Compare 2-Day Southern Bohemia Tour from Prague: Cesky Krumlov | Ceske Budejovice | Hluboka**UNESCO World Heritage || Vegetarian Options Available** by Tours4Fun vs Christmas Markets of Poland, Prague & Germany - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 by Insight Vacations

Day 1 Prague - Ceske Budejovice - Cesky Krumlov - Hluboka

Our journey begins by traveling to Ceske Budejovice in southern Bohemia. Overlooked by the Black Tower, the town's unique historic square is lined with Renaissance and Baroque homes. As we travel through southern Bohemia, admire the beautiful landscape full of forests and ponds. Next, enjoy a trip to Cesky Krumlov and a visit to the castle and Old Town, where we'll stop for lunch. Lunch is included: Soup and a main dish, plus one beer or beverage if your choice. A vegetarian lunch can also be prepared upon request. Finally, arrive at an exclusive 4-star castle, Stekl Hotel in Hluboka, and stay overnight. Check in at the hotel at 5:00pm. Hotel Stekl is situated in the castle area. On the way to the town center, you'll see many restaurants.

Day 2 Hluboka - Prague

After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the time at your leisure. Consider walking through Hluboka and exploring the town on your own, or visit Hluboka Castle and surrounding gardens. You may also choose to play golf, visit the zoo, go cycling, or sightsee in or around the city (own expense). At approximately 5:00pm, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the journey back to Prague.

Day 1: Welcome to Kraków

Transfers for your hotel depart Kraków airport at 12:30 and 15:00. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 17:00 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. Afterwards, get your first taste of Polish old-world charm with a walk around the magnificent Cloth Hall in the Market Square. Wrapped in romantic gabled townhouses and Gothic spires, the festive Christmas Market stalls are a Disneyesque dream, offering all sorts of delicacies and delights - from Highland woollen slippers to amber jewellery from the Baltic. Maybe try the traditional oscypek cheese with cranberries, a delicacy from the Tatra mountains?

Vienna House Andel's Cracow, Kraków.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Kraków Relaxed Start

Ascend Wawel Hill with your Local Expert to see the Renaissance castle and visit the cathedral – the final resting place of the Kings of Poland. Then cross the former Jewish Quarter of Kazimierz to Old Podgórze, the Old Town, to see Ghetto Square and remains of the Ghetto Wall. The rest of the day is at leisure or perhaps choose to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine? There is time to explore the traditional Christmas Market located in the Old Town's historic district. You'll find yourself immersed in festive spirit as you shop for authentic Christmas decorations, gifts, toys and tasty treats.

Vienna House Andel's Cracow, Kraków.

Breakfast

Day 3: Wrocław, the Venice of Poland

Perhaps spend some reflective moments and visit Auschwitz concentration camp? Later, continue to the city of Wrocław, known as the Venice of Poland, made up of five rivers, 12 islands and over 150 bridges. Try your hand at traditional Polish pierneki during a gingerbread workshop at a small family business, followed by a tasting. Rated as one of the finest in Europe, Wrocław’s Christmas Market offers a delightful, fairy-tale charm. Enjoy an orientation of the market, located in Rynek, the historic main square which is surrounded by Baroque splendour and adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Spend time exploring the vast array of stalls bursting with local crafts and tasty treats.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Wroclaw.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: Kutná Hora and Prague

Cross the Czech border and head for Kutná Hora, a town that flourished during the Middle Ages thanks to vast deposits of silver. Continue your travels to the Czech capital of Prague.

Hotel Royal Prague.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Prague, City of a Hundred Spires Relaxed Start

Explore Prague with Insight Choice. Choose to walk the courtyards of the Castle and visit the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral. Alternatively, join your Local Expert through the Jewish Quarter and hear about the history, traditions and legends of the Jewish people.  Then, down at the Old Town Square, Prague’s colourful Christmas Market contrasts with the Gothic skyline. Beneath a giant Christmas tree, draped in a blaze of lights, locals browse the decorative wooden stalls. Meet a local stallholder and savour a glass of Svařák, traditional mulled wine, along with the local Trdelník pastry.

Hotel Royal Prague.

Breakfast

Day 6: Dresden and Berlin Relaxed Start

Cross the German border to Dresden. Gaze up at the Frauenkirche, risen once again from wartime ashes. Your guided exploration with a Local Expert will continue past the colossal 'Procession of the Dukes' mosaic, the cathedral, Semper Opera House and Zwinger Palace. During your free time perhaps seek out the delicious Christstollen, a Christmas cake recipe dating back to medieval times, or shop for a traditional Christmas pyramid. Then journey on to Berlin.

Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre.

Breakfast

Day 7: The Spirit of Berlin Relaxed Start

Join a Local Expert to see the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, remnants of the Berlin Wall, Unter den Linden, and the beautifully-restored Reichstag building. Feel free to soak up the Weihnachtszauber, or Christmas magic, at the Gendarmenmarkt, which is Berlin’s most magnificent square.  In the evening, join your friends for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a festive Celebration Dinner with wine and good cheer at a local restaurant supporting refugees to integrate into German society.

Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Auf Wiedersehen Berlin

Your journey draws to a close after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Berlin airport at 07:00 and 10:00.

Breakfast