22 day Exploration of Central and Eastern Europe

Day 1 - DEPART HOME/DUBAI

This afternoon, we will depart for our first flight with Emirates with the final destination being Stockholm. After landing into Dubai, we will transit a few hours before reboarding our flight.

Included meals - As per flight

Day 2 - DUBAI/STOCKHOLM (SWEDEN)

Your flight to Stockholm should arrive in the afternoon and after passport formalities and baggage collection, your trusty tour manager will be waiting to greet us. We will then head to our hotel for check in and rest. After settling into our room, we will head out for our first dinner together.

Accommodation - Clarion Hotel or similar

Included meals - As per flight / Dinner

Day 3 - STOCKHOLM/TALLINN (OVERNIGHT CRUISE)

After breakfast, our group will meet up with the local guide and visit key sights including photo stops at City Hall, the Royal Palace, and Gamla Stan. We will then visit the ABBA Museum—one of the most famous Swedish pop groups formed in the 1970s. After lunch we will have a bit of free time in Gamla Stan and then board the overnight Tallink ferry to Tallinn.

Accommodation - Tallink Ferry (Sea View cabin)

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - ARRIVE TALLINN (ESTONIA)

This morning you will sail into Tallinn and embark on a guided tour to discover the city’s rich heritage. Visit and photograph landmarks such as the Gothic St. Nicolaus Church, the historic Toompea Castle perched on a limestone hill offering stunning viewpoints, the Onion-domed Alexander Nevskij Cathedral which reflects Russian influence, and the medieval Old Town Hall in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. This immersive day is designed to reveal Tallinn’s blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy.

Accommodation - Original Sokos Hotel Viru or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - TALLINN

After breakfast today, we dive deeper into Estonia’s rural history with a visit to the Estonian Open Air Museum, an extensive outdoor collection of traditional farm buildings, windmills, and village houses that bring the country’s past to life. This museum illustrates rural life and folk culture, set in a natural forest environment just outside Tallinn. In the afternoon, you will be given some free time in the local area to explore or relax at your own pace before regrouping back for dinner.

Accommodation - Original Sokos Hotel Viru or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - TALLINN/PARNU/RIGA

Today, we travel southwest to Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital known for its sandy beaches and elegant wooden villas. A guided walking tour introduces you to the charming Old Town area featuring the historical Town Hall, medieval gates, local churches and also the Mary Magdalena Guild, which showcases traditional Latvian craftsmanship. After enjoying Parnu’s relaxed atmosphere, the journey continues onward to Riga, the Latvian capital famed for an extensive collection of Art Nouveau architecture and a lively old town with cobblestone streets.

Accommodation - Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija Riga or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - RIGA/SIGULDA/RIGA

Experience the scenic beauty and legendary history of Sigulda on a full-day excursion. Known as the “Switzerland of Latvia,” Sigulda’s rolling hills and forested valleys provide a breathtaking backdrop. Explore the medieval Turaida Castle, a well-preserved fortress offering panoramic views of the Gauja River Valley. Enjoy a unique cable car ride over the Gauja Valley, providing spectacular vistas and photo opportunities. Back in Riga, marvel at landmarks such as the towering Dome Cathedral—the largest medieval church in the Baltics—historic Riga Castle, and the Swedish Gate, a remnant of old city fortifications. Admire the distinctive Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) architecture, which marks Riga as one of Europe’s top cities for this style.

Accommodation - Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija Riga or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 - RIGA/SIAULIAI/VILNIUS (LITHUANIA)

Depart Riga and head south to Lithuania, stopping in Siauliai to see the Hill of Crosses, a deeply symbolic pilgrimage site covered with thousands of crosses representing faith, hope, and national identity. Although no formal entrance or guide is provided here, the sight evokes a powerful spiritual and historical atmosphere. Continue to Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, a city renowned for its Baroque architecture, winding medieval streets, and vibrant cultural life.

Accommodation -Best Western Vilnius Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - VILNIUS/TRAKAI/VILNIUS

After breakfast, we journey to nearby Trakai, famous for its scenic setting on an island in a lake and home to Trakai Castle, a striking brick fortress with a rich Lithuanian history. Entrance is included, allowing you to explore the castle grounds and museum exhibits. Back in Vilnius, photograph key landmarks such as the Three Crosses Monument, Vilnius University, one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe, Ausros Vartai (the Gate of Dawn) and then a drive by view of St Peter and Paul’s Church.

Accommodation - Best Western Vilnius Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - VILNIUS/AUGUSTOW/WARSAW (POLAND)

Travel towards Poland, stopping in Augustow, a picturesque town surrounded by forests and lakes in the northeastern part of the country, known for its quiet charm and natural landscapes. The journey then continues to Warsaw, Poland’s dynamic capital that remarkably blends post-war reconstruction with modern development. The city’s rich history, from royal palaces to resilient wartime stories, forms a compelling backdrop for your overnight stay.

Accommodation - Mercure Warszawa Centrum or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 - WARSAW

Explore Warsaw on a full-day guided tour with entrance to the Chopin Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Poland’s famous composer Frédéric Chopin. The walking and photo stops include the reconstructed Old Town with its colourful market square, the Old Royal Palace which houses royal chambers and art collections, Lazienki Park with its Chopin monument and elegant palaces, and the defensive Barbakan fortress from medieval times. This comprehensive tour blends cultural, historical, and artistic insights into Poland’s capital.

Accommodation - Mercure Warszawa Centrum or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - WARSAW/KRAKOW

Depart Warsaw for Krakow, Poland’s former royal capital celebrated for its well-preserved medieval core. En route, visit Auschwitz Concentration Camp at Oswiecim, a UNESCO World Heritage site and powerful memorial symbolizing the horrors of the Holocaust. A guided tour provides context and reflection on this significant historical site. Upon arrival in Krakow, check into your hotel for your overnight stay.

Accommodation - Q Hotel Plus Krakow or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 - KRAKOW

This morning, we discover the underground wonders of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its labyrinth of tunnels, chapels, and salt sculptures carved over centuries. Later, a guided city tour covers Krakow’s highlights including a drive by of the imposing Wawel Castle overlooking the Vistula River followed by photo stops the bustling Central Market Square—the largest medieval square in Europe—the Renaissance Cloth Hall, the outpost of Barbakan and the historic Old Town with its charming streets and churches.

Accommodation - Q Hotel Plus Krakow or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - KRAKOW/OLOMOUC/PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC)

Travel from Krakow to Olomouc, a historic Moravian city with a beautiful old town featuring Baroque architecture and vibrant cultural life. Following a lunch break, continue on to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, renowned for its stunning skyline dominated by Gothic spires and baroque domes.

Accommodation - K+K Central hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - PRAGUE

Spend the day exploring Prague’s historic grandeur with your local guide. Visit the Prague Castle complex—the largest ancient castle in the world with its impressive St. Vitus Cathedral and royal palaces. Our guests will be treated to a unique 40 minute Classic car tour (usually 5 passengers per car) which will cover the iconic Charles Bridge, adorned with Baroque statues and providing stunning views of the Vltava River, and admire the bustling Old Town Square, home to the medieval Astronomical Clock. A classic car tour offers a unique way to see Prague’s charming streets. This day encapsulates the city’s architectural beauty and rich history.

Accommodation - K+K Central hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 - PRAGUE/CESKY KRUMLOV

This morning we drive to Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale medieval town nestled along the bend of the Vltava River, known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle complex. A guided walking tour covers the castle grounds with its Renaissance and Baroque elements, the old town’s narrow cobbled streets, colourful facades, and lively squares. The town’s timeless charm and historical ambiance make it one of Central Europe’s most picturesque destinations.

Accommodation - Bellevue Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - CESTKY KRUMLOV/VIENNA (AUSTRIA)

Journey to Vienna, Austria’s imperial capital famous for its grand palaces, classical music heritage, and elegant coffeehouses. Spend free time in Rathausplatz, a central square dominated by the neo-Gothic City Hall, often hosting markets and events. Later, visit Grinzing, a quaint village on Vienna’s outskirts known for its traditional Heurigen wine taverns and colourful streets.

Accommodation - Mercure Wien Westbahnhof or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - VIENNA

Discover Vienna’s cultural gems today by starting off with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the opulent former summer residence of the Habsburg emperors surrounded by exquisite gardens. Photo stops include Stadtpark, famed for its Johann Strauss monument; Hofburg Palace, the former imperial winter residence; the Austrian Parliament building; and the ornate State Opera House. Also visit the Belvedere Palace gardens and the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, showcasing Vienna’s artistic and architectural heritage.

Accommodation - Mercure Wien Westbahnhof or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19 - VIENNA/BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)

A few hours of driving today will take us to Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant and scenic capital split by the Danube River. Upon arrival, join a guided visit to the Central Market Hall, where you can explore traditional Hungarian foods, crafts, and produce. The evening features a folk show with a dinner showcasing Hungary’s culinary traditions and lively cultural performances, providing an entertaining introduction to Hungarian customs. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in the city.

Accommodation -Novotel Budapest City or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / DInner

Day 20 - BUDAPEST

Explore Budapest’s landmark sites with a full day tour with photo stops including Matthias Church, known for its colourful tiled roof and Gothic interior; the Fisherman’s Bastion, offering panoramic views of the city skyline; Heroes’ Square, a monumental site commemorating Hungarian history; and Gellert Hill, providing sweeping vistas of the Danube and cityscape. Additional highlights include St. Stephen’s Cathedral and exterior views of the Parliament building and Chain Bridge. A leisurely one-hour cruise on the Danube complements the day’s sightseeing, followed by a special farewell dinner, marking the end of the long-distance coach service.

Accommodation -Novotel Budapest City or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / DInner

Day 21 - BUDAPEST/DUBAI

Our journey officially comes to an end today with a bit of free time in the morning to pack or explore the surrounding areas by yourself and then we make our way to Budapest airport for our flight bound for Dubai. There will be a few hours transiting in Dubai airport before we reboard our flight bound for home.

Included Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

DAY 22 - ARRIVE HOME

Your flight arrives back home late in the evening and from all of us at Friendly Travel, we hope you had an enjoyable time!

Included Meals - As per flight