Explore Eastern Europe 2023

After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Holloko. Here, we’ll be welcomed by members of the Holloko Women’s Choir and enjoy a traditional folk performance. Following the atmospheric experience, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some Hungarian hospitality and sit down to a delicious home-made lunch with a local family. Later this afternoon, we’ll move on to enchanting Eger – where we’ll have the rest of the evening free to wander through the cobbled streets past beautiful Baroque buildings, quaint wine cellars and preserved Ottoman minarets. (B,L)

Accommodation: Hotel Korona (or similar)

Today our road will carry us to Tokaj, where we’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the region’s world-famous wines. This relatively small wine region in north-eastern Hungary has been producing Tokaji Aszú for centuries – earning it a UNESCO World Heritage listing since 2002. Following our visit, we’ll move on to the city of Košice in Slovakia. After a photo stop at the grand Spiš Castle, we’ll set a course for our hotel in the heart of the magnificent High Tatras region. Tonight will be free to enjoy relaxing at our hotel or exploring the surrounding area at our leisure. (B)

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Praha (or similar)

After breakfast it’s onwards to the mountain slopes, where we’ll take in some marvellous views on a morning cable car ride. The High Tatras is the tallest range in the Carpathian Mountains and we’ll enjoy the panoramic return journey to its second highest peak – Lomnický štít, with incredible views from the summit of course. When we’re back on terra firma, we’ll hit the road to a local farm – where a homemade cheese tasting session and light lunch await us. Then: it’s back to the hotel for an evening spent at our leisure. (B,L)

Accommodation: Grand Hotel Praha (or similar)

Today, we’ll visit Wieliczka Salt Mines. Dating back to the 13th-century, these historic mines house enchanting chandelier-lit chambers and chapels, all carved from salt. After emerging back into the daylight, our final stop for the day will be Kraków: our home for the next two days. A city filled with magnificent architecture and culinary delights; you’ll have the evening to explore this historic city at your leisure – perhaps seeking out a local restaurant serving up steaming plates of kielbasa (sausage) or sampling a tipple of Polish vodka at a Gothic cellar. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem (or similar)

Today we’ll give Kraków our full attention on a locally guided city tour – taking in the likes of Wawel Royal Castle, the medieval St Mary’s Basilica and the historic Cloth Hall. Heads full of newfound knowledge – we’ll have the afternoon to explore at our own pace and lunch at a restaurant of our choosing. This evening, we’ll be treated to a pierogi making class, where we’ll learn how to cook classic Polish dumplings – and sample our creations for this evening’s dinner. (B,D)

Accommodation: Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem (or similar)