Prague, Vienna & Budapest

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Your tour manager will meet you when you arrive, and you'll be transferred to your first hotel. Depending on the time you arrive, you may like to head out for your first exploration of the Czech capital. A delightful walkabout city, Prague is crammed with bars and restaurants.
• Day 2
  Get to know this, one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, which has miraculously survived the turbulent centuries unscathed. Join our guide for a walking tour that will introduce the exquisite Old Town (Staré Mesto), the city’s heart since the 13th-century, then cross the River Vlatva by the famous cobbled Charles Bridge, with its blackened statues, into the steeply sloping left bank. Here, the Hradcany district is dominated by the imposing mass of Prague’s ancient castle. Beneath this magnificent building, home to great St Vitus’ Cathedral and the historic Royal Palace, are the narrow, sloping cobbled streets of Malá Strana, the Little Quarter. After the tour, you'll have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure. And, this evening, why not join our optional buffet dinner river cruise?
• Day 3
  Continue exploring the fascinating city of Prague at your leisure today, or join our optional excursion to the former Eastern German city of Dresden on the River Elbe. The restored glories of this Baroque city – which was almost destroyed by Allied bombs during World War Two – include the stupendous Frauenkirche, which lay in ruins from 1945 until its rebuilding following Reunification, the surrounding Altstadt, Baroque Theaterplatz, the Residenzschloss – seat of Saxon kings and home to a priceless jewel collection – and the pavilions and courtyards of the Zwinger buildings. On the Elbe's northern bank, Neustadt and neighbouring Aussere Neustadt brim with life, and are home to several fascinating museums. Don’t miss the view of the Altstadt from Neustadt’s riverside meadows. After a fascinating day, return to Prague to spend a last evening.
• Day 4
  Take your leave of Prague, and head south into a rolling, romantic region of dense forests, medieval towns and hill-top castles. By early afternoon you will have crossed into Austria, and will arrive in the great Imperial city of Vienna. Enjoy a guided introduction to the magnificent seat of the Hapsburg Empire, with its imposing Baroque palaces and cathedral. The world famous Hofburg Palace is home to the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys’ Choir, several museums and the Austrian President, while the Old Town (Innere Stadt) is a labyrinth of streets humming with the buzz of shops and cafés. Vienna is famous as the home of the Kaffeehaus, and you should definitely set aside some time during your visit to sit and enjoy coffee and cake in one of these celebrated Viennese meeting places.
• Day 5
  This morning, explore Vienna once again, or join our optional excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace. An Imperial summer home and one of Austria’s greatest treasures, this magnificent building once echoed with the music of the young Mozart.
• Day 6
  Bid farewell to the Austrian capital, and cross into picturesque Slovakia, heading to its wonderful capital, Bratislava. Delightfully set on the River Danube, close to the point where Austria and Hungary converge, Bratislava is a cosmopolitan mix of Central European influences that boasts glorious Baroque palaces and some stunning churches. After a fascinating few hours in the city, re-board the coach and continue your journey into Hungary and its glorious, Danubeside capital, Budapest, where you'll spend your last two nights.
• Day 7
  Enjoy this morning’s introductory tour of the "twin" city set astride the river. The western half is Buda, an elegant hillside city of opulent buildings, while its eastern opposite is Pest, a bustling hive of museums, galleries, thermal baths, restaurants and bars. Discover the former’s castle district, with its delightful medieval houses and the fascinating medieval frescoes of the Matyas Church, and soak up the spectacular views from Fishermen’s Bastion. In Pest, the vast Gothic Parliament lining the river and the grandiose Heroes Square, with its imposing columns and statues, are just two of the highlights. Later this afternoon, you'll enjoy an included river cruise, while this evening, you'll have the chance to join an optional folklore evening of traditional Hungarian music and food.
• Day 8
  Transfer to the airport to check in for your flight home after a fascinating tour through central Europe.