Explore Eastern Europe

A city filled with vibrance and culture – we'll meet the group in grand Budapest. After settling into our accommodation, we'll get to know our travel companions better over a sumptuous welcome dinner. Here's to the historic adventure ahead! Stay: Danubius Hotel Astoria (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hollóko. After exploring this well-preserved traditional village, we'll have the opportunity to enjoy some Hungarian hospitality and sit down to a delicious homemade 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. Stay: Hotel Korona (or similar) (B/L)

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. Afterwards, we'll set a course for our hotel in the heart of the magnificent High Tatras region. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the grand Spiš Castle enroute.

Tonight will be free to enjoy relaxing at our hotel or exploring the surrounding area at our leisure. Stay: Hotel Hviezdoslav (or similar) (B)

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. Stay: Hotel Hviezdoslav (or similar) (B/L)

Today we'll visit the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine that sits 135 metres below ground. Dating back to the 13th century, its otherworldly chandelier-lit chambers and chapels are all carved from salt. We'll descend around 800 steps and discover a labyrinth of winding galleries before getting the lift back up to the surface.

After emerging back into the daylight, our final stop for the day will be Kraków: our home for the next two nights. 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 in a Gothic cellar. Stay: Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem (or similar) (B)

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 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. Stay: Hotel Polski pod Bialym Orlem (or similar) (B/D)

We'll take a guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp today – a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazis in WWII.

After a moving visit, we'll continue on to the Czech city of Olomouc – a majestic city dotted with Baroque fountains, 18th-century religious sculptures and remarkable historic buildings. We'll have the evening free to explore the city's highlights, including the Romanesque Bishop's Palace, St Wenceslas Cathedral and Town Hall, before seeking out a local restaurant for dinner at our leisure. Stay: Hotel Arigone (or similar) (B)

This morning we'll continue our journey to Brno, the Czech Republic's second largest city – where our Tour Leader will show us the sights.

Following that, we'll move on to charming Trebon – a town that's home to a 17th-century Renaissance château complex. We'll round off the day in the picturesque town of Ceský Krumlov – where we'll have the evening to explore at our own pace or enjoy some relaxation time back at our hotel. Stay: Hotel Latrán (or similar) (B)

This morning we'll explore Ceský Krumlov's cobbled streets on a walking tour with a local guide – taking in the vast castle and its spectacular interiors as we go. Built in the 13th century, Ceský Krumlov Castle features a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture – as well as panoramic views over the Old Town and Vltava River below.

Following our in-depth tour, we'll have the afternoon to take in the town's historic sites at our own pace.

This evening, we'll come together for our last hurrah – a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. What better way to toast our incredible tour? Stay: Hotel Latrán (or similar) (B/D)

The last day of the tour will see us venturing towards Obratan and the charming Sudkuv Dul Fortress. Here, we'll have the opportunity to sample some deliciously refreshing local ciders and vinegars at the atmospheric UTOPIA cellar.

Afterwards, we'll move on to captivating Prague – where we'll say our goodbyes this afternoon. (B)