Eastern Europe Holidays

Known as the 'Paris of Central Europe' Budapest is a vibrant city, rich in culture with stunning architecture and a fascinating history. Discover sightseeing highlights including the Castle district, Heroes' square, State Opera House and St Stephens cathedral and enjoy coffee and cake at the famous Gerbeaud Cafe.

Boutique Hotel Zara is probably the best design hotel in Budapest, the only European capital city with thermal springs and spas. The hotel is located in the heart of Budapest, a few meters from Vacy utca, in the midst of the city's best bars, restaurants, most exclusive shops, a few steps from the Central Market Hall, Gellar Thermal Bath and the Danube Cruise Terminal.

All 74 rooms reflect the very popular, modern yet elegant style of international boutique hotels. All rooms were renovated during spring 2011 and now feature hardwood floor/parquette and design wallpaper.

The newly opened ARAZ Bistro provides full (hot/cold) buffet breakfast in the morning, delicious, international lunch and dinner during daytime and evenings with friendly prices, and cocktails after dark.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You will find your Welcome Pack and all vouchers required for your sightseeing at your hotel. Included in your Welcome pack are your vouchers for your sightseeing, traditional dinner and black light theatre or organ concert. Enjoy your evening free at leisure.

On your second day, you are pick up from your hotel in the morning for your half day Grand City Tour. You will visit Prague's historic monuments including the State Opera, the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, Charles Square and Prague Castle (interior visit not included). During a walk around the castle's courtyards you will have the opportunity to see St. Vitus Cathedral.

Cross the Vltava river by bus to the Old Town and see St. Nicholas church and TYn Cathedral. The tour ends at the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy your traditional dinner.

The third day is at leisure. In the evening, make your own way to the performance at the Black Light Theatre or the organ concert at the St. Francis of Assisi Church. aon day 4, after breakfast, check-out and transfer to the airport or train station.

The Kempinski Hybernska Prague, located in the heart of the city, is the new address for luxury accommodation in a meticulously restored listed building. The 5-star hotel is located in a historical building dating from the early 1900's and offers 75 generously sized and well-appointed rooms and features a landscaped unique courtyard garden of 1800 m². Leisure facilities include a state-of-the-art gym free of charge for hotel guests.

Peter the Great called on some of 18th-century Europe's finest architects to design his capital, and the results are truly spectacular. Visitors to Russia's second-largest city can explore an elegant network of canals and bridges, marvel at beautiful baroque and neoclassical architecture, and work their way through the 3-million-odd works of art at the incredible Hermitage Museum.

The vast Peterhof estate boasts a stunning array of palaces, fountains and gardens, while the town of Pushkin is home to the glorious Catherine Palace - a true masterpiece of the late baroque period.

Day 1 St Petersburg. Arrive in St Petersburg. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2 St Petersburg. Enjoy a morning panoramic tour of this beautiful city, including the historic palaces and mansions of Nevsky Prospekt - St Petersburg's main street. See Peter and Paul Fortress, St Nicolas Church, the Winter Palace, Smolny Cathedral, St Isaak's Cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, the famous Bronze Horseman and more. This afternoon you will visit the magnificent Hermitage Museum, located in the spectacular former Winter Palace of the Czars. This splendid building houses more than 3 million works of art, including paintings by old Italian masters, French Impressionists, and many other world-famous artists.

Day 3 St Petersburg. Travel to the town of Pushkin, where you will visit the impressive baroque palace and garden of Catherine II. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant before visiting the infamous Yusupov Palace, where 'the Mad Monk' Rasputin was murdered. The gala and residential rooms of the palace are open to visitors, and you can't fail to be impressed by the marble staircase, Moorish-style billiard room, white-column hall, picture gallery and exquisite court theatre.

Day 4 St Petersburg. Meet your local guide this morning for a tour of Peterhof Gardens - an incredible complex of palaces and fountains that was once the summer residence of Russian Czars. The fountains usually operate from May to September, depending on weather conditions. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or choose one of our additional private sightseeing tours.

Day 5 St Petersburg . Your Grand St Petersburg package concludes with transfer to the airport or railway station.

Combining in-depth private sightseeing with your choice of fantastic hotels, these great-value packages are the ideal way to explore the Russian capital.

Day 1 Moscow. Arrive in Moscow. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2 Moscow. Enjoy a morning panoramic tour of Russia's capital. Discover the historical centre of the city at Red Square and the Sofiiskaya Embankment, which provides a superb view of St Sophia's Cathedral and the Kremlin walls. Explore modern Moscow in the Lenin (Vorobievy) Hills - the highest place in the city ¬- and Poklonnaya Hill, home to a famous WWII monument. You will also enjoy a walking tour of the incredible Moscow Metro, an architectural masterpiece whose oldest stations are ornately decorated with marble, mosaics, stained glass and sculptures. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring at your leisure.

Day 3 Moscow. This morning, enjoy an unforgettable walking tour of the Kremlin, including a visit to one of its impressive Orthodox Cathedrals. Other historic highlights include the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Czar Cannon, and the Czar Bell - the largest bell in the world. You will also visit the Kremlin's famous Armoury Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Faberge eggs, jewels, royal thrones, carriages and ceremonial harnesses.

Day 4 Moscow. Meet your local guide for a tour of the Trinity-St Sergius Monastery, located about 70 km from Moscow. This important pilgrimage site was founded by St Sergius in 1340 and features a unique combination of architectural styles. Continue to the Museum of Matryoshka, where will learn all about the famous Russian wooden dolls and get a chance to paint your own

Day 5 Moscow. Your Grand Moscow package concludes with a transfer to the airport or railway station.

Peter the Great called on some of 18th-century Europe's finest architects to design his capital, and the results are truly spectacular. Visitors to Russia's second-largest city can explore an elegant network of canals and bridges, marvel at beautiful baroque and neoclassical architecture, and work their way through the 3-million-odd works of art at the incredible Hermitage Museum.

The vast Peterhof estate boasts a stunning array of palaces, fountains and gardens, while the town of Pushkin is home to the glorious Catherine Palace - a true masterpiece of the late baroque period.

Day 1 St Petersburg. Arrive in St Petersburg. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2 St Petersburg. Enjoy a morning panoramic tour of this beautiful city, including the historic palaces and mansions of Nevsky Prospekt - St Petersburg's main street. See Peter and Paul Fortress, St Nicolas Church, the Winter Palace, Smolny Cathedral, St Isaak's Cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, the famous Bronze Horseman and more. This afternoon you will visit the magnificent Hermitage Museum, located in the spectacular former Winter Palace of the Czars. This splendid building houses more than 3 million works of art, including paintings by old Italian masters, French Impressionists, and many other world-famous artists.

Day 3 St Petersburg. Travel to the town of Pushkin, where you will visit the impressive baroque palace and garden of Catherine II. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant before visiting the infamous Yusupov Palace, where 'the Mad Monk' Rasputin was murdered. The gala and residential rooms of the palace are open to visitors, and you can't fail to be impressed by the marble staircase, Moorish-style billiard room, white-column hall, picture gallery and exquisite court theatre.

Day 4 St Petersburg. Meet your local guide this morning for a tour of Peterhof Gardens - an incredible complex of palaces and fountains that was once the summer residence of Russian Czars. The fountains usually operate from May to September, depending on weather conditions. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or choose one of our additional private sightseeing tours.

Day 5 St Petersburg . Your Grand St Petersburg package concludes with transfer to the airport or railway station.

Discover Moscow and the Golden Ring in Style Stay in premium hotels throughout whilst enjoying included sightseeing highlights which include: The Pilgramage town of Sergiev Posad, explore inside the Kremlin of Suzdal, visit the Museum of Crystal and Varnished Miniatures & go beneath Moscow to see one of the most beautiful underground stations in the world.

Day 1 Moscow at leisure. Welcome to Moscow. Transfers depart from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport at 18.30 and 21.00 and from Domodedevo airport at 14.30, 17:00 and 21.00. Enjoy a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal.

Day 2 Moscow sightseeing. A specialist guide shows you the landmark buildings of Red Square including St Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum. Walk inside the walls of the Kremlin to visit one of the cathedrals. Later visit one of the Metro stations, decked out with socialist art.

Day 3 Moscow - Sergiev Posad - Rostov - Yaroslavl. Begin your journey around the Golden Ring. First town is Sergiev Posad to visit some of the colourful churches of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. Continue to Rostov-the-Great. Explore its ivory towered Kremlin and the Museum of Enamel. Stay in Yaroslavl where dinner is at a riverside restaurant.

Day 4 Yarslavl - Kostroma - Suzdal. Yaroslavl sightseeing shows you the domed Church of Elijah the Prophet, Holy Transfiguration Monastery and you visit the Icon museum. Journey to Kostroma to visit the Museum of Flax and Birch Bark. Sightseeing in Kostroma also includes the Epiphany Cathedral. Depart now for charming Suzdal.

Day 5 Sudzal sightseeing. Explore inside Suzdal's mighty Kremlin and visit the Cross Chamber. Witness the towers of the Saviour Monastery of St.Euthymius and visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Enjoy an authentic lunch typical of the region. The afternoon is at leisure. Dinner tonight is at a Suzdal Inn restaurant.

Day 6 Sudzal - Vladimir - Moscow. Visit an icon workshop before setting off for Vladimir. See the Golden Gate and visit the five-domed Assumption Cathedral. Also see the carved stone walls of the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, and visit the Museum of Crystal and Varnished Miniatures, then return to Moscow. Tonight enjoy a lively Celebration Dinner with wine

Day 7 Moscow. Sadly, your tour concludes today. Departure transfers arrive at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport at 05.00 and 11.00 and at Moscow's Domodedevo airport at 05.00 and 13.00

9 days - With its rich folkloric heritage, picturesque villages and wonderful scenery, Romania is fascinating to explore. This tour discovers the country's highlights, including Transylvania's fortified Saxon churches, Bucovina's exquisite painted monasteries, dramatic castles and palaces, medieval towns and the beautiful Carpathian mountains.

9 days - With its rich folkloric heritage, picturesque villages and wonderful scenery, Romania is fascinating to explore. This tour discovers the country's highlights, including Transylvania's fortified Saxon churches, Bucovina's exquisite painted monasteries, dramatic castles and palaces, medieval towns and the beautiful Carpathian mountains.

Please contact your Travel Associates Consultant for full itinerary.

10 days - Known as the 'Cradle of the Balkans', Albania and Macedonia are home to a wealth of natural and historic sites, from Lake Ohrid to the important Roman ruins at Butrint and Apollonia. Travelling through spectacular mountain and coastal scenery, explore these two emerging countries that are at the forefront of the new Europe.

At the city's heart is spectacular Red Square, where you can find the imposing Kremlin and the exquisite onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral. Head underground to discover the extravagantly decorated stations of the Russian Metro. For a hassle-free Moscow experience, you can't go past our Grand Moscow package. This in-depth, highly personal tours feature fantastic sightseeing options, a choice of fabulous hotels, and your own private car, driver and tour guide.

Day 1 Moscow. Arrive in Moscow. Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2 Moscow. Enjoy a morning panoramic tour of Russia's capital. Discover the historical centre of the city at Red Square and the Sofiiskaya Embankment, which provides a superb view of St Sophia's Cathedral and the Kremlin walls. Explore modern Moscow in the Lenin (Vorobievy) Hills - the highest place in the city ¬- and Poklonnaya Hill, home to a famous WWII monument. You will also enjoy a walking tour of the incredible Moscow Metro, an architectural masterpiece whose oldest stations are ornately decorated with marble, mosaics, stained glass and sculptures. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring at your leisure.

Day 3 Moscow. This morning, enjoy an unforgettable walking tour of the Kremlin, including a visit to one of its impressive Orthodox Cathedrals. Other historic highlights include the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Czar Cannon, and the Czar Bell - the largest bell in the world. You will also visit the Kremlin's famous Armoury Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Faberge eggs, jewels, royal thrones, carriages and ceremonial harnesses.

Day 4 Moscow. Meet your local guide for a tour of the Trinity-St Sergius Monastery, located about 70 km from Moscow. This important pilgrimage site was founded by St Sergius in 1340 and features a unique combination of architectural styles. Continue to the Museum of Matryoshka, where will learn all about the famous Russian wooden dolls and get a chance to paint your own

Day 5 Moscow. Your Grand Moscow package concludes with a transfer to the airport or railway station.

Taking in the country's artistic and architectural highlights, this is the perfect package for anyone with a passion for Russian culture.

Day 1 Moscow. Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2 Moscow. One of the largest cities in the world, Moscow is the symbolic heart of Russia. Your sightseeing tour starts at the Red Square, dominated by St Basil's Cathedral and the massive red walls of the Kremlin, before continuing to the Armoury Museum, Moscow University, and the popular Arbat shopping district. Drive along the city's wide boulevards and take a stroll through GUM, Russia's largest department store. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. This evening, you may take part in an optional night tour of the city and its subway.

Day 3 Moscow - Tver - Novgorod. Travel to Tver, an ancient trading port nestled on the banks of the Volga River. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of the city's fascinating treasures, which include Putevoy Dvorets - a palace built for Catherine II as a resting place on her journeys from Moscow to St Petersburg. Continue to the historic city of Novgorod, founded almost twelve centuries ago. (BD)

Day 4 Novgorod - St Petersburg. Your morning tour of Novgorod starts at the Kremlin and visits St Sophia Cathedral before crossing the river to Yaroslav Court. This afternoon, travel north to St Petersburg and enjoy a sightseeing tour which includes the Peter and Paul Fortress, St Isaac's Cathedral and the City Museum. (BD)

Day 5 St Petersburg. Experience a morning excursion to the world-famous Hermitage museum. Occupying several buildings in the centre of St Petersburg, the incredible Hermitage houses over three million artefacts and works of art. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 6 St Petersburg. Spend the day at leisure or take an optional tour to Peterhof, the magnificent summer palace of Peter the Great. You have the option of attending a fascinating folklore performance this evening.

Day 7 St Petersburg. The tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

8 days - Russia's two great cities provide an ideal base from which to explore the country's diverse cultural and historical heritage. Moscow is now the epicentre of the 'New Russia', while St Petersburg is renowned for its magnificent palaces, world-class museums, elegant canals and grand architecture.

Moscow is now the epicentre of the 'New Russia', while St Petersburg is renowned for its magnificent palaces, world-class museums, elegant canals and grand architecture.

Day 1 - Arrive Moscow: Transfer to the 5* Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel for 3 nights. The 5* Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel and 5* Ritz Carlton are located in the centre of Moscow, just a few minutes walk from Red Square and the Kremlin.

Day 2 Moscow: Morning tour of Moscow, including Red Square, Moscow State University, Novodevichy Convent, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and St Basil's Cathedral. Afternoon at leisure or optional visit to the Tretyakov Gallery.

Day 3 Moscow: Day at leisure or optional visit to Sergiev Posad. Built around the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius, one of Russia's most important religious and historical landmarks.

Day 4 To St Petersburg: Morning visit to the Kremlin, including the Patriarch's Palace, Cathedral Square and the Armoury Museum. Take a late afternoon train to St Petersburg (four hours). On arrival, transfer to the 5* Renaissance St Petersburg Baltic Hotel.

Day 5 St Petersburg: Morning tour of St Petersburg, including Nevsky Prospekt and Vasilevsky Island, and the entrances to the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood and the Peter and Paul Fortress. Optional afternoon visit to the Yusupov Palace and its Rasputin exhibition.

Day 6 St Petersburg: Full-day visit to the Hermitage, with its unrivalled collection of European masterpieces.

Day 7 St Petersburg: Morning tour of Catherine's Palace at Pushkin, including the Amber Room. Afternoon visit to Peterhof to view the exterior of Peter the Great's Summer Palace and gardens.

Day 8 Depart St Petersburg: Morning visit to St Isaac's Cathedral. Transfer to the airport .

Explore Vienna, Cesky Krumlov, Prague, Bratislava, Budapest & more. Enjoy a guided visit to the Schonbrunn Palace, visit the Cesky Krumlov Castle which overlooks this beautiful city, See the Astronomical Clock in Prague's Old Town Square and enjoy views over Budapest from Gellert Hill. Stay in contemporary hotels like the Sheraton in Bratislava and the refurbished Vienna Hilton to ensure your stay is memorable.

Please contact your Travel Associates Consultant for full itinerary.

Stay in centrally located superior hotels near some of Moscow and St Petersburg's most famous attractions, and discover the highlights of the Russian countryside from your elegantly furnished cabin aboard the MS Volga Dream.

Day 1 Moscow. Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your hotel, located by the Bolshoi Theatre in the historic city centre. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.

Day 2 Moscow. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city followed by a ride on the famous Moscow Metro. Eat lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the Old Tretyakov gallery, home to an extraordinary collection of Russian art ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings.

Day 3 Moscow. Admire the tsarist treasures of the Kremlin's Armoury Museum before visiting the stunning 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Transfer to the MS Volga Dream this afternoon and enjoy a welcome dinner as you commence your river cruise.

Day 4 Uglich. Make an afternoon stop in Uglich, a town dating back to the 10th century. Enjoy a walking tour of the town including the 17th-century Chapel of Dimitry, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son was killed. You will also admire the beautiful iconostasis in the Church of the Transfiguration and attend an unforgettable choral concert.

Day 5 Yaroslavl. Stop in World Heritage-listed Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga River. Visit the Spassky Monastery to see the Transfiguration of the Saviour Cathedral, adorned with murals of St John's apocalyptic visions. Continue to the richly frescoed Church of St Elijah the Prophet before strolling through the lively farm market and reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch.

Day 6 Goritsy. Cross Lake Beloye this morning and arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy, where you will admire the magnificent frescoes of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery.

Day 7 Kizhi. This afternoon you will explore World Heritage-listed Kizhi, a picturesque island in Lake Onega. A highlight is the fairytale Church of the Transfiguration, an onion-domed wooden masterpiece built without using a single nail.

Day 8 Svir River - Mandrogi. Navigate along the Svir River past graceful willows, pines and alder trees to Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest freshwater lake. Step ashore at Mandrogi to get a glimpse of life in the Russian villages of days gone by.

Day 9 St Petersburg. Your cruise ends this morning in St Petersburg, a vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-coloured palaces. Experience an orientation tour of the city and visit the Peter and Paul Fortress - St Petersburg's original citadel and a family shrine of the Romanovs. After lunch you will enter the remarkable Hermitage Museum, whose 400 rooms contain over 3 million works of art including one of the world's best collections of French Impressionist paintings. Continue to your hotel, which enjoys a superb location opposite St Isaac's Cathedral.

Day 10 St Petersburg. Discover the breathtaking imperial estate of Peterhof. Visit the Bath Cottage and take a stroll through the vast Lower Park, where 176 fountains surround majestic palaces and gilded statues.

Day 11 St Petersburg. Drive to the Tsar's Village for a tour of Catherine's Palace, where you will see the exquisitely restored Amber Room and take a stroll through the formal gardens. Continue to a traditional Russian log-house restaurant to enjoy lunch and some vodka.

Day 12 St Petersburg. The tour concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.

Experience historic Moscow with visits to Museums, Chambers, parks, Metro stations, the circus and lots more.

Day 1 Moscow - Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your iconic hotel, housed in one of the famous Stalin Towers.

Day 2 Moscow - Experience a city tour of Moscow including Red Square and Victory Park, a vast complex celebrating Russia's victory in World War II. Enjoy a Soviet-style lunch before visiting the Gulag Museum. (B,L)

Day 3 Moscow - Tour the grounds of the Kremlin and pay a visit to the Armoury Chamber. Continue to the Sculpture Park of Fallen Idols to see a large collection of Soviet-era statues and sculptures. This evening enjoy the famous Moscow Circus.

Day 4 Moscow - Get a taste of life as a cosmonaut with a visit to Space City. See the Hydro-Space Laboratory and the Soyuz spaceship, both used to train cosmonauts for outer space activities. Admire its fascinating collection of historic memorabilia.

Day 5 Moscow - Enjoy a tour of the Moscow Metro, whose extravagantly decorated stations were designed during the Soviet-era. Continue to a command post constructed at the height of the Cold War and explore its underground tunnels. This evening admire the lights of the city with a cruise along the Moscow River.

Day 6 Moscow - The tour concludes after breakfast.

Delve behind the former 'Iron Curtain' to find medieval charm and rich culture. Visit the State Apartments of Schonbrunn Palace, visit the castle in the beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov, walk the cobbled streets of Budapest to visit Matthias Church, see Slovakia's traditional wooden houses and tour former Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Plus, see Prague's Astronomical Clock and Brandeburg Gate in Berlin and visit the charming riverside village of Durnstein.

Please contact your Travel Associates Consultant for full itinerary.