Czech Republic

This little land in Central Europe boasts more castles and chateaux per square mile than any other country, not to mention a handful of perfectly preserved towns and a decent-sized National Park.

Asides from the obvious pastime of drinking beer from giant glasses, a coach trip to the Czech Republic also equals great value for money. Shopping here is excellent and offers plentiful opportunities in which to pick up Bohemian Crystal or folk ceramics. To see Czech's cultural side, tour compact capital Prague with its magical castle district, famous bridges and vibrant nightlife. Also renowned for its spas, visit the country's popular Marianske Lanze, described by King Edward VII as the most beautiful place on Earth.

Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Hungary remains one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its capital regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. The country is home to the second largest thermal lake in the world, the largest lake in Central Europe and the largest natural grassland in Europe. Hungary has contributed much to the world - not least both the biro and the rubik's cube!

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a charming, cultured city with a vivid heritage and astounding architecture that attracts visitors from across the world. Voted Best City Break 2008 at the British Travel Awards, Budapest has something to offer everyone. From its famous natural springs of thermal waters that feed the city's many thermal baths to its many museums and the Buda Castle - one of the most famous and most visited sights of Budapest, a Unesco World Heritage site offering many interesting attractions, museums, evocative streets, squares, restaurants and shops.

Poland

Hospitable Poland, located in the centre of Europe, is a surprising country of river valleys, 9000 lakes, snow-capped mountains and Baltic Coast sand dunes. It may be home to modern cities like Warsaw that paves the way with its futuristic skyscrapers, but in some parts the traditional Polish way of living still presides.

Visit capital Warsaw, virtually reconstructed after its ruin in World War II or wander through appealing, medieval Krakow as it may have looked years ago. Near the German border stands hauntingly unforgettable and bleak Auschwitz, a stark reminder of Poland's not too distant history.