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, Tues Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation at your hotel (D): BUDAPEST

Day 4, Thurs Today, explore Budapest on your own or select our optional morning Jewish interest tour including the Small Synagogue, Fake Cemetery and Raoul Wallenberg Memorial. Continue on a guided walk through the Pest Jewish area which includes the Dohaney Synagogue, the Holocaust Memorial and the new Holocaust Museum ($44). This afternoon, select an optional visit to the Parliament followed by a cruise on the scenic Danube River ($49) (B): BUDAPEST

Day 6, Sat This morning, a sightseeing tour begins with a view of Belvedere Palace and its gardens. Continue with a drive along the famous Ring Strasse and view the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and Prater amusement park along with other landmarks of the city's imperial history. Conclude with a walk through the Hofburg courtyards to the State Opera House. Balance the day at leisure or choose an optional tour to visit Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburg family ($44). This evening, if you wish, attend an optional Mozart and Strauss concert ($49) (B): VIENNA

Day 8, Mon A morning sightseeing tour of Prague includes a visit to the Royal Castle at Hradčany, former residence of the Bohemian kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the city and Charles Bridge below. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral and view St. George's Basilica and the Golden Lane. Continue to the Jewish Quarter and the Old Town Square to view the famous Town Hall Astronomical Clock. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join an optional in-depth tour of Jewish Prague which includes the Jewish Museum, Altneu Shul, the Old Cemetery and the Synagogues; Pinkas, Klaus, Maisel and Spanish ($49). This evening, enjoy a dinner at a typical local restaurant (B, D): PRAGUE

Day 10, Wed Transfer to the airport for your departure flight (B).

2-DAY BERLIN EXTENSION STARTS HERE FR. $2529

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: Arrive at Prague Airport, proceed through immigration and pick up your baggage. 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) Ata

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) AM

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. (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. (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.  (B) CL

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.  (B, D)

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

Day 2 – Vienna at Leisure: On arrival at Vienna Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Bosei Hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Austrian capital's famous sights. Relax at a Viennese café or stroll through the Stadtpark to see the golden statue of Strauss? Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Meeting. Hotel: Bosei.

Day 3 – Vienna – Budapest: This morning we cross the Hungarian border and continue through farmland to the baroque town of Gyor before arriving in Budapest. Our sightseeing on arrival takes us to hilltop Buda to explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the Matthias church and enjoy views over the Danube. Then to the commercial district of Pest where we see the Parliament Building and Heroes’ Square, before continuing to our hotel for the next two nights. Hotel: Budapest. (B,D)

Day 4 – Budapest at Leisure: You are free today to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Maybe shop for bargains in fine porcelain or take an optional excursion to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre with its brightly coloured houses and quaint churches. (B)

Day 5 – Budapest – Prague: Take a delightful scenic drive across the Blue Danube to reach the Slovakian border. Visit the capital city of Bratislava to see the dominating castle before continuing through the Czech countryside to the beautifully preserved ‘golden’ city of Prague. Hotel: Barcelo. (B,D)

Day 6 – Prague Sightseeing: From the heights of Prague Castle, a ‘city within a city’ dominated by the soaring spires of St Vitus’ Cathedral, look down on the Old Town and the Vltava River. Stroll the cobbled streets, explore the ancient Jewish quarter and the Old Town Square – don’t miss the Four Apostles above the Astronomical Clock on the hour. (B,D)

Day 7 – Prague – Berlin: Leave Prague and cross the border to Germany, arriving in historic Dresden in time for a walking tour of the courtyards of the glorious Zwinger Palace and the opulent Opera House. See the colossal Castle of the Electors of Saxony, including the unique Saxon Wall overlaid with Meissen tiles and, finally, the renovated Frauenkirche. Drive on to the German capital, Berlin.  Hotel: Abacus Tierpark Hotel. (B,D)

Day 8 – Berlin Sightseeing: Join a local guide to see this re-unified city. Follow the Unter den Linden past the Opera and Alexanderplatz, before continuing on to the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of Berlin. See the Reichstag, a massive Neo-Renaissance-style palace inaugurated in 1894 which has recently been crowned with a new dome. See the Victory Column in the Tiergarten Park before spending the rest of the day at leisure – take in the shops or perhaps join an optional excursion to Potsdam. (B)

Day 9 – Berlin – Nuremberg: Head south to the musical city of Leipzig, where Mendelssohn and Bach lived and played. See St Nikolai Church, where the 1989 Peace Prayers led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Continue to Nuremberg, once Germany’s medieval centre of culture and craftsmanship, now home to the country’s most famous Christmas Market. See the Zeppelinwiese, used for Hitler’s rallies and tour the Old Town to see Albrecht Durer’s house, Beautiful Fountain, and the massive town ramparts. IN. Hotel: NH Forsthaus. IN (B,D)

Day 10 – Nuremberg – Vienna: Take a scenic drive past Regensburg and on to the frontier town of Passau, nestled between Bavaria and Austria. Time is set aside to stroll along the Danube and admire the Baroque churches and patrician houses of the Old Town before crossing the Austrian border. See the Benedictine Melk Abbey at the very tip of a rocky bluff overlooking the Danube before arriving in Vienna. Hotel: Bosei. (B)

Day 11 – Vienna Sightseeing: A guided tour shows you the Imperial Winter Palace , the Parliament and the imposing baroque architecture of the Opera House. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy – perhaps visit the State Apartments of Schonbrunn Palace or do some last minute shopping on the Karntnerstrasse (B)

Day 12 – Return to USA: Your tour ends this morning after breakfast with transfers from your hotel to Vienna Airport. (B)

DAY 3: Budapest: Morning sightseeing of Pest includes Heroes' Square and the Parliament building. After a private visit to the Opera House, sit down to lunch in the famous Gundel Restaurant. This afternoon, attend a private concert at the Béla Bartók House and tonight dine à la carte. Four Seasons Gresham Palace B L D

DAY 4: Budapest: Explore Buda on foot this morning, and this afternoon Design Your Day: visit the House of Terror, a monument to those who suffered under the Communist regime, or explore the picturesque town of Szentendre. This evening, dine in a charming local restaurant. Four Seasons Gresham Palace B L D

DAY 5: Budapest/Vienna, Austria: Travel across the plains of Hungary with lunch en route before visiting magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Hotel Imperial B L 

DAY 6: Vienna: An introduction to Vienna takes you to the Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Tonight dine à la carte. Later, you may want to attend a performance at the famous Opera House. Hotel Imperial B L D

DAY 7: Vienna/Prague, Czech Republic: This morning board the fast intercity train to Prague. Pause for refreshments at the Municipal House, then stroll through the Old Town. Four Seasons Prague B L D

DAY 8: Prague: This morning a guest speaker discusses the Czech Republic's recent history. Stroll through the Old Town to visit the main square and Gothic Town Hall. Travel on a private vintage tram to one of the city's best restaurants for a farewell dinner. Four Seasons Prague B L D

DAY 9: Prague: After morning sightseeing in the Castle District, Design Your Day options include an excursion to Troja Palace, a visit to the Mala Strana district or a chance to wander the famous baroque-style Vrtba Garden. Farewell drinks this evening mark the end of this fascinating journey. Four Seasons Prague B L

DAY 10: Prague/USA or Canada: Transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.