Tour Highlights

• Eleven Days and Nine Nights in Three of Europe's Greatest Cities
• The Paris of the East - Budapest
• Vienna the city of Waltzes
• Visit Bratislava Capital of Slovakia
• Magnificent Prague - The City of Hundred Spires
• Explore the Southern Bohemian towns of Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov
• Festive Czech Folklore Dinner and Show Plus Much More...

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – UNITED STATES/EN ROUTE
Today we depart on the transatlantic flight traveling en-route to Budapest, Hungary. Meals and light beverages will be served during your flights according to airline schedules. (I)

Day 2 – BUDAPEST
Today we arrive in Budapest where we are met by our European Tour Escort and directed to our waiting motor coach. Often described as the “Paris of Eastern Europe”, Budapest’s ornate turn-of-the-century architecture, elaborate bathhouses and wide, leafy boulevards make for an intriguing and unique city. Comprised of two cities, Buda is on one side of the Danube and Pest on the other. A short drive remains into the city and our hotel. (I, D)

Day 3 – BUDAPEST
Our sightseeing begins in “Buda’s” Castle District where we see the Royal Palace, the seven-hundred year-old Matthias Church one of the jewels of Budapest, and behind it is the Fishermen’s Bastion, from where there is a wonderful view of the whole city. We also visit Gellért Hill home to the Liberation Monument and Citadel, and offers fantastic views down the Danube River. We then cross the Chain Bridge, the first permanent bridge to span the Danube to see the neo-Gothic Parliament before visiting St. Stephens Basilica where the Holy Right Hand of the founder of Hungary, King Saint Stephen is on display. Our next stop is the vast and grandiose symbol of 19th-century Hungarian nationalism – Hero’s Square. Following our tour we’ll cruise on the Danube River, giving us a different perspective of Budapest’s historic buildings and bridges. This evening enjoy a Hungarian folklore show including a dinner of Hungarian specialties. (B, D)

Day 4 – BUDAPEST (Puszta Horse Farm)
Today we’re off to the picturesque Hungarian Great Plain and a typical Puszta horse farm. We’ll learn about the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or Hungarian horsemen, and enjoy a fabulous horse show. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian feast, including goulash soup in a typical setting against a backdrop of wonderful gypsy music. (B, L)

Day 5 – BUDAPEST/BRATISLAVA/VIENNA
Depart Budapest this morning, and drive via the town of Gyor, “City of Four Rivers”, before briefly entering the Slovak Republic to visit the capital city of Bratislava. Our sightseeing tour will include St. Martin’s Cathedral, that saw the coronations of 18 Hungarian Kings, the classical Primacialny Palace, the romantic ruins of Devin Castle, and the illustrious Opera House. We then continue along the banks of the Danube River and cross into Austria to arrive in the Imperial City of Vienna, known as the “City Of Music,” that has inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. (B, D)

Day 6 – VIENNA
Our morning sightseeing tour through this “City of Waltzes” will visit both palaces and churches…we’ll see the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephen’s and the Belvedere Palace with its incredible formal gardens. We drive along the Ringstrasse to view the famous monuments including the Parliament, and State Opera House. We then follow in the footsteps of the Hapsburg Royal family as we tour magnificent Schonbrunn Palace. Our tour will take us through the grand rooms of the Palace including the audience rooms of Empress Maria Theresia. No other city in Western Europe has a more romantic old-world flavor than Vienna. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this wonderful city on our own, perhaps to visit a Viennese coffeehouse or shop for Geiger sweaters. (B)

Day 7 – VIENNA (Vienna Woods)
This morning is at leisure in Vienna. In the afternoon we’ll travel into the beautiful Vienna Woods. We’ll pass through the Roman City of Baden, famous for its thermal springs, and continue through the Helenental to reach the former Mayerling Hunting Lodge, today a commemorative chapel. It was here that Crown Prince Rudolph, the only son of Emperor Franz Josef, committed suicide with Barnonesse Vetsera in 1889. We will stop at Seegrotte where we travel by boat on the under ground lake. Our day comes to an end with a visit to a traditional Viennese Heurigen at the wine village of Grinzing where we’ll be treated to an authentic Viennese-style dinner with entertainment. (B, D)

Day 8 – VIENNA/PRAGUE
We depart Vienna today, and travel north into the Czech Republic and through the historic region of Bohemia to the capital city of Prague. Among European capitals, Prague has no rival in beauty, a jumble of terra-cotta roofs, soft yellow gables, and pale blue domes above a web of crooked streets. Boutiques, medieval taverns and lavish palaces of princes give Prague a sense of history and intrigue. (B, D)

Day 9 – PRAGUE
Our sightseeing of Prague will take us past Strahov Stadium to visit Hradcany Castle as well as the city’s most distinctive landmark, St. Vitus Cathedral. A few yards away we’ll find the Golden Lane, a row of tiny, colorful 16th century houses, where the famous Czech writer Franz Kafka once lived. Then we’ll continue down the Mala Strana where we’ll walk across the magnificent Charles Bridge that was built in 1357 and connects the Mala Stranatot and the Old Town. Today Prague’s most familiar landmark is now a pedestrian bridge offering locals and visitors alike a virtual outdoor museum of no less than 30 religious statues. Our tour will continue to the Old Town Square where we’ll view the superbly preserved medieval astronomical clock and its moving figures of the apostles, as well as the magnificent houses that surround the square. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Prague on your own. (B)

Day 10 – PRAGUE (Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice)
Today we venture into the Southern Bohemian to visit the historic towns of Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov. We will learn of Ceske Budejovice’s old-world secrets on our way into the Old Town. Surrounded by parks and gardens, Otakar II Square comes alive with history and tradition as we view the Samson Fountain, the Baroque Town Hall and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Our next stop is the small renaissance town of Cesky Krumlov – referred to as the “Pearl of the Bohemian Forest” It is located in a scenic setting provided by the Vltava River bend and reputed to be one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Our sightseeing tour will unveil the preserved medieval charm, with a visit to one of the most remarkable castles in Bohemia. That’s not the only element that has been preserved – at the entrance to the castle we can hear the grumbling of bears that are kept there, a century old tradition. Our farewell dinner will include a traditional Czech folklore show and dinner party. (B, D)

Day 11 – PRAGUE/UNITED STATES
This morning transfer to Prague’s Ruzyne Airport where we will bid “farewell” to your Tour Escort at the beginning of our return journey home. Meals and beverages will be served during our flights according to airline schedules. (B, I)

* * * Welcome Home * * *
I = In-flight Meal B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner