Day 1: Depart for Budapest
Overnight flights to Eastern Europe from USA to Budapest
Day 2: Arrive in Budapest, Hungary.
Time to rest and start exploring this vibrant city. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3: Budapest.
Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century Matthias Coronation church and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. GL. (B)
Day 4: Budapest–Vienna, Austria.
This morning, drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your guided sightseeing with a visit to historical Schonbrunn Palace. Next, enjoy vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and admire awesome St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B)
Day 5: At Leisure in Vienna.
A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Your Tour Director has suggestions how to spend your evening. (B)
Day 6: Vienna–Rosenburg–Prague, Czech Republic.
Enjoy a highlight visit to Rosenburg Castle, beautifully situated in the middle of a nature reserve. Tour the castle and admire the impressive interiors as well as a Falconry show (if held). Next, continue to the Czech capital, Prague. This evening, why not join an optional outing to explore Prague by night. (B,L)
Day 7: Prague sightseeing tour.
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a visit to the 1,000-year-old Hdradcany Castle grounds. Also see St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe. Afterwards, you may want to mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square. This evening, why not join an optional dinner outing? (B)
Day 8: Prague–Dresden, Germany–Berlin.
Enjoy a walk through Dresden, the former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the city has since been restored to its baroque splendor. You’ll love the architecture of the Zwinger Palace and Semper Opera! Then, head for the capital of reunited Germany, Berlin. Tonight is your chance to sample Berlin’s fine restaurants and nightlife! (B)
Day 9: Berlin.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the Ku’damm, the restored Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten Park, a picture stop at monumental Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, and a visit to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church. Drive along Unter den Linden Boulevard, and pass the German State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie. The afternoon is free and an optional excursion to historic Potsdam is available. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the success of your vacation. (B,D)
Day 10: Berlin.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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