Journeys: Explore Central Europe

Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

Set out on an orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings. Then discover sections of the Berlin Wall with a local historian, delving deeper into the political and social history of the so-called Iron Curtain from its rise to its fall. During free time this afternoon, opt to join a river tour, people-watch at the historic Brandenburg Gate, or glimpse the city's flourishing art scene at local galleries and museums. Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and is a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.

Travel by private vehicle to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic centre, which dates largely to the 14th century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk along the cobbled streets, chart the city's development through the centuries according to architectural style, from the Middle Ages to present day. This evening, opt to watch the sunset from a lively beer garden on the banks of the Vltava River. A great way to spend the evening is watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost.

Enjoy a free day to explore the "city of a hundred spires." Wind your way past baroque domes and Gothic spires, sprawling plazas and spectacular cathedrals. Cross the iconic Charles Bridge, amble through the historic Jewish Quarter, marvel at the medieval astronomical clock, and delve into modern history at Wenceslas Square, where citizens rallied for an end to communism during the Velvet Revolution. Opt to climb more than 200 steps up to the palaces and courtyards of the monumental Prague Castle, the world's largest ancient castle complex. Check out a local restaurant and try traditional Czech cuisine, such as goulash and dumplings. Charles Bridge by day is packed with vendors and street musicians. At night, it is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering. If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place for it. You'll find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine like fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.

Take a scenic drive through the Bohemian countryside to the fairytale town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to visit the Cesky Krumlov State Castle and Chateau, and get lost in the Gothic castle's hidden passageways, Baroque theatre, and hedge maze as you explore these epic grounds built between the 14th and 19th centuries. The inclusion of Cesky Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. It sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer.

Cross the border into Austria, and go on orientation walk around Vienna. Stop by a local cafe to pair a cup of rich Viennese coffee with a slice of the famed Sacher torte??a decadent chocolate and nougat confection historically linked to the city's distinguished coffee houses. Enjoy free time this evening to see Vienna's world-renowned opera house or simply enjoy a walk around the elegant capital.

This morning, join a local chef at the famed Naschmarkt, established in the 16th century as a marketplace for wooden milk bottles, sampling some of Vienna's finest delicacies as you explore the stalls and lanes. Enjoy time this afternoon to discover the city on your own. Take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries, visit the stunning Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Spanish Riding School, experience mass with the Vienna Boys Choir, or settle into a cafe.

Catch a train to the Hungarian capital, Budapest. Head out for an orientation walk, then pay a visit to a G Adventures–supported cafe where proceeds support Hungarians living with a disability as well as rural Roma communities. During free time, opt to "take the waters" at a thermal bathhouse or explore the stunning Baroque castle, the historic resident of the Hungarian kings. You might like to have an optional dinner at a local restaurant on Vaci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest. To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Depart at any time. We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.