrought iron peacock gate on the north side of the building.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Highlight of Central PestEnjoy an awe-inspiring visit to this vast cupola-topped church; the most famous in Budapest.
Completed in 1905, the construction of the neo-classical Catholic church took over 50 years. The mummified hand of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen, is kept in a small chapel in the rear. Take a lift to the dome to enjoy one of Budapest's most interesting panoramic views. The church hosts frequent concerts.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Highlight of Central PestStroll across a beautiful landmark 19th-century suspension bridge which is a symbol of Budapest.
This was Budapest's first permanent bridge over the Danube, enabling the cities of Buda and Pest to merge. Named after Count István Széchenyi, it hangs from iron chains (hence, the Chain Bridge) anchored by two towering river piers. These piers were the only elements to survive WWII fighting. The rest was rebuilt.
Café Gerbeaud
Highlight of Central PestEnjoy a leisurely coffee and cake in one of Budapest's most storied cafes.
Over 160 years old, with a grand, high-ceilinged dining room, the cafe is deservedly one of Budapest's most popular attractions. It serves coffee, mouthwatering Hungarian pastries, and traditional bistro dishes. It retains the elegance and sophistication of its 19th century origins, and the terrace sits on the lively Vörösmarty Square.
Gresham Palace
Highlight of Central PestTake a peak at this pearl of art nouveau architecture, which now houses a Four Seasons Hotel.
The hotel doesn't mind tourists exploring the lavish arcade on the first floor, as it is lined by shops and a café. Be sure to note the organic themes of the façade and the beautiful wrought iron peacock gate on the north side of the building.
St. Stephen's Basilica
Highlight of Central PestEnjoy an awe-inspiring visit to this vast cupola-topped church; the most famous in Budapest.
Completed in 1905, the construction of the neo-classical Catholic church took over 50 years. The mummified hand of Hungary's first king, St. Stephen, is kept in a small chapel in the rear. Take a lift to the dome to enjoy one of Budapest's most interesting panoramic views. The church hosts frequent concerts.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge
Highlight of Central PestStroll across a beautiful landmark 19th-century suspension bridge which is a symbol of Budapest.
This was Budapest's first permanent bridge over the Danube, enabling the cities of Buda and Pest to merge. Named after Count István Széchenyi, it hangs from iron chains (hence, the Chain Bridge) anchored by two towering river piers. These piers were the only elements to survive WWII fighting. The rest was rebuilt.
Day 4
Vienna
Day 5
Vienna
Natural History Museum
Highlight of Ring StreetExplore one of the world's most important natural history collections.
The museum is a treasure trove of anthropological and archeological exhibits, including dinosaurs and other extinct animals, precious gems, and more. It also holds the famous pre-historic finds from the Austrian village of Hallstatt, where an ancient salt mine was located.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Highlight of Ring StreetFind artistic bliss in this lavish 19th-century museum housing art collections & antiquities.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Art History Museum, is one of the world's most important collections of art. It houses many masterpieces as well as ancient and classical art antiquities. Its amazing interior is worth seeing just on its own merits, and includes an incredible mural painted by Gustav Klimt.
Rathaus (City Hall)
Highlight of Ring StreetGet in touch with the local vibe at the Rathausplatz, a huge square in front of the Vienna City Hall.
The 19th-century city hall was built in a fanciful neo-Gothic style with 30 million bricks. It is an important center for social life in the city, hosting balls, concerts, and other events. The square in front of the hall is home to activities all year long, including markets, food fairs, exhibitions, and the city's biggest Christmas Market.
Natural History Museum
Highlight of Ring StreetExplore one of the world's most important natural history collections.
The museum is a treasure trove of anthropological and archeological exhibits, including dinosaurs and other extinct animals, precious gems, and more. It also holds the famous pre-historic finds from the Austrian village of Hallstatt, where an ancient salt mine was located.
Kunsthistorisches Museum
Highlight of Ring StreetFind artistic bliss in this lavish 19th-century museum housing art collections & antiquities.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum, or Art History Museum, is one of the world's most important collections of art. It houses many masterpieces as well as ancient and classical art antiquities. Its amazing interior is worth seeing just on its own merits, and includes an incredible mural painted by Gustav Klimt.
Rathaus (City Hall)
Highlight of Ring StreetGet in touch with the local vibe at the Rathausplatz, a huge square in front of the Vienna City Hall.
The 19th-century city hall was built in a fanciful neo-Gothic style with 30 million bricks. It is an important center for social life in the city, hosting balls, concerts, and other events. The square in front of the hall is home to activities all year long, including markets, food fairs, exhibitions, and the city's biggest Christmas Market.
Natural History Museum
Highlight of Ring StreetExplore one of the world's most important natural history collections.
The museum is a treasure trove of anthropological and archeological exhibits, including dinosaurs and other extinct animals, precious gems, and more. It also holds the famous pre-historic finds from the Austrian village of Hallstatt, where an ancient salt mine was located.
Day 6
Vienna to Prague
Belvedere Palace
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceStroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Karlskirche
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceMany argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Belvedere Palace
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceStroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Karlskirche
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceMany argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Belvedere Palace
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceStroll the Belvedere's gardens, and venture inside the palace for a "Kiss".
Two Baraque palaces are connected by a French-style, three-level garden which features delightful fountains. Originally built as a summer residence of Prince Eugene, it now houses the Belvedere Museum where you will find Gustav Klimt's most famous work - The Kiss.
Karlskirche
Highlight of Karlskirche & Belvedere PalaceMany argue that this baroque church is as beautiful as St. Peter's - see it and decide for yourself.
Built between 1716-1737, Emperor Charles VI intended the church to be a thanksgiving for the end of a plague epidemic and dedicated the church to St. Charles Borromeo, who is revered for his care of plague victims. St. Charles was also his namesake, meaning that the church's name evokes the emperor's memory as much as the saint's, which was no accident. Indeed, the two columns in front of the church are meant to represent imperial power.
Day 7
Prague
Charles Bridge
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourCross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.
Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.
Maltese Square & Lennon Wall
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourSee a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.
The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.
Prague Castle
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourPrague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.
The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.
Charles Bridge
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourCross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.
Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.
Maltese Square & Lennon Wall
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourSee a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.
The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.
Prague Castle
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourPrague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.
The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.
Charles Bridge
Highlight of Royal Route Guided TourCross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.
Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.
Day 8
Prague
Dancing House
Highlight of New TownStroll down the river to find this curvaceous office block designed by Frank Gehry, and whi msically nicknamed Fred & Ginger.
There is no tour of the interior, so most visitors just snap a photo and head out. However, there is a restaurant and bar at the top called Ginger&Fred. For a spectacular view of the city check out the terrace on the top floor (only for paying customers).
National Theater
Highlight of New TownExperience nationally-sponsored ballet & opera in a magnificent venue.
This concert hall is Prague's most prestigious, and it is not only a symbol of the 19th century Czech national revival but also arguably one of the most beautiful concert venues in Europe. Unfortunately, tours are not regularly offered, but you may attend an opera or ballet if you purchase tickets in advance. The riverfront near the concert hall is one of the most photographed spots in Prague.
National Museum
Highlight of New TownExplore an interesting museum collection in a grand building completed in 1891.
The recently renovated and improved National Museum is fronted by the iconic equestrian statue of "good king Wenceslas". Beyond it's dramatic exterior you'll find a grand staircase which is a highlight of any visit. Founded in 1818, the museum played a major role in bringing natural science and history to the common man, and also played an important part in the Czech national revival occurring in the 19th century.
Wenceslas Square
Highlight of New TownExperience a mishmash of interesting architecture on Wenceslas Square, Prague's main commercial center.
The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, is named after the Patron Saint of Bohemia, whose statue can be seen at the top of the square. Many historical events have taken place here, including the demonstrations of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which resulted in the collapse of the Communist regime. Today the square is lined by department stores, hotels, and office buildings, many of them notable architectural highlights of the 19th, 20th, and 21st century.
Municipal House
Highlight of New TownTour a breathtaking art nouveau venue and stay for a concert, opera, or ballet.
The stunning concert hall is open for tours and hosts performances on most evenings. The main hall is painted by famous Czech artists including Alfons Mucha. A beautiful cafe and restaurant are also housed in the building, and you can find one of Prague's most ornate pubs in the cellar (the "American Bar").
Dancing House
Highlight of New TownStroll down the river to find this curvaceous office block designed by Frank Gehry, and whi msically nicknamed Fred & Ginger.
There is no tour of the interior, so most visitors just snap a photo and head out. However, there is a restaurant and bar at the top called Ginger&Fred. For a spectacular view of the city check out the terrace on the top floor (only for paying customers).
National Theater
Highlight of New TownExperience nationally-sponsored ballet & opera in a magnificent venue.
This concert hall is Prague's most prestigious, and it is not only a symbol of the 19th century Czech national revival but also arguably one of the most beautiful concert venues in Europe. Unfortunately, tours are not regularly offered, but you may attend an opera or ballet if you purchase tickets in advance. The riverfront near the concert hall is one of the most photographed spots in Prague.
National Museum
Highlight of New TownExplore an interesting museum collection in a grand building completed in 1891.
The recently renovated and improved National Museum is fronted by the iconic equestrian statue of "good king Wenceslas". Beyond it's dramatic exterior you'll find a grand staircase which is a highlight of any visit. Founded in 1818, the museum played a major role in bringing natural science and history to the common man, and also played an important part in the Czech national revival occurring in the 19th century.
Wenceslas Square
Highlight of New TownExperience a mishmash of interesting architecture on Wenceslas Square, Prague's main commercial center.
The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, is named after the Patron Saint of Bohemia, whose statue can be seen at the top of the square. Many historical events have taken place here, including the demonstrations of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which resulted in the collapse of the Communist regime. Today the square is lined by department stores, hotels, and office buildings, many of them notable architectural highlights of the 19th, 20th, and 21st century.
Municipal House
Highlight of New TownTour a breathtaking art nouveau venue and stay for a concert, opera, or ballet.
The stunning concert hall is open for tours and hosts performances on most evenings. The main hall is painted by famous Czech artists including Alfons Mucha. A beautiful cafe and restaurant are also housed in the building, and you can find one of Prague's most ornate pubs in the cellar (the "American Bar").
Dancing House
Highlight of New TownStroll down the river to find this curvaceous office block designed by Frank Gehry, and whi msically nicknamed Fred & Ginger.
There is no tour of the interior, so most visitors just snap a photo and head out. However, there is a restaurant and bar at the top called Ginger&Fred. For a spectacular view of the city check out the terrace on the top floor (only for paying customers).
Day 9
Prague
Spanish Synagogue
Highlight of Jewish QuarterDiscover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.
Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
Old-New Synagogue
Highlight of Jewish QuarterSee the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe and also one of Prague's earliest Gothic buildings.
When built it was Prague’s newest synagogue, but over time became its oldest – hence the “Old-New”. A beautiful ark holds the Torah and legend says its attic is the hiding place of the legendary clay Golem.
Old Jewish Cemetery
Highlight of Jewish QuarterTake an unforgettable visit to one of Europe's largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.
As the Jewish Ghetto was quite cramped, there was no room to expand the cemetery. Unable to acquire further land, and not wishing to dishonor ancestors through the demolition of existing graves, Prague's Jews buried their loved ones in multiple levels. Gravestones are packed in tightly and in some areas the burials reach 12 layers!
Spanish Synagogue
Highlight of Jewish QuarterDiscover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.
Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
Old-New Synagogue
Highlight of Jewish QuarterSee the oldest surviving synagogue in Europe and also one of Prague's earliest Gothic buildings.
When built it was Prague’s newest synagogue, but over time became its oldest – hence the “Old-New”. A beautiful ark holds the Torah and legend says its attic is the hiding place of the legendary clay Golem.
Old Jewish Cemetery
Highlight of Jewish QuarterTake an unforgettable visit to one of Europe's largest medieval Jewish cemeteries.
As the Jewish Ghetto was quite cramped, there was no room to expand the cemetery. Unable to acquire further land, and not wishing to dishonor ancestors through the demolition of existing graves, Prague's Jews buried their loved ones in multiple levels. Gravestones are packed in tightly and in some areas the burials reach 12 layers!
Spanish Synagogue
Highlight of Jewish QuarterDiscover the synagogue considered by many to be Prague's most beautiful.
Completed in 1868, the Spanish Synagogue is the newest synagogue in Prague's Jewish Quarter, but happens to be built on the site of the former Oldest Synagogue in Prague. It is built in a stunning Spanish Moorish style as a symbol of the flowering of the Jewish culture which occurred under Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
Day 10
Krakow
Day 11
Krakow
Podgórze
Highlight of Schindler's Factory MuseumWander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.
Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".
Podgórze
Highlight of Schindler's Factory MuseumWander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.
Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".
Podgórze
Highlight of Schindler's Factory MuseumWander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.
Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".
Podgórze
Highlight of Schindler's Factory MuseumWander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.
Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".
Podgórze
Highlight of Schindler's Factory MuseumWander the streets of the former Jewish Ghetto.
Podgórze is the neighborhood where the Krakow Jewish Ghetto was located. At the beginning of the war, only about 3,000 people lived in the district, but over 15,000 Jews were forcibly moved there and surrounded by tall walls and guarded gates. In 1942-3 the ghetto was "liquidated", with residents sent to either labor camps or extermination camps, or simply murdered in the streets. A couple small sections of the wall and a memorial of empty chairs (each chair representing a 1,000 victims) on the ghetto square are among the very few remaining physical reminders of the ghetto. On the corner of the square, you can also visit the small museum of the Apteka pod Orlem (Pharmacy under the Eagle), which was the only pharmacy allowed to operate in the ghetto. The Polish Catholic owner requested permission to operate within the ghetto and provided medical supplies to residents, often for free. Both he and Oscar Schindler were honored by Israel as "Righteous Among the Nations".
Day 12
Krakow to Warsaw
Day 13
Warsaw
Warsaw Mermaid
Highlight of Old Town Walking Tour, GuidedWarsaw Mermaid (Warszawska Syrenka) is the official symbol of Warsaw.
On the square, Syrenka appeared in the 19th century. According to the legend, she is the sister of Copenhagen Mermaid.
Warsaw's Royal Castle
Highlight of Old Town Walking Tour, GuidedTour the impressive Royal Castle for an entertaining crash course in Warsaw and Polish history.
Like everything else in central Warsaw, the Royal Castle was heavily damaged during the German bombing campaign that sparked WWII in September 1939 and was then completely and literally reduced to smoldering dust in 1944 in revenge for the failed Warsaw Uprising. What you see today is a carbon copy built in the 1970s when the Communist authorities became desperate to position themselves as 'socialist patriots' following decades of delay in the building schedule. Opened to the public in 1984, the Castle today is filled with period furniture and works of art. Highlights of the castle tour include the Great Apartment and its magnificent Great Assembly Hall, which has been restored to its 18th-century decor of dazzling gilded stucco and golden columns. The neighboring National Hall was conceived as a national pantheon; the six huge canvases (surviving originals) depict pivotal scenes from Polish history. Further on from the National Hall is the lavishly decorated Throne Room. Connected by a short corridor is the King’s Apartment, the highlight of which is the Canaletto Room at the far end. An impressive array of 23 paintings by Bernardo Bellotto, better known in Poland as Canaletto, captures Warsaw's mid-18th-century heyday in great detail. The works were of immense help in reconstructing the city’s historic facades.
Warsaw Mermaid
Highlight of Old Town Walking Tour, GuidedWarsaw Mermaid (Warszawska Syrenka) is the official symbol of Warsaw.
On the square, Syrenka appeared in the 19th century. According to the legend, she is the sister of Copenhagen Mermaid.
Warsaw's Royal Castle
Highlight of Old Town Walking Tour, GuidedTour the impressive Royal Castle for an entertaining crash course in Warsaw and Polish history.
Like everything else in central Warsaw, the Royal Castle was heavily damaged during the German bombing campaign that sparked WWII in September 1939 and was then completely and literally reduced to smoldering dust in 1944 in revenge for the failed Warsaw Uprising. What you see today is a carbon copy built in the 1970s when the Communist authorities became desperate to position themselves as 'socialist patriots' following decades of delay in the building schedule. Opened to the public in 1984, the Castle today is filled with period furniture and works of art. Highlights of the castle tour include the Great Apartment and its magnificent Great Assembly Hall, which has been restored to its 18th-century decor of dazzling gilded stucco and golden columns. The neighboring National Hall was conceived as a national pantheon; the six huge canvases (surviving originals) depict pivotal scenes from Polish history. Further on from the National Hall is the lavishly decorated Throne Room. Connected by a short corridor is the King’s Apartment, the highlight of which is the Canaletto Room at the far end. An impressive array of 23 paintings by Bernardo Bellotto, better known in Poland as Canaletto, captures Warsaw's mid-18th-century heyday in great detail. The works were of immense help in reconstructing the city’s historic facades.
Warsaw Mermaid
Highlight of Old Town Walking Tour, GuidedWarsaw Mermaid (Warszawska Syrenka) is the official symbol of Warsaw.
On the square, Syrenka appeared in the 19th century. According to the legend, she is the sister of Copenhagen Mermaid.
Warsaw's Royal Castle
Highlight of Old Town Walking Tour, GuidedTour the impressive Royal Castle for an entertaining crash course in Warsaw and Polish history.
Like everything else in central Warsaw, the Royal Castle was heavily damaged during the German bombing campaign that sparked WWII in September 1939 and was then completely and literally reduced to smoldering dust in 1944 in revenge for the failed Warsaw Uprising. What you see today is a carbon copy built in the 1970s when the Communist authorities became desperate to position themselves as 'socialist patriots' following decades of delay in the building schedule. Opened to the public in 1984, the Castle today is filled with period furniture and works of art. Highlights of the castle tour include the Great Apartment and its magnificent Great Assembly Hall, which has been restored to its 18th-century decor of dazzling gilded stucco and golden columns. The neighboring National Hall was conceived as a national pantheon; the six huge canvases (surviving originals) depict pivotal scenes from Polish history. Further on from the National Hall is the lavishly decorated Throne Room. Connected by a short corridor is the King’s Apartment, the highlight of which is the Canaletto Room at the far end. An impressive array of 23 paintings by Bernardo Bellotto, better known in Poland as Canaletto, captures Warsaw's mid-18th-century heyday in great detail. The works were of immense help in reconstructing the city’s historic facades.
Day 14
Warsaw
Palace of Culture
Highlight of Communism TourThis neo-Baroque leviathan was a 'gift' from the Soviets to the Polish people, and not one that could be refused.
Known to the locals as "the Russian cake", the building evokes intense emotions among Varsovians. Some maintain that the best views of Warsaw are from the Palace's top floor - the only viewpoint from which one can't see the building at all - while others are willing to grant it a sinister kind of elegance, especially when compared to the glass skyscrapers that have sprouted up nearby. Whatever your sense of aesthetics, there's no doubting that the Palace and the newer high-rise buildings around it provide an attractive view when lit up in the evening.
Palace of Culture
Highlight of Communism TourThis neo-Baroque leviathan was a 'gift' from the Soviets to the Polish people, and not one that could be refused.
Known to the locals as "the Russian cake", the building evokes intense emotions among Varsovians. Some maintain that the best views of Warsaw are from the Palace's top floor - the only viewpoint from which one can't see the building at all - while others are willing to grant it a sinister kind of elegance, especially when compared to the glass skyscrapers that have sprouted up nearby. Whatever your sense of aesthetics, there's no doubting that the Palace and the newer high-rise buildings around it provide an attractive view when lit up in the evening.
Palace of Culture
Highlight of Communism TourThis neo-Baroque leviathan was a 'gift' from the Soviets to the Polish people, and not one that could be refused.
Known to the locals as "the Russian cake", the building evokes intense emotions among Varsovians. Some maintain that the best views of Warsaw are from the Palace's top floor - the only viewpoint from which one can't see the building at all - while others are willing to grant it a sinister kind of elegance, especially when compared to the glass skyscrapers that have sprouted up nearby. Whatever your sense of aesthetics, there's no doubting that the Palace and the newer high-rise buildings around it provide an attractive view when lit up in the evening.
Palace of Culture
Highlight of Communism TourThis neo-Baroque leviathan was a 'gift' from the Soviets to the Polish people, and not one that could be refused.
Known to the locals as "the Russian cake", the building evokes intense emotions among Varsovians. Some maintain that the best views of Warsaw are from the Palace's top floor - the only viewpoint from which one can't see the building at all - while others are willing to grant it a sinister kind of elegance, especially when compared to the glass skyscrapers that have sprouted up nearby. Whatever your sense of aesthetics, there's no doubting that the Palace and the newer high-rise buildings around it provide an attractive view when lit up in the evening.
Palace of Culture
Highlight of Communism TourThis neo-Baroque leviathan was a 'gift' from the Soviets to the Polish people, and not one that could be refused.
Known to the locals as "the Russian cake", the building evokes intense emotions among Varsovians. Some maintain that the best views of Warsaw are from the Palace's top floor - the only viewpoint from which one can't see the building at all - while others are willing to grant it a sinister kind of elegance, especially when compared to the glass skyscrapers that have sprouted up nearby. Whatever your sense of aesthetics, there's no doubting that the Palace and the newer high-rise buildings around it provide an attractive view when lit up in the evening.
Day 15
Depart Warsaw
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Krakow is a city in the south of Poland and the country’s former royal capital. Thought to have been inhabited for tens of thousands of years, the history here seems to sit comfortably alongside the vibrant, young city that is Krakow today. The main market square at Krakow’s center is overlooked by St Mary’s Basilica, a perfect example of Polish Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square itself is usually filled with life, as the pubs and restaurants around the edges spill out onto the sidewalks. Winter is cold here, but that’s just a perfect excuse to slip inside a cozy, well-heated pub and sip hot mulled wine over a hearty Polish dinner. With all of Krakow’s heady charm, it can be easy to forget the all-too-recent atrocities that occurred in this region. A short trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp nearby, where the Nazis committed their genocide, provides a sober but important reminder of that past. A hard past exists alongside a happy and electric present in Krakow, a city that has endured centuries of trials and emerged looking better than ever.
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Read More
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Read More
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Read More
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Read More
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Read More
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Read More
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Read More