Central European Trio

After arriving in Germany’s storied capital, meet your Encore Tour Manager and get settled in. While Berlin was divided, Eastern and Western sections maintained separate opera houses and other institutions. Now the united city offers two of everything, and is known as a hub of European innovation. Begin to explore this historical and dynamic city.

This morning, a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide shows you some of Berlin’s most important historical touchstones, including a portion of the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Potsdamer Platz, and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie. Then engage with modern German culture as you try something completely different: a street art workshop, where you’ll learn about this edgy modern art movement during a walking tour that will reveal many examples, including stencil art, paste-ups, graffiti, murals and tagging. In addition local experts will show you how to make your own street-savvy artwork, which you’ll take home as a one-of-a-kind personal souvenir. This evening, you’ll have your first performance in one of Berlin’s many fabulous venues.

Drive to the Baroque gem of Dresden for a guided sightseeing tour including the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) and the massive Zwinger Palace. Then, continue on to Prague in the late afternoon.

Left virtually untouched by World War II bombing, Prague is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities as you’ll see during your guided sightseeing tour. A local expert will show us the quaint Malá Strana (Czech for “Lesser Quarter,” named for its location at the foot of Prague’s ancient castle) and the graceful Charles Bridge, built during the 14th century. You’ll also visit the fortress-like Hradcany Castle complex, perched high above the city. This evening, you’ll wander the checkerboard, cobblestone streets of the medieval Old Town to watch the street performers in the main square.

Journey to charming Olomouc and view the 115-foot-tall Holy Trinity Column, a baroque religious monument completed in 1754. The ancient capital of Moravia, Olomouc boasts the second-largest historic-preservation zone in the Czech Republic—behind only Prague. Continue on to Krakow, Poland’s second largest city, for the evening.

Begin your day with a guided sightseeing tour to view the façade of the spectacular Wawel Castle, one of the country’s most important historic and cultural sites, and visit inside its Cathedral. Be sure to brave the climb up the narrow Bell Tower. You’ll have time later in the day to explore more of Krakow’s medieval center, including the former Jewish Quarter or verdant Planty Park, or perhaps shop for souvenirs to celebrate your last night in Europe. Tonight, you’ll have your final performance opportunity.

Return home.