Eastern Europe

DAY 1: NEWARK (FOR THOSE WHO OPT TO TAKE THE GROUP FLIGHT)

As the group flight takes off, the trip officially begins!

DAYS 2 – 6: BUDAPEST

In this amazing city there’s much to see: Statue Park, the National Parliament, the second biggest synagogue in the world; we’ll sample authentic Hungarian goulash, and explore the catacombs under the castle district. Then you can soak away the fatigue in the legendary Turkish baths filled with mineral water the rises from hot springs under the city. These magnificent tiled palaces are unlike anything else in the world. Not only are they spectacular to behold, but they are also part of the daily life of the city, so, relaxing in the warm waters, you’ll also be able to meet the city’s inhabitants and witness a uniquely authentic part of Hungarian Life.

No trip to Budapest would be complete without a visit to Vaci Utca - home of some incredible shopping.  We’ll watch the sun set on the Parliament building from the famous bridge connecting the two sides of the city, and descend onto the island in the middle of the Danube for a picnic.

DAYS 6 – 9: KRAKOW

Then it’s on to Krakow, the most beautiful city in Poland, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For too long, this marvelous city of intellectuals, artists and culture has been overlooked by tourists to Europe. We will explore the elegant city by bike with an expert local guide and learn about the rich history and legends that live on in the Old Town. We’ll also have time to wander the lanes of the Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz), vestige of darker times in Krakow but today a buzzing cultural area home to coffeeshops, bookstores, and traditional teahouses. Outside the city of Krakow is the infamous Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. We will visit it, and reflect on the harsh lessons of history learned during WWII. You’ll have the choice of exploring the Wawel Royal Castle, St. Mary’s Basilica or the Galicia Jewish Museum. This is a surprising city of Old World charm and grandeur that you will not soon forget.

DAYS 9 – 13: PRAGUE

Our final stop is Prague, in the Czech Republic, a destination where the historical and the modern collide, as old cobblestone streets provide space for a vibrant youth culture and a thrilling nightlife, and classical music and modern rock fill the air. We’ll visit a workshop and learn the art of making Bohemian crystal, and go on to learn about the Velvet Revolution, shop Wenceslas Square, climb to the top of Prague Castle for the changing of the guard and the amazing views, and we'll haggle with street vendors on the Charles Bridge. We’ll close out our trip by dancing the night away in one of Prague's hottest clubs!