Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Berlin

We'll have a brief get-acquainted meeting at around 5 p.m. at our hotel. You'll meet your group and guide, and get a preview of the adventures ahead. After a neighborhood orientation walk, we'll enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Berlin (3 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Berlin's Historic Legacy

After climbing Berlin's glassy Reichstag dome, a local guide will lead us through the historic heart of Berlin's Nazi and Communist history — including the Brandenburg Gate. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy some of Berlin's many world-class museums, such as the stirring Jewish Museum or the Gemäldegalerie for paintings by the masters. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Berlin's Eastern Heart

Today we'll meet a local guide for a walk through Berlin's Jewish sites and Museum Island. We'll end on the famous Unter den Linden with a visit to the German History Museum. The rest of the day is free for more museums (Pergamon Museum for ancient Greece; Egyptian Museum for ancient Egypt), or for strolling, people-watching and shopping. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Baroque Dresden

Today we head south to Dresden, where we'll see the art treasures in the Old Masters Gallery housed in the beautifully-Baroque Zwinger. You'll have free time to explore more of the city dubbed "Florence on the Elbe," and to visit the Frauenkirche, destroyed in WWII and now completely rebuilt. Sleep in Dresden (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 5: Arrive in Prague

We'll cross into the Czech Republic and make our way to Prague, one of Europe's best-preserved and charming cities. We'll have a short orientation before dinner. Sleep in Prague (3 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Days 6 & 7: Timeless, Lively Prague

We have two days to settle into fun-loving Prague. You'll gape at the perfectly-preserved Old Town Square, explore the evocative Jewish Quarter and tour the Prague Castle. In the evenings, you can refresh yourself with Europe's best beer, enjoy classical concerts or experience the quirky and uniquely Czech Black Light Theater. No Bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: Delightful Ceský Krumlov

Today we'll hop on our bus and head for charming Ceský Krumlov. Most of the day is yours to explore the delightful old town of shops and cobbled lanes, characteristic little restaurants and easy canoeing options. Sleep in Ceský Krumlov (1 night). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 9: Danube River, Melk and Vienna

After an early morning drive along the prettiest stretch of the Danube, we visit the striking abbey at Melk. Then it's on to grand and elegant Vienna. Tonight your guide introduces you to the delights of Europe's waltz capital. Sleep in Vienna (3 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 10: Classy Vienna

We'll start our day with a walking tour of this refined, graceful city. After lunch we'll enjoy some of Europe's best art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Vienna's highlights. You can tour the world's best opera house (when available), conduct the Vienna philharmonic by computer wand or savor every chocoholic's fantasy: Sachertorte. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: Hapsburg's Vienna

This morning we'll visit Maria Theresa's opulent Schönbrunn Palace. Afterwards there is plenty of time to take in Europe's top treasury and ogle the legendary Hapsburg Empire's crown jewels. The afternoon is free to explore more of this romantic capital, such as its Hofburg Palace and world-class museums or merely sip coffee in Europe's most classic café scene. Tonight we'll meet for our last dinner and celebrate our time together. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Tour Over After Breakfast

It's a breeze to reach Vienna's airport by shuttle, bus or taxi.

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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