Central European Cities

Join a licensed guide to explore Berlin’s most iconic sites. Visit the Brandenburg Gate, once trapped in Cold War “no man’s land” and now a symbol of unity, and step into its Room of Silence to reflect on Germany’s past. Follow the route of the Berlin Wall, marked with crosses and wreaths honoring those who lost their lives. At Checkpoint Charlie, see the museum’s powerful exhibits on daring escape attempts, then continue to Potsdamer Platz, a modern hub rebuilt from the once-divided city center.

The Topography of Terror in Berlin is a museum and historical site that documents the crimes of the Nazi regime, particularly those committed by the Gestapo, SS, and Reich Security Main Office. It features exhibitions, educational programs, and preserved remnants like a section of the Berlin Wall to provide a deeper understanding of this period.

Explore Berlin’s vibrant streets on a guided tour and workshop, uncovering the graffiti and street art that define the city as an urban art capital. Local artists will share the history and cultural impact of street art while showcasing iconic works. Learn the unwritten rules of the craft, then express your creativity by spraying your own unique piece—though note that your artwork will remain on the wall as part of the city’s ever-evolving artistic landscape.

Step into the lives of those impacted by the Berlin Wall through a group activity that brings history to life. Recite personal accounts, reflect on their experiences, and discuss the lasting repercussions to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of Germany’s past.

Stop in Dresden for a visit to the Baroque-style Zwinger Museum where Bavarian Princes once lived and collected master art works. The museum’s exterior, framed by statues of gods and goddesses, boasts 6 linked pavilions surrounding a vast esplanade embellished with pools and fountains. Tucked safely inside, you’ll find masterpieces such as Raphael’s Sistine Madonna and great works by Van Eyck, Vermeer and Veronese. The grand collection of Meissen (European porcelain) is a flattering ode to fine china.

Explore the massive hallways and high-vaulted rooms of the grand Zwinger Palace in Dresden, which is considered a major landmark for German Baroque architecture. Housed inside this impressive building is a collection of artifacts documenting Dresden’s cultural heritage, including old master paintings and old scientific instruments.

Explore Prague with a guided tour of Old Town Square and its famous Astronomical Clock, where carved figures appear each hour. Walk across Charles Bridge with views of the Vltava and the city’s spires, then stop at the John Lennon Peace Wall. Finish at Prague Castle, a vast complex of courtyards and palaces that once housed the Habsburgs.

Feel the inspiration behind Franz Kafka’s novels as you wander the medieval streets of Mala Strana. Continue into Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, to see Europe’s oldest synagogue, which dates back to 1270.

Krakow is one of Europe's most beautiful and historic cities, with its elegant Old Town and medieval market square, its vibrant old Jewish Quarter, and where cafes and bars sparkle amidst reminders of a more poignant past.

Auschwitz – hearing the name sends chills down your spine and sadness in your heart. The horrific Nazi death camp, located in southwest Poland, exterminated prisoners from 1940-1945. Now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Auschwitz is a reminder of the Jewish Holocaust – deaths of more than a million people; of violence, racism, anti-Semitism, and hatred. Since the liberation, Auschwitz has become an enduring symbol of the Holocaust. Several of the people that survived and were liberated became famous authors, writing of their unimaginable experiences there. These authors include Primo Levi, Elie Wiesel, and Viktor Frankl (who wrote Man’s Search for Meaning, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize).

Wawel Hill, Wawel Castle & Cathedral, Medieval Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, Kazimierz Jewish Quarter

Today, you’ll visit the underground treasure of Poland, the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for 35 years, and deservedly so—salt has been mined there since the 13th century. Your tour will unveil the intriguing changes in industrial practices throughout history as well as stunning artworks, chapels, and statues sculpted in salt.

Hlavne Namestie town square, Michael’s Gate, Cumil Statue

Discover Budapest with a local guide, starting with a ride on the Castle Hill funicular to the Royal Palace in historic Buda. See the Hungarian Parliament lined with 90 statues, then visit Matthias Church, known for its vivid painted interior, before taking in sweeping views from Fisherman’s Bastion.

The Szechenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is a Neo-Baroque complex built in 1913. It features 18 pools, including indoor and outdoor thermal pools fed by natural hot springs. The mineral-rich waters are renowned for their therapeutic properties, and the bath offers additional facilities such as saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor chess areas where locals often gather to play, making it a popular destination for relaxation and health treatments.