DAY 1, Tuesday - Arrive in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening at approximately 6 pm, enjoy a Welcome Drink and Dinner, along with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at your hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm on Day 2 of the itinerary, or earlier if possible
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Wednesday - Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins in Pest with a chance to view the Parliament, Royal Palace and Heroes' Square. You will cross the Danube River on the Elizabeth Bridge into the Buda Hills. Visit Castle Hill to see the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church. From Fisherman's Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Spend the afternoon at leisure, and tonight perhaps choose the optional Danube Cruise that includes dinner
Optional: Danube Cruise with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Thursday - Travel to Vienna
Spend the morning at leisure in Budapest or join the optional tour to the Parliament, St Stephen’s Basilica and the historic Great Market Hall.* Later, depart Hungary and travel through the Austrian countryside to Vienna, the former center of the Hapsburg Empire. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure in Vienna. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens
*Be advised that you might not be able to book this optional tour locally, due to certain restrictions regarding the Parliament.
Optional: Parliament, St. Stephen's and Great Market Hall (AM)
Optional: Mozart & Strauss Concert (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Friday - Vienna City Tour
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour that begins with a visit to the impressive Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburg emperors. Continue with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse and view the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall and Parliament. Next, walk through the Hofburg courtyards to the State Opera House. The rest of the day is at leisure, or join the optional The Glory of the Hapsburg Emperors. Journey through over 1,000 years of power, wealth and glory and experience imperial Vienna at the Hapsburg Treasury. Afterwards, visit the Imperial Crypt where your local expert makes the days of the great Empire come alive
Optional: The Glory of the Hapsburg Emperors (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Bratislava City Tour
This morning enjoy a half-day excursion across the border to Bratislava, the 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. After, take time to stroll the lively pedestrian streets of this charming city where local street vendors offer regional gifts before returning to Vienna. Tonight join the optional dinner at an Austrian Heurigen Tavern. Local musicians entertain with traditional melodies while hearty Austrian dishes are served
Optional: Austrian Country Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Sunday - Travel to Prague
After breakfast this morning, depart Austria for the Czech Republic. Travel through Southern Bohemia to the Czech capital, Prague - "The City of a Thousand Spires". Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure for individual pursuits. Perhaps explore unique galleries, museums and stroll along Parizska street, the city’s famous shopping district. Tonight, try traditional Czech cuisine at one of the many world-class restaurants in Prague
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Prague City Tour
This morning's sightseeing will include a walking tour of the Lesser Town and the Old Town, viewing the 14th century Charles Bridge, with its 30 baroque statues of various saints. From here, admire the view of Prague Castle. Continue through the Old Town Square to view the famous Old Town Hall Tower & Astronomical Clock, the Municipal House, Powder Tower and the Jewish Quarter. The rest of the day is at leisure or join the optional afternoon tour to the hilltop Prague Castle complex, former residence of Bohemian Kings and to the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, where kings were crowned and battles were fought. Experience spectacular vistas of the entire city below. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral (PM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Dresden En route to Berlin
Today cross Saxony to the Baroque art city of Dresden, also known as "the Florence on the Elbe River". Discover this astonishing Renaissance city that has emerged from its wartime destruction to a luxurious splendor. Stop at the ornate Zwinger Palace, once a setting for court festivities, and the world-famous Semper Opera House. Continue to the Frauenkirche Church, symbol of reconstruction with its magnificent baroque dome. Afterwards, travel to Berlin, proud capital of reunited Germany. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Berlin
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Wednesday - Berlin City Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Berlin. Marvel at the landmarks of the old East and West sections of Berlin, including the Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of the reunification, the glass dome Reichstag Building and "Checkpoint Charlie," the last remaining mark of the formerly divided city. Drive along Unter den Linden Boulevard past the State Opera House and the imposing Cathedral. End the day in the shopping and entertainment district of Kurfürstendamm with its rows of boutiques, cafes and non-stop activity. The balance of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour to nearby Potsdam. The historic "City of Palaces" is well known as the meeting place of Truman, Churchill, and Stalin in 1945 at the Cecilienhof Palace for the Potsdam Conference, where they created post-World War II Europe. Another stop is made at the Sanssouci Palace, former summer residence of the Prussian kings and German emperors. During a walking tour of the castle grounds, pass the old windmill, explore the lovely gardens and see the burial site of Frederick the Great. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers
Optional: Potsdam Tour (PM)
Overnight: Berlin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Depart Germany
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
***End of Tour***
SPECIAL FEATURES:
· View Heroes' Square, the largest and most impressive square in Budapest
· See Matthias Church, that served as the scene of several coronations, Budapest
· Stop at Fisherman's Bastion, for enthralling panoramic views of Budapest
· Visit Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family in Vienna
· Enjoy a guided walking tour of charming Bratislava, capital of Slovakia
· Take a city tour of Prague "The City of a Thousand Spires"
· View Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, symbols of the formerly divided city, Berlin
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