Including Prague, Vienna & Budapest
This 7 day tour starts in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic also known as the
“City of a Hundred Spires”. During your tour you will see some of the highlights that make up the city. Next is Vienna, the capital of Austria known as the city of music, art and culture. Finally Budapest, the capital of Hungary straddling the Danube River. All three cities have a rich history, a combination of architectural values, a tantalizing cuisine and incredible art.
It is believed that the House of Habsburg took its name from the Habsburg Castle built in the 1020’s. As the years went by, the family accumulated more wealth, titles and land.
Day 1 Saturday arrive in Prague
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. There’s time to relax before meeting your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 Sunday in Prague
his morning we tour the old part of the city to view the historic Old Town Square whose history dates back to the 10th century beginning with the famous Astronomical Clock known as “Orloj” attached to the Old Town Hall. When the mediaeval clock strikes the hour (from 900 AM – 1100 PM), the Procession of Twelve Apostles sets in motion. Next is the Jewish Quarter officially known as Josefov, the largest Jewish ghetto in Europe. You will learn about the history, legends and traditions of the Jewish people in Prague while exploring the synagogues and streets of the former Ghetto. You will also discover the life of Jewish author Franz Kafka. Moving on we come to St. Nicholas Church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Europe with its monumental interior. Crossing the Vltava River is Charles Bridge. This stone Gothic bridge connects the Old Town and the Lesser Town (Mala Strana). On either side of the bridge are statues (some copies with the originals on display in the Lapidarium) with the most popular being St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr saint. It has been said that touching the statue is supposed to bring good luck and ensure that you return to Prague. Today the bridge is a pedestrian zone. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Optional tour: Visit the Strahov monastery and its brewery
Day 3 Monday in Prague
We cross the Vltava River to see the Royal Castle of Hradcany said to be the largest castle in the world with three courtyards and several magnificent buildings with its history stretching back to the 9th century. Here you will find the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, and the Golden Lane with the Daliborka Tower. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B)
Optional tour: Prague river cruise
Day 4 Tuesday to Vienna
We travel by motorcoach to Vienna, the “City of Waltz.” There is free time to start discovering the city’s delights from shopping to architecture to pastries. In the evening enjoy a classical Concert of Strauss’s and Mozart’s music. (B)
Day 5 Wednesday in Vienna
We start the day with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. Your tour continues with a view Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park and the UN Buildings. (B)
Optional tour: Visit the Schönbrunn Castle.
Day 6 Thursday to Budapest
Today we depart for Budapest. The afternoon is free to explore the “Paris of the East” with time to shop along the fashionable Vaci Utca, nibble on a delicious slice of apple strudel, sip some Hungarian wine or perhaps join an optional excursion. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Optional tour: Market tour with food tasting
Day 7 Friday in Budapest
Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of all the main attractions: The Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Castle Hill area, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square and Gellert Hill with its Citadel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city. Tonight, enjoy dinner with entertainment in a typical Csarda restaurant with your fellow travelers and your Tour Director for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 8 Saturday depart Budapest
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for departure.