Day 2: Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, greetings from our representative and transfer to hotel Ananas. Enjoy the balance of the morning at leisure. Afternoon sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the evening stroll along the shop-lined pedestrian only Kartnerstrasse and sample Vienna’s famous pastries. UC

Day 3: Vienna–Prague. After breakfast drive to Prague, Capital of the Czech Republic. In the afternoon sightseeing tour of the Old Town Square with Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Dinner and overnight at hotel Bristol.

Day 4: Prague. After breakfast a city tour, including visit to the Prague Castle district including St. Vitus Cathedral and the famous Golden Lane. Lunch in a typical Czech restaurant. The afternoon is free for relaxing in a café or shopping through the city’s old town.

Day 5: Prague-Budapest. After breakfast morning drive to Budapest. Arrive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the NH Hotel.

Day 6: Budapest. After breakfast city tour includes Kossuth Square, Parliament, Heroes Square, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Hill and St. Matthew’s Church. Lunch at the hotel.The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening you will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional folkloric dinner (optional Blue Danube cruise)

Day 7: Budapest–Vienna. This morning we drive to Lake Balaton, the largest steppe lake in Europe and the most popular summer resort in Hungary. Visit the peninsula of Tihany. In the afternoon continue along the lake via the spa resort of Sarvar and the historical town of Sopron to Vienna. Hotel Ananas.

Day 8: Vienna–USA. After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight back home.

Day 2: Hello Hungary: Your transfer from Budapest Ferihegy International Airport to Hilton Budapest Hotel is included. Meet your fellow travelers and your Tauck Director at the welcome cocktail reception that's followed by a dinner cruise on the beautiful blue Danube River.  D. Lodging: Hilton Budapest Hotel, Budapest, Hungary

Day 3: Sightsee in Budapest: Tour landmarks in Budapest; view Heroes’ Square, bounded by the finest architectural works in Hungary; Chain Bridge; the Parliament building, a Neo-Gothic masterpiece; and get an overview of the city from Gellért Hill; You'll also visit Fishermen’s Bastion, with its Neo-Romanesque design, and the opulent State Opera House. Enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening. B

Day 4: Legacy of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn Palace: Travel to Vienna, Austria, where your first stop is Schönbrunn Palace, an Eastern Europe tour highlight. It was built to rival Versailles with 1,400 rooms, including a Hall of Mirrors, and served as the summer residence for Austria’s emperors. Take a guided tour of the State Apartments and formal gardens. Experience a magical evening in Vienna where dinner at your historic five-star hotel (in a perfect location right on the Ringstrasse) is followed by a classical music concert in a private venue TK. B,L,D.
Lodging: Grand Hotel Wien, Vienna, Austria

Day 5: A day in Vienna, an Eastern Europe tour favorite: Sightsee in Vienna’s historic district, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walking tour through the Hofburg Courtyard, and see the Gothic architecture of St. Stephen's Cathedral and medieval Vienna. In the afternoon, choose among many museums, parks or historic sites for your own exploration. B

Day 6: Continues in Historic Cesky Krumlov: Admire vineyards, castles, and monasteries on your journey along Tauck's Yellow Roads from Vienna to the Czech Republic. Arrive in Cesky Krumlov spa town, an outstanding example of a small, central European medieval town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walking tour of the town, crowned by Krumlov Castle, built in the 13th century with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements; you'll also visit the Baroque Castle Theatre. Continue on to Prague for a three-night stay right in the heart of the Czech Republic's historic capital city.  B,L,D. Lodging: InterContinental Praha, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 7: The best of Prague: Take a walking tour of Prague Old Town, linked to the castle district by the ornate Charles Bridge. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the astronomical clock. Get a taste of Prague during lunch at a local restaurant, then tour the Jewish Quarter. Highlights include Maisel and Pinkas Synagogues; a visit to the Jewish Cemetery, built in the 15th century; and the Old-New Synagogue, one of Europe's oldest places of worship still in use today. Take in other city sights on your own in the afternoon. B,L

Day 8: History unfolds:  See the Vltava River and Old Town on your way to Hradcany Castle, one of the largest ancient castles in the world. Built in the 9th century, it is the country’s traditional seat of power, and incorporates palaces, museums, monasteries, and halls for knighthood ceremonies. Visit the Library of Strahov Monastery, as well as the immense Cathedral of St. Vitus, the coronation site for Czech kings and queens. Visit St. Wenceslas Chapel, the most beautiful of the cathedral’s side chapels. In the evening, attend the exclusive farewell evening at Nelahozeves Castle. Join a member of the Lobkowicz family (former Czech nobility) for a wine reception followed by a tour of their private art collection and a gala farewell dinner. (TK) B,D

Day 9: Check out of the Czech Republic:  transfer from the InterContinental Praha Hotel to Prague Ruzyne International Airport is included; you should allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. B

DAY 1: Monday - Depart the USA. Depart the USA for Hungary. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment

2-DAY BERLIN EXTENSION STARTS HERE FR. $3009

DAY 10: Wed - Walking Tour of Dresden
Today cross Saxony to the Baroque art city of Dresden, also known as “the Florence on the Elbe River.” Enjoy a walking city tour to view sights including Zwinger Palace , the Semper Opera and the newly rebuilt Frauenkirche. Visit the stunning Green Vault museum of applied arts. Continue to Berlin, proud capital of reunited Germany
Berlin (B)

DAY 11: Thu- Berlin City Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Berlin. View the major sights of the city, including the Reichstag building, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, the remaining symbol of the former Berlin Wall. View the Unter den Linden Street and Kurfurstendam, as well as the State Opera House and the cathedral. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner (B, D) Berlin

DAY 12: Fr - Depart for USA
Transfer to the Berlin airport for your departure flight (B)

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Czech Republic: Depart your U.S. gateway city in the evening and fly through the night to Prague to start your vacation.

Day 2: Prague Arrival & Folkloric Evening:  You will then be met and transferred to your hotel. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. The 1,000-year-old capital, Prague, is Europe's best-preserved city. The River Vltava divides the city in two with the Castle Quarter and Little Quarter on the west and the Old Town and New Town on the east. Meet with your tour director to learn more about the delights that are in store for you on your tour. In the evening head to a local restaurant with your tour director and fellow travelers for a typical dinner with a folkloric show to introduce you to the food and customs of the Czech Republic. (D)

Day 3: Prague's Old Town: This morning take a leisurely walking tour to discover some of the lovely buildings in the old part of the city. Start at the Old Town Square to view the Old Town Hall with its intricate Astronomical Clock, which dates from 1410 and where a parade of apostles takes place on the hour. Walk through the Jewish Quarter to see the early Gothic Old-New Synagogue dating from 1270 and the Jewish town hall with an interesting 16th century clock. Pass St. Nicholas Church, one of the finest baroque buildings in Prague. Cross the Charles Bridge, which dates from 1357 and is decorated with 30 statues dating from the 18th century. This is a lively pedestrian area and usually people and musicians congregate here. The afternoon is at leisure and you are free for dining. In the evening enjoy an opera performance. (BB)

Day 4: Hradcany Castle: Cross the Vltava River to take a half-day sightseeing tour of Hradcany Castle, home to Czech rulers for over 1,000 years. This is the largest castle complex in the world and full of buildings of many types and ages. See the changing of the guard at the western entrance and walk through three courtyards to St. Vitus' Cathedral, which was started in 1344 and finally finished in 1929. This wonderful French Gothic building boasts elaborate stained-glass windows and countless chapels and monuments. Visit the Old Royal Palace with its huge Vladislav Hall, where horsemen used to joust. At the end of your tour the balance of the day is free and you may like to explore the Hradcany area near the castle. (BB)

Day 5: Travel to Vienna: Travel by motor coach to Vienna, which will take you through the pleasant countryside of East Bohemia and South Moravia. See farms and villages as you travel along and there will be some stops for refreshments and lunch. Cross the border into Austria and on arrival in Vienna head to your hotel and settle in. Then you will have some free time so that you can explore a little on your own. Meet up with your fellow travelers and tour escort and head to the Grinzing suburb in the hills above the city center. Sample some local foods as you dine in a typical local Heurigen restaurant with entertainment. (BB, D) TD

Day 6: Vienna Highlights: On your morning sightseeing tour, visit the Hofburg Palace, Habsburg residence from the 13th century to 1914 when the city was the seat of the mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire. As you drive through Vienna's city center, see the most important and imposing buildings including the Belvedere Palace, Prater amusement park, the UN buildings and the world-famous Vienna State Opera House. See the awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral with its colorful ceramic roof tiles and walk through its interior. The afternoon is free when you may like to shop in Kärntnerstrasse or you may wish to visit the Sacher Café, where the famous Sachertorte was first created. In the evening enjoy a concert of Strauss' and Vienna Mozart concert. (BB)

Day 7: Vienna's Museum: Take a guided visit to view the highlights of the Kunsthistorische Museum this morning. This magnificent building was created to house the artistic treasures assembled by the Habsburgs under one roof. Opened in 1891 and located on the Vienna Ringstrasse, the Italian Renaissance building was conceived as a memorial to Habsburg patronage. The Museum's collections range from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman Antiquities to collections of Medieval Art and splendid Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces that are amongst the most important and spectacular in the world. The balance of the day is free for independent sightseeing, shopping and dining. (BB)

Day 8: Budapest Arrival: Today travel eastwards by motor coach to Budapest, often called "Paris of the East". This journey will take you through the pleasant countryside of Hungary. After you settle in your hotel, the balance of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. The hilly city of Buda and the flat city of Pest were joined in 1873 by the building of the Chain Bridge, the first to cross the River Danube. Budapest bears the influence of many different cultures including Romans, Magyars and Turks and was part of the Habsburg Empire until 1914. (BB)

Day 9: Introduction to Budapest: Your morning sightseeing tour includes views of the decorative Parliament Building, seat of the National Assembly and located on the banks of the River Danube. Take a walk along Vaci Utca, a pedestrianized street lined with fashionable shops and restaurants. Visit Heroes' Square to look at the Millennium Memorial, a 118-foot Corinthian column dedicated to the Roman Catholic Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore some of the other attractions in the city or stroll along the Danube Embankment. (BB)

Day 10: Buda Sightseeing: See some of the seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elizabeth Bridges, which connect Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. Your sightseeing tour this morning focuses on the Castle Hill area on the Buda side of the city. Visit the 13th century Matthias Church, where Franz Liszt's Hungarian Coronation Mass was first played at the coronation of Franz Joseph and Elizabeth in 1867. Survey the Danube and Pest from the Fisherman's Bastion and see the majestic facades of the Royal Palace complex. The afternoon is free for last minute shopping or independent sightseeing. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with entertainment in a typical csarda restaurant. (AM) (BB, D)

Day 11: Depart Budapest: After breakfast, take a transfer to Budapest Airport for your departure flight. After check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before boarding your flight for the journey home. (BB)

Day 2: Arrive Prague, Czech Republic: After arriving in Prague, variously called the "Golden City" or "The City of 100 Spires," the remainder of your day is at leisure. You will come to adore Prague, whose historic center has been included on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Prague: Your introduction to this fairy tale city begins with a panoramic tour as you drive through the city to the amazing Hradcany Castle. Walk the famous Golden Lane with its delightful miniature houses, including one that was the residence of Franz Kafka. View St. Vitus Cathedral as well as the lovely statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure to independently explore the city, shop for famous Bohemian crystal, or visit one of the city’s many outstanding museums, such as the Lapidarium, home of stone sculptures dating from the 11th century to the present. cl.(D)

Day 4: Prague: Today you visit Prague’s Old Jewish Quarter. See its historic Jewish Museum and Europe's oldest surviving Jewish cemetery, founded in 1478. Continue to explore this fascinating area with a leisurely walking tour through the old town. Don’t miss the famous Orloj, which functions as a clock, calendar, primitive planetarium and showcases a parade of the Apostles. This evening you are invited to a wonderful dinner of culinary delights at one of Prague’s historic restaurants. (B, D)

Day 5: Prague - Vienna, Austria. Stay at the Hotel De France Hotel: A scenic ride through the countryside takes you from Prague into the grand city of Vienna, the former capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. With the remainder of your day at leisure, you may choose to sample a scrumptious strudel or Sachertorte at a traditional “kaffeehaus.” Perhaps you will visit a fascinating museum or see the Old Quarter from a horse-drawn “Fiaker,” a well-appointed horse-drawn carriage whose driver traditionally sports a bowler hat. Dinner is followed by an unforgettable classical music concert featuring many fine melodies from the great composers. (B, D)

Day 6: Vienna : A city tour features the baroque marvels of Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty for more than 200 years. Touring Vienna’s city center, see the gothic St. Stephan’s Cathedral and behold the beautiful architecture, scenic parks, and gothic spires that fill the city. Enjoy a memorable evening, with entertainment, in the picturesque wine-making village of Grinzing at the centuries-old Altes Presshaus restaurant which is known for serving "Heurige" (new wine) since 1527.  (B, D)

Day 7: Vienna - Danube River - Melk - Vienna: Travel along the banks of the Danube to the medieval town of Durnstein where you board your boat for a scenic Danube River cruise. "Waltz" across one of the most breathtaking bodies of water in the world, immortalized by Strauss, and travel through the historic Wachau Valley. Later, visit the 11th century Melk Abbey, famous for its production and collection of manuscripts. A leisurely ride through the Vienna Woods concludes this marvelous day. CL  (B)

Day 8: Vienna - Budapest, Hungary . Stay at the Artotel Hotel: Your journey continues to Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube," and truly one of the world's most beautiful cities. Buda, decidedly more rugged in terrain, sits on one side of the river, and Pest is on the gentler opposite bank. (B, D)

Day 9: Budapest - Lajosmizse (Horse Show) :Travel to the picturesque Hungarian Great Plain countryside, called the "Puszta," and visit a typical horse farm in this land which some say is "flat as water." Learn the unique culture and history of the Csikos, or Hungarian horsemen, whose equestrian lineage reaches back 1000 years. Watch in amazement as they put on a spectacular horse show for your pleasure. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Hungarian feast, including goulash soup, in a typical setting against a backdrop of wonderful gypsy music.  (B, L)

Day 10: Budapest - Szentendre - Visegrad - Budapest: An informative city tour features the Mathias Church, site of many coronations of kings. Also visit the Fishermen’s Bastion with its white walls, towers and arcades for spectacular views. Continue to historic Old Buda and Gellert Hill, followed by the Parliament. At Heroes Square, admire the imposing Millennium Monument, completed in 1904, which memorializes the 1000th anniversary of Hungarian dominion. Later, visit the beautiful baroque town of Szentendre and travel to the former Renaissance capital of Visegrad to enjoy a magnificent view of the Danube Bend and the Borzsony Mountains. Travel back in time with a visit to a 14th century castle where knights with colorful costumes and authentic weaponry recreate the days of chivalry. This evening, enjoy a special Renaissance-style dinner and re-enact the days of medieval times. Complete with wine and music, this highlight will end your fascinating cultural journey. (CL)  (B, D)

Day 11: Budapest: Depart for Home. (B)

DAY 2 Vienna at Leisure. Welcome to Austria! On arrival at Vienna Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:00, 12:00 & 15:00. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Hilton.

DAY 3 Vienna - Budapest. A leisurely drive brings you to the Hungarian border. Continue through rich farmland, passing the eagle overlooking the town of Tatabanya, before arriving in Budapest, your home for two nights. Enjoy the view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Now ascend to the very heart of Buda's Castle District to visit Matthias Church, with its incredible interior decoration, and take in the vista of the beautiful Parliament building from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Then cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes’ Square and Andrassy Boulevard. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Beke (BB,HD)

DAY 4 Budapest at Leisure. Budapest is a magnificent city exuding a cultural sophistication that entices and enchants, so today is set aside for you to explore at your own pace. Shop for bargains in fine porcelain and colourful embroideries, rejuvenate in the famed spa baths, or take an optional excursion to explore the ‘Secret Treasures of Budapest’. The choice is yours. (BB,D)

DAY 5 Budapest - Bratislava. Take a drive past the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum and along the Danube to the pretty riverside village of Szentendre. This community has long been the haunt of artists, enchanted by its brightly coloured houses and quaint churches. Continue to Visegrád, where the castle walls and Solomon’s Tower are all that remain of Visegrád’s regal splendour. Walk up to the Citadel for breath-taking views across the Danube Bend. See Esztergom, former capital of Hungary, and visit its splendid cathedral. Cross the Danube at Komarom to enter the Republic of Slovakia and continue to the capital of Bratislava. Upon arrival, view the presidential palace before taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town, stopping at the medieval Town Hall.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 6 Bratislava - Prague. Drive to the 9th century castle, perched high above the Danube, for panoramic views across Bratislava. After crossing into the Czech Republic, continue through the wine-producing area of South Moravia to the political and cultural hub of the region, Brno. During an orientation tour, see the unusual baroque Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, as well as the grim Spilberk Fortress, used as a jail by the Nazis during World War Two. Continue through Czech countryside to ‘Golden’ Prague – named for its gleaming gilded spires.
Hotel: Moevenpick. (BB,D)

DAY 7 Prague Sightseeing. Prague is one of the most fashionable, beautiful and culturally exciting cities in Europe. The Czech capital features a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture; a sightseeing tour with an expert local guide introduces the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle and majestic St Vitus’ Cathedral. Descend to the Old Town, where the tour concludes at the fascinating Astronomical Clock in the city square. Later, there is time to shop for fine Bohemian crystal, Carlsbad porcelain or superb costume jewellery; treasures for which the Czech Republic is world-famous. (BB)

DAY 8 Prague - Vienna. Enjoy a drive through the green Bohemian countryside, passing the town of Tabor, headquarters of the 15th century reformer, John Huss, and continuing south to Cesky Krumlov, a picturesque medieval town sitting amidst the Vltava River. Time here to wander through the cobblestone, traffic free streets, past colourful houses that lead up to the finest castle in the land. After some free time to explore, head back to Vienna for a two-night stay.  Hotel: Hilton. (BB)

DAY 9 Vienna Sightseeing. A sightseeing highlight this morning is a guided visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace and gardens. See also St Charles’ Church and the baroque architecture of the Opera House, the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Cafés are an institution in Vienna; your guide points out some of the most famous and explains the history and important role they play in local culture. The afternoon is free to shop or continue sightseeing. As night falls, why not join your friends for a farewell dinner (IN) (BB)

DAY 10 Return to USA. Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Vienna Airport at 07:00 & 09:00. (BB)