DAY 1, Sunday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA to Hungary. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation meeting at your hotel. Breakfast
DAY 3, Tuesday - Budapest City Tour
Today, enjoy a city tour of Budapest. Begin in Pest and continue to view the Parliament, Heroes' Square, and Market Hall before crossing the Danube to the Buda Hills. There, see the Royal Palace, visit Matthias Church and continue to the Fishermen's Bastion for enthralling panoramic views of the city. Breakfast
Optional: Parliament, St. Stephen's & Great Market Hall (PM)
DAY 4, Wednesday - Vienna City Tour
Depart Hungary and travel through the Austrian countryside to Vienna, former center of the Hapsburg Empire. Upon arrival in Vienna, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city that begins with a drive along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard, to view Hofburg Palace, the Opera House, the monument of Empress Maria Theresia, Votive Church, City Hall, Belvedere Palace, Prater Amusement Park, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Afterwards, continue to Schonbrunn Palace for a highlight tour. Breakfast
Optional: Mozart and Strauss Concert (PM) Breakfast
DAY 5, Thursday - Day at Leisure in Vienna
Enjoy a full day to explore Vienna independently. As European cultural capital, Vienna abounds with stunning palaces, historical monuments, fascinating museums, and some of the world's best concert performances, ranging from classical masterpieces to lively jazz fusion. Breakfast
Optional: Half Day Bratislava (AM)
Optional: Austrian Wine Tavern Dinner (PM)
DAY 6, Friday - Cesky Krumlov, Arrive in Prague
This morning, depart Austria for the Czech Republic. Begin with a stop in Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with a maze of narrow cobbled streets. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Cesky Krumlov has earned an international reputation as a time capsule of the past. Enjoy a short walk through the town and view its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance houses. Later, continue through Southern Bohemia to the Czech capital, Prague – “The City of a Thousand Spires”. Breakfast
DAY 7, Saturday - Prague City Tour
A morning sightseeing tour of Prague includes a visit to the Royal Castle District at Hradcany, former residence of the Bohemian kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the city and Charles Bridge below as well as a visit to St. Vitus Cathedral. Following your visit, view St. George's Basilica, the oldest church in the Castle complex and best preserved Romanesque basilica in Prague. Breakfast
DAY 8, Sunday - Return to the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Breakfast
Optional Excursions
Budapest Parliament, St. Stephen's & Great Market Hall: This comprehensive tour includes three splendid interiors and at the same time provides an insight on local politics, religion and products. The cost of building the Hungarian House of Parliament would have paid for the construction of an entire town for 40,000 people. A stunning interior and the Hungarian Crown Jewels await us there. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit each day. Next we tour St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest and most impressive church of Budapest where a relic, the mummified hand of St. Stephen, can be seen. Finally our guide takes us to the historic Great Market Hall where, like a hundred years ago, the locals still do their everyday shopping. At your leisure, absorb the unique atmosphere with over 100 market stalls and an endless choice of regional products.$60
Vienna Mozart & Strauss Concert: What better way to spend an evening in the "City of Music" than enjoying a concert of Austria's greatest composers in one of the city's splendid palaces. With the musicians, singers and dancers wearing historic costumes, this performance takes us back in time to the days when Mozart and Strauss were alive. A glass of champagne is included during the intermission. $65
Austrian Country Dinner: This fun evening begins with a short drive through the legendary Vienna Woods to the top of Mount Kahlenberg with panoramic views of Vienna. Continue to one of the charming old wine villages in the vicinity for dinner. The characteristic Heurigen tavern dates back to the 18th century and has been family run for generations. Local musicians entertain with traditional melodies while hearty Austrian dishes are served. Wine and soft drinks are included. $75
Half Day Bratislava: This morning enjoy a half-day excursion across the border to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. For centuries, this city has been famous for its charm and beauty. It has undergone a major revitalization and now flourishes as one of Europe's newest capitals. The beautifully restored old town with its winding lanes and medieval courtyards is nestled between the steep Castle Hill and the Danube River. First, explore the historic center on a guided walking tour. Then, with time at leisure, stroll the lively pedestrian streets of this charming city where local street vendors offer regional gifts. $60
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