There’s never been a better time to experience Europe’s eastern capitals. They present a spectacular collection of history and culture, and are filled with wonderful everyday reminders of their former imperial glory.
One can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to visit four beautiful and historic Central European Capitals: Prague, Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest, and explore this complex, multicultural arena of historic and artistic importance, the creative and intellectual resources of all of central Europe, dating back to the Roman Empire.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Prague
Upon arrival we are welcome at the airport by our local hosts and transferred to the hotel with a short panoramic Tour of Prague en route. Overnight: Hotel Akcent, Prague (4 nights)
Day 2: Prague
The capital of the Czech Republic it is its most valuable historical city reserve. In 1992 the historical core of the city covering 866 hectares was listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register. ’Praga caput regni’ has been inscribed in the Prague’s coat of arms.
And rightly so! Since its beginnings Prague has always played an important role in the history of the nation, the country and Europe. Since the Middle Ages Prague has been famous as one of the most beautiful cities of the world, and has been attributed adjectives such as "golden", "hundred-spired", "the crown of the world", "a stone dream".
After breakfast we start our day with a guided sightseeing of Prague, including all major highlights this city has to offer. We’ll visit the Prague Castle after crossing the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock.
Our Lunch will be served in a typical Czech Restaurant, from where will continue the exploration of the old part of the City. The Dinner, offered in a nice Praguese Restaurant, will be ‘spiced‘ by a folklore program. Included: B, L, D.
Day 3: Prague / Karlstejn (drive)
This morning we take a half-day excursion to Karlštejn, just outskirts of Prague to visit the Gothic Castle in Karlštejn, built between 1348 to 1365, by the order of Karel IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor. Karlstejn Castle was to become a treasury to keep the Crown jewels and priceless reliquaries safe during the Hussite Wars.
After our lunch in Karlštejn we return to Prague and have a free afternoon. In the evening – depending on the seasonal performance schedules – we’ll go to a Concert/Theater/Ballet/Musical or to a Black Theater Performance in Prague. Included: B, L.
Day 4: Prague / Konopište (drive)
After breakfast, we take a full-day excursion to Konopište to visit here the Chateau (Castle) of Konopište. Konopiste castle it was founded by the Benesovec family in the forested region of the Valley of the River Sazava in 1300. It is a mature sample of the type of medieval fortification architecture represented by the French conception of a castle, a wholly unique building in this country.
Its rectangular ground plan was divided into a larger outer bailey in the west and the inner castle in the eastern part. Seven round towers lined the periphery of the fortification walls. After 1500 the residential palace wing was modified. In the early 17th Century the outer bailey was adapted in Renaissance style.
A radical change in the appearance of the castle came about at the end of the first quarter of the 18th Century, when Konopiste it was converted into a Baroque chateau after a design by Kanka. Its towers were lowered at the same time. The final chapter of the buildings architectural history is connected with the name Ferdinand d'Est. We’ll return for Dinner and overnight stay to Prague. Included: B, L, D.
Day 5: Prague / Bratislava (Slovakia) (train)
This morning we’ll leave Prague and after our breakfast we depart for Bratislava by a first-class train. Our rail journey we’ll pass by small countryside towns and villages, on both Czech and Slovakian sides, once one country: Czechslovakia, before arriving to Bratislava.
Bratislava is one of the newest Capitals on Europe’s modern map, but it is an old Imperial Capital, as we learn from its history. We are welcome in Bratislava by our guide and transferred from the railway station to our hotel. Overnight: Hotel Ibis, Bratislava (2 nights). Included: B, D.
Day 6: Bratislava
The capital of Slovakia and a town with a two thousand year history lies on both banks of the Danube River and beneath the foothills of the Small Carpathian Mountains. It is only 65 km from Vienna and 20 km from the border with Hungary.
The town’s heritage of historical monuments is well known for its numerous palaces, churches, fountains, statues and other places of cultural and historical interest, which date from the gothic and renaissance period to the present day. This morning we’ll go for a half-day guided sightseeing of Bratislava and visit first the historical centre with the old town hall, followed by the St. Martin’s Cathedral and finally by the Bratislava Castle, with its magnificent view over the town and surrounding countryside.
Bratislava Castle, looking over the historic core of the capital of the Slovak Republic is a landmark of this town and a National Cultural Monument. The Castle clearly dominates the city of Bratislava. It has four towers, which are the symbol of the city. Its first known record dates back to 907, but it was inhabited since the Neolithic Hallstadt and Roman eras.
Its highest period of importance was during the reign of Queen Maria Theresa. From 1761 to 1766 it was rebuilt into a royal residence and today it houses part of the Slovak National Museum. It is also the residence of to president of the Slovak Republic. After lunch, we‘ll have a free afternoon to wander around in this millennium old city. Later in the evening we‘ll have Dinner in a typical local Restaurant. Included: B, L, D.
Day 7: Bratislava / Vienna (Austria) (train)
After breakfast we are transferred to the railway station and board our train for Vienna. After a short ride we arrive in Vienna and are welcome by our guide and transferred to the hotel. After Lunch, we’ll have free time at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Ibis Mariahilf, Vienna (3 nights). Included: B, L, D.
Day 8: Vienna
Vienna, also described as Europe's cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It boasts outstanding infrastructure, is clean and neat, and has all the inspiration that one could wish for in order to discover this wonderful part of Europe.
Vienna - a romantically Imperial city - is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in art, music and history. After breakfast we start our city tour with a visit to Schönbrunn Palace. Schönbrunn, the former summer residence of the imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe.
The Habsburgs resided here the better part of the year in numerous rooms for the large imperial family in addition to representational rooms. Emperor Franz Joseph, who later married the enchanting Sisi and reigned from 1848 to 1916, was born here in 1830. The monarch spent his last years entirely in the palace, which became the property of the new Republic of Austria only two years after his death.
Today, the palace is part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage due to its historic importance, its unique grounds and its splendid furnishings. The afternoon is free to wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, in the footsteps of Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and marvel at the majestic architecture along the Ring Boulevard.
Be inspired by an atmosphere steeped in history and also see The Stephansdom built in 1147, one of the city's most famous landmark. We’ll have Dinner in Grinzing, a Vienna district known for its famous heurigen restaurants, traditional taverns serving local wine and hearty food often accompanied by live Viennese music. Included: B, D.
Day 9: Vienna
In the morning we start our full-day trip to the Vienna’s famous surroundings and visit ‘Wienerwald‘ – the Vienna Woods. The Vienna Woods is not a ‘park’ but a geographical name, given to a large and rambling series of hills and mountains, densely wooded.
The woods cover well over 100 square miles and are rich in memories of the Austrian Empire and the middle-class pleasures of the 19th Century. Famous Austrian musicians like Johann Strauss it were inspired by the idyllic scenes of the woods. We will return to Vienna for dinner and overnight. Included: B, L, D.
Day 10: Vienna / Budapest (Hungary) (Cruise)
A pleasant and relaxing day ahead, as we are transferred to the Vienna Danube Quay and board our River Cruise boat (hydrofoil) to Budapest. We’re invited on an unforgettable journey along Europe’s most legendary river — the beautiful ‘Bleu’ Danube — as it winds from Imperial Vienna to the captivating city of Budapest, along the Hungarian-Slovakian border, through charming Austrian towns, hilltop castles, lush vineyards and gorgeous countryside.
And you’ll discover from the comfort of the deck wonderful art, grand cathedrals and a rich cultural heritage along the way. Upon our arrival to Budapest, we are welcome and transferred to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Hotel Mercure Korona, Budapest (3 nights). Included: B, L, D.
Day 11: Budapest
Budapest, can par with any of its western neighbors. Stunning architecture, arts, and a lively social scene based around cafes, bars, and baths built by the Turks, make the capital a great starting point before heading into the countryside; filled with medieval castles, churches and towns.
Fine wines, folk customs, music and art, make Hungary a feast for the greediest of culture lovers. Our breakfast is followed by a full-day sightseeing in Budapest. Budapest is truly a lively and vivid Cultural City, the ‘heart of East – Europe’.
Our tour will acquaint us with the city’s most famous monuments, including the Andrássy Avenue, the magnificent Opera House, the St Stephen Basilica, the Castle District, the Matthias Church, the Fishermen's Bastion (WHS), the Margaret Island and the Citadel in a very personal and informative manner.
This tour will make you feel the elevated spirit of this magical city! The Dinner will be served in a typical restaurant with wine, music and folklore show. Included: B, L, D.
Day 12: Budapest / Balaton Lake / Budapest (drive)
Our breakfast will be followed by a full-day trip to the Balaton Lake, the socalled ‘Hungarian Sea‘. Balaton Lake is the largest freshwater body in Central Europe and it is one of the most significant natural treasures of Hungary and a unique ecological asset of the Central European region.
For its large surface area, Lake Balaton is an extremely shallow lake, dotted with several nice, interesting towns and sights, and mineral spas, complemented by the fine wines from the nearby hills of Badacsony. The oldest and most popular spa resort is Balantonfüred, with an easygoing sophistication and relaxed atmosphere.
Jutting out into the lake and almost joining the northern and southern shores is the Tihany Peninsula, which has an old Benedictine Abbey in the quaint town and is surrounded by a nature reserve, which many consider to be the most beautiful place on the lake.
After lunch and the visit of the Peninsula of Tihany, we continue our journey along the lake and via the World Heritage Site in Pannonhalma, the Abbey of Pannonhalma, we return to our hotel in Budapest. Included: B, L, D.
Day 13: Budapest / Homebound
After an impressive encounter of the ‘best of‘ these former Imperial Capitals, we leave this morning for the airport in Budapest, in time to reach our flight home or toward our next destination.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
USD / CAD: 4,470.00 - per person in double occupancy
Single supplement is USD / CAD: 880.00
Price includes:
- Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- All transfers, tours and sightseeing by private car or minivan
- All train fares and boat fare
- Entrance fees to all Sites, Museums and performances as mentioned
- Services of local English speaking guides
- Road taxes, parking fees and taxes
Price does not include:
- International flight tickets and airport taxes
- Visa fee (if applicable) and insurance
- Personal expenses, such as bar, laundry or phone bills
- Any drinks or beverages with meals
- Tips or other such costs
- All other services not mentioned
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Austria
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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