Compare Taste of Eastern Europe by Expat Explore vs Germany, Czech Republic, Austria & Hungary in 11 days - Capitals of Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS by Exoticca

Day 1: Munich

Welcome to Munich! The first day of the tour is our arrivals day. Meet your fellow travellers, and, depending on what time you arrive, head into Munich and see the sights ahead of the start of your tour. A city that exhibits both prosperity and a certain amount of comfort and cosiness, Munich’s apparent contradictions will delight the avid explorer. Along with modern high-powered industry, designer shopping districts and sleek BMWs, you’ll find a wealth of cultural hotspots in Munich. Even with all its smart sophistication, Munich has a certain charm that visitors find irresistible. Tonight, we’ll take you to a traditional German beer hall to get a taste of German culture. Prost!

Experiences
Munich orientation tour: your tour leader will take you on an orientation of Munich to get you acquainted with this wonderful German city.
German Beer Hall: tonight we’ll take you to a traditional German Beer Hall. Sample German beer, along with traditional German cuisine. Prost!

Accommodation
AZIMUT Hotel Munich City East
ibis Muenchen City
ECONTEL HOTEL Munich
Other Foods to try
Tonight you will enjoy dinner in a traditional beerhall. Dishes include typical German favourites, such as a sausages with sauerkraut, chicken with potato salad, and potato dumplings with sauerkraut (vegetarian option).
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Neuschwanstein Castle - Innsbruck

Today, we're off to Innsbruck, stopping first at the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. With turrets soaring high above the surrounding woodland, this is a castle that will bring all those familiar fairy tales to mind. We'll take a tour, allowing you to get up close and personal to this outstanding European landmark. Following that, we'll head to Oberammergau for a comfort stop. This town is famous for its passion play, which is re-enacted every 10 years in commemoration of the vow made by the town's citizens in 1634. Next, we'll make our way to Innsbruck in nearby Austria. This is one of the few places in the world that really can lay claim to having something for everyone. It's not everywhere that offers extreme sports (thanks to the close proximity of the soaring Nordkette Alps), fascinating historical heritage (courtesy of the legacy of the Habsburgs), and vibrant modern attractions, too. Once we arrive in the afternoon, you'll have some free time to explore this fascinating Austrian city.

Experiences
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle and embark on a tour of the castle interior. 
Comfort stop in the German town of Oberammergau, famous for the Passion Play.
Explore the fascinating Austrian city of Innsbruck.
Optional Excursions
Tyrol Folk Evening & Dinner €45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
AlpinPark Hotel Innsbruck
Other Foods to try
Wiener Schnitzel, beef soup and Apfelstrudel.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Salzburg - Vienna

From Innsbruck, we head for the grandeur of Vienna, stopping on the way for a comfort stop in Salzburg. On arrival in Vienna, we’ll take a driving tour of the city – which ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Few cities can show off such cultural and historical splendour and maintain a profile as an exciting, modern city, but Vienna does it well. Along with a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, and artworks by masters like Klimt, Schiele and Kokoschka, Vienna has a buzzing modern culinary scene, cheerful, bustling pubs and bars, and a host of clubs and music venues in which to dance the night away.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart.
Enjoy a guided tour of Vienna.
Optional Excursions
Mozart Concert €65
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Fourside Hotel Vienna City Center
Courtyard by Marriott Wien Schoenbrunn
Other Foods to try
Schnitzel - a boneless meat, thinned with a meat tenderizer, coated with flour, beaten eggs and bread crumbs, and then fried. Similar to the French dish escalope, it is typically made from chicken, beef, turkey or pork.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Budapest

Today, we’re off to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. Blessed with natural beauty (it straddles the Danube River) as well as baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture, this is a city to behold. Get a good overview of it all with our Budapest driving tour when you arrive. Starting on the Pest side of the Danube, head across the river and stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and the river below. See the Houses of Parliament and drive along the river admiring the city. This afternoon is yours to enjoy the city as you please.

Experiences
Driving tour of Budapest: we meet the local guide who takes you on a driving tour of this fabulous city pointing out places of interest and imparting their local knowledge and history. You will experience amazing views from Gellert Hill and the Citadel, drive through the city to include a stop at Heroes Square, see Budapest Parliament, St Stephen Basilica, the State opera, Castle District and then drive along Andrassy Avenue crossing the river to stop at Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion area.
Optional Excursions
Danube Evening Cruise €18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Ibis Budapest City
Ibis Budapest Centrum
Other Foods to try
Hungarian Goulash - a soup or stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika and other spices
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5: Bratislava - Prague

Today, we're off to Prague, stopping on the way in Bratislava for a comfort stop. On arrival in Prague, we’ll take a walking tour of this incredible city, which, since freeing itself from communism, has joined other European jewels like Paris, Rome and Amsterdam to take its place as one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. Famous for its art, architecture, cobbled lanes and ancient chapels, this is also home to some of Europe’s finest beer. For dinner, experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague.

Experiences
Comfort stop in Bratislava: Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and your Expat Explore tour leader will take you on a orientation tour of the city where you will see the Old Town, Primatial Palace, Michael’s Gate, the Main Square, Old Town Hall, Slovak National Theatre and Reduta.
Local walking tour of Prague: enjoy a local guided walking tour of the capital city of the Czech Republic. See the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Petrin Tower (Mini Eiffel Tower), Charles Bridge, Church of Our Lady before Týn, and a view of Prague Castle.
Prague dinner: experience authentic Czech cuisine at our local restaurant on your first night in Prague, the history of this restaurant dates back hundreds of years, and it is a favourite place for locals as well as our Expat Explore groups. You will also have the option to try the famous Czech Beer. Budweiser anyone?

Accommodation
Hotel Duo
Other Foods to try
Tonight you can try svíčková na smetaně - a typical Czech dish consisting of beef sirloin in a cream sauce, commonly served with dumplings, cream and cranberries.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Prague - Free day

The day is yours to treat yourself to the fairy tale magic of Prague - often aptly described as the "Jewel in the Crown" of central Europe, and maybe revisit some of the places you saw on yesterday’s walking tour. The majestic Prague Castle, the famous Charles Bridge (you need to also see the views from the bridge at night - simply stunning), the old town and the Jewish Quarter are all worth seeing. There is also a ‘Secret Garden’ that leads to a man-made grotto - see if you can find it! Prague's dramatic history is reflected in the beauty of the architecture of churches, opera houses, concert halls and parks. There are numerous beer halls in which to sample a local brew, and for those who wish to put your stamp on the city, why not visit legendary Lennon wall - a tribute to John Lennon and words of peace, which is added to on a daily basis by the thousands of visitors to the city. Did we mention ‘fairy tale’ city earlier? Maybe it is worth noting that Prague is the home of the "green fairy”, which is better known as absinthe.
Attractions to discover in your free time
Charles Bridge Towers Daily 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 90, Children CZK 25
Prague Castle Daily 09:00-4:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 250, Children CZK 125
St. Vitus Cathedral Feb-Mar: Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00 | Sun: 12:00-16:00 / Apr-Oct: Mon-Sat 09:00-17:00 | Sun: 12:00-17:00 Free
Old Jewish Cemetery - Jerusalem Synagogue - Jewish Museum Daily Sun-Sat 9:00 am - 9:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 480, Children (6-15 yrs) CZK 320
Museum of Communism Daily 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (All year) Adults CZK 180, Children (under 10) Free with paying adult
Petrin Tower (Mini Eiffel Tower) Nov-Feb: 10:00-18:00 | Mar & Oct: 10:00-20:00 | Apr-Sep: 10:00-22:00 Kč 100
The Dancing Building
Wenceslas Square Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm [All year] Adults CZK 150
Optional Excursions
Traditional Czech Folk Music & Dance Evening €35
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 7: Nuremberg - Munich

On our way back to Munich, we'll stop at Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city. Famous for its dark beer and frenetic energy, you'll have a chance to look around before we make our way to Dachau Concentration Camp. In operation from 1933 to 1945, Dachau was a Nazi concentration camp that was responsible for the imprisonment of around 200 000 people. We'll gain more of an understanding of this dark side of German history, and then finally make our way back to Munich. Tonight is your last night on tour, so be sure to make the most of it!

Experiences
Comfort stop in Nuremberg: see the medieval castle and get a chance to explore the old town.
Visit to Dachau: opened in 1933 by Heinrich Himmler,  Dachau was the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Germany and was originally intended to hold political prisoners.  Situated near the medieval town of Dachau , about 16 km from Munich, this is a fascinating insight into the conditions and brutal treatment and imprisonment of Jews, ordinary German and Austrian criminals, and eventually foreign nationals from countries which Germany occupied or invaded. It was finally liberated in 1945. 

Accommodation
AZIMUT Hotel Munich City East
ibis Muenchen City
ECONTEL HOTEL Munich
Other Foods to try
Currywurst - German sausage covered in a mixture of ketchup, Worcester sauce, and curry powder.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8: End of tour

Today, our tour ends after breakfast. Be sure to share details with your fellow travellers, so that you can stay in touch! We hope you've enjoyed the tour!

Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in Munich after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel. By this point you will have enjoyed 8 incredible days exploring the very best of Eastern Europe!
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Berlin, the Germany capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Berlin

Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 3: Berlin

Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 4: Berlin

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 5: Berlin - Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague, a journey of around 5 hours. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Kozel Brewery, the home of the most famous Czech beer! Overnight stay in Prague

Day 6: Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Overnight stay in Prague.

Day 7: Prague - Vienna

After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna, a journey of around 4.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 8: Vienna

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna

Day 9: Vienna - Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a shared bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 3 hours. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Budapest

Day 10: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 11: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 12: Budapest - US

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your journey through Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.