Explore three finest Imperial capitals as you journey throughout central Europe from medieval Prague, to majestic Budapest and opulent Vienna, once belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. All three cities spread out alongside the banks of beautiful European water arteries, Vltava River and Danube River. Admire their palaces, cathedrals, parks and bridges, linked by cobbled lanes – all a rich legacy that the Monarchy left behind.
Prague (Czech Republic), Budapest (Hungary), Vienna (Austria)
Day 1. Prague Arrival to Prague
Arrive in Prague and transfer to you hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Prague.
Day 2. Prague City Tour – Prague Old Town and Jewish Quarter
After breakfast, start your city tour in a historical Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. The sights include majestic Municipal House, the Art Nouveau building, Gothic Powder Gate, one of the original city gates of late gothic Prague, the historical Prague Estates Theatre where Mozart conducted the premiere of his opera Don Giovanni in 1787, and the world’s oldest Astronomical clock “Orloj”. In the late afternoon, enjoy Vltava River Cruise with a dinner on board.
Overnight in Prague.
In the late afternoon, enjoy Vltava River Cruise with dinner on board. It’s truly one of the most delightful ways to see the beauty of Prague while avoiding the busy streets and enjoying utter peace and the river’s serenity. Buffet style restaurant offers a wide choice of refreshments.
Overnight at the hotel in Prague.
After breakfast, start your city tour with Strahov Monastery, founded in 1140, continue to Prague Castle. The castle used to be a residence for Holy Roman Emperors and kings of Bohemia. Now it is an official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. Walk along the Golden Lane – a tiny street with colourful houses within Prague Castle complex, and a picturesque district Lesser Town, dating back to the 13th century. Cross Vltava River over the famous Charles Bridge.
Just a few steps to the cellar in the Old Town, and you’ll find yourself in a medieval tavern, where a live show unfolds before your eyes. There will be plenty to see, what to listen and most importantly, what to taste.
Overnight at a hotel in Prague.
We leave Prague and travel to Budapest, another amazing city, preserved charm and magic of its Imperial past. Our journey by motorcoach will take about 3 hours to reach Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic.
After breakfast and check out, drive to Bratislava (about 3 hours), the capital of the Slovak Republic. In the afternoon, explore the historical core of Bratislava. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube River. Continue to Budapest, also known as “Paris of the East”.
Admire Budapest in the night lights from Danube River traveling aboard a luxury small cruise ship.
Overnight at a hotel in Budapest.
After breakfast, start your city tour with the Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle and a neo-Renaissance building of the Hungarian State Opera House. Continue to the most famous landmark of the city – the Neo-Gothic-style Parliament building on the bank of the Danube River. The rest of the day is at leisure. Check out shops along the Vaci Utca Street, or Andrassy, also called the Champs Elysees.
Dinner with live music in a typical Hungarian Csarda restaurant.
Overnight at a hotel in Budapest.
After breakfast, explore the Castle Hill area with its 13th century Matthias Church, the heart of Buda’s district, and Fisherman’s Bastion. Continue to the Buda Castle and enjoy stunning views of the city and the Danube River from the dome terrace. It is a home of the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Bus and walking tour to the city of Szentendre, a Hungarian town on the Danube River, known for its baroque architecture, churches, colorful houses and narrow cobbled streets.
Overnight at a hotel in Budapest.
After breakfast and check out, drive to Vienna, the capital of Austria (less than 3 hours). Enjoy your city tour which includes amazing palaces and elegant shopping streets. Vienna is a home to the richest museums, art galleries, traditional confectioneries and famous Viennese coffee. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Vienna.
After breakfast, enjoy Vienna Woods Tour which will bring you centuries-old history and traditions of Vienna’s outskirts. Tour along the scenic roads of the Vienna Woods, visit the castle of Liechtenstein, a functioning monastery of the Holy Cross, followed by the hunting lodge of the Habsburgs – Mayerling. Continue to the cozy spa town of Baden where you will see the Roman bath, City Park, the largest casino in Europe as well as places related to the lives and works of the great composers Beethoven, Schubert and Strauss. Learn about winemaking and taste some local wines. Return to Vienna.
Night Vienna will amaze you with an abundance of lights and mysterious shadows, opening to the brave travelers all the secrets of the centuries-old history. Already become habitual buildings of the Opera, Hofburg, Quarter of Museums, Parliament or Town Hall will turn into beams of night illumination in fairy-tale pictures. The amusement park and entertainment complex Prater will complete the picture of dreaminess and light nostalgia for the imperial era of the Austro-Hungarian Kaisers. The program will end in a traditional Viennese wine restaurant, the Heurige, where you can taste Austrian cuisine and young wine made by local winemakers.
Overnight at a hotel in Vienna.
After breakfast, visit Schönbrunn Palace, a former summer residence of the Empress Elizabeth, known as “Sissi”. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful palaces and park ensembles in Europe and one of the most important architectural, cultural, and historical monuments in the country. The palace complex features the magnificent park, Palm House, Glorietta Pavilion and Zoo.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Vienna restaurants with national cuisine and music. After dinner, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Vienna.
Transfer from the hotel to the airport.