Bohemian Rhapsody – 14D

Arrive Budapest airport complete your immigration and customs formalities. Then transfer to your hotel. Later orientation tour of the city and Indian dinner.

Arrive in the morning to the beautiful Hungarian capital of Budapest, comprises the twin cities of Buda and Pest situated on two sides of the River. Breakfast. Some free time for freshen up. Morning do a sightseeing tour will introduce you to this fascinating city, including Heroes' Square, Gellert Hill, the Castle district, St. Matthew's church and the Fishermen's bastion in the Pest area located on a hill, with its spectacular view over the city. Heroes' Square : is one of the major squares of Budapest, Hungary, rich with historic and political connotations. Its iconic statue complex, the Millennium Memorial, was completed in 1900, the same year the square was named "Heroes' Square". It lies at the end of Andrássy Avenue (with which it comprises part of an extensive World Heritage site), next to City Park. Gellért Hill : high hill overlooking the Danube in Budapest, Hungary. It is part of the 1st and 11th Districts. Gellért Hill was named after Saint Gerard who was thrown to death from the hill. At the top of the hill is the Citadella (Citadel), from which a view is available down both directions of the Danube. Buda Castle : is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest, first completed in 1265. In the past, it was also called Royal Palace and Royal Castle. Buda Castle was built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, bounded on the north by what is known as the Castle District, famous for its Medieval, Baroque and 19th century houses, churches and public buildings. It is linked to Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by the Castle Hill Funicular. The castle is part of the Budapest World Heritage Site, declared in 1987. St.Mathew’s Church : Located on Castle Hill, with one of the most magnificent views in the city, the Matyas Church was originally built in the 1300's and served as the German community parish church. In the Middle Ages Hungarians were not even allowed to worship there. Fisherman's Bastion : is a terrace in neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque style situated on the Buda bank of the Danube, on the Castle hill in Budapest, around Matthias Church. It was designed and built between 1895 and 1902 on the plans of Frigyes Schulek. Between 1947–48, the son of Frigyes Schulek, János Schulek, conducted the other restoration project after its near destruction during World War II. Then proceed for a tour of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. Parliament building : The building has nearly 700 rooms, is 268m long, 118m wide at its maximum and over 90m high at the top of the dome. The main entrance leads to a ceremonial staircase with ceiling frescoes by Károly Lotz. From here opens a 16-sided hall below the dome, used for official receptions and ceremonies. The MP's debating chamber is in the south wing. The chamber of the former Upper House in the north wing is today used for conferences. All the interior rooms and passageways are ornamented in a rich neo-Gothic style. Late afternoon cruise on river Danube will be provided today. You will then be able to appreciate what made Johan Strauss compose “Blue Danube” …. Probably the most popular composition. Budapest is bright at night with the Landmark buildings brilliantly lit up and a fascinating sight. The Pedestrian area as well and you must walk around to really feel the place. A Hungarian evening awaits you tonight. Spend an enjoyable evening in a traditional restaurant in the hills of Buda. Marvelous views of the illuminated city. After an aperitif we swerve you a 3-course meal with wine accompanied by a varied folklore programme. An oopportunity to dance…

Morning proceed to Piltvic lakes area through the beautiful countryside of Hungary and Croatia. Piltvic Latkes : The park harbours a grand collection of waterfalls, gallery of lakes, forest and diversity of animal life. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colors change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight. The sixteen lakes which are formed by natural dams of travertine are separated into upper and lower lakes. About eight km of pathways and wooden walking trails around lakes are accessible to visitors. Trails are descending from an altitude of 636m to 503m above sea level. In 1979 Plitvice lakes NP was inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. Then proceed to Otocac for overnight stay. Dinner at hotel.

Mornign proceed to Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik : George Bernard Shaw, famously said “Those who seek paradise on Earth must come to Dubrovnik” …. Smitten by the beauty of the city whose untouched, 1940m long defensive walls – today under the protection of UNESCO – girdle in a city which carries the appellation of the Pearl of the Adriatic. Words are not enough to describe Dubrovnik except to say that everything around is charmingly beautiful. On arrival Dubrovnik check into hotel. Late afternoon is free for a facinating exploration. Indian dinner.

Morning city tour of Dubrovnik including entrance to Franciscan Monastery. Exploring will start with the walking tour of the city which is on UNESCO’s List of Cultural Heritage. This ancient town, surrounded by ramparts and fortresses, is a treasure trove of architectural and cultural master places, scrupulously preserved over the centuries. A pleasant walk will take you to the Franciscan Monastery with its 14th-century pharmacy, which is still operating to-day, uninterrupted through the centuries, as well as to the other places of interest After free time for lunch we will visit town Cavtat. Cavta : the antique Epidaurus, was an important Roman colony in this region, which expires after the breakthrough of the Slavs and the Avarians into this area after the decline of the Western Roman Empire, and their inhabitants flee to the neighbouring settlement Laus-Rave-Ragus, wherefrom Dubrovnik arose. In historical sources, Cavtat is also mentioned with the name Ragusa Vecchia, what clearly testifies to the connection of these two cities. In the times of the Dubrovnik Republic, Cavtat was the second most important seaport, place of trade and of administration in the Republic after Dubrovnik. Evening return to Dubrovnik. Dinner.

Morning first we proceed to Split… driving along the Adriatic sea. On arrival sightseeing with English speaking local guide with included visit to Diocletian’s palace with cellars. The city of Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is situated in the warmest region of the northern Mediterranean coast, in the very centre of the Adriatic eastern coast. Split has many museums that showcase the city's rich history. One of Croatia's top sights is the Diocletian Palace, which is right at the heart of the city. It is protected by the UNESCO and entered into the register of the World Cultural Heritage. Post tour proceed to hotel. Dinner. Split : In 305 AD the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled the world decided to build his leisure time abode … he had no doubt where it would be …. Split in the heart of Dalmatia in the bay of Aspalathos (Split), well protected from the sea by the islands of the Split archipelago, and defended on its landward side by high mountains, Diocletian created a special point on the map of the Adriatic … the future city of Split. Split is a city with rich history, not only within the walls of its museums, palaces and churches, but in the city itself. Its heritage speaks loudest and has done so since the times of Antiquity, on the Peristyle and from its stone houses; while the true Mediterranean spirit lives in the vibrant cellars, in the murmur at street corners, in the squares and alleyways and in the beauty of the waterfront. If you follow the weave of these white, stone-paved streets to the edge of the sea which gently rocks the moored boats, you will discover a city in which the famous Roman emperor left the imperial mark of his presence on every corner, together with the saint he decided to execute. Another special aspect of this city are the songs, and the successes achieved by its athletes – including a Wimbledon winner – numerous Olympic Champions, world cup soccer stars and NBA stars and they say …. “The most beautiful women in the world”. If you harbor any doubts as to the latter, just take a stroll along the Split waterfront some time …

Moring proceed to beautiful Lake Bled… paradise on earth. Through the beautiful country side of Croatia and Slovenia. We arrive Lake Bled by late afternoon. This small village town is cosy with beautiful warm local people. Enjoy a remarkably lovely view of the lake and its surroundings. Check into hotel. Balance day free to enjoy the lake front. In the evening your tour director will treat you to “cream cakes” a delicacy of Lake Bled. Dinner at hotel with entertainment by Slovenian accordionist especially for you. Lake Bled : is known for the glacial Lake Bled, which makes it a major tourist attraction. Perched on a rock overlooking the lake is the iconic Bled Castle. The town is also known in Slovenia for its vanilla-and-cream pastry called kremna rezina.

Today we visit the capital city of Ljubljana. A city that contains all the amenities of large capitals, while retaining the charm, kindness and relaxed atmosphere of smaller localities. You will realise that Ljubljana is a city with a young and dynamic pulse. A 2 hrs walking tour features the main sights in the Old Town, including the baroque cathedral of St Nicholas, the elegant Fountain of the three Carniolan rivers and the Town Hall; you will proceed further through the Town Square, the Old Square and the Upper Square, and cross the Cobblers' Bridge and the Triple Bridge, both designed by our famous architect Jože Ple?nik. You will also explore the left bank of the Ljubljanica River, with a stress on the Congress Square. Rest of the day is at leisure. We will provide you a courtesy transfer to Ljubljana to visit the flea market and also to shop for Slovenian Crystals. Later return to Lake Bled. Evening at leisure on the lake front; visit Casino. Dinner at hotel.

Moring proceed to Prague through the express way. Enroute a scenic feast as we go through the Julia Alps. Arrive Prague dinner and Indian restaurant and then check into hotel. The Golden City Prague… if there is any place that can rival Paris for its charms… this is the place. The city is beautiful at day and even more at night. The Iron curtain has been brought down and the city has sprung to life with buildings renovated/ scrubbed…with many a building in bright Pastel colors. Evening life in Prague is equally interesting and there is something for all tastes… nightclubs, Discos, Operas and Concerts, Folk Shows or simply walking around the area of Old Quarter, Wencelas Square and the Vltava river front…. the monuments softly lit up and bringing out all the charms of the Golden City. Prague was made into a "UN Heritage City" and voted "the European City of Culture".

Morning the Grand city tour covers - the Old city center, including Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter, culminating at the fabulous Prague Castle (Hradcany) on the other side of the River Vltava. Historic Centre of Prague : Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the New Town speak of the great architectural and cultural influence enjoyed by this city since the Middle Ages. The many magnificent monuments, such as Hradcani Castle, St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and numerous churches and palaces, built mostly in the 14th century under the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. The Charles Bridge : is a famous historic bridge that crosses the Vltava river in Prague. Its construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished in the beginning of the 15th century. The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style. Jewish quarter : is a town quarter and the smallest cadastral area of Prague, today Czech Republic, formerly the Jewish ghetto of the town. It is completely surrounded by Old Town. The quarter is often represented by the flag of Prague's Jewish community, a yellow Magen David (Star of David) on a red field. Prague Castle : is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here. Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world (according to Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle)[1] at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide. Afternoon & evening is free for you to shop. We will leave you at a Crystal factory outlet. Here you will find the best of Crystals made anywhere … fine Bohemian crystal and cut (etched) glass unmatched anywhere in the world. Indian dinner.

Morning board your coach and drive to Krakow on the foot hills of the Tatra Mountains. Scenic stretches enroute. On arrival, check into hotel. Tonight we have in store for you a Polish Polka Party!!! Dance away the night. Indian dinner. Krakow : Often called the “New Prague, Krakow is a magical city. It attracts millions of visitors every year and is a major tourist destination in Poland, not without reason. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Krakow, also called Cracow, has been left largely intact since the 13th century. It escaped the devastation caused by Hitler’s armies and hence it is a showcase for centuries of Polish architecture. Krakow also draws many catholic pilgrims as it is also the city of Pope John Paul II, where he lived for several years and served as archbishop and then cardinal before moving to Rome to start his Pontificate. The city of Kraków is the capital city of the Malopolskie (Lesser Poland or Little Poland). It is Poland's third largest city (after Lodz and Warsaw), with a population of 780,000 in 2004 (1.4 million after including surrounding communities).

For over a thousand years, Krakow has been the center of science, culture and art in Poland. Your tour begins with a short walk along the streets of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. Next see Wawel Hill. A walk up Grodzka street leads you to the heart of Krakow, the Rynek Glówny, or Main Market Square. There the large Gothic Cloth Hall is the perfect place to shop for local souvenirs. The last sightseeing stop is the twin-spired St Mary's Church with its famous medieval altar by Wit Stwosz and where, every hour the brave trumpeter of Krakow still calls out his warning. This afternoon a visit to the Wieliczka salt mine is a must and provided. Legend has it that the salt mines in Wieliczka were part of the dowry of the Hungarian princess, Kinga, when she wed Boleslaw the Shy over 700 years ago, making the Wieliczka Salt Mine one of the oldest in all of Europe and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This walk is not strenuous and can be undertaken in ordinary footwear. The return to the surface will be by a “Double Decker” lift up the Danilowicz Shaft under 10 seconds! And for the young, there is also a bungee jumping site in this place. Client feed back … ‘It was stunning. Could never imagine such a spectacular place so deep in the underground…. A veritable and unique museum with statues and frescos made of salt’.

Morning board your coach and drive to Auschwitz. Step back into recent history as we go on a guided visit to the Camp at Auschwitz, so chillingly evoked in “Schindler’s List”, reminding us of the World War II Holocaust. Client feed back … ‘A moving narration and experience that brought tears to our eyes’. Concentration camp Auschwitz : was a network of Nazi concentration and extermination camps built and operated by the Third Reich in Polish areas annexed by Nazi Germany during World War II. It was the largest of the German concentration camps, consisting of Auschwitz I (the Stammlager or base camp); Auschwitz II–Birkenau (the Vernichtungslager or extermination camp); Auschwitz III–Monowitz, also known as Buna–Monowitz (a labor camp); and 45 satellite camps. Auschwitz had for a long time been a German name for Oświęcim, the town by and around which the camps were located; the name "Auschwitz" was made the official name again by the Germans after they invaded Poland in September 1939. Birkenau, the German translation of Brzezinka (= "birch tree"), referred originally to a small Polish village that was destroyed by the Germans to make way for the camp. Then drive to Warsaw. On arrival dinner and check into hotel. Warsaw : the capital of Poland. This awesome city is full of contrasts, questions and astonishments. Warsaw is a city with the enchanted soul in locations that don’t exist anymore, and the ambiance produced by fantastic combination of modern urban development and historical architecture. Palaces, churches and architectural clusters are interwoven with the wide open space of squares, parks and city gardens. Substantial portion of undeveloped land, with the essential need for investment, awaits the investors. These areas will play a major role in defining the character and ambience of the city in the upcoming years.

Morning visit the famous landmarks , cultural centers and busy market squares, pass the Royal Route with its aristocratic residences, historic churches and famous statues. Historical sites such as the Ghetto Memorial, the Monument of Warsaw Uprising, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Grand Theatre, Chopin's monument, the Belvedere Palace and the Old Town are all seen on your tour. At the Old Town you can enjoy a walking tour passing by the Castle Square, King Sigismund's Column, St. John's Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican. Then transfer to airport for your flight back to India.