11-Day Budapest, Vienna, Prague Escorted Tour

Day 1 Depart USA
Board your overnight flight.

Day 2 Budapest at Leisure
Welcome to Hungary! On arrival at Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel at 10:00, 13:00, 15:30. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax and explore.(Welcome Reception). IN. Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge. Welcome reception today.

Day 3 Budapest Sightseeing
After breakfast, you are chauffeured along elegant boulevards to Heroes’ Square, across the mighty Danube and up to Gellert Hill. Look out over the famous river dividing Buda from Pest - the two sides linked by the Chain and Elizabeth Bridges. Now walk with your guide along the medieval cobblestone streets of the Castle District to visit Matthias Church, and enjoy sweeping views from the Fisherman’s Bastion over the exquisite Parliament building, one of the largest in Europe. Your tour concludes at the popular pedestrian shopping street of Váci utca where the city’s fine museums and monuments, churches and synagogues, historic squares and buildings are within easy reach.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 Budapest at Leisure
Enjoy a whole day to immerse yourself into the city’s history, culture and gastronomy. You could do that literally with a visit to a thermal bath, an institution in Budapest! Or perhaps visit the City Park and the world famous Gundel Restaurant to savour their renowned Gundel Palacsinta, the “King of Pancakes”. In the evening, you could stop for an aperitif at a typical ‘Pálinka’ bar in the old city or opt for a glittering dinner cruise along the Danube. It’s up to you.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 5 Budapest to Szentendre to Vienna
A fascinating drive takes you past the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum and along the Danube to the picturesque riverside village of Szentendre. This community has long been the haunt of artists, enchanted by its brightly coloured houses and quaint churches. Continuing eastward there is time for a stop in the pretty town of Gyor, located on the confluence of the Danube, Rába and Rábca rivers. Although first inhabited by the Celts and Romans, the city is now noted for its baroque charm. The Austrian border and stately Vienna is only a short drive away.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner). Am Konzerthaus

Day 6 VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
Vienna owes much of its present day charm to the long reign of the Habsburgs, so join your local guide for a private tour of Maria Theresa’s Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Then get your cameras ready for a drive around the famous ring road. This grand boulevard, built along the lines of the old city walls, show-cases many of the capital’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. The afternoon is at leisure.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 7 Vienna at Leisure
Discover the regal grandeur of Vienna at your own pace today. Perhaps start with St. Stephan’s Cathedral, one of Europe’s great Gothic structures. Or browse the shops of the bustling Kärntnerstrasse. Night time in Vienna offers something for everyone and your Tour Director will be able to assist with ideas and information. You might like to venture out to the Vienna Woods for dinner at a typical wine tavern (Heurigen) complete with Schrammelmusik and local wine. Another alternative is a night at the theatre, attend the opera, or simply have a drink at a local tavern.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 8 Vienna to Cesky Krumlove to Prague
Once over the Czech border head for picturesque Cesky Krumlov. Get your bearings with an included orientation tour before free time to explore this medieval gem, nestled amidst the Vltava River. Wander through the cobblestone, traffic free streets, past colourful houses that lead up to the finest castle in the land. This afternoon, continue through the green Bohemian countryside to Prague.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner). Crowne Plaza Castle

Day 9 Prague Sightseeing
Join your local expert for a guided tour of one of the most beautiful and intact medieval centres in Europe. Start with the 1000 year old Prague Castle, where you admire the stained glass of St Vitus Cathedral and enjoy amazing views over the Old Town. Finish in the Old Town Square where the mechanised antics of the Astronomical Clock’s glockenspiel delight onlookers each hour. Now the city is all yours to explore. Maybe take a river cruise through the heart of the city or walk in the footsteps of kings along the Royal Route? Czechs are passionate about their beer so be sure to try the local lagers along with the Czech cuisine tonight.(Buffet Breakfast)

Day 10 Prague at Leisure
No doubt you’ve anticipated spending quality time among the winding cobbled lanes so today is all yours to stroll across the statue lined Charles Bridge, rummage through the renowned antique shops or shop for the finest Bohemian crystal. You could even venture further afield to one of the castles in the Bohemian countryside or attend a concert featuring the works of Czech composers. For your final night on tour you’re invited to a lively Celebration Dinner with wine at local restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 11 Return to USA
Tour tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Departure transfers arrive at Prague Airport at 08:00 and 10:00.(Buffet Breakfast)