DAY 1: UK - Frankfurt.
Fly to Frankfurt where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Frankfurt area for an overnight stay.

DAY 2: Frankfurt area - Berlin.
Northeast today for a stop in Weimar, one time intellectual heart of Germany and host to such luminaries as Luther, Cranach, Bach, Liszt, Schiller and, of course, Goethe himself. It was at one time rightly known as the 'Athens of Germany'. Journey past Jena, home to the world famous Zeiss Optics Factory and over the River Elbe for a few more miles into Germany's capital city, Berlin for two nights. (B)

DAY 3: Berlin. Included sightseeing.
No longer divided but every bit as fascinating. Once the city of contrasts with its West and East side separating two different worlds, Berlin, since the wall came down, has developed into a harmonious blend of old and new, preserving its old massive buildings, such as the State Opera House and the Brandenburg Gate, its neoclassic style boulevards such as the Kurfurstendamm and the "Unter den Linden" as well as creating brand new buildings in the most daring up to date architectural styles. It is now once again Germany's capital and one of the most lively and interesting cities of Europe from a cultural point of view. See it all on the included sightseeing tour with local guide. Also take a stroll down the Kurfurstendamm aptly described by novelist T. Wolfe as the 'longest coffee shop in Europe'. In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to historic Potsdam. (B)

DAY 4: Berlin - Poznan - Warsaw.
Drive east to Poznan, one of Poland's oldest trading centres. See more of the delightful Polish countryside on the way to Warsaw for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 5: Warsaw. Included sightseeing.
The included sightseeing tour with local guide is an excellent introduction to Warsaw, magnificently reconstructed after wartime destruction. Today its wide avenues contrast strikingly with the narrow lanes of the old section. (B, D)

DAY 6: Warsaw - Jasna Gora - Auschwitz - Krakow.
Two encounters with history on your southbound journey today. First Jasna Gora Monastery near Czestochowa, which withstood the repeated onslaught of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th-century. Since then its Black Madonna is venerated as the 'Queen of Poland' and has become the country's national symbol. In the afternoon visit what is left of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Krakow, where we stay for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 7: Krakow. At leisure.
This is, they say, Poland's most beautiful city. It was for centuries the residence of Polish Kings and for almost 500 years the country's capital. Today it is without a doubt its cultural capital. An optional morning sightseeing in ancient Krakow takes in the Market Square, the 14th-century Jagiellonian University, St Mary's Church and Wawel Royal Castle. Free time later to explore this interesting town. Tonight's optional folklore dinner might be the perfect way to round off your stay in this city. (B)

DAY 8: Krakow - Tatra Mountains - Budapest.
An enjoyable drive through three countries. First south to the Tatra Mountains of Poland, then through a scenic part of Slovakia, and finally into Hungary. Your destination is Budapest, the most charismatic of Eastern European capitals, for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 9: Budapest. Included sightseeing.
Included sightseeing with local guide features Buda Castle which dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. See Heroes' Square which typifies the modern capital, the old inns and wine cellars along the riverbank, the Royal Castle, Parliament, Margaret Island, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Coronation Church. Later enjoy an optional Gypsy dinner. (B)

DAY 10: Budapest - Vienna (included sightseeing).
Head for the Austrian border by way of Györ. You'll be in Vienna in time to enjoy your first afternoon and evening in this lively capital. Enjoy the included sightseeing tour with local guide: the State Opera, Hofburg, Parliament, the Town Hall and finally an inside visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Overnight in Vienna. (B)

DAY 11: Vienna - Prague.
Morning optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. This afternoon across the Czech border and into Moravia then through the rich farmlands of Bohemia to Prague for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 12: Prague. Included sightseeing.
The wealth of Gothic and Baroque architecture perhaps inspired the Czech composers of Dvorak and Smetana. The included sightseeing with local guide features landmarks such as the National Theatre, Belvedere, Charles Bridge and the old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock. Your tour director may suggest an optional evening excursion with traditional Czech music and entertainment. (B)

DAY 13: Prague - Munich area.
Back across the Czech border and into the Bohemian Forest before reaching the German border. Next drive south to Munich for an overnight. (B)

DAY 14: Munich area - Romantic Road - Frankfurt area.
The highlight today is undoubtedly the Romantic Road, which runs north to south as far as the Alps. First to lovely medieval Nördlingen. See Rothenburg with its ramparts and towers, cobbled streets and 16th-century houses before heading towards Friedrichsdorf for an overnight. (B, D)

DAY 15: Frankfurt area - UK.
Transfer to Frankfurt airport for your flight to the UK. (B)