Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Prague

We'll have a brief get-together around 5 p.m. to get acquainted and preview the adventures ahead. Then we'll enjoy an orientation walk through our neighborhood, followed by dinner together. Sleep in Prague (3 nights). No bus. Walking: moderate.

Days 2 & 3: Historic, Artistic Prague

Over the next two days we'll spend time visiting Prague's wonderfully preserved Old Town, enjoying Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture and visiting the Jewish Quarter. We'll also tour the Prague Castle area and St. Vitus Cathedral. There'll be plenty of free time to wander and to sample Prague's evening treats: classical music, Black Light Theater, and Europe's best beer. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: The Czech Countryside

We'll drive into Moravia (the eastern part of the country), explore a typical hill town, and set up at our hotel located in the beautiful Beskydy Mountains (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 5: Lessons of the Past

We'll cross the border into Poland and spend part of the day at Auschwitz, Europe's most moving memorial to the Holocaust. Then it's on to Kraków, Poland's historic melting pot. Sleep in Kraków (3 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6 & 7: Delightful, Surprising Kraków

Over the next two days we'll explore the city on a walking tour, visit the Jewish district and tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine. You'll have plenty of free time to enjoy the castle, the Czartoryski Museum, St. Mary's Church and mix with the locals around one of Europe's most colorful market squares. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: Scenic Drive into Hungary

A full day's drive takes us through Slovakia and the Tatra mountains and into Eger, home to Hungary's most beloved castle and set in the hills of the country's best-known wine-growing region. Sleep in Eger (1 night). Bus: 8 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: Villages to Capital

We'll have a free morning to soak-in Eger's Baroque beauty and bustling produce market. Then we'll spend some time exploring the surrounding countryside, before making our way to Budapest, the mighty Magyar capital.  Sleep in Pest (3 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: light.

Days 10 & 11: Bustling Budapest

Over the next two days we'll explore Buda's Castle district, Pest's maze-like streets and relax on the Danube with an evening cruise. Enjoy free afternoons lounging at the thermal baths, sampling local delicacies at the Great Market Hall or people-watching along the pedestrian boulevard Vaci utca.  No Bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 12: Natural Wonders of Croatia

Today we head south to Croatia and the unique wonders of Plitvice Lakes National Park, where a system of boardwalk trails lead to magical waterfalls. Sleep at Plitvice (1 night). Bus: 7 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 13: From the Forests to the Sea

After a morning hike through the park, we'll drive across the mountains to the Adriatic Sea. We'll board a ferry for our enchanting retreat on the island of Rab, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Boat: ¾ hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 14: Free Day on the Island of Rab

Today is a "vacation from your vacation." The entire day is yours to enjoy the sun, beach, gelato and seafood. You can also wander among the red-tile roofs and Venetian bell towers of the salty port of Rab. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 15 & 16: Slovenia's Enchanting Lake Bled

Our destination is the azure jewel of Lake Bled, set in the midst of Slovenia's Julian Alps and ringed by fine hiking paths. We'll also make a stop in Ljubljana, Slovenia's small and charming capital. Sleep in Bled (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Boat: ¾ hr. Walking: moderate.

Day 17: Tour Over After Breakfast

Slovenia's international airport is just 30 minutes away; or you can hop a nearby train to other European cities. Whatever your plans, your guide will help you get on the right track. Happy travels!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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