Experience a truly royal journey through Austria, Slovakia, and Poland, where you’ll stay in magnificent, real castles that bring history to life. Settle into luxurious castle accommodations, explore stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in rich cultures as you experience the splendor of royal living.
• Stay in real castles, including Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras
• Enjoy unparalleled views of the High Tatras National Park
• Tour Schönbrunn Palace
• Optional Auschwitz excursion
• Discover Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage town
DAYS 1-2: WELCOME TO VIENNA!
After arriving in Vienna following an overnight flight, the afternoon is yours to settle into our hotel before our welcome dinner as a group. D
DAY 3: VIENNA/SCHOENBRUNN CASTLE
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring Austria’s captivating capital. Enjoy a guided walking tour through Vienna, marveling at its grand Baroque architecture and iconic landmarks. Together, we’ll pause for a coffee break featuring a slice of the region’s famous Sacher Cake. After some free time to explore the city and enjoy lunch on your own, step into the grand Schoenbrunn Palace to see this 1,441-room residence and learn the history of the Habsburg monarchs. B
DAY 4: BRATISLAVA/CHATEAU BELA CASTLE
This morning, journey to Bratislava, the vibrant capital of Slovakia and one of Europe’s youngest capital cities. Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, Bratislava offers a blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Together we’ll experience a city walking tour to see the ancient trading routes, unique architecture, and learn the history of the Austro- Hungarian Empire. Later, enjoy free time to explore before we head to our home for the next two nights: the stunning Château Bela Castle. Tonight, we’ll gather for a group dinner in the castle’s restaurant. B, D
DAY 5: WINE TASTING/CHÂTEAU BÉLA CASTLE
Today, immerse yourself in the history and charm of Château Bela Castle with a guided tour, followed by a wine tasting featuring locally produced wines. After a group lunch in our castle, the afternoon is yours to unwind and explore the property’s luxurious amenities. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the wellness center, or stroll through the serene gardens. B, L
DAY 6: BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA/GALICIA NUEVA CASTLE
This morning we travel to Banská Štiavnica, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning beauty and rich history. Enjoy a guided tour of this town, which includes a fascinating falconry demonstration! After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace and enjoy lunch at a local café. This afternoon, transfer to Galicia Nueva Castle for our second royal stay, where we’ll enjoy a tour of the castle and its park before dinner and live music at the castle. B, D
DAY 7: HIGH TATRAS
After breakfast, we’ll set off for the High Tatras, pausing along the way to enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant and sample local cheeses. Our journey continues to the charming village of Štrbské Pleso, where we’ll check in at the luxurious 5-star Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras. Nestled on the shores of Lake Štrbské Pleso within High Tatras National Park, this historic property is often hailed as one of the world’s finest hotels. During our stay, we’ll take a guided tour of this stunning castle-like retreat to learn the history and see exactly why this property has won Europe’s most prestigious hotel awards. The evening will then be yours to savor dinner at your leisure and explore the beautiful regal surroundings. B, L
DAY 8: HIGH TATRAS
Start your day with a relaxing morning at your own pace, perhaps indulging in the hotel’s spa and wellness center or venturing out to explore the scenic trails of High Tatras National Park. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, the park offers stunning vistas and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Slovakia’s oldest national park. In the afternoon, we’ll come together at the hotel for a traditional tea, complete with coffee and cakes, as we continue enjoying this shared travel experience. The evening is yours to enjoy dinner and unwind as you wish. B, Afternoon Tea
DAY 9: KRAKÓW/KAZIMIERZ
Today we’ll travel to Kraków, Poland, where we’ll begin with a guided walking tour of the city’s historic Old Town. Following some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure, we’ll delve deeper into Kraków’s rich heritage with a guided tour of Kazimierz, the city’s former Jewish quarter. In the evening, we’ll come together for a delightful dinner, complete with live music, at a traditional Jewish restaurant in the heart of Kazimierz. B, D
DAY 10: KRAKÓW
After breakfast, enjoy a full day to explore Kraków at your own pace, with the option to visit Schindler’s Factory (tickets must be purchased in advance and on your own). Alternatively, join the group for an optional excursion to Auschwitz, a solemn and powerful experience honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. In the evening, we’ll come together for a farewell dinner at a delightful local restaurant in the heart of Old Town. B, D
Option: Auschwitz/Birkenau Tour Take part in a poignant and deeply moving experience through this former Nazi concentration camp. Learn about the tragic stories of the Holocaust and reflect on the impact this site has had on world history. L Price: $145 per person
DAY 11: FAREWELL
This morning concludes your castle adventure as you depart for home, taking with you exciting regal memories and new friends. B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 2-3: Hotel Stefanie, Vienna, Austria
Nights 4-5: Château Bela Castle, Belá, Slovakia
Night 6: Galicia Nueva Castle Hotel, Halič, Slovakia
Nights 7-8: Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia
Nights 9-10: Grand Ascot, Krakow, Poland
Departure Cities:
- St. Louis
- Kansas City
- Springfield
Depart: September 25, 2025
Return: October 5, 2025
Price Per Person:
DB $5,999
SG $6,649
*Price includes roundtrip airfare from STL/SGF/MCI (call for other gateways)
*Passport required
Identification
Valid passport required to travel.
Walking Distance
This tour includes walking tours in historical cities that are not handicap accessible. Above average mobility is required compared to most domestic tours.
To fully enjoy your your vacation, you should be in good physical health and understand there are times when a good deal of walking is involved in our tours. Those who have difficulty walking may not want to take this trip or should discuss their personal situation with their doctor before deciding. You should be able to walk at a steady pace for a mile at a time for a daily total of three to four miles per day and be able to manage steps to board/de-board the motorcoach several times a day. In addition, many US and European airports require lengthy walks to get from ticketing counters to your departure gate.
We are finding that larger European cities are closing their historic districts to motor traffic. This, of course, adds to the amount of walking involved when visiting a city (sometimes on uneven and/or cobblestone walkways).
Optional Excursions
Optional tours are listed in the itinerary, we encourage you to book them as soon as possible.
Travel with CTD Friends
This tour will include travelers and staff from our sister company, Country Travel Discoveries.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.