We will be welcomed upon arrival and transferred to our hotel (check in from 3 PM). After some time to relax and unwind, we’ll meet our fellow travelers and tour director over a delightful welcome dinner. Budapest, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Danube," is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and thermal baths.

Overnight: NH Budapest City, Budapest (2 nights) (D)

After breakfast, we begin our day with a sightseeing tour that showcases the highlights of Budapest. We’ll take in stunning views of landmarks such as the Parliament Building, an architectural marvel and symbol of Hungarian democracy; the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history; and the Castle Hill area, home to medieval streets and the Budapest History Museum. Other stops include the Fisherman’s Bastion, offering panoramic views of the city, and Matthias Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. We’ll also visit Heroes’ Square, known for its iconic Millennium Monument, and Gellért Hill, crowned by the Citadel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to dive deeper into this vibrant and historic city. (B)

The road to Krakow meanders through Slovakia's scenic hills and countryside, passing the majestic Tatra Mountains, the highest range in the Carpathians. Crossing into Poland, the journey continues across picturesque rolling plains, arriving in Krakow, one of Poland’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance as a former royal capital.

Overnight: Hotel Radisson Red, Krakow (2 nights) (B)

Today, we explore beautiful Krakow. Dating from the 7th century, Krakow* is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Its diverse and picturesque streets reflect its extensive cultural heritage, from Gothic to Renaissance to baroque architecture. We start our sightseeing tour with a visit to Wawel Hill, where we see the Royal Castle and visit the Royal Cathedral (entrance included). Afterwards, we walk around the Old Town, visit the Main Market Square, the largest medieval market square in Europe, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church (entrance included). Afternoon is free to shop or wander Krakow’s beautiful streets followed by farewell dinner at our hotel. (B)

This morning, we tour the haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the largest and most notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp. It is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After our visit, continue to Krakow, where to Warsaw, where we enjoy dinner. Known as the Phoenix City, Warsaw was almost completely reconstructed after World War II when 85 per cent of its buildings were bombed to ruins. It boasts a rich history and a wide range of architecture, from restored Gothic and Renaissance to the hyper-modern.

Overnight: Hotel Mercure Centrum, Warsaw (2 nights) (B, D)

Today, we explore the 700-year-old political and cultural capital of Poland. Our sightseeing tour includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from grand Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the unique structure. We then take in the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Afterwards, we embark on a walking tour of the lovely Old Town, passing the Old Market Square, meticulously restored to its pre-World War II appearance, and St. John’s Cathedral. Balance of the day is free to stroll through a park, shop, or relax. (B)

Drive across the Polish countryside, passing through charming cities and towns, as you head toward Lithuania and Vilnius. By the day's end, arrive in Vilnius, once the largest city in Eastern Europe and a historic center of learning and culture from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

Overnight: Hotel Radisson/Novotel Centre, Vilnius (2 nights) (B)

Charming Vilnius offers the largest baroque Old Town in Eastern Europe, with much of it marvelously intact. We will explore this Old Town today, visiting the baroque St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church (entrance included), with a unique interior boasting more than 2,000 stucco figures, and the striking St. Anne’s Church. We will also see Vilnius University, dating back to 1570, famous Gediminas’ Tower, and Vilnius Castle. Afternoon is free to explore more of Vilnius. (B)

This morning, we travel to Riga, the capital of Latvia. Riga’s scenic streets reflect its history as first a centre of Viking trade, and later, a part of the Swedish and Russian empires. It then became part of the USSR in 1940, only to be occupied by the Germans. Upon arrival in Riga, the balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore.

Overnight: Hotel Radisson Latvia, Riga (2 nights) (B)

See Riga’s most stunning sites today, starting with 700-year-old Riga Castle on the banks of the Daugava River. We also visit the magnificent Dome Cathedral, St. Jacobs Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Parliament building and the Liberty Monument. Time is taken here to discover the city’s ornate and eclectic Art Nouveau buildings. The remainder of the day is free to explore Riga, shop, or savour some Latvian crepes. (B)

Continue on to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Though first mentioned by historical writings in 1219, Tallinn has evidence of human settlement dating back 5,000 years. Its medieval monuments and fairytale streets are known to be extremely photogenic! Estonia was first incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, then occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941 until it was reconquered by the Soviet Union in 1944, during World War II.

Overnight: Hotel Park Inn Meriton, Tallinn (2 nights) (B)

Take part in a walking tour of Tallinn’s Upper and Lower Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of Europe’s most complete walled cities. First, view imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We then see have the balance of the day to explore Tallinn on our own. (B, D)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B)