Welcome to the beautiful city of Prague. Built on seven hills more than a century ago, it is home to incredible architecture, green hills and picturesque bridges across the Vltava River.
Make your own way to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to wander around this striking city. Perhaps explore unique galleries and museums, and stroll along Parizska Street, the city’s famous shopping district. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager. Get to know your fellow travellers as you try traditional Czech cuisine at one of the many world-class restaurants in Prague.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on a guided sightseeing tour of Prague Castle. Uncover the storied walls of this 9th-century palace on a walking tour through the hilltop complex. Marvel at this former residence of Bohemian Kings as you wander the grounds. Visit the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and Golden Lane, before setting off on an afternoon of sightseeing at leisure.
Today is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit Lesser Town and the Old Town, viewing the 14th-century Charles Bridge with its 30 baroque statues of various saints. You might like to continue through the Old Town Square to view the famous Old Town Hall Tower and Astronomical Clock, the Municipal House, Powder Tower and the Jewish Quarter. For a slower adventure, simply enjoy the views from the banks of the Vltava as you listen to the tunes of Europe’s musical capital. Haydn, Beethoven, Liszt and Mozart all spent time in Prague; and it was here that Figaro was first acclaimed and Don Giovanni received its first performance.
After breakfast, check out and set off through endless rolling vistas and dense forests as you travel to Vienna – the capital and largest city of Austria. Vienna is a romantic place, full of imperial nostalgia, opera houses and delectable cakes.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to discover the grandeur of Vienna before an included dinner.
This morning, after breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Vienna. Learn the captivating stories of Vienna’s history, culture and politics, tracing back to its Roman roots and involvement in the World Wars. Admire the iconic landmark of the State Opera and take in splendid vistas of the old city from Belvedere Palace, where you will visit the Austrian Gallery of the Upper Palace. The palaces, with their extensive gardens, are considered one of the world’s finest Baroque landmarks. Continue to the Hofburg Imperial Palace, built in the 13th century and the former residence of the monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty. End your tour with a visit to the Parliament buildings.
The remainder of the day is yours to further explore Vienna. You may like to immerse yourself in the thriving Viennese culinary scene, sampling iconic delights such as Sachertorte cake, Wiener Schnitzel and Goulash stew.
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be met in the hotel lobby for a visit to Schonbrunn Palace – the magnificent summer residence and the gardens of the imperial family Habsburg. Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, spent her childhood here; and it’s said Mozart astonished the court with his musical performance at the tender age of six. Your guide will take you on a journey back in time as you stroll through the formal gardens and catch a glimpse of the Gloriette, a hilltop arch overlooking Vienna’s forests. Admire the 18th-century rococo-style apartments, adorned with chandeliers, textured tapestries and frescoes.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon to spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Bid farewell to Vienna this morning as you journey to Budapest via Bratislava for free time in the Slovakian capital. For centuries, the city has been famous for its charm and beauty, particularly its baroque and rococo palaces. Take time to stroll the winding lanes and medieval courtyards of the old town, and the lively pedestrian streets of this charming city, where local street vendors sell regional gifts. Continue to Budapest, where you will enjoy an included dinner.
Blessed with natural beauty, Budapest’s glorious setting astride the Danube River is rivalled by few European cities. This morning, take in some of the city’s best and most iconic landmarks. Its two sides, Buda and Pest, were separate cities until 1873, a divide that is still visible today. Royal palaces, wooded hills and Ottoman spas await in Buda, while Pest is home to fine museums, the Jewish Quarter and incredible Art Nouveau buildings.
In Buda, stop at the Fisherman’s Bastion for spectacular views of the city and the river below, and see the exquisite Matthias Church. In Pest, head over to the impressive Houses of Parliament and drive along the river, admiring the city landscape, then conclude at the beautiful area around Heroes' Square.
This afternoon is yours to enjoy the city as you please. You might like to join one of the popular river cruises, sitting back and relaxing as you take in the sights.
Known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands) are divided by the Danube, and Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history.
Today is all yours to uncover the delights of this storied city. Choose to visit the bustling market hall or people-watch from Heroes' Square. This evening, join a cruise along the Danube to see the city from a different perspective.
After one final breakfast, it’s time to wave goodbye to Budapest. Your tour concludes upon checkout from the hotel.