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Prague, Vienna, Budapest Tour
9-day tour featuring Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Czech Republic
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Tour Description
Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Prague offer incredible history and culture, while teaming with the excitement of modern cities. You will also discover intriguing characteristics individually unique to each city. These traveler hot-spots have it all!Included Features
Meals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners during the land portion of the tour.
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| Details | | Image Tours | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Depart USA | Overnight Flight to Europe
Refer to the 'Departure Instructions' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures. | | Day 2 | Budapest | Arrival at Budapest's Ferihegy Airport
Your 'Arrival Instructions' page in your Final Documents provides easy to follow instructions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your Budapest hotel for a chance to freshen up and rest a little. Before dinner you may wish to set out on foot or by tram for an introduction to Hungary's capital, which is sprawled over both banks of the Danube River. Pest, on the east bank, is spread over a flat area that is clearly divided into neighborhoods and business districts. In complete contrast, Buda, on the west bank, is hilly and mysterious. A walk along the Danube River Promenade is a pleasant way to create your first impressions of Budapest. Back at the hotel, get to know your fellow tour participants during a 'Welcome/Get Acquainted' dinner. (Dinner) | | Day 3 | Budapest | Budapest
Open the day with sightseeing of both Buda and Pest. In Buda, your local guide introduces you to the Castle Hill, considered the most beautiful section of the city with its medieval buildings and much-photographed Fisherman's Bastion. In Belvaros, the inner city and historic center of Pest, your guide points out the romantic concert hall, the Vigado, and Gresham Palace, a splendid example of Art Nouveau. After the city tour, you may want to join the optional 'Parliament Visit' excursion or take the opportunity to explore Budapest on your own. If you need a break from the bustling city, the large park on Margaret Island, in the middle of the Danube River, provides a peaceful retreat. As one choice for your independent dinner, consider the optional 'Danube Dinner Cruise' with music and champagne. (Breakfast) | | Day 4 | Vienna | Gyor - Bratislava - Vienna
Board the motor coach to your first stop this morning in the ancient city of Gyor, an historic city which played a strategic role against Turkey in the 13th century. From Gyor, it's on to Bratislava, modern capital of Slovakia. This city was originally known as Pressburg and from 1541 to 1784 it was the capital of Hungary. Although this city is experiencing dynamic development, Bratislava continues to offer a rich cultural experience. Your independent time in Bratislava can be spent exploring the charming old town, visiting one of the many excellent museums, or walking up to the hilltop castle. Your final destination for today is Vienna, capital of the Austrian Empire. The Austrian Hapsburg Dynasty settled here in 1278 and ruled for centuries until 1919, building exquisite palaces and encouraging the arts. Strauss, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert were among the great composers drawn to Vienna, which became known as the center of classical music. This evening the included dinner will be at a restaurant near your Vienna hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 5 | Vienna | Vienna
This morning features a guided tour of Vienna with highlights including Saint Stephan's Cathedral and the Opera House, two of the city's most beloved landmarks. The rest of the day is free to fulfill personal interests, whether it be coffee and Sachertorte (the signature cake of Vienna) at a sidewalk cafe or a closer study of one of the many lavish palaces in Vienna. The Hofburg (Imperial Palace) houses the crown jewels, Belvedere Palace displays 19th and 20th century art, and the Schonbrunn Palace offers guided tours of its ornate apartments. Your independent dinner tonight allows for a flexible schedule. If you have heard of the infamous wine taverns just outside Vienna, you will want to come along on the optional 'Vienna Woods & Heuriger' excursion, serving up a simple menu of local favorites with young wine and a festive atmosphere. (Breakfast). | | Day 6 | Vienna | Vienna
A full day in Vienna provides the opportunity to see more of the fascinating landmarks. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ringstrasse, the boulevard which encircles the heart of town, to view historic buildings such as the Parliament, University, Burgtheater and Freud Museum. Frolic in the Prater amusement park with a ride on the Giant Wheel. Shop the fashionable boutiques surrounding the Saint Stephan's Cathedral square. Or, immerse yourself inside one of the museums in the highly-touted Museumsquartier (MQ). For exploration of Vienna's surroundings, come along on the full-day 'Melk Abbey & Durnstein' optional excursion. During your independent dinner this evening, be adventurous in sampling the Austrian cuisine. (Breakfast) | | Day 7 | Prague | Brno - Prague
Travel through northern Austria and cross the border into the Czech Republic where you will make a late morning stop in Brno. Take the opportunity to lunch at one of the restaurants on Namesti Svobody, the main square. If you have time afterward, you may want to admire the Peter and Paul Cathedral of Brno. Depart in the early afternoon for a leisurely arrival into Prague. Dinner will be included tonight at your Prague hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 8 | Prague | Prague
Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of beautiful Staromestske Namesti, probably the most photographed square in the city; the Old Town Hall; and the Church of St. Nicholas in the Little Quarter (Mala Strana). During free time, consider taking a stroll through the enchanting cobbled streets and alleyways of Mala Strana, from the artists' quarter to the Vltava (Moldau) River and the spectacular Charles Bridge. From higher banks across the river, the enormous Prague Castle overlooks the city, contributing to the mysterious atmosphere that is inescapable in Prague. If you decide to visit Prague Castle, it will capture your attention for hours with its Royal Gardens, several museums, beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral and the chapel where good King Wenceslas rests. Dinner tonight is on your own. The food in Prague's restaurants is good and plentiful. Or, you may wish to join your tour manager for the evening optional 'Czech Folklore Show & Dinner'. (Breakfast) | | Day 9 | Return USA | Daytime flight back to the U.S.A.
Transfer to the Prague Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast) |
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