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ITINERARY Insight Vacations - The Bohemian
Tour Pace
This tour has been expertly planned at a leisurely pace, with two night stays in the three main cities – Vienna, Budapest & Prague. There are no long travelling days on this compact tour; a perfect introduction to the region of former Eastern Europe!
Day 1 - VIENNA AT LEISURE
Welcome to Vienna! On arrival at Vienna Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:00, 12:00 & 15:00. Vienna is famous for its delicious coffees and pastries so, after checking in, why not stroll to a local cafe? Or take a walk through the Stadtpark to see the statue of Strauss. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Hilton Vienna
Day 2 - VIENNA SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing highlight this morning is a guided visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace and gardens. See also St Charles' Church and the baroque architecture of the Opera House, the magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament building. Cafes 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. (BB)
Day 3 - VIENNA - CESKY KRUMLOV - PRAGUE
North to Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe 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, enjoy a drive through the Bohemian countryside to 'Golden' Prague - named for its gleaming gilded spires, for three leisurely nights in the historic city centre.
Hotel: Palace (BB,D)
Day 4 - PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
Prague is one of the most fashionable, beautiful and culturally exciting cities in Europe, featuring a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Join your expert local guide for a sightseeing tour which begins with 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 5 - PRAGUE AT LEISURE
A full day at leisure to explore one of Europe's most enchanting cities. You may like to visit the Jewish quarter where the world's oldest synagogue still operates, or enjoy a pleasant walk across Charles Bridge to the cobbled streets of Mala Strana the "Lesser Town". Certainly take some time to admire the fairytale architecture of this city that was once the medieval seat of the Holy Roman Empire and is now a regular film location for movies such as Amadeus and The Bourne Identity. (BB)
Day 6 - PRAGUE - BRNO - BRATISLAVA
Drive 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. After crossing the Slovakian border, drive 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. Also ascend to the imposing 9th century castle, perched high above the Danube, for panoramic views over three countries.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)
Day 7 - BRATISLAVA - ESZTERGOM - SZENTENDRE - BUDAPEST
Skirt the foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains before crossing the Danube at Komarom to enter Hungary. Stop a while in Esztergom, former capital of Hungary, for a visit to the splendid cathedral. Then continue to Visegrád, where the castle walls and Solomon's Tower are all that remain of the town's regal splendour. Walk up to the Citadel for breath-taking views across the Danube Bend. A fascinating drive along the Danube leads you 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. Passing the remains of the Roman settlement of Aquincum, you arrive in Budapest, home for the next two nights.
Hotel: Corinthia Grand Royal. (BB)
Day 8 - BUDAPEST SIGHTSEEING
Begin your included sightseeing tour with a view across the Danube from the lofty Citadel atop Gellert Hill. Then ascend to the 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. Cross the Danube to the Pest district to visit Heroes' Square and Andrassy Boulevard. Budapest is a magnificent city exuding a cultural sophistication that entices and enchants, so the afternoon 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. As night falls, join your new found friends for a farewell Highlight Dinner with traditional Gypsy entertainment. (BB,HD)
Day 9 - BUDAPEST
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Budapest Airport at 08:00 & 11:00. (BB)
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