Exploring the remarkable history and natural beauty “off the bus”
By Frederick Wulff, 18-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador, New Ulm, Minnesota
A view of the neo-Renaissance Cathedral of Berlin.
My trip to Eastern Europe was my 17th vacation with Grand Circle and OAT. All of my experiences have been positive, but this trip really stood out.
Though the temperatures were 20 degrees cooler than normal for October, and we had unrelenting rain, even the weather could not put a damper on this wonderful trip. First of all, our Program Director Agnes Komar, was excellent. Agnes, a Pole from Warsaw, has been leading tours for Grand Circle for twelve years. Her friendly disposition kept us all happy and we never lost anyone in the bustle of city tours under her guidance. I thought her knowledge of Eastern European history and familiarity with each site we visited was remarkable. She always had the answers, even to my trivial questions about remote statues that I had seen on my own.
We were only in Berlin one day before transferring to Poland, but we caught most of the significant sights in the city. I especially appreciated that we could step off of the bus to experience such important places as the Jewish Memorial; Brandenburg Gate; Checkpoint Charlie (or “Checkpoint C”); the Berlin Wall; the site of the Nazi book burnings; and Berlin Cathedral.
Travelers were treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow in Zacopane.
Poland was an anticipated treat. Warsaw had been painstakingly rebuilt from Nazi destruction and the Old Town of Krakow was so restored we felt like we stepped back in history to another era. One of the best optional excursions I have ever had was to Zakopane, in the mountains of southern Poland—a winter wonderland replete with a buggy ride in the snow and kielbasa over an open fire. I was surrounded by such unique architecture and natural beauty.
Roland Fountain dominates Bratislava’s Old Town Square.
I had been to Budapest before, but that magnificent city has so much to offer that a single visit cannot do it justice. Again, I appreciated that we did not just see noteworthy spots from the bus, but experienced the grandeur of the monuments by walking around and soaking it all in. Even non-shoppers will enjoy the visit to the city’s historic Market Hall to appreciate its grand architecture and the busting activity within.
When we left Budapest for a drive through Slovakia, I thought our stop in Bratislava was just for a quick visit to a castle and lunch. Not so: here, we truly “experienced” the culture and history of this historic city. Lunch was at a quaint restaurant in Old Town that served local fare. Free time allowed us to stroll around the historic Old Town Square on our own.
Folk dancers and musicians performed for the group during a farewell dinner.
The main reason I decided to travel to Eastern Europe was to visit the city of Prague in the Czech Republic. I was not disappointed: It was as though Grand Circle saved the best for last. Our included tour was comprehensive … and the efficient subway made many impromptu ventures possible. Agnes took us to a well-known traditional beer garden, followed by a night walk across the statue-laden Charles Bridge. Lively folk entertainment at our farewell dinner the next night capped off a great trip.
I usually do not do repeat trips … but Grand Circle’s vacation to Eastern Europe just might change my mind!
Explore both the highlights and hidden gems of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic on our Best of Eastern Europe vacation.