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Call us: (910) 742-5324
Embark on an unforgettable journey that transcends mere travel – welcome to “Capitals of Splendor: A Grand European Quest,” a meticulously hand-curated tour designed to immerse you in the heart of Europe’s most illustrious cities. From the vibrant streets of Berlin to the historical grandeur of Krakow, this adventure is more than a trip; it’s a celebration of culture, history, and the unbreakable bond of courage and sisterhood.
As you step into Berlin, a city that perfectly marries its tumultuous history with a pulsating contemporary beat, you’ll feel the energy of renewal and resilience. Imagine walking through the remnants of the Berlin Wall, a poignant reminder of the past, then unwinding in Prague’s fairy-tale settings and Vienna’s imperial splendor. Each city unveils its unique charm, inviting you to not just see but experience their stories.
But this tour is more than just sightseeing; it’s about connecting with other women who share your curiosity and zest for life. Whether you’re savoring authentic Czech cuisine in Prague, learning the graceful steps of a Viennese Waltz, or sharing stories over a sumptuous Hungarian dinner in Budapest, each moment is an opportunity to forge new friendships and create memories that last a lifetime. Our journey through these capitals is a tapestry of experiences, designed to delight, educate, and inspire you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or setting out on your first solo adventure with Sisterhood Travels, “Capitals of Splendor” is your gateway to explore, dream, and discover. Join us on this Grand European Quest and be a part of a story that you’ll treasure forever. Your adventure awaits!
Welcome to Berlin! Once you pass through immigration and customs, you’ll meet your driver in the Arrivals Hall and be transported to our hotel. Today is yours to rest, rejuvenate, and relax. Perhaps this evening, you’ll join your Sisters for an informal get-together in the hotel. No meals are included today.
Hotel: Arcotel John F, Berlin
Today is yours to rest, relax, or independently explore with your Sisters. Don’t forget to come back for our Welcome Dinner. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Arcotel John F, Berlin
This morning, we’ll head out with our local guide and get to know Berlin’s rich history by visiting the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Schoenberg City Hall, Kurfürstendamm, and the Reichstag Building. We’ll finish our morning city tour by meeting with a Berliner to learn about life in communist East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Later, enjoy some free time for lunch with your Sisters in one of the neighborhood’s many restaurants. This afternoon, we’ll end our Berlin guided tour by visiting an area once known as “Checkpoint Charlie” where you will see the remains of the Berlin Wall and West Berlin. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to discover and explore at leisure with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Arcotel John F, Berlin
We’ll depart for Prague this morning, the “City of a Thousand Spires.” Enroute, we’ll make a stop in Dresden, the capital of Saxony. We’ll meet with our local guide for a tour highlighting its’ baroque splendor and architectural treasures such as Frauenkirche, the Cathedral of our Lady and the Royal Palace. Enjoy time on your own with your Sisters to explore this lovely town on the banks of the River Elbe. After arriving in Prague, we’ll enjoy our evening savoring classic Czech cuisine in a local restaurant. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Majestic Plaza Hotel, Prague
Your introduction to this fairy-tale city opens with a visit to the remarkable Prague Castle and the haunting St. Vitus Cathedral. Home to kings and emperors, the complex at Prague Castle is one of the most important sites in the Czech Republic and is easily the highlight of the city. We’ll enjoy some free time for lunch in the afternoon before continuing on a leisurely walking tour through the Old Town, where we’ll visit the unique Astronomical Clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Learn about the poignant history held in Prague’s Jewish Quarter when you pass the Old Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy Prague with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Majestic Hotel, Prague
This morning, we’ll hop on a train and depart for our next adventure to Vienna, the “musical city.” Upon arrival in Vienna, we’ll enjoy a short orientation drive through the city followed by an afternoon at leisure. Later, we’ll enjoy an evening in one of Vienna’s most beloved restaurants, the Marchfelderhof – an iconic restaurant with rich Viennese tradition where dinner mixes with local cultural flavor to create an unforgettable night. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Erzherzog Rainer, Vienna
This morning, we’ll experience the city of Vienna on a tour highlighting some of its architectural marvels, including the lavish Schönbrunn Palace, a summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. Learn more about Vienna’s sweet confectionary history when we visit a candy workshop where candies are still being made according to traditional recipes dating back over 150 years. After time for lunch with your Sisters in this beautiful city, join our exclusive exchange at a Viennese coffee house. At this café, the baked goods are authentically made by real grandmas. This social enterprise aims to give local retirees a chance to connect with locals and travelers around the world. We’ll finish our day by participating in one of Vienna’s most treasured traditions during a Viennese Waltz lesson. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Hotel Erzherzog Rainer, Vienna
This morning, sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque countryside enroute to Budapest. We’ll be making a stop in Bratislava, Slovakia, the former Imperial capital of the Habsburg Empire. Get to know the city’s 4,000-year-old history during a short walking tour before taking time to enjoy lunch on your own with your Sisters. After, we’ll continue through the Hungarian countryside to the Village of Dunaalmas. We’ll connect with the villagers and learn all about traditional Hungarian goulash soup and how to make a traditional strudel before joining a community-hosted dinner. Last, we’ll continue on to lovely Budapest, a city divided by the Danube with historic Buda on one side and cosmopolitan Pest on the opposite bank. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Up Hotel Budapest
This morning a local expert provides an informative city tour featuring Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Old Buda, the New Parliament and Gellert Hill with a special stop at Heroes’ Square, a unique monument to the many diverse leaders of Hungary. The rest of the afternoon is yours for free time to rest and relax or independently explore with your Sisters. This evening, local culinary specialties await as we start a fantastic evening out in Budapest at one of the most popular local restaurants for a dinner of creative Hungarian cuisine in a traditional Hungarian setting. After dinner, we’ll embark on a beautiful evening cruise of the Danube where Budapest’s landmarks are illuminated by the evening sky, sipping on a glass of wine as we glide down the river’s beautiful waters. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Up Hotel Budapest
This morning, it’s your choice! You can hoose to visit the House of Terror Museum and Memorial and gain an important perspective of 20th-century Hungarian history – OR- indulge in the famous Thermal Baths of Budapest, one of the largest spa baths in Europe (you’ll need to bring a bathing suit). This afternoon and evening is yours to uncover “the Queen of the Danube” however you wish with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Up Hotel Budapest
Take in the picturesque landscapes enroute to Poland. We’ll make a stop for lunch in Banska Bystrica, a historic town nestled on the banks of the Hron River with architecture dating back to the middle ages. Our home for the next three nights is the lively city of Krakow, a historic city offering old world charm. This evening, get to know traditional Polish culture during a folklore show and dinner featuring local cuisine. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hotel: Mercure Krakow Old Town
This morning, we’ll discover Krakow’s historic Old Town on a city tour complete with stops at the Market Square, St. Mary’s Church, and the university. We’ll also view Wawel Castle, a former residence of Polish kings. This afternoon, get ready to embark on a poignant journey through history as we travel to the camps of Auschwitz. A local expert will guide us through the former concentration camp, where we will learn about the sobering history and resilience of the human spirit. The evening is yours to spend it as you wish with your Sisters. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Mercure Krakow Old Town
History surrounds us in the former Jewish district of Kazimierz. Krakow, once the capital of Poland, is where Jews lived under the protection of Polish kings and is home to the historic Jewish quarter, Kazimierz. The Jewish community developed culture, religion, and even their own educational system during this time. As we walk through Kazimierz in the present, you’ll see historic synagogues, stop for photos and an educational talk at the remnants of a World War II ghetto in Podgorze, and even visit the streets where Spielberg filmed his Academy Award-winning movie, “Schindler’s List”. We will also visit a Jewish cemetery and learn all about the practice of giving “kvitelach” – a note with personal prayers to God – along with kosher traditions. You’ll have free time this afternoon and then, this evening, we’ll toast to the end of this memorable trip as we sit down together at a Jewish restaurant for our Farewell Dinner, feeling connected to the cultures and traditions of Central & Eastern Europe. (Breakfast and Dinner)
Hotel: Mercure Krakow Old Town
Sadly, our exploration of Central and Eastern Europe comes to a close today. We’ll transfer back to the Krakow airport for our flights home. (Breakfast)
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
This is a consistently robust itinerary that is likely to be filled with a combination of long, active days, several early hotel departures and some long journeys by coach. There may be limited time for rest and rejuvenation as you explore these amazing destinations. There may be multiple flights and travel by non-traditional means such as safari vehicles, rickshaws/pedicabs, etc. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility and be capable of walking 1-2 miles over time over potentially difficult terrain which may include hills. Guests should be comfortable with standing for longer periods of time with no difficulty.
