DAY 01: BERLIN

Morning arrive in Berlin.

Transfer to the hotel.

Berlin - the capital of Germany one of the 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Berlin is the largest city in Germany and has a population of 4.5 million within its metropolitan area and 3.5 million from over 190 countries within the city limits. Berlin is best known for its historical associations as the German capital, internationalism and tolerance, lively nightlife, its many cafés, clubs, and bars, street art, and numerous museums, palaces, and other sites of historic interest. Berlin's architecture is quite varied. Although badly damaged in the final years of World War II and broken apart during the Cold War, Berlin has reconstructed itself greatly, especially with the reunification push after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. It is now possible to see representatives of many different historic periods in a short time within the city centre, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many distinctive neighbourhoods

Halfday sightseeing tour of Berlin start with Eastern side of the city - see the Brandenburg Gate, Alexander Platz, Reichstag and and continue in Western side of the city with its treasure, later enjoy the visit to Pergamon Museum.

Welcome Dinner at German Restaurant Overnight at the ****+ hotel Crowne plaza Berlin city centre.

DAY 02: BERLIN - DRESDEN - PRAGUE

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel. Drive from Berlin to Dresden - the capital of Saxony located on the Elbe River (cca 2 hours) City tour of Dresden - orientation tour and walk through the Old Town of Dresden and see of Zwinger Art Gallery, event. visit the Green Vault /advanced reservation needed/ Afternoon depart from Dresden to Prague /cca 2 hours/ Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic and one of the most beutifull cities in Europe, Prague is one of the most attractive sites in Europe and not only for its geographic location it is called " heart of Europe". Prague lies in the centre of Bohemia on the river Vltava. This cultural variety contributed to the creation of one of the most unique urban entities in the world. Prague is considered as one of the richest treasuries of world architecture the exceptionality of which has been acknowledged by entering the Prague historical town reserve in the UNESCO List of the World Heritage.

Dinner and overnight at the ***** hotel Corinthia Prague.

DAY 03: PRAGUE

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel Halfday sightseeing tour of Prague - orientation city tour and visit to the Prague Castle - passing the New and Old Town of Prague, see the National Museum, the State Opera House and the National Theatre , visit the Prague Castle area with famous St.Vitus Cathedral, Gothic Vladislav Hall , picturesque Golden Lane, Lobkowicz Palace - world important picture gallery, continue to the Lesser Town with Baroque St. Nicholas Church, visit the Church of Our Lady Victorius with the Infant of Prague, cross famous Charles Bridge and enjoy the walk in the Old Town of Prague - Charles Street will tak to to the Old Town Square of Prague with famous clock. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the ***** hotel Corinthia Prague.

DAY 04: PRAGUE - CESKY KRUMLOV - PRAGUE

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel.

Fullday excursion to Cesky Krumlov - a historical town reserve preserved by UNESCO.This small medieval town, almost unchanged since the 18th century, is one of the most picturesque in Europe. Krumlov Castle is the second largest fortification in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle and certainly one of the oldest Walking tour of the historical town centre of Cesky Krumlov, it´s narrow streets and time at leisure for individual activities, shopping En route visit Ceske Budejovice - the regional capital of South Bohemia and an attractive medieval city almost entirely rebuilt in the Renaissance period. The main square with its magnificent 18th century arches is one of the larges in Europe. České Budějovice is the home of Budweiser/Budvar Return to Prague in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the ***** hotel Corinthia Prague.

DAY 05: PRAGUE - KUTNA HORA - VELEHRAD

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel. Travel by coach from Prague to Kutna Hora - (cca 1,5 hour) - The royal mining town and a gem of Gothic architecture. Kutná Hora, after Prague the second most important town in the Kingdom of Bohemia in the Middle Ages, owed much of its wealth and fame to silver mining, which experienced its greatest boom in the second half of the 13th century and became the mainstay of life in the town. . The Church of St. Barbara, patron saint of miners, is a jewel in the crown of Gothic architecture the world over.

Walking tour of Kutna Hora and enjoy time at leisure. Afternoon continue to Moravia /eastern part of Czech Republic - cca 3 hours Arrival to Velehrad - the most popular pilgrimage place in Southern Moravia Visit the Basilica in Velehrad - the monumental Romanesque basilica of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Velehrad was founded with the Cistercian monastery in 1205. It is a wellknown place of pilgrimage. Pope John Paul II. paid a visit here in 1990.

Dinner and overnight at the **** hotel Mlyn.

DAY 06: VELEHRAD - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel.

Travel by coach from Velehrad to Bratislava (cca 2 hours driving) - visit the capital of Slovak Republic located on Danube River, have a short orientation coach tour on the enbamkment of the Danube River, see famous Bratislava Castle and have a short walk in the Old Town of Bratislava Bratislava, is a popular day trip stop visited by many during their Danube River cruise. Walking in the beautifully restored Old Town with its many monuments is pleasant way to add another European capital into the itinerary.

Continue to Vienna (cca 1 hour) driving) - Vienna - the imperial capital of ancient Europe and today´s capital of Austria, a metropolis demostrating European history in a unique way Dinner at traditional Austrian Restaurant Overnight at the ****+ hotel Am Konzerthaus.

DAY 07: VIENNA

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel.

Vienna - there is much to see here - from Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral to the Imperial Palace to the Art Nouveau splendor of the Secession, from the magnificent baroque palace Schönbrunn to the Museum of Fine Arts to modern architecture at the MuseumsQuartier. Record-breaking: In Vienna, there are over 27 castles and more than 150 palaces. Vienna is old, Vienna is new - and so varied: from the magnificent Baroque buildings to "golden" Art Nouveau to the latest architecture. And over 100 museums beckon... Halfday sightseeing tour of Vienna - driving by coach along the Ringstrasse to see the State Opera House, Museum of Fine Arts, Parliament, Burgtheater, City Hall, Hundredwasserhouse and have the interior visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, endining in Inner Vienna - visit famous Graben Street and St. Stephan´s Cathderal.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the ****+ hotel Am Konzerthaus.

DAY 08: VIENNA - BUDAPEST

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Vienna to Budapest/Hungary/- cca 3 hours Budapest - that Budapest - one of the most beautiful cities in the world - has developed where it is, is not down to some historical accident. Take a look at Gellért Hill, right next to the River Danube as it flows majestically through the centre of the modern city. The capital city of Hungary, Budapest, was created out of the unification of the separate historic towns of Buda, Pest and Óbuda in 1873. Whilst the area had been inhabited from early times, it was from this date that the city's expansion into a world capital really began. Budapest is bisected by the River Danube, with the city as much a natural geographical centre as it is the country's transport hub. Covering an area of two hundred square miles and divided into 23 administrative districts, it is home today to a population of 1.8 million people.

Halfday city tour of Budapest - starting from the Chain Bridge. First, we take the Margaret Bridge and drive over to Buda. We stop in the Castle District and during a short walk we show you the main attractions of the area. We walk to Matthias Church and to the Fishermen's Bastion (from where you can enjoy the beautiful panorama). Next, we drive to the Gellért Hill (Citadel) and show you the most spectacular view of Budapest. We then take you across the Elisabeth Bridge to Pest and show you the famous Central Market Hall, followed by the largest Synagogue of Europe and the City Park. We pass by Europe's largest thermal spa, the Budapest Zoo and the Amusement Park, after which stop at the Heroes' Square (with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes). We then take the Andrássy Avenue to downtown Pest, pass by the Opera House and the St Stephen's Basilica, ending the tour at Vaci ut. - pedestrian zone.

Dinner and overnight at the ****+ hotel Continental Zara.

DAY 09: BUDAPEST - DANUBE BEND - BUDAPEST

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel.

Fullday excursion to Danube Bend - Danube is the second longest river in Europe after the Volga, flowing for 1,771 miles (2,857km) through nine different countries. Before reaching Budapest it is forced through a narrow twisting valley in the pretty Carpathian Basin, known as the Danube Bend, 8 miles (13km) from Budapest. The cluster of towns on the bend offers an amazing collection of history, culture and architecture, particularly the small towns of Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom.

Visit Esztergom - it combines history with a small-town riverside charm. One of Hungary's most historically important towns, it was the capital for over 250 years and the birthplace of their beloved first king and saint, Stephen, who was later crowned here in the 11th century. Continue to Visegrad - superbly situated on the abrupt loop of the Danube beneath steep hills, Visegrad was once a Roman stronghold on the border of the Roman Empire and the second home after Buda to Hungary's royalty in the 14th and 15th centuries. The Citadel sits high on the hill above the town with commanding views over the river bend and the position was of strategic importance to the Romans.

Travel to Szentendre - 'the Pearl of the Danube Bend', is a quaint old market town situated on the slopes of the Pilis range, with a charm and character of its own. Meandering cobbled lanes, little squares, red-tiled roofs, brightly painted houses, and awkwardly positioned Orthodox churches..give it an artistically picturesque setting. Serbian refugees inhabited the town in medieval times and their style contributed to the charisma of the town's haphazard structure and Balkan flavour.

Late afternoon return to Budapest.

Overnight at the ****+ hotel Continental Zara.

DAY 10: BUDAPEST - KRAKOW

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from Budapest (Hungary) to Krakow (Poland).

Drive via the High Tatras area in Poland and Slovakia - enjoy beautifull mountainous countryside Afternoon arrive to Krakow - the former capital of Poland and a royal town.

Dinner and overnight at the ***** hotel Holiday INN Krakow city centre.

DAY 11: KRAKOW

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Half day city tour of Krakow including entrances to Wawel Castle, Wawel Royal Cathedral and St. Mary's Church.

Sightseeing tour of Krakow, the ancient capital of Poland, a royal city on the Vistula lying at the foot of Wawel - a limestone hill on whose peak rise a splendid royal palace and the cathedral church of St. Waclaw and bishop Stanislaus You will start with the Royal Castle and Cathedral on the Wawel Hill that has been remodelled according to the new Renaissance taste in the beginning of the 16th century. It is the place where Polish kings were crowned and buried here. Afterwards, drive to the Old Town with the Main Market Square with magnificent houses and palaces. In the middle of the square is the Cloth Hall built before 1349, but altered in the 16th century. Inside are many shopping stalls. Also in the square admire the magnificent extensive Gothic Church of Our Lady with the famous wooden altar created by Wit Stwosz.

Excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau- the biggest the biggest Nazi Concentration Camp in the years 1940-45 where approx. 1,5 million people were exterminated. A Martyrdom Museum was set up here in 1947, and in 1979, UNESCO included Oćwięcim-Brzezinka in the list of World Heritage sites Return to Krakow and time at leisure for shopping and exploring the city on own.

Dinner at local restaurant in the Old Town of Krakow Overnight at the ***** hotel Holiday INN Krakow city centre.

DAY 12: KRAKOW - WADOWICE - LAGIEWNIKI - KRAKOW

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Wadowice (53 km's around 1 hour).

Visiting Wadowice

Karol Jozef Wojtyla, known as the Pope John Paul II was born on 18th May 1920 in Wadowice, the small city located about one hour drive (54 km's) from Krakow. On 20th June 1920 He was baptised in the parish church next to his house (former Rynek No 2, today Koscielna Street No 7.). The tall church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary was also the place witnessing His First Holy Communion at the age of 9, the Sacrament of the Confirmation at the age of 18 and His First Holy

Mass. His mother died in 1929, His eldest brother Edmund, a doctor, died in 1932 and His father, a non-commissioned army officer died in 1941. They rest in peace on the Rakowiecki Cemetery in Krakow.

Transfer to Lagiewniki (49 km's around 1 hour).

Visiting Lagiewniki

The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy was founded in Warsaw by Mother Teresa Eva Potocka on November 1, 1862. Mercy has always been the central theme of the congregation's spirituality. From the very beginnings the sisters cooperated with God's mercy in saving lost souls by extending spiritual and educational care to wayward girls and women in need of deep moral conversion and renewal. These women found a refuge and safe haven in "Mercy Houses" where they could reform their lives and learn various trade skills. They could stay in the Mercy House as long as they wished or reintegrate themselves into society whenever they felt ready to do so.The Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy has become more widely known in recent years because of one of its members - Sister Faustina Kowalska - the most "faithful daughter" of the Order.With Sister Faustina's beatification and mission, the congregation began to establish itself in various countries and continents. While most of the houses are located in Poland, the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy are now also represented in the United States, Italy, Russia, and Czech.

Transfer back to Krakow.

Overnight at the ***** hotel Holiday INN Krakow city centre.

DAY 13: KRAKOW - CZESTOCHOWA - NIEPOKALANOW - WARSAW

Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Travel from Krakow to Czestochowa (147 km's around 2 hours).

Visiting Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa

Czestochowa is one of the most important places of religious worship in the Christian World with traditions of pilgrimage that go back to the 14th century. In recent years this place has been visited by 4-5 million pilgrims annually, including 100 thousand from abroad. Only Lourdes and Fatima host more pilgrims. The tradition of pilgrimiging to Jasna Gora dates back to 1382 when the monastery was funded. The Prince Ladislaus II of Opole invited Pauline monks to Poland. He gave them Jasna Gora hill with a small church under the invocation of Holy Virgin Mary the Succourer. Next he presented them with the miraculous picture of Our Lady which is told to be painted by Luke the Evangelist on the plank of the table on which the Holy Family prayed and dined. However the newest research proves that it was a Byzantine icon from the sixth or seventh century. During the Hussite wars in 1430 the monastery was sacked and robbed and the picture profaned. To this day one can see the sword-cuts on the cheek of the Madonna. In the 1717 the picture was crowned with papal diadem and was started to be called the picture of "Black Madonna". The interiors of the Basilica are richly decorated with stuccos, frescos, and marble in the Baroque style.

Continue to Niepokalanow (cca 3 hours).

Visiting Niepokalanow

One of the youngest Polish Sanctuaries. This is in the name of a Franciscan Monastery situated in the village of Teresin in Skierniewice province 42 km west of Warsaw. This place is inseparably linked with the figure of Saint Maximilian Maria Raymond Kolbe - a martyr from the death camp in Oswiecim (Auschwitz).

Continue to Warsaw (cca 1 hour drive).

Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight at the ***** hotel Bristol.

DAY 14: WARSAW

Half day city tour of Warsaw - Sightseeing tour of Warsaw includes the Castle Square and the originally Gothic castle dated to the 15th century expanded throughout the centuries; the seat of kings of Poland. Visit to St. John's Cathedral and walk through the Market Square where you can have a break for tea or cake at one of the finest restaurants or do shopping at the gift shops or galleries.

Afterwards you will pass the late-Gothic structure by John Baptist of Venice - the Barbican. The New Town Market you can see the Church and Monastery of Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament; at the Krasinski Square stop by the Monument of Warsaw's Uprising and drive to see the Ghetto Memorial.. Finally, have a short stop at the Royal Lazienki Park to see the Monument of Frederick Chopin, a secessionist sculpture.

Farewell dinner at local restaurant in the Old Town of Warsaw.

Overnight at the ***** hotel Bristol.

DAY 15: WARSAW

Buffet-breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport and departure for your home.